Stereoguy, your friend might find that the buyout that was given him, likely in his lease contract, is now somewhat negotiable with the current automobile climate the way it is. I suspect he may be able to get that price down some.
Because he was the lessee, he knows the car well, and how it's been looked after, so there aren't any worries there. Honda engines are generally well known for there longevity, as long as regular maintenance is performed( a guy I used to work with had a prelude with 535,000 kms on it). I haven't heard anything about the trans on these cars, but the timing belts are one area you never take a chance on with these cars from what I've heard.
The new Accords are nice with the right package and I'm sure the G8 would be alot of fun in it's own right esp for the $$. For resale, reliability and gas mileage, I think I would be leaning towards the Honda myself all things considered.
