Honda is one of those car brands that can start an argument among Nigerian drivers.
Some people trust the brand and enjoy how its cars drive. Others stay away because of the problems they have heard about, especially with older models.
Bugsy Bogzi belongs to the first group.
For the past two years, his Honda Accord coupe has been more than a car. He talks about it like something that understands him. He takes care of it and when the expressway opens up, it gives him the response he wants
Now, that relationship is coming to an end.
Love at First Sight Between Man and Car
Bugsy first fell for the Accord coupe because of its shape.
‘One of the things that made me buy this car was the look. The first time I saw it, I fell in love with how small and cute it looked’, Bugsy shared with Crank.
The Accord coupe appears more playful than the regular four-door Accord commonly seen on Nigerian roads. Its two-door body gives it a cleaner, sportier feel to the eye.
Attractions at first sight often fade, but this one stayed with Bugsy after he bought the car.
The more time he spent behind the wheel, the more he understood how it responded. Bugsy learnt how to handle it, what it needed and how far he could push it. Ownership soon became a two-way relationship. He kept the car in good condition and expected it to respond whenever he pressed the accelerator.
The coupe also stands out from a distance. Some people do not immediately recognise it as a Honda. Its shape, wheels and exhaust make it appear different from the Accord sedans commonly seen on the road.
Bugsy enjoys the moment people finally notice the badge.
According to him, loving a car also shows in what happens after the drive ends. A proper car should make its owner pause after parking, walk a few steps and still turn back for another look.
The Accord does that to him sometimes.
And at home, he may glance through the window, taking a peek at the car like a watchful parent whose child plays outside.
That quiet urge to keep looking at it is part of what makes the car feel special to him.
This Is Not the Regular Four-Cylinder Accord
Under the bonnet, Bugsy’s Accord carries a 3.5-litre V6 engine.
That separates it from the four-cylinder Accords commonly found on Nigerian roads. The engine produces about 270 horsepower, giving the coupe enough power for quick acceleration and confident overtaking.
The car moves smoothly in traffic, but its mood changes once Bugsy steps on the accelerator. What feels calm at first becomes more spirited, as the throttle responds quickly and the Accord suddenly feels eager to move.
That response also brings out a different side of Bugsy and has become one of his favourite things about the car.
‘When I am behind the wheel, there is always a large possibility that I will start feeling like James Bond.’ He jokes that the Accord is the Aston Martin to his James Bond.
The badge may say Honda, but the low body, quick response and exhaust sound give him the feeling he wants when driving.
Small Changes Made the Car Feel More Tailored to Him
Bugsy did not leave the car completely stock. Lightweight aftermarket wheels replaced the original set, cutting around 15 kilogrammes from each wheel and close to 60 kilogrammes in total.
The change sharpened the car’s feel and improved its appearance. An aftermarket air filter, NGK iridium spark plugs and a modified exhaust also gave the V6 a deeper sound and a more personal touch.
‘In the whole of Lagos, I can assure you that you will not find another Honda V6 exactly like this, especially because of the little things I have done to it.’
Rather than turn the Accord into something completely different, Bugsy focused on details that made it feel more personal.
Inside, a front-and-rear dashcam records activity around the car, while the entertainment screen provides navigation and a speed display. The additions make the coupe more enjoyable while keeping it practical for everyday driving.
The Accord Has Been Reliable, but Front-Wheel Drive Now Feels Limiting
People often ask Bugsy about the problems that come with owning a Honda, but two years with the Accord coupe have brought no major issues.
There have been repairs, although most involved smaller parts such as relays and spark plugs. He has also dealt with occasional misfires. Ball joints and bushings also get replaced when they wear out, especially because Lagos roads can punish the suspension of a low car.
Bugsy prefers to fix those parts early rather than wait for the car to start shaking or feeling loose. So far, the Accord has avoided the serious suspension problems people often warn Honda owners about.
The 3.5-litre V6 has also been easier on fuel than he expected. It naturally uses more petrol than a smaller four-cylinder engine, especially in traffic or during hard acceleration, but Bugsy says it does not feel as thirsty as many people assume.
That balance between power and manageable fuel use has become one of his favourite parts of ownership. It is also something he hopes to find in his next car.
Reliability, however, is not the reason he wants to sell.
The main limit comes from the front-wheel-drive system. Because the front wheels handle both steering and power delivery, Bugsy feels the setup restricts how far he can explore the car’s performance.
‘If this Accord coupe came with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, I would not even think about changing it.’
The engine still feels strong and the throttle responds quickly. Bugsy simply wants more speed and a drivetrain that gives him more room to explore it. Whatever comes next will still need to match the qualities he enjoys in the Accord. That may not be easy to find.
Letting Go Feels Like Ending a Relationship
One morning, Bugsy decided he had enjoyed the Accord for long enough and that someone else should get the chance to experience it.
That decision has not made letting go any easier.
Two years of driving, modifying and caring for the car have created an attachment that goes beyond basic ownership. Bugsy knows its sound, how it responds and the feeling that comes each time the engine starts.
‘We have become too attached, and I don’t think it is good for my health. So, it is time to let go.’
The joke carries some truth. This is still the car that makes him turn around after parking and check through the window after getting home.
Bugsy may be ready for his next chapter, but walking away from the Accord will feel less like selling a car and more like ending a relationship.
