Older Honda Accords

blane · May 2003

maxhonda99:

I installed Dunlop Sport A2 tires on my '96 Subaru Legacy GT for a few months before selling the car last year. I bought the Dunlops because of the very good Tire Rack reviews. They handled fine. But they were VERY NOISEY.

mitchflorida · May 2003

tire size and speed rating are more important than which particular brand you use ...

ian2 · May 2003

I wasn't used to it at first, but after a while (either the brakes had broken in or I got used to the brakes), I don't notice it anymore.

All engines will rev high on cold start, so it can warm up faster. As long as your engine is not idling at 3k rpm while in gear, you're fine.

usmc · May 2003

Ian2:

Thanks for your input. This car is brand new and only has about 700 miles on it. The high idle thing kind of freaks me out. I cold started the car after work (backed out the car and straightened it out) I took my foot off the brakes...the car lurched forward and actually shifted into second gear without me touching the gas. I also noticed that after a cold start it will even go in reverse over five miles an hour without using the gas. Maybe this is normal...but it scares me to think that if you don't really pay attention you may hit something by accident. My car is literally rocking when I try to restrain it with my brakes.

If you think this is normal...please explain in more detail. A friend of mine thinks it may be a bad sensor behind the gas pedal or in the throttle. Once the car is warmed up the idle does slow down. I am thinking about a visit to the dealership service department.

Also I noticed that my car must crank at least three or four times before starting. Maybe I am spoiled but...my 94 Accord EX (which I just sold and am beginning to regret) always started on the first crank and it definitely didn't drive through parking lots without using the gas. Maybe I should call the guy I sold it to and ask him to trade.

Anyway, I would appreciate anyones thoughts on these matters.

Thanks!

gregoryc1 · May 2003

My wife and I have a 2003 Honda Accord 4cylinder automatic. Have the dealer check the idle. When we used this vehicle, or our 2000 Civic, we start the engine and let it run for about five minutes. I believe in warming the engine slightly before I put a load on it. I have not noticed an extremely high idle on our Accord! Let us know what the dealer does with this situation. -----Greg

usmc · May 2003

Just had a long talk with my Honda service guy regarding the things I have noticed about the new 03 Honda Accord 4 cyl. He said that the car will idle high when it has a cold start...just be aware of it and be careful until it warms up (make sure you warn people if you let them drive your car). He said letting it warm up for a minute might help. He added that this is indicative of a fuel injected engine and will not change during the life of the car.

As far as the car cranking a bit more than usual at startup...he said that is because of the security key system. It takes a few seconds to recognize the key.

The sensitive brakes issue is related to my brakes being new. OK my car only has 600 miles on it...so I will believe that for a while. I have not had the screeching brake problem or the warped rotor problem that some people have been writing about (the rotor problem was an issue with my 94 Accord...I hope this will not be an 03 issue as well).

So, that is the latest that I know. I will continue to pay attention to this car's performance and update you if I learn anything else. Overall, I think the car has been running great.

gregoryc1 · May 2003

Thank you for sharing this information. I think if you let the engine warm up a little, you will be more comfortable with this issue. In addition, this small amount of runing time will allow the oil to find it's way to the engine parts. (Engine Lubrication is very important) The following information is "my opinion", and you will get other opinions on this very informative board. "I believe in 3,000 mile oil and filter changes", performed by the "selling dealer", to prevent a "sludge build up" in the engine over time. As I stated above, this is my opinion! I let the dealer perform this service, because I want all my service records in one location should some major malfunction occur with the vehicle's components. When an issue arises, it is "their oil and their filter". Lot's of luck with you new vehicle. We love our 2003 Accord. It is an outstanding car. This is our 4th Honda. Prior to going with Honda, we had Fords, GM, Chrysler and Jeep. The Jeep was the "Vehicle From Hell"! While we love the ride and the looks of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, because of the "quality issues", and the lack of "quality service" and "customer satisfaction" on the part of Chrysler, we would never own or lease another Chrysler product. Jeep is the reason why we own Hondas today! ----Have a GREAT Day! ------Greg

usmc · May 2003

Don't worry Greg. All my cars while under warranty ONLY get serviced at the dealership. I am paranoid about not knowing about recalls, defects, and I don't want to get blamed for causing a maintenance problem by using a private mechanic during the first 36,000 miles. However, I do have a buddy ready to service it after that point. Did you buy the extended warranty for this vehicle? I was offered a 7 year/100K for about $950. I haven't decided if I should purchase it yet.

patentman1 · May 2003

Regarding replacement tires, I've tried the Dunlops and they were noisy and didn't wear well. However, I currently have 10,000 miles on the Turanza-lsv and love them. Very quiet and handle great. They do espeically well in CA where the freeways have concrete expansion joints! I would avoid the Dunlops tho...just my opinion and personal experience.

Rich

patentman1 · May 2003

BTW, I have a 98 exv6 sedan.

mikek37 · May 2003

Getting your car serviced at a dealer in my opinion is an absolute rip off. If you glance down the list of maintaince they actually accomplish, its mainly looking at this, inspecting that. Who are they kidding? Its a complete rip off and I can not believe they get away with charging crazy prices. 400 bucks for a 15,000 tune-up, COME ON GUYS. Ill take my down to the family mechanic and be charged half that.

robertsmx · May 2003

I just returned from a 2200 mile trip and was pleasantly surprised with how quiet my 98 Accord is with Yokohama YK420. Minor breaks on the road were heard from through the Michelins that I had earlier, not this time, and the ride was extremely smooth. However, I didn't get enough opportunity to test the (wet and dry) handling aspect of the tires on the straightways. But if you are after quietness, give the Yokohamas a look.

robr2 · May 2003

Luckily, my dealer follows the Honda guide to the letter for the service intervals. No additional checks, etc.

Is it cheap? No, but the same dealer is very accomodating with goodwill gestures after the warranty expires and has gone to bat for me with Honda more than once.

usmc · May 2003

I agree with Robr2 completely. I know it costs more...but there are some advantages. All these guys fix are Hondas...they start to see trends related to defects etc. and can better answer related questions. Actually I drive about 30 miles to a dealer in a small town that is at least 30% cheaper than any of my local city dealers. This dealer service department has gone to bat for me with Honda also...and have also worked with me on a few problems I had right after the warranty expired. However, like I said earlier...I do use a private mechanic sometimes once the warranty is over. I still have the minor maintenance done at the dealership so they can identify what major things my buddy should fix. This works well. You pay for the minor service or oil change at the dealer...they find a costly repair (like needing new rotors) during the service...then I take it to my buddy who will fix it for a lot less money.

robr2 · May 2003

Good Point - I usually have major repairs done by an independent mechanic with Honda or high quality aftermarket parts. But for routine maintenance, the dealer does an excellent job and does advise me when repairs need to be done.

Also, I recently checked with an independent Honda repair shop and they quoted me a 25% higher price for the same 60K service the dealer quoted me. Hmmmmm??!!

maxhonda99 · May 2003

patentman1,

What tires did you have before the Dunlops or Bridgestones?

davegod75 · May 2003

Just bought an accord ex-v6 last thursday. I've already put 646 miles on it and I'm extremly happy. No rattles, no breaking problems, etc, etc.

Wanted to ask if anyone has the honda trunk liner and if they like it? Do items slip around on it easily?

Thanks

masroz · May 2003

I purchased a trunk liner from my Honda dealer for my new 03 Accord 4 cyl. I find it very useful and highly recommend one. My wife and I do a bit of gardening so I don't have to worry about dirt spilling, water getting in, etc.

On another matter, my front driver and passenger windows have started to squeek a bit when fully closed. The glass is rubbing on the rubber around the door/window frame. I've tried opening and closing the doors, lowering the windows and putting them back up but, it doesn't seem to help. Does anyone know of any silicone grease or something that will eliminate this or should I have the dealer look at it?

gregoryc1 · May 2003

Since we "purchased" the 2003 Accord we also purchased the 7 year 100,000 mile extended warranty form Honda. The reason for this is simple. We travel, and we want to be able to get warranty service at any Honda Dealer throughout the United States without a problem. Major maintenance issues, (like engines, transmissions, and computers), cost a large sum of money to service and / or replace. If you intend to keep the vehicle for more than 3 years or 36,000 miles, I highly recommend the extended warranty. (This is my opinion, other people on this board might disagree with this position and you must decide was is right for you ). At the present time we also have a "leased" 2000 Honda Civic. The lease is coming due in a few months, and we are considering purchasing this low mileage vehicle. Should we make this purchase we will also place an extended warranty on this vehicle. We might also purchase another new 2003 Honda Accord, or we might look at a two year old Accord at the Honda dealer. Honda vehicles are outstanding, but like every other piece of equipment, they need tender loving care, and a state of the art preventive maintenance program. ----Just my opinion. ----Greg

gregoryc1 · May 2003

Reference: 15,000 mile Scheduled Maintenance at a Honda dealer for $400.00 dollars?????---------- As I write this posting, I am looking at the Honda Service Brochure from my dealer listing the 7,500, 15,000 & 30,000 mile service with their charges. The 15,000 mile service costs $200.00 -------NOT--- $400.00 If your dealer is charging $400.00 dollars for this service there is something VERY wrong! -----Greg

s852 · May 2003

Even $200 sounds really high. They don't do valve adjustmensts or anything, so I don't see why it would even cost that much.

inkie · May 2003

No car should shift into another gear during startup. Contrary to what the dealer told you, you have a problem. A high idle may give you a clunk! when you shift but it should not perform as you reported. Its also a safety issue, mention a law suit if you damage or injure someone you will get their attention. If this dealer gives you a line of bull go elsewhere or report this problem to Honda. But I surely would get the auto checked.I had a Ford Tauraus and every so often it increased its idle when I would stop at a light or slow down and the only way I was able to control it was to apply heavy brake pressure and shut the ignition.It was scary. So I know how you feel. It was a company car on lease from Ford. The experts never figured out what the problem was so they gave me another Tauraus. If you were in the usmc regards from an old swabby that spent a lot of years with jarheads.

gregoryc1 · May 2003

Next time you "cold start the engine", (the first start in the morning), let the engine warm up to a normal operating temperature. Tell us how the vehicle drives at that temperature.--(idle / performance --etc) -----Greg

ian2 · May 2003

After I release the brake, my Accord I4 runs at about 1200RPM as well. This is after a cold start, but I've never noticed it before since the car doesn't do anything out of the ordinary when compared to other automatic cars I've driven. Just for fun, I was able to force it into 2nd gear and keep running at 20km/h. I don't think there's any problem as the car does not lurch forward. It definitely does not pose a safety problem.

robr2 · May 2003

Also a cold engine/transmission will shift sooner than one at operating temperature. I recall reading that in the owner's manual.

fezo · May 2003

Sorry for the delay on thye tire question - wife had teh car and I wanted to actually look at the tire and confirm. Yep. SP Sport A2s replacing the original Michelind. I did go taller and wider on mine and I like it a lot actually.

mikek37 · May 2003

I meant the 30K schedule check up. 399. plus tax. Is that better. Also, I find extended warranties worthless, especially for a Honda. The money that I saved by not purchasing the warranty was thrown into a mutual fund therefore earning interest. If I do need some repairs, I pull the money out of that account. My money is growing while yours is in the hand of the dealers. By the way greg I would like your input on how the dealership can justify charging two hundred dollars for the 15K? Hmm?? I dont have it in front of me, but Ill be damned if any of their "EXPERTISE" is worth $200.00. They check the battery? Lubricate the door hinges, check theh exhaust, check this check that. Give me a break already.

ps. From what I hear the most damage to a vehicles engine is caused at startup. Many professionals reccomend starting your car, waiting about 30 seconds, then drive the car away. hINT HINT, letting your car warm up in your driveway isnt as good as driving the puppy away.

ppnff · May 2003

I would agree completely with Mikek37. I have a 7 year old Honda Accord LX and have had zero problems. Nothing. So, if I had a purchased an extended warranty on my vehicle, I would be cash out of pocket on the cost of the extended warranty with zero corresponding offset for any claims on the extended warranty. However, if the vehicle was an European car (e.g., Audi, BMW, etc.), I would consider an extended warranty given the high potential repair costs and reliability issues. Good luck!

imidazol97 · May 2003

The idea of letting a car idle while one has a second cup of flavored coffee has the car spending more time in a high pollution mode compared to driving away gently after 15-30 seconds depending on ambient temperature. The engine is going to change to more efficient operation more quickly while being driven than by sitting and idling.

It also wastes less fuel and needs oil changes more often due to the slow warmup during idle, thus saving the owner money on maintenance.

atlantabenny · May 2003

..with cars of average or below-average reliability.

After going through the Audi forum, as a case in point, one is left with these impressions: 1) Owners/lessees tolerate driving the cars because of the generous warranty; otherwise, they'd be tremendously out-of-pocket because of the first 2-5 years' repairs, 2) Cars spend a lot of dealer time, 3) Owners/lessees spend a lot of time driving courtesy cars.

As for Honda and other more reliable cars, the 3 situations above hardly apply.

Manufacturer's warranty service like Honda's is obtainable at any authorized dealer nationwide (dealer gets paid by carmaker even if they didn't sell the car).

For those who can only be comfortable with a 50 or 100k mile warranty, this warranty package is available for the same price after the purchase. For maximum flexibility, best time to get one is right before original waranty runs out.

mikek37 · May 2003

Good point guys. If I were to buy say a GERMAN car I would definitely get an extended warranty, especially the infamous AUDI!

03lxv6 · May 2003

Hello,

I wonder what gas brand you are using for your new Honda Accord?

I tried several brands from no-brand at all to shell and 76. I notice that a bad smell comes out the first time I start the car right after using one no-brand gas. Another no-brand gas has no such smell but it seems to be doing worse mileage-wise. Shell and 76 seem to be OK. I am using 87 for all of them.

Any experience on that gas brand will affect the mileage and smell?

Thanks.

akal50 · May 2003

I've heard a lot of complaints about a rotten egg smell. People have changed brands of gas and in many cases, it didn't help. Some people even say they've put as much as 6000 miles on their car and still get the odor.

ian2 · May 2003

We have pretty high sulphur content in the gas here in Canada, but I've only noticed the smell once. It didn't seem too bad.

bigorange30 · May 2003

I think she should look at an Accord instead. Anybody out there had experience or done in depth research on both to tell me why she should get the Accord instead?

ian2 · May 2003

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article- _id=1807&page_number=1

gregoryc1 · May 2003

Thank you for your opinion on "cold start-ups" and the "purchase of extended warranties". People in the United States have the right to spend their money on anything that they desire. Some people invest in the stock market, some go the Atlantic City, some purchase life and health insurance, some buy 6-packs of beer, other people purchase boats, (sail & power), and some purchase extended warranties on their vehicles. The fact that people engage in any of these activities does not have anything to do with their intelligence. It is just a personal choice that they have made. I like your comment about cold starting a vehicle, waiting 30 seconds and driving away. This would be impossible on a cold winter morning in the North East. If you owned a power boat, you would understand the importance of warming up the engine to normal operating temperature. No boat captain would ever leave the bock without the engine being at normal operating temperature, because the is a high load on a marine engine, and the same is true for a land engine on a cold winter morning. I have always allowed my vehicles to warm up to a normal operating temperature before driving them on the road, and I have never had any engine problems associated with the process, but then, I do change my oil and filter every 3,000 miles, so maybe that has something to do with the process. So I guess we are going to disagree on this subject. That is "ok" with me!------ I am comfortable with my Honda Dealer, the quality of the vehicle, the extended warranty, and the service provided by the dealer. I feel that my Honda dealer does an excellent job servicing our vehicles. I have a very good relationship with the staff, and we always get treated in a professional manner, and in return, we make it a point to recognize the Service Writer and the Technician performing the service in some small way.------- I am not comfortable investing in the stock matket or mutual funds, because all I have with these investments is a "piece of paper". After the last year, I am not impressed with either investment. I would rather go to Atlantic City with my wife, see a GREAT show, have some dinner, stay over and have some fun.------ So have a nice day. Let's continue to share ideas on the subject of vehicle maintenance. -----Just my opinion. ------Greg

gregoryc1 · May 2003

I use Getty, Hess and / or Coastal (92 / 93 octane) No odor from the exhaust. The engine,(4 cyl.) idles VERY smooth. The vehicle, (2003 Accord), now has 8,000 miles on the clock. The "book of Honda"--(the Honda Bible), states that you can use 86 or higher octane. I do alot of highway driving, and I like the performance of the premium fuel. It is a personal thing. It makes me feel good.----Have a GREAT day everyone. Don't let the "small stuff in life" get to you! -----Just my opinion. -----Greg

bolivar · May 2003

I disagree with your opinions about cold weather warmup, and with your use of 92/93 octane gas, especially in a 4 cylinder Honda.

But, from your posts, you aren't going to change your mind, no matter what owner manuals or technical bulletins or people on this board say or think.

lichtronimo · May 2003

The July MT gives a half-year scorecard on sales. Honda cars is ahead of Chevy by 2000 units. Wow. Toyota cars is within 3000 units of Ford cars for the overall sales lead in passenger cars. Double wow.

tgozdalski1 · May 2003

I find posted prices very expensive. My 00 accord lx 5 speed went to dealer only once in 106,000 miles for body panel adjustment shortly after purchase. So far zero mechanical problems. I just had timing belt, balance shaft belt, and water pump replaced in local garage specializing in imports for US $290.00. They charged me for 3 hrs of labor @ $48 per hr and and parts. I changed oil myself every 6,000 miles using mobil1 synthetic and Honda oem filters.
Tom

gregoryc1 · May 2003

The purpose of this "board" is to share information, not to "change people's minds"! The Honda Owners Manual states that you can use a higher octane fuel, so what is the problem? --Have a nice day. -----Just my opinion. ----GReg

emale · May 2003

GReg,

the qestion i have for you is, "why are u spending some much on high octance fuel that simply isn't need?"

bolivar,

i agree with you. extended idling to let a car warmup is both wasting fuel and needlessly causing additional air pollution. in fact extended idling causes more harm to an engine than just letting it warm up for say 30 seconds and then driving moderately until fully warmed. extended idling has been shown to cause excessive carbon buildup, etc.

robr2 · May 2003

"...extended idling has been shown to cause excessive carbon buildup"

Hence the need for fuel additives. :-)

Just funnin' with you Greg!!

mitchflorida · May 2003

I think the best aroma comes from Shell Premium 93.. it is considered the creme de la creme in terms of fragrance . ..

It costs a little bit more of course, but most of my passengers think it is worth the extra cost!

People on the board should compare the fragrances of Shell Premium to Citgo Medium. a close call , but Shell has a good "gassy" smell . . while Citgo is a little "flat" and smells like cat poop.

atlantabenny · May 2003

...was our fuel for 2 years, and regardless of car make and model, there was engine pinging and sluggish performance. BP and Racetrac gas is better, at least for the metro Atlanta area.

nowakj66 · May 2003

I always though higher octane was a matter of choice - a little more performance for a little more money. More performance if the motor is high compression and requires it. Less if the motor does not.

So I was surprised when at the closing for my 4 cylinder Accord, the salesman made a BIG deal about NOT running higher octane gas in the car. His assertion - it does give a bit more horsepower BUT shortens the life of the engine.

I questioned this advice on the spot and still cannot see HOW this could be the case.

As I understand it, all higher octane does for you is prevent premature detonation. It allows the engine to use more optimal timing. But I do not see how it could reduce the life on an engine.

The only thing I can figure is that with higher octane, the engine operates in a more optimal way and it is THIS that somehow shortens its life.

If anyone can shed light here, I would appreciate it.

emale · May 2003

well, i'm not sure how using high octane fuel could hurt the engine, but the catalytic converter could be another story.

the problem with most people putting high octane in a car that calls for 87 is that the fuel goes wasted because the engine's electronics can't do anything with it. now, that said, supposedly the v6 accord engine has dual range knock sensors and can effectively use high octane and produce a little more power. i'm not sure about the 4 banger. but, most cars don't have these dual stage knock sensors and therefore putting high octane in is an exercise in futility!

bburton3 · May 2003

IMHO is just a waste of money-don't see how it could hurt anything-cats get burned to a crisp when the engine is running way too rich. Used to run avation gas-91 octane without the boosters in some older vehicles-they seemed to run smoother but not much else. Course they should start easier in the winter and maybe have a tendency to have more vapor locks in summer.

nowakj66 · June 2003

Thanks - I did not consider damage to the catalytic converters or vapor locks. What is involved here and how would higher octane do this?

Older Honda Accords

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