Older Honda Accords

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  • dkrabdkrab Member Posts: 77
    My car was stolen from my driveway during the night. I live in the Houston area. Right after I got my insurance check they found my car, so I had an opportunity to see it. They had popped the door handles off the front doors (apparently two perps) and demolished the ignition switch. Apparently all for a joy ride. My guess is a car alarm, either Honda's or aftermarket, would have prevented the theft. The no-pass key that Honda now uses would have stopped them, too, but only after they had done damage trying. Interesting side note: the car had 36k miles on it when stolen, and insurance cut me a check for just $500 less than I paid for it! Who says resale value doesn't matter!

    The balance shaft seals are under the timing belt cover. It's not easy to check to see if the retainers have been fitted. You should have a dealer check it for you. Some dealers are hooked up to a network wherein they can enter the VIN for your car and see what work has been done to it, even if done at a different dealer. Best way is to have someone physically look at it, though.
  • dcfelladcfella Member Posts: 31
    I wouldn't trust honda alarm systems too much...they're not sensitive at all! I attached my spoiler temporarily with double sided tape and pulled it off while the alarm was activated and it never went off. When my friend got his civic with the honda alarm, a buddy of ours was JUMPIN on his rear bumper to test it out and it never went off. The immobilizer system with the chip inside the key mite deter theft though. BTW, my H emblem got stolen last night right in front of my house, and guess what? no alarm went off.
  • corsicacorsica Member Posts: 8
    hi,
    I just test drove a new Accord a few
    days back. I have a few questions.

    1. the sales guy was pitching that the
    key has this chip which makes the car
    hard to steal. Is this really true? I don't
    need an alarm system, do I?

    2. I saw some earlier posts about thefts
    on this car. Is this typically in large metro
    areas? I never owned an Accord before, but have seen it listed on the top 10 lists of stolen cars. Is theft
    a big concern for a prospective owner?
    carjacking? I live in east central Fl and often
    drive to Orlando and up the coast.

    3. The sales guy was hyping the double wishbone
    suspension saying that it was better than ABS.
    Do I need ABS still? It _does_ rain a lot these
    days. But if I were to brake well in advance,
    would ABS be unnecessary.

    4. Just today we had heavy downpours in FL.
    I was first thinking about getting the CR-V,
    but changed my mind after seeing the ratings
    on the Accord. However, in the case of minor
    floods, is it easier to drive the CR-V thru
    flooded streets rather than a sedan? I guess
    the CR-V has higher clearance, but I want
    to hear from owners of CR-V and accord regarding
    this topic.

    Thanks
  • hbund216hbund216 Member Posts: 162
    mjb56- my paint seems ok although I've heard a lot of owners complain about swirl marks. I only wash mine at hand car washes and keep it waxed. The interior does get scuffed easier than other cars I've had. Could be the that the color shows more scratches. I have the quartz colored interior. Which one do you have?

    fritz1224- I have the same issue with my seat belts.

    corsica- The key is chiped. If you duplicate it at a key shop it will not start the car. Regarding theft: I own one and live in LA. Remember a lot of accords are sold so a lot are also stolen. As for ABS...I would not buy a car without it. Double wishbone will not help when you have to slam on the breaks in rain. But it does help you when you turn to avoid the accident.
  • baker16baker16 Member Posts: 45
    I was getting all kinds of marks from the seat belt latch too. Mighty soft plastic! To prevent further damage I stuck several layers of clear plastic tape to the area.
  • stevepakestevepake Member Posts: 21
    #1 and #2: 2001 Accords have an Ignition Immobilizer feature. If you don't use the key with the electronic chip then the fuel/ignition system will remain immobilized if the car is hot wired. This makes stealing the car EXTREMELY difficult, but if you live in an urban area I'd still get a "club" for your car. A potential car thief could break your window to get in your car only to realize "aw dammit, this is the one that's tough to steal - screw it" So he leaves your car (good) but you still have a broken window (bad) So the car is much tougher to steal now, but you can still get carjacked and they can take your keys.

    #3: Suspension and brakes are COMPLETELY differen things. Yes, the suspension system on the Accord is very nice, but you STILL NEED ABS. The sales guy is just trying to make a sale by talking up a storm. The LX stick doesn't have ABS, but the LX/auto and EX 5spd/auto all do. I wouldn't get a car without ABS.

    A good suspension system will help you handle turns and keep your tires in contact with the ground in emergency avoidance maneuvers. ABS will prevent your tires from skidding during braking so that you don't lose control of your car. Both are different things and very important things to have - especially ABS.

    #4: If a "flood" is too big to drive an Accord through it then it wouldn't be safe to drive a CR-V through it, either, IMO. You shouldn't even be driving your car through floods to begin with! A CR-V would be a little better though because it sits up a little higher.

    BTW, if you're going to get a CR-V, wait for the 2002 model year. It's supposedly getting some worthy upgrades, including a bigger engine with more power.
  • black01coupev6black01coupev6 Member Posts: 195
    I put 14,000 miles on my Coupe and there were no scuff marks in the interior with the exception of the lower pocket on the passenger door..somehow I ended up with a scratch there... it drove me nuts too.

    I had black paint and it did not seem that easy to scratch. After 10 months and 14,000 miles it had no chips, scratches, or dings. I didn't wash the car as frequently as I should have (GA water restrictions are in effect right now) and I had it waxed once.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    LX Accords do not have ABS standard. ABS is AVAILABLE on these as a separate model.

    Lousy seller too. Most people won't pay extra for ABS at least in my neck of the woods...Seattle.
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Same story everywhere, folks who want ABS also want other extras, so they go the EX route.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    I too live in central Florida in Orlando and own a 2001 Accord LX and a 1999 CRV, never had any problems with either in one of our down pours. You can't go wrong with either vehicle, but if driving stability and the rain is an issue with you, I'd get a 2002 CRV with ABS.
  • mjb56mjb56 Member Posts: 170
    I've got the tan interior with the red exterior. My previous vehicle was a CR-V. That vehicle also had very soft plastic. My hatch interior had all sorts of marks from very little contact.

    Regarding the CR-V vs. the Accord: I found the CR-V to be quite uncomfortable for any sort of longer trip (ie. more than two hours) and it was just too bouncy for me. My Accord is very comfortable and loads more power (V-6). It did have nice clearance hight but even here in Wisconsin, I didn't need the AWD all that much. And as long as the Accord has traction control, I can't imagine there will be much of a problem. However these are two COMPLETELY different vehicles. You've got to decide based on your personal needs. The Accord did it for me.
  • truck96truck96 Member Posts: 22
    I just bought a new Accord ex 4cyl auto, 1500 miles so far and I love it, but it has a small vibration at about 60mph, and if you are going uphill and into a turn at the same time the torque of the engine and the turning of the wheel seems to make the small vibration a little worse. Now my wife says she doesn't feel it but I can, it isn't the steering wheel wobbling back and forth just a vibration you can feel from the steering wheel. We test drove a standard shift and it didnt feel like this. I took it back once and they rebalanced all tires and found one 10 grams off but the vibration is still there. I'm going to take it back next off day what do you think it is or is it suppose to be a small vibration since it is auto front wheel drive. this is my 1st small car so I don't really no. I think it is a cv joint bad or something rotating out of balance but I really don't like the idea of them mechanics replacing alot of parts on my new car.
    Thanks for any advice
    Greg
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    dcfella: You and your buddies can turn the car upside down and your Honda alarm still wouldn't go off. Honda alarms don't come with shock or motion sensors. In fact, the factory-installed alarms don't even have glass breakage sensors.
  • dcfelladcfella Member Posts: 31
    yeah the alarms are no good...only good thing about it is that it opens and locks my doors. i'll look into getting a viper system soon, i hear those are really good.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    Be extra careful on the installation of any aftermarket alarm though. There is a discussion in the "Aftermarket & Accessories" Topic where some guy who used to do installation talked about how finicky the Honda multiplex wiring system is. Apparently it is quite easy to tap into the wrong wiring and cause some expensive damage.
    Ironically, the Honda dealer-installed alarms are much better than the factory-installed ones.
  • jbarbuto1jbarbuto1 Member Posts: 7
    I just bought a former lease 98' Accord LX 4 cylinder with only 15,000 miles on it (for only $13,500). I just got the 30k service due to age of the vehicle and concern over knock and ping. I get the knock and ping noise unless I use high octane gas (90+). Honda suggested using Techron by Chevron (gas treatment), but after two treatments, I still have the noise under slightly above average throttle load and especially before gear changes. The noise is crazy making! Honda doesn't have an answer and I have no engine warning lights. Any ideas out there??? Am I going to have to use expensive high octane gas forever??

    Could the knock and ping be the transmission (like a rattling when accelerating moderately to hard)?

    I also have the knock at start up. Should I worry about this?
  • corsicacorsica Member Posts: 8
    hey,
    Has anyone here bought the Honda Accord
    DX with an aftermarket power package?

    I believe they are selling these here
    in central FL, but am concerned about
    the warranty and reliability of these vehicles.

    Also, does anyone know if these vehicles
    have lower resale values? From the outside
    they're identical. They even have the same
    features ie. DX with aftermarket and the LX
    automatic, yet the DX+aftermarket is about
    $1K cheaper...

    Any thoughts on these?
  • corsicacorsica Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone here who owns a CR-V and
    a sedan tell me if it's easier to wade
    through a flooded street with a CR-V
    compared to the sedan, ie. Accord?

    Also, a separate question: Can people
    put a 24" bike inside their cargo
    space in their CR-Vs? I guess in the
    accord, i'd have to lay it flat, and
    then use the back seats.
  • vinneyvinney Member Posts: 43
    Has anyone felt the automatic trans shifter like its stuck in park with the brake pedal depressed of course. It feels like I'm forcing it a little but shifts out of park with no problem. It's done it twice on me now and only when I first start up the car after it has been parked a little while. I also hear a small click when this occurs. If I run it thru all the gears it doesn't do it again. I hear the click at the shifter when I depress the brake pedal which I know it's normal for all vehicles so you don't shift without first depressing the brake pedal. Should I be concernced and has anyone had a similar problem? Could it be it just needs adjustment or a little grease? By the way my car is a 2000 accord lx with 4cyl auto. thanks any help will be appreciated!
  • emaisonemaison Member Posts: 60
    I wouldn't be too concerned with the warranty and reliability of the DX. They would think they are just as good. I think the main difference (since you say the features are the same as the LX) with the DX is that the DX does NOT have the VTEC engine. It has the 135hp engine not the VTEC 150hp. I would think resale value would be less than the LX. Where I live, Honda offered a LX value package sedan (no VTEC either). Sounds similar to your DX.
  • timadamstimadams Member Posts: 294
    But the problem is that the EX has a sunroof. I think sunroofs should NOT be standard on any trim level.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    so are you saying that Honda makes 135hp non-vtec LX models? I don't think so. correct me if I'm wrong. in regards to an earlier post, most of the Accord LX 4cyl/autos in this region are the LX w/ABS model designation. I think its totally dependent on demographics (by region). Also for example, I know that ABS is listed as an option on the Camry LE 4cyl, but it is literally IMPOSSIBLE to find one around here without the ABS options package. Not so elsewhere
    (I live in central NJ)
    ~alpha
  • amz997amz997 Member Posts: 61
    LX & EX are always VTEC 150 HP for 2001 Model.

    DX and VP are the non vtec 135 HP cars.
  • ravynravyn Member Posts: 101
    not that this helps you at all, but i have noticed that little click sound when pressing the brake pedal upon occasion. i wondered about it, but haven't really worried about it. no, our '88 accord didn't do that when new, but obviously with new designs etc you'll have different responses to things.

    also, with regards to the easily scuffed interior..someone had mentioned that 3m makes a plastic polish of some sort. has anyone tried anything like this and does it work?
  • emaisonemaison Member Posts: 60
    Maybe its a regional thing (isell might be able to confirm) but I know for a fact that Honda had an Accord LX-VP (Value Package) 4cyl that did NOT have a VTEC. I saw it here in the DC area.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Sorry, but I really think you're wrong. I looked on the web for about 15 mins and, on Honda's Corporate Site, Car and Driver, and Edmunds, there's no indication anywhere that you can get a non-VTEC LX.
  • emaisonemaison Member Posts: 60
    Not wrong. It was limited edition. I know what I saw. I neared pissed my pants because as I was filling out the buyers order on my 2001 LX, I had to run out and verify. I saw both LX and LX-VP's.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    so a Limited Edition Accord (of which I honestly know nothing) is availble with the 135hp engine. but all regular edition LX models are 150. cause otherwise, thats really shady disclosure and almost borders on a bait and switch.
    ~alpha01
  • emaisonemaison Member Posts: 60
    I remember the commercials being run in my area. It said something like "limited edition accord lx value package." I thought it was misleading as well because several years down the road if you saw a used VP you might think it was an LX. You would be dissapointed to find out it didn't have the VTEC.
  • bimmer4mebimmer4me Member Posts: 266
    Did this so called LX VP have power windows? It appears the dealer has become creative and deceptive and probably put a LX emblem on a DX VP (value package)and and in there eyes it's a limited edition. I'm certain that American Honda has no role in this sham.
  • dirk9dirk9 Member Posts: 1
    so, my back window on the drivers side will not go up all the way - the dealer tells me I need a new left rear door regulator assembly and run channel. $505.00!! Come on!! Has anyone had the motor replaced in a window?
  • simmsjsimmsj Member Posts: 5
    Any idea on what the increase will be on the 2002 Accord EX-V6 MSRP? Thinking about buying a 2001 with current low interest rate and wondering if I should wait due to depreciation factor. Help!
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    Since the car is a carry-over for next year, and arrayed against fresh competition from Toyota and Nissan, I expect no price increase at all, or some token minimum [1%]. And I expect dealer incentives and special financing will probably be an all-year affair. If you can wait until October or November, I am 90% sure you'll see the same transaction prices, including financing, that you are seeing today...and yes, you would be driving a car that is one year younger for depreciation purposes.
  • black01coupev6black01coupev6 Member Posts: 195
    ravyn/vinney: does the little click sound you are talking about occur when the car is in park and you press the brake pedal?

    There is no such thing as an LX Value Package. They have the Special Edition Accord which is basically an Accord LX (with 150HP) with keyless, CD, and woodgrain. The VP is limited to DX models only. And the DX/VP are the only models offered with the 135HP engine. Go to Honda's website. Also, Honda doesn't vary trim packages by region. A DX is a DX no matter where you go. Same with the LX and EX.
  • tcpip1tcpip1 Member Posts: 121
    Is it possible to buy one say in NJ area? I am curious to know how these Japanese Accords are distributed. For example, will the west coast states more likely to get them than the other parts of the US?
  • black01coupev6black01coupev6 Member Posts: 195
    Japanese Accords are pretty rare. If you are looking at a sedan you will have a much higher chance of finding one because to my knowledge Coupes are only produced at the Marysville, OH plant. My 99 EX sedan was manufactured in Japan and my Coupe was American built..I didn't notice any significant differences between the build quality and both were trouble free.
  • sevvsevv Member Posts: 4
    Thanks Bimmer4me and 3rct9454,

    Your advise and help got rid of the Maint. Reqr'd. light.

    Scott
  • ravynravyn Member Posts: 101
    yeah, on mine the click comes when you press the brake, and only every once in a while. haven't figured out a pattern for it yet. but it doesn't bother me, just something i've noted.
  • black01coupev6black01coupev6 Member Posts: 195
    I heard that clicking too and almost had a fit but my fiance explained that if it's happening when the car is in park, it's the interlock in the transmission selector.
  • pmarvinpmarvin Member Posts: 25
    This is a reply to msg #1696 - qualityguy - There is a "main relay" under the dash, large and not particularly cheap. These have been known to fail on very hot days. After a few minutes in the shade, the car starts right up. I live in El Paso, TX and had this happen to my '91 and it was no surprise to my mechanic.
  • lateraluslateralus Member Posts: 13
    To black01coupev6 and tcpip1. 1) How difficult is it to acquire an Accord built in Japan? Does it need to be special ordered? 2) Is it true that if the first digit in the VIN is a "1", then the car is built in USA, and if it's a "J", then it's built in Japan? I wonder this because I had a Lexus ES300 (all of which are built in Japan) and the first digit was a "J", and I had a Buick (sorry Honda fans) that had a "1" to start the VIN. Just curious, Because I would rather have a Japanese built machine.
  • black01coupev6black01coupev6 Member Posts: 195
    You can't order a Japanese Accord or the production at it's Ohio plant would drop drastically. You just have to look for one. You are right..if the first letter is a "J" then it's made in Japan. American built Accords start with "1H"
  • claywaterfillclaywaterfill Member Posts: 534
    $915? You got very lucky! A few years back, I heard of this guy who hit a deer in a Rolls Royce and the new grill alone was over $5000, so you didn't do too bad.
  • emaisonemaison Member Posts: 60
    OK, I figure this question will clarify things:

    What does the nameplate on the trunk of the 'VP' say, does it say Accord 'LX' or Accord 'DX'?
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    There is absolutely no point in being concerned about where the car is sourced: the plants in Ohio and Ontario consistently grade as high or higher on Honda quality audits as the Japanese-made cars.

    In any case, I don't think you can get a V6 sourced anywhere but North America in our market; sometimes there will be no imports at all for months at a time depending on market conditions and model mix [for example, all of the Special Edition cars at one point came from Japan].

    All of the above relates only to the Accord, of course. Other models have different assembly points. The essential point is that it is a waste of time and energy worrying about where the final assembly point is...the same quality standards apply at every Honda plant, regardless of its global location. Your chances of getting a perfect car, or the occasional bad one, are pretty much the same no matter where it was screwed together.
  • bimmer4mebimmer4me Member Posts: 266
    First of all there is no Accord VP period. As in the Civic VP in the past, it doesn't say anything other than "Civic" no DX or LX. Sorry, you've been duped! Check out the official Honda site.
  • emaisonemaison Member Posts: 60
    Sorry, I can't tell the connotation of your post. Are you trying to be sarcastic, funny or are you just unfamiliar? There most certainly was/is an Accord VP. It is not a trimline like DX, LX or EX, rather it was used to describe a predetermined set of options that came with the Accord. Whether or not it was a glorified DX or a toned down LX is the issue.

    If anyone can shed some light on this I would appreciate it, curiousity is killing THIS cat.
  • nealptnealpt Member Posts: 4
    I just bought a 2001 Honda Accord and have a question. When I'm driving along above 50 MPH (the torque converter has locked) and let all the way up on the gas the torque converter stays locked until the speed has dropped to around 40 MPH. I have a Carry also and when I let up on the gas on it under the same conditions the RAMs drop right away whereas the Honda RAMs drop in step with the highway speed which says to me that the torque converter is stilled lock. Is this normal? The car also seems to hesitate accelerating at low speeds and it seems to me like it's the transmission. Maybe I just use to the Carry and this is normal for the Honda. Any comments?
  • shopper101shopper101 Member Posts: 11
    Is Honda likely to re-introduce the Accord wagon? The Japanese version looks pretty good.
  • tcpip1tcpip1 Member Posts: 121
    Is it true that some Acoords are built in Mexico?
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