Honda Prelude V (BB6/BB8) (1996 – 2001)
Reliability score : 8.2/10
The 5th generation Honda Prelude (chassis BB6/BB8/BB9) marks a return to a more classic and angular design, breaking with the futuristic lines of the 4th generation. Designed as a front-wheel-drive Grand Tourer coupé, it shines with its technical excellence, notably thanks to its spirited VTEC engines (H22 series) and advanced chassis technologies: the 4WS (4-wheel steering) system in Europe/Japan, or the ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) on Type SH/Type S versions, which acts as a torque-vectoring differential. Although heavy for a sports car of its era, its road handling is praised by critics. Today, it is a highly sought-after 'youngtimer' with legendary mechanical reliability, provided the disastrous SportShift automatic gearbox is avoided.
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional mechanical reliability of the engines (F and H Series)
- Impressive road handling (especially with 4WS or ATTS)
- Low driving position and typical Honda ergonomics
- Engine character of the 2.2 VTEC (H22)
- Interior build quality (ages very well)
Common issues
Défaillance de la transmission automatique (M5HA/M5LA)
High
🔧 150 000 – 250 000 km
💶 1 800 – 3 500 € (reconstruction ou remplacement)
Privilégier les modèles à transmission manuelle pour éviter ce problème coûteux.
Consommation d'huile excessive et problèmes VTEC
Medium
🔧 100 000 km et plus
💶 300 – 1 200 € (joints de queue de soupape, solénoïde VTEC, capteur de pression)
Vérifier le niveau d'huile très régulièrement; inspecter le solénoïde VTEC.
Fuites de la direction assistée (pompe ou durites)
Medium
🔧 120 000 km et plus
💶 250 – 700 € (remplacement durite, joint ou pompe)
Inspecter les fuites de liquide sous le véhicule et le niveau du réservoir.
Problèmes de distributeur d'allumage (fuites d'huile, capteurs internes)
Medium
🔧 150 000 km et plus
💶 200 – 600 € (joint torique, capteur PMH, module d'allumage interne)
Vérifier les fuites d'huile autour du distributeur et les ratés d'allumage.
Usure des composants de suspension (silentblocs, rotules)
Medium
🔧 100 000 km et plus
💶 300 – 900 € (selon les pièces à remplacer)
Écouter les bruits anormaux; vérifier l'usure des pneus et la tenue de route.
Estimated maintenance costs
| Oil change |
£70 – 130 |
| Timing belt |
£600 – 1 100 |
| Clutch |
£700 – 1 300 |
| Complete brakes |
£280 – 550 |
| Estimated annual budget |
£700 – 1 400 |
Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.