Used Honda Accord Saloon 2002 - 2008 review

Honda has earned itself a regular top-five slot in the What Car? Reliability Index, while owners responding to the JD Power Survey praised their cars to the skies.

However, don't think you need not lift the bonnet for months on end. The diesel engine likes a regular pint of oil, and there's no dash light to warn you that the engine is running dry.

There is a tell-tale to warn if the pressure has dropped, but by the time that lights, you may have mangled the engine. Buy an Accord, and it's vital that a weekly dipstick check becomes part of your motoring life.

Honda has issued a couple of recalls: one to check that wiring in the boot is safe, the other to ensure rear seat belts work as they should. Check with a dealer that yours has had all the work done that it needs.