Older Honda Accords

yllib

I changed the rear speakers in my 2000 Accord and I think its worth it. Don't expect the sound to change drastically but it is definitely a noticable improvement. I recommend you check out crutchfield online. They allow you to tell them what kind of car you have and they will give you a list of speakers that are compatible to your Accord. The installation was very easy and I was able to install the new speakers in less than 30 minutes.

lngtonge18

Don't take this the wrong way, but I assume that if you have driven manuals for 30 years, that you must be in your 50s? If so, isn't it plausible to assume that you simply got tired of shifting for yourself? It seems to be a common shift towards easier alternatives as you get older due to a more laid back view of life and less tolerance for tiring activities. I would venture to say that even if these easier alternative automatics were available 15 years ago, you would have still preferred to drive a stick. You have simply gotten to the age where driving enjoyment isn't of utmost importance to you anymore. You are more concerned with comfort and luxury, am I correct?
As far as driving a stick leads to more car enthusiasm and better driving skills, I would have to wholeheartedly agree. Those who drive a stick choose it because they enjoy driving their cars, so therefore they tend to be more enthusiastic about them. Most people who choose an automatic do so for easier driveability, to make it easier to do their makeup or eat or talk on cell phone while driving, or simply because they can't handle the coordination of using 3 pedals and shifting a stick while dealing with heavy traffic. Therefore, most people who choose an auto don't look at cars enthusiastically. They tend to look at them as simple transportation to get them back and forth with as little inconvenience as possible.
Because shifting a stick involves more concentration and paying attention to what the car is doing, you tend to learn more driving skills than those who just put the car in D and drive around paying little attention to what they are doing while talking on the phone or eating, etc etc. It is very hard for me to shift and talk on a cell phone, so I rarely use one. The same goes for eating. Since I don't divert my attention with these distractions, I would venture to say that my driving skills would be better than those that do allow these distractions to become a daily part of their lives (which is made very easy with the use of an auto). So, I would have to say driving skills of manual drivers are higher than those of auto drivers, mainly due to the attention factor required of manual trannys. Jrct9454, you already formed your driving skills by driving a manual for so many years, so I would think you would see my point here.

jrct9454

...I promised myself I wouldn't be drawn into this argument...sigh...

Sorry, I don't think that in my extensive experience on the nation's highways that manual transmissions necessarily make for better, more attentive drivers; real driver training, strict licensing laws [of which we have none in this country - try Europe], and experience make good drivers. I'll concede the point about phones and food - nothing drives me to distraction faster than people yapping on the g.d. phone, juggling a latte, slapping the brat, and trying to navigate at the same time, and a manual trans forces you to at least use one hand to actually do something related to driving. [In Germany, using a phone while the car is in motion is illegal...and the law makes no distinction about what kind of transmission you have.]

As for your assessment of me personally - no, not really...I think the current technology is something I like to take advantage of, and the new generation of 5-spd automatics/manumatics gives you the best of both worlds. I said, you're welcome to your opinion...it's just not a religion with me, this gear-shifting thing. I most recently tried the latest BMW 3er with their latest manual trans, and if that's the best they can do, I say go with the Steptronic...maybe it depends on the car...I would certainly make any Porsche I owned a manual trans, at least partly because the money they want for the Tip is ridiculous, and mostly because the transmission action in the manual continues to be one of the world's best; and yes, Honda makes a fabulous one for their cars. As I said, not a religion...

And yes, I am a certified 50+ Old Fart...who just happens to drive the living daylights out of whatever is in the garage at the moment. I just categorically reject the notion that anyone who chooses an automatic "doesn't look at cars enthusiastically, but as simple transportation"...I wish...

lngtonge18

Good response. You got a laugh out of me with the "old fart" remark I sincerely hope you didn't think I was attacking you or your age. My parents are both 56 (amazingly, they both still drive a stick, one of which is my Mom's 92 Accord EX with 180,000 miles, another is my Dad's 66 Ford Fairlane GT convertible that he bought new). I just wanted to have an educated discussion on your viewpoint since you were a manual driver for so long that was recently converted.
I deduced my remarks about most (not all) auto drivers mainly from discussions about the topic with friends. Whenever I would ask someone I know about why they don't drive a manual, they would always answer with "its too complicated, too tiresome in heavy traffic, or too hard to eat or do my makeup". These kind of remarks came from people who had no interest in cars whatsoever and chose to drive an auto as a result. You are one of the rare few who already formed your love for driving with years of manual use and thus transferred that love over to your newfound interest in manumatic autos.
Anyway, I can say we at least agree on Germany's law banning the use of cell phones while driving. I think that is a great idea! Like you said, to each their own. I just hope that these new autos don't take away the choice of driving a real manual from those that do care.

davidmas

anybody know break-in procedures for vtec i-4? when is first oil change? do you have to rev over 4500 to engage other cam in vtec? how often?

baker16

No hard braking for 200mi.
No hard acceleration for 600mi.
1st oil charge at 3750 - 7500 (NOT EARLIER!)

See FAQs at this site for more interesting tidbits from Honda:

http://www.honda2000.com/owners/service_parts/top_techs.html

lawren

We own a 1999 Honda Accord LX. 24,000 miles and no problems. Now, our other car WAS 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. It wasn't the best car in the world, but it was very good to us. Rodeo was totaled (Ford Explorer ran a red light going 50 mph and that was it).

We are in a market for a new car (no more SUV). We want something between $15,000 and $23,000. Since we already have an Accord, we would really appreciate the recommendations from all the Accord owners for our 2nd car. Thanks.

amazon

If sedans is what you're looking at, try these:

1. Toyota Camry
2. Used Volvo S70
3. VW Passat
4. Mazda 626

lawren

Thanks. Can't go wrong with sedans. However, I was curious is typical Accord owner would have a sporty car (i.e. Integra, Miata) or SUV/Truck? Hmm.

But if I were take your advice an get a Camry, I would definitely own two or most reliable cars out there. Camry's are definitely bullet proof. People do call Camry dull though. Maybe there's some truth to that.

Volvo S70 got ripped by autoreview.com. We thought about it (2000 S70 SE auto for $25,999) but they way they described the reliability and also at Carpoint.com review describes the maintenance cost, kinda told us to treat the budget like a $40,000 car.

VW Passat is a gorgeous car. I like this the best from what you listed. Reliability is only thing for VWs.

Mazda 626 has made super improvements for 2000. My brother in law just got one. I get drive his once in a while. Great price. Only thing is auto 4 cyl is stressed big time. 6 cy and/or manual is a way to go.

Amazon, thanks again for responding. All great choices.

bonjorno

Two sedans? I dunno - why not mix it up a bit. My other car is an Integra. One of the best around for reliability, and has a sporty edge to it. But go with the 5-speed, not autoX. Also, consider the Celica and the Prelude. (Maybe your last chance at the Prelude since they are going away. But maybe not worth the high price.) I looked at both of these recently, but decided on an Accord coupe, because already having the Integra, I wanted something a little larger in the rear seat. The Integra, Celica, and Prelude are all a little cramped back there.

But if sporty isn't your thing, try the Civic. You can't beat the price, and the gas mileage is great. Plus reliability is excellent (I know, I've owned one of these too). I've also heard some good things about the Sentra, but they lag behind the Civic in reliability just a tad.

lawren

Integra . . . I like the way you are thinking. My wife actually mentioned Integra. She wants diversity with automobile like you said. My wife had Civic before (Milano Red) loved it. Yep, she totaled that one too.

I hear great things about the Integra's handling. I think I will test drive it. This weekend. Thank you.

I hope the all the Accord owners continue to give us your feed back. They are good. To continue to keep this an Accord Topic. Is there a difference in a ride between Accord Coupe and Sedan?

adg44

Eurolights 9005 and 9006 hyperwhite bulbs for all 98+ Accords. They retail for $60 a pair, but since they are no good to me anymore, I'll sell them for $60 total. I sold my Accord and these won't fit in my new car. E-mail me if you're interested. adg44@earthlink.net

sanandton

Anthony,(If my memory serves)
What type of car did you end up in. I have followed your posts for a while and guess you found a way out of the coupe. Just curious.

newcar74

Hi all,
I'm shopping for the 2000 Honda Accord SE Sedan.
I've got a deal of 18668 + 300 Profit + 97 splash guards for it. (4.9 APR with 5000 down)

I'm planning to reduce this price to just invoice.
Please suggest ASAP as I'm pplanning to buy Burgundy Red SE tomorrow !!

Should I get him to drop $397 AND add a CD Player?

Please Suggest. I'm in Illinois where CarsDirect or others don't do business.....

adg44

I ended up in a 2001 VW GTI VR6. What a sweet car. Silver/black.

baker16

Here in Michigan, without any negotiation prices for Accords are as follows:

LX 17246
SE 18528
EX 18695
EX V6 21866

To all prices add dest, lic ($12), DOC ($40) and tax.

I don't know if these are particularly good prices or not. I bought my LX V6 in April for $100 over invoice ... absolutely NO HASSLE!!! Easiest car purchase I ever made. My dealer is Howard Cooper in Ann Arbor. www.howardcooper.com

Isn't there a $500 dealer incentive going on now? I don't really know ... I haven't been too concerned about prices since I bought mine!

Hope this helps.

lawren

Is 2001 Accord worth waiting for?

According the USA Today review, at http://www.usatoday.com/money/columns/healey.htm, sounds like there are lot of enhancements (not a big change like going from '97 to '98)Complete change in I'm very curious how much it will look different. I remember the '96 Accord looked better than the '94 and '95.

frag235

You might get a better deal if you ask, but 300 over is a pretty good deal....no sense sweating over a few hundred dollars if you plan on keeping the car a long time.

jrct9454

See URL in post 60 on this thread...

Keep in mind this is a facelift, not a new model; the next generation is due in 24 months. That said, there are a lot of substantive updates, led by the assertion that they have made the car quieter [a big deal, if true], and by a lot of new std equipment updates [nice, but less important]. The EX V6 is now getting really desirable: 3-in-1 in-dash CD changer/cass, dual stage airbags, traction control, side bags...if they have indeed dealt in some meaningful fashion with the road noise issue, this is a real winner at anything remotely like the transaction prices on this car in the recent past.

fritz1224

I pity the VW service department that has to deal with you. Hope you post all the wonderful experiences you new VW provides on this board. That way we won't have to muddle thru all those other testamonials from all those lucky VW owners.

couimet

Last August, we replaced a Ford with a 2000 PF SE. This week, we replaced our other Ford with a 2000 Accord EX6 - my wife preferred it over the Maxima.

After driving two Fords over a period of some ten years, we have talked to and met a great many fine people across North America: AAA/CAA telephone operators, AAA/CAA emergency crews, Ford service managers, Ford mechanics and Ford customer service agents.

On twelve occasions in the last ten years, the fine people at Ford have even sent us special (recall) invitations to go and pay them a visit.

We will miss all those fine people ...

baker16

Now that's funny! Thanks for the chuckle!

own2000

I bought an Accord 2000 this June. Recently I
found some white strings are coming out from
bottom of the both passenge doors. If you
pull them, they will keep coming out. This made
me upset. Anyone expereinced the same problem?

lngtonge18

A string made you upset? Where exactly is the string coming from? Just cut the dumb thing off and forget about it. It amazes me what some people complain about.

jrct9454

...see post 124. I have to agree with the above - find a pair of scissors and ride into the sunset.

bjklinton

DITTO!

marsha7

Is it possible that the dealer did not really want to sell the car? In other words (please don't throw tomatoes, but I just can't resist this) is it possible that you didn't buy your Honda outright, but "with strings attached?"

OK, I'll hibernate for now.

isellhondas

The detailer didn't do a good job of removing the strings.

This "upsets" you?

Wow!

marsha7

Please don't buy into his complaints...I think he is just "stringing you along."

(Help me, help me, I just can't stop

"Smokin....."

cyberjay

Hi

Does anyone know when the 2001 models are comming out?

I recently test drive the 2000 V6 didn't really hear the interior noise everyone was talking about
at highway speed.

I would definely wait for 2001 model though since they did make quite a few improvement.

Thanks

fritz1224

Let your heart be your guide. Noise? There's no more noise than any similar priced car.

pradhan_tushar

We are planning to buy a new Accord EX V6. We want to get it with a trunk mounted 6 CD changer. Does anyone know what is the fair price for a trunk mounted 6 CD changer (installed)?

I have been quoted prices from $500 to $1500 !

Is it a good idea to get a CD changer installed from Best Buy or somethng rather than from the dealer.

TIA.

sanandton

I have a 99 LX and have the Honda in dash CD changer installed. You can buy it at Manchester Honda online for about $450.00 (I think). Installation is a breeze just remove the unit below the main receiver/stereo plug it in and mount it(holes and hardware already fit)and put the fascia back on. An easy 20-30 minute job. It is easier to get to to change the discs, doesn't require a cradle for the discs, and dresses up the dash a little. Im not sure how the EX differs from the LX in the dash area. Mine had an empty storage bin below the main unit. I have no affiliation with Manchester by the way.

milindc

This is Milind. What deal are u getting for ur accord ? Are u getting the special Honda Financing

If not, then remember that dealers get 500$ from Honda on every V6 model the sell (till 5th Nov)
Do search on www.hparts.com and www.partscheap.com
hparts is specially for Hondas.....which are manufactured by Honda itself. The give an installation guide(pdf format)

Also BEST-Buy/Walmart(not sure) install it for free if i take it from them. (If it costs above some $ value..)

If u r not getting special financing wait 2 more weeks for the new accords to come in....
U will get 6-Disc IN-DASH CD Player....
Refer to this link....
http://www.vtec.net/news/items/437.html

Hope this helps...
~Milind

pradhan_tushar

Thanks, Milind.
I am getting a little less than 22K. It is going to be $500 extra if I get approved for Honda financing.
I dont think I am going to get the CD changer from the dealer. Its much cheaper outside.

surfing19

Hey Guys.

I have a 98 Honda Accord EX, 4'clyd with 33k. My dealer gave me the option to purchase a extended warranty package from honda for $900, which covers bumper to bumper for a total warranty of 6years and 100,000miles. My question is should i get the warranty, or am i wasting my money. I plan to trade or to sell the car next year, and upgrade to a late model preowned Acura TL, IE:1999 >

I have a couple of problems, with this accord. First they had to replace my ABS Computer, due to the Light would occasionally come on. Since Honda replaced the ABS computer now my Break Light comes on when the car is Cold.. They are suppose to order some parts this week, and I am hoping they will fix it.

The other problem i am having is that occasional, when starting off on a cold start, and making a right or left hand turn, i hear a strange radial noise, from under the front left finder. Has anyone else ever heard this noise before????

couimet

Only you can decide if $900 is worth for your selling next year. It wouldn't be to me, particularly if it isn't transferrable ...

surfing19

Well, Couimet.

The warranty is trasnsferrable, it stays with the car, since it is a honda warranty.

This is my first Honda, I thought Honda was the car that never breaks down!!!!

Is there anyone out there that have had problems with there 98 Honda Acccord 4cyld after the warranty was up?

couimet

If the warranty is transferrable, do you expect to get your money out of it in avoided repair costs until you sell it and/or resale value? Or, is peace of mind worth $900?

jkobty

is probably your left side bearing, soon the sound will increase and you will be hearing it
more often. My Chevy Lumina had that problem
2 months ago before I decided to trade it in.
I first thought it was the brakes or rotors.

hbund216

I am planning on purchasing a 2000 5 speed Accord and noticed that the shifter was a bit notchy when shifted. Has anyone else had this issue with their Accord? If so, did it go away with time?

steve05401

hi. i have a '00 Accord LX 5-speed, and i would have to say i'd agree with your labeling the shifter action "notchy." my former '97 civic shifted quite a bit more smoothly. the USA Today reviewer, in reviewing the '01 Accord a couple weeks ago, mentioned that he thought the shifting action has been-- and still is-- not very smooth or satisfying in the Accord.

i doubt i'd buy a volkswagen product, but the passats i drove before i bought the accord were really delightful to shift... smooth, fast... great feeling.

maybe over time, our accords will shift more smoothly?

getz1

Today my brand new accord exvl coupe got cut-off by a guy pulling a big tar heater...hot tar splashed all over front of the car..he exited but I couldn't get his license because of the thing he was pulling... anyway, the front of the car is completely speckled and it took one hour just to clean the windshield. Please, any suggestions to remove it would be welcomed. I called a detail shop and they want $170.

jrct9454

Bug and tar remover works well, but needs to be followed by a good coat of wax, since it removes all the wax along with the bad stuff. To be perfectly blunt, given your description of the amount involved, I'd gladly pay the detailer, assuming it's someone you trust. This is a pretty labor intensive job, and you have to take care to avoid doing more damage in the process - if you have any doubts, let the pros handle it.

hbund216

Thanx Steve. Does the notchy shifter get annoying after a while or is it ok? Would you get it again? One more question. Have the owners of Accords that are American made had more problems than Japanese made ones? Or are they basically the same. Hard question to answer but I'll appreciate the feedback.

lngtonge18

My family has owned 3 Accords, all of them US built and all had the manual tranny. The 86 LX was very reliable after 130,000 miles. The only problems encountered with that one was a burnt out washer motor, a cracked circuit board for the driver's power window, warped front rotors, and the car was beginning to overheat when we traded it in (we were pretty sure it was a sticking thermostat). My Mom's current car is a 92 Accord EX. This one has had more major problems, but overall, it has been reliable and has over 180,000 miles. We encountered the famed distributor bearing failure around the 90K mark (fixed by my Dad for $10 by replacing the failed bearing with one meant for a jet engine. It has performed flawlessly and probably will outlast any automotive bearing), AC compressor failure around 100K, alternator failure around 150K, ignition relay and igniter failure around 170K, and a few overheating problems due to sticking thermostat, blown radiator, and a leaking hose. The car is still running on its original clutch and its water pump was just replaced as a precaution at 180K. It does not burn a drop of oil as it has had oil changes every 3000 miles religiously. My sister put 42,000 miles on her 94 LX coupe before trading it in. She had no problems with that car other than some squeaks and worn fabric taken care of under warranty. There should be no real difference between the US built Accords and those built in Japan. Besides, almost all the Accords sold here are built here anyway.
As to the shifter, the Accord has a very notchy shifter that can get rather annoying at times. Under most circumstances it is positive in its action, but if you ask it to do anything quickly, it protests with godawful grinding and troublesome gear engagements. I have cursed it many times and it doesn't really seem to get better with age. My Mom has much less problems with it so you must get used to it after awhile. Hope this helps some.

duper

I tested drove the new Accord and love it, but due to some financial problems I can't get it now . But a co-worker's friend is offering his 1994 EX Accord fully loaded but without leather with 51,000 miles for $8,5000. I haven't testdrove his car yet, but it looked very well-maintainance. Is this price sound reasonable or I can work it a little more? I'll give it a ride either tomorrow or next week, is there anything particular I want to watch out for in this model?

Any response would be greatly appreciated.

thicks23

According to KBB, assuming the car is an automatic and is in good condition, he is selling the car for about $700 above trade-in value. Unless he absolutely needs to sell the car, I'd say that $8500 is a pretty firm price for such a car. You may be able to talk him down to about $8k. 1994 was a good year for the Accord and I doubt there are many with problems out there. Be sure he has maintenance records before you even look at the car and a Carfax report wouldn't hurt either. $15 could save you from a $8000 mistake. Good luck.

hbund216

Finally go my Accord EX, 5-speed, signet silver. Very nice car. Got it from Valencia Honda in CA using Internet sales and the buying experience was the best! I'll keep you posted, and thanx for everyones input and help.

couimet

Three days now since the delivery of my wife's Signet Silver EX-6 and I have detected some serious defficiencies!

It now takes her much longer to get anywhere. It isn't a speed issue as the odometer suggests distances from A to B have somehow been extended. That's all A's and all B's!

Is it possible that she enjoys the car so much that the longest way has become the best way?