A second-hand Accord is genuinely a great car. In 1999 a 2.0 litre model would have cost nearly £20,000 but today you can pick one up for £7,000.

The styling is conservative. In fact, you may well have parked next to one and not even noticed it. But take a closer look: most Accords sit on alloy wheels and if it wears metallic paint, too, you could even find yourself thinking it's quite classy.

There is a choice of 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 litre petrol engines, all with Honda's VTEC variable valve technology. This helps fuel economy when the car is driven gently and gives more power at higher revs. Sounds like the perfect combination.

The only downside is that Honda VTEC motors need to be revved pretty hard if you want access to that power, and while that's not too difficult with a manual gearchange, it's not easy if you opt for the auto. The 1.8 litre gives 135bhp, but the 2.0 litre with 145bhp would be my choice. It feels a lot more powerful than you would expect with only 10bhp extra. However, if it's performance you're after you can have some real fun with the 209bhp 2.2 litre Accord Type-R.

There aren't many disadvantages to owning an Accord — they have bags of space, comfy seats and are an easy drive. They are well made, too, even if it's a bit plasticky inside, and equipment levels are generous. Honda has just unveiled the next Accord and it's a handsome car.

But at more than £20,000 I'll be buying a three-year-old 40,000-miler and keeping the £13,000 change.

Speakers: The rear parcel shelf carries a massive 100-watt woofer on the Executive SE

Seats: Driver gets lumbar support adjustment on some models

Warranty: New cars have three-year warranty so take a young second-hand Accord to a Honda dealer for checking before it expires

Satellite navigation: A cost option when new, but only pay a couple of hundred pounds more for a car so equipped

Wheels: Alloys are standard on most models

Gearbox: Four-speed auto optional only on 2.0 litre models, but the engine needs to be revved hard

Insurance: The 1.8 falls into groups 9 to 11 dependent on trim level, so check with your insurer