Review
As I mentioned in my last report, the Accord needed a new front wing after a mystery dent appeared. This work was carried out at a cost of ú564.31 and the work has returned the Accord to as new condition. Secondly, the 9,000-mile service has been carried out at Marshall of Peterborough. Nothing untoward reared its head at the service, leaving us with a bill of ú133.81. The only extra cost was ú11.75 for a repair to the front nearside tyre which had developed a slow puncture.
Although in my last test I said the Accord did nothing amazingly well, it was still nice to get behind the wheel after a fortnight away. The joys of the electric driver's seat meant I could get my preferred seating position back at the touch of a couple of buttons instead of having to wind down levers, as in less well equipped cars.
Talking of equipment, our Accord in SE Executive spec is loaded to the rafters with gizmos. The aforementioned electric seat is great, as is the leather upholstery. However, two of the most costly bits of equipment I do not use. Being an admitted technophobe, the satnav system mounted in the television screen on the console remains switched off, despite my vow to throw away the road atlas and let the system take me to my destination.
Secondly, the air conditioning also remains off. I am not a big fan as it tends to affect my sinuses, being such a delicate soul. However, when the summer arrives (or if the summer arrives) I am sure the air con will be switched on to keep me cool in the Honda's cabin, which will act like an oven thanks to the black finish and leather seats.
The miles are racking up on the Accord now - over 10,000 - and it still feels as solidly screwed together as the day it arrived. With the bodywork repaired the Accord looks like new, especially after a coat of polish.
Julian Kirk
