Older Honda Accords

sstech

I just can't believe that some new Honda dealers in St. Louis, Missouri are becoming like famous "used car sales people" who try to sell snake oil. Turning Off "Maintenance Reqd" switch and charging $71.24 for that is simply "Selling Snake Oil!"

I tried my best to get the attention of HONDA's corporate relations folks. They were not responsive at all!

This shows the complete breakdown of Honda Corporation's internal processes, controls, training, customer service, ethics, values and brand building.

I trusted the HONDA name since my first HONDA Accord has been so good to me since 1989. I bought my second HONDA in 2001 with the same level of trust from the same dealer. When you trust someone, you don't expect to be cheated, deceived, ripped off like this St. Louis, west county HONDA dealer!

Just curious whether State of Missouri Attorney General or Justice Department or "Few Good Men/Women" in the media would help prevent this type of RIP OFF in the future.

jmkelly02

The owners' manual tells you how to reset the Maintenance Required "idiot light."
My dealer tried to charge me $84 for the 7500 mile oil change. When I asked what I got for my money, the service advisor pointed to a menu of recommended services and their price. Quick not to rely on my impression and assumption of what I read, I said, "Why don't you just tell me instead." Lube the door locks, hinges and suspension. I then said, the car is only 2 months old--it doesn't need that. Just a plain old oil change, rotate the tires and don't forget to torque the lug nuts.
This particular dealership is publicly traded and is terrified of the customer survey--they certainly spend enough money on telling you that they need a good rating. Learn what your car needs and shop around, ask questions, and put your foot down not to pay for BS charges.

robertsmx

I hope you'd be able to prove that they charged $71 to switch off the maintenance required light. Just make sure that you don't show the list of other 'work' (tire rotation or whatever) that has been performed. Good luck.

hbund216

I've stated this before but here it goes again. Most service writes are on commission so the more service they sell the better off they are not necessarily your car.

A dealer who does not tell you something as simple as how to reset your Maint. light is not interested in fixing cars they just want your money. Your best bet is to stop using them.

deerlake7

I've been sitting on the sidelines watching all of the Honda dealer bashing. Sure, my guess is that there are many Honda service departments, along with those of most other brands who are deplorable. On the other hand, the Honda dealer that we bought my daughter's Accord from last April has been great. The purchase and delivery process were flawless and the service department has been great. Last August my daughter forgot her purse at a restaurant and it "walked away." In it was the key and remote door fob. The dealer could have charged a huge amount for a new key, reprogramming and a replacement remote fob, but they did the whole thing "no charge" for customer "goodwill." After the two oil changes she'd had, the service manager has called to make sure everything has been satisfactory and they have not tried to sell anything other than the requested service. I have nothing but good things to say about our Honda dealer and its service department.

robr2

The one I use now has been great. For every service, they give you a printed sheet from Honda (not them) that matches up exactly with the owner's manual (is at XXXX miles do A, B, C). They charge a reasonable price IMHO for the work done and have never tried to push any other services other than the Honda list. They even redid botched warranty work I had done at another dealer (see below). So far, I'm happy. They are a family owned dealer and it looks like the 2nd generation are taking over now.

I decided to use a dealer closer to home on a 30K service once and they started right in on with some kind of oil flush procedure for $125 and it went downhill from there. Suffice it to say I no longer do business there.

norm1936

The 1993 Accord EX Sedan is the 4th accord I owned. All were purchased new. All were serviced at the dealer. The 1993 is the worst one so far. It runs like a like a diesel in cold weather. I have 82000 miles on it. Every time we stop after a drive, the radiator cooling fans kick on for about 1.5. - 2 minutes. It never used to do this. Is this normal for a car that has been serviced according to the manual by the dealer? I know fans are supposed to do this for a hot engine. But this has caused 2 batteries to die prematurely. This is my first time in this forum. Anyone has any ideas. Thanks.

carguy62

I think it has some errors. It mentions the '86-89 (my beloved 3G) LX-i having alloy wheels. Well my LX-i has regular old wheel covers on steel wheels and since I bought it new I'm pretty sure that is how it was supposed to be (the window sticker confirms it). Also the hatchbacks (LX-i) did not have power door locks so the "power everything" statement is also wrong. I know it's minor things but the beauty of Honda is the owners know their vehicles so if you write about them you better get it right. If anyone can prove me wrong, I guess Honda will owe me a set of alloys. I do like how they use the term "poor man's BMW" in the article.

isellhondas

Don't you think it would be a smart thing to get this problem checked out instead of just wondering and complaining about it?

If you have had TWO batteries die, this problem must be long ongoing!

It could be a fan relay or the car could have a bad thermostat or something that can lead to a big repair job!

For crying out loud...get it checked out!!

qwalls

Was your Accord a 4-door? They had the alloy wheels.

carguy62

but the article didn't specify, in fact they mention it right after they talk about the hatchback. The power statement also comes after they mention the h/b. I know, trivial things....

robertsmx

No problems yet, only praises. I also recieve discount coupons (only $10, but still I do) before servicing is due. They also list competitor's price to compare which sounds about right (you could always take your car to other places anyway). A followup survey call and/or form arrives from the dealership about handling of the services performed.
Once, they couldn't finish the service before the day was over but gave me a rental car!
What would I complain about?

diploid

I'm not going to say that the service department is totally bad, but I wouldn't dare to say that it's perfect, either.

There have been times when the mechanic has been inadequate of providing decent customer service. However, it doesn't get to the point where they would try to coax me into paying for something (like an oil change or brake replacement) when I really don't need the service.

I honestly think that they just lack the people skills.

diploid

www.europeanhonda.demon.nl

Click on the Dec. 4 article "2003 Euro Accord" - if you guys remember that wagon pic. I linked before, this is the sedan version. It has those side-mirrow signals (a la Mercedes), and the overall silhouette looks like an Audi.

I couldn't link the actual pictures because, well, I don't know how.

Disclaimer: "By the way, the small picture on the left shows a Civic based sport coupe with a smaller and lighter body (CRX??), intended for those who consider the highly rated Civic Type "R" as too big. This is just a speculation however and might not ever be produced."

robertsmx

Here is the direct link to the picture presumed to be next Euro Accord...

http://www.europeanhonda.demon.nl/03euroaccord.jpg

canadiancl

A bit of Audi, a bit of Passat. The production version won't look like that though. Those drawings always do a stretch job so the car looks lower, wider, longer. In real life it'll look like a big Civic, I betcha!

maxamillion1

I doubt if we will get that version of the car. If we did, I'd buy it in a heartbeat, that picture looks better than the new Altima!! It looks very european and sporty, yet I still doubt we will get it. I agree with the above post, we will probably get a "larger Civic" type Accord, but I hope the rear end looks different from the Civic, it's a little too plain for my tastes. I still hold out hope that this will be our Accord though.

canadiancl

Wasn't your aunt supposed to get us some info on the next Accord? She heard anything yet?

klbrowning

I've had Honda's for many years and in the market for a new car. I'm currently looking at other cars that have updated their body style. The Accord is getting boring, I heard the 2003 will be a new body style. If that is true can anyone tell me when it will be introduced. I will wait 3-4 months before buying a new car if I can get some info on this issue.

stevem327

I'm not sure specifically about the 2003 Accord, but normally new models of any make are available around August/September....so, maybe the 2003 Accord will hit the showrooms in August 2002?

You might try calling some Honda dealers in your area or perhaps Honda's HQ out in California for more specifics. Good luck.

thel

Looks like an Intrepid.

diploid

Looks like a prettier Altima, IMO.

diploid

For all we know, it could be the next TL.

robertsmx

The alloy wheels, air-dam and fog lamps suggest Acura. The head lamp is evolution of the old Civic sedan/coupes and very similar to those used in the Civic 3/5 door hatch and CRV. It looks smaller than what an American Accord would be, so it could be the model shared by Japanese and European market.

maxamillion1

She says that as of right now, the dealers no nothing about the new Accord. I did ask here to ask about the new SUV, so I'll get back to you own that. I am going to take a personal visit to the dealership sometime this week and I'll ask again myself. Hopefully I'll get an answer.

fritz1224

Looks like the new Celica to me.

filod

Go to 2003 Honda Accord Scoop dated Nov 26

http://www.vtec.net/news/

joestein

I just moved to NJ and I need to get the 30,000 mile checkup on my '99 Honda Accord 4cy EX done. Quite a few people recomended DAVID MICHAEL HONDA in Manalapan, NJ, just about 10 mins from my house.

I was suprised to find that they charged about $550 for this service. I went through with anyway since they had such a good reputation. What does every think about the price? and has anybody heard of this Honda dealer?

sobers

Is this a Mercedese BENZ dealer ?? :-))

Our dealer charges $160 for the 30,000 miles service, it includes everything in the manual & then some more !!!!

mymaxima

I used to get the service at Kay Honda in Eatontown NJ. I don't like their sales peoples but I got an ok service with them.

alpha01

Is a high-cost dealer, in terms of servicing, but I think that their Customer Service is great and so is the work they do. (At least it was in 98-99 when I had my 94 Civic).
~alpha

jfavour

I recently has a 30k service done for my 2000 LX-V6 and it was about $230. The service rep I talked to at the time told me the service for the 4 cyl. Accords was much higher around $450. He didn't really explain why, though.

diploid

Our Accord paid around $260 for the 30K service. Dealer is Planet Honda on Rt. 22

bolivar

Any of you guys actually read the manual's maintenance section about what is really recommended for service?

And compare this with what a dealer wants to do?

I don't like to go the manual's recommended 7,500 miles between oil changes, but the usual dealer recommended 3,000 miles is a little short, in my opinion. If you just drive in and tell them to 'do a service', you gotta know they are going to do all they think they can pull out of your pocket.

For $500, he probably exchanged the air in the tires, calibrated the turn signals, and, oh, yes, 'inspected' several other areas of the car.

mikefm58

On my CRV, the manual recommends oil/filter change every 3750 for sever driving and 7500 for normal conditions. I do mine every 4000, easier to remember.

Also, I've been able to do almost all the recommended maint. myself after picking up a shop manual at helminc.com. The only thing I haven't been able to do is replace the brake fluid since I don't have the equipment to get the vehicle off the ground and all four tires off.

My wife's 2001 Accord has 4K miles so I'll be picking up a shop manual for that vehicle in a bit.

bolivar: I agree the dealer recommended service is a ripoff at most dealers. I'm amazed that they tried to charge me $65 to change the auto. transmission fluid. It's so easy on the CRV, easier than changing the engine oil.

ickes

www.auto.com has a story on the Passport replacement, to be named "Pilot". Nice looking based on the sketch. TOV reported that dealers attending a convention in Las Vegas reported that the Pilot is 8 inches longer than an MD-X, making it about the same size as the Odessey. Not surprising since the vehicle shares its platform and engine with these two models...

zorglub

Hello,

Got my new Accord 3 weeks ago, and took it to Tahoe last week end. Well, I'm happy to report that the 150hp were sufficient to go up highway 80. The car was loaded (ski rack, 3 adults, 1 child, full trunk) and had no pb. Keeping up 75 required some downshifting on the incline, but that gearbox is so smooth that it's really not a pb.

The best part for me was that those guys at Honda did a great job on the suspensions, neither too harsh nor too soft, just the perfect blend (at least for me).

I'm sure all of you know this already, but I figured it would be useful to would be Accord buyers who are not sure yet about getting the 4 or 6 cyl.

My only gripe is that I wished that Honda would sell the Accord as a wagon. Then, the car would be near perfect.

hawks1

I'm looking to buy a new car mostly likey late next summer. My first inclination was to look exclusively at the V6 but have since changed my mind. I recently drove the new Altima I4 (175 HP) with a 4-speed automatic. This car surprised me with its acceleration. I'm now going to look exclusively at the 4 cylinder models; and besides, the 4 cylinders can burn the cheaper 87 octane fuel. I am waiting for the '03 Accord before I make a decision between it, the Altima, and possibly the Camry. I see much speculation that the new Accord 4 cylinder may be in the 160-165 HP range. Has anyone heard anything about this?

jrct9454

Firstly, the V6 in the Accord uses regular fuel, just like the 4. In the Camry, Toyota advises you to use premium for best performance, but no such requirement or recommendation exists for the Accord engine [s].

Secondly, the new Accord's 4 cyl should certainly be north of 160 hp, probably closer to 170. And yes, that ought to be enough to satisfy most of the market. We went with an EX V6 for our '01 Accord, which was as much about refinement and relative quiet as it was about performance, but no one would ever get an argument from me that the 4 [especially the one in the '03] is a good choice for most uses and most people.

The new Accord should be released sometime in August, certainly not later than early September.

claywaterfill

You know, it wasn't too long ago when 150 HP was considered a lot! I think the need for a V6 is more "in the head" than "on the road." Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

robertsmx

I decided to save $1200 by not going for EXV6 four years ago, and don't regret it.

tcpip1

I am looking for good independent Honda/Acura services shops in central NJ area. I am going to replace the passenger side window run channel on my '94 Legend GS. An Acura dealer will do it for $250 (parts and labor).

silvercoupe

I'll pay to have the A/C filter changed. The rest I can do myself.

bolivar

Proved my V6 will run 120 today. Punk kid in his dad's Bonneville didn't really want to go that fast. (I think his Pontiac 3.8Liter probably would go faster, his nerve just ran out.)

It was about 'out of gas' at 120. Car and Driver says they got about 124 or so out of one.

I actually had to back off because of the noise coming from the passenger seat. Where my wife was setting.....

fxashun

I'll bet it was "rock steady" too. We've had a couple of current generation Accords and they seem to love high sped running. But then again all Hondas seem to love high speeds. My 93 Civic loves a nice 85-95 mph cruise.

claywaterfill

We don't condone driving 120 in a street car, right?

fxashun

That's why I had to sell my MR2 Turbo and my 300ZX TT. Too easy (and fun)to get into the "go to jail" speeds.

timadams

Actually, C&D got their V6 Accord sedan up to 132 mph when they tested the current generation when it first came out (back in Nov. 97). The 4-cyl. is surprisingly fast, however.

http://www.caranddriver.com

Here are the times that C&D got for the two versions:

0 to 60: 8.2 (4 cyl.)..... 7.7 (6 cyl.)

0 to 100: 24.5 (4)..... 20.6 (6)

street start 5 to 60: 9.0 (4)..... 8.2 (6)

1/4 mile: 16.5 (4) @ 85 mph...... 16.0 @ 88 mph (6)

top speed: 125 mph (4)... 132 mph (6)

braking 70 to 0: 191 ft. (4).... 194 ft. (6)

raybear

Very often your tires won't be rated for high speed driving. You really don't want them shredding at 100+!

claywaterfill

Let's hope they were "H" rated! I believe they tune the 4 cyl for optimum low speed acceleration. So, you may sufer a little if you're loaded down on the highway, but around town is fine.