Older Honda Accords

1240241243245246389

Comments

  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    was the little battery light on? if not, it probably wasn't the alternator. If so, probably wasn't hooked up or something funny like that...

    anyways... sorry to hear about your bad experience... hopefully it will be your last.
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    I don't plan to pay monthly for XM, but remember reading about it in the owner's manual--there was no separate instruction book for the XM. There is an 800 # given and it tells you what to do.

    Also, push the XM button on the dashboad, a recorded voice will tell you all about XM--I switched it off because I had no interest in that--preferred to hear a CD I'd burned for the car instead.

    I think you can start your free 3 months whenever you choose and then give the system an hour to download stations after you sign up--works something like that, I think....Richard
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    One Accord doesn't perform perfectly out of 300,000 and Honda is going down hill. At the rate they make these cars it's amazing the board isn't lit up like a christmas tree with problems. I'd be willing to bet the infant mortality rate in this country compares poorly to the failure rate of Accords.
  • jasondd2jasondd2 Member Posts: 6
    The dealer called me and said that the alternator is bad. They don't know what led the alternator to malfunction yet. The service person told me that he never saw this with accord before. I have been driving cars many years and I didn't expect this with accord 2004 in a week. Maybe I am just too bad luck but honda better checks this.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Have not heard of any issues yet with the new Malibu. I suspect it will be a very reliable car.

    I also think people do indeed see the worst of the Accord or any other car on this board as this is a place you can come to with questions about problems. People with no problems will not post as much. Accord has has some initial issues but it should be an above average car in the long run.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Wouldn't a check of the charging system and battery be part of vehicle delivery at the dealer? That only takes a few seconds so it would seem logical to me that it should. Granted it's extremely unlikely for a new alternator to be bad, but it's so easy to check before delivery.
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    Just saw a message flashed on a local news saying
    Honda recalls about 600K+ cars.
    Does anyone know what models are affected?
  • safetyredsafetyred Member Posts: 14
    The recall that the previous person is talking about is for the 1998 and 1999 Accord, and also the Oddesy, as well as Acura. It has to do with the ignition cylinder, and if it wears away too fast, then someone can pull the key out of the ignition without putting it into Park first, so obviously that could be a problem.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    An alternator can suddenly fail like a burned out light bulb. In a cse like this there is no way to "check" for impending doom.

    This would be extremely rare.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    we need to keep in mind, that some "problems" are not real. happened all the time on the Jetta board. you would get the same person, with two or three different Edmunds users names, making up stories and fake scenarios about how their Jetta left them stranded, blew up, ran over people while no one was driving it, etc. ;) what drives people to do that, i don't know...

    as far as someone being unsure about buying the Accord because of problems on Edmunds TownHall, i will say the same thing too. they seem like the type that is extremely nervous, so buying an Accord won't be a good idea. because when you have that attitude, you WILL find something wrong with the car. and since that is the case, i would say just buy the cheapest car, since any car is going to have problems. might as well save money and be miserable, than spend more and still be miserable, right?
  • jasondd2jasondd2 Member Posts: 6
    My case is a absolutely true story. This is unfortunate for me and bring a lot of inconvenience to me. Maybe some electrical problem of my accord 2004 which may burn out the charging system(alternator) suddenly. I am still waiting for the dealer final check result. I will update the information about my accord 2004.
  • garywgaryw Member Posts: 116
    Are there other Accord forums such as the odyclub for the Odyssey. If so, please post them. Thanks in advance.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    To your point...I have no reason to doubt the poster with the bad alternator. An alternator is a piece of electrical equipment that can suddenly fail.

    Still, if a nervous would be buyer scours these boards for problems they will find them with ANY make or model. Pick the brand!

    Misery loves company and people like to complain more than praise. These boards reflect this.

    Hate to see someone ride the bus out of fear.
  • chucko3chucko3 Member Posts: 793
    The charging system light should intermittenly come on & off when something is wrong with the alternator.
    I ignored the warnings a couple times. And I ended up stranded on the high way just like you.
    The car (89 Accord) completely lost all power. I guess the battery drained out.
    In your case, I don't know if you noticed that light ever came on.
  • jasondd2jasondd2 Member Posts: 6
    The chargig system light was not on. The only abnormal thing was that the ABS yellow light turned on. Then after a few mins, all the meter indicators went to zero and then the head light went off. Thanks for sharing your guys' experience about the indicator. Maybe any components can go wrong suddenly but it is quite unusual for 2004 accord bought within a week.
    This is a rare event but hopefully it will happen to other people.
  • jasondd2jasondd2 Member Posts: 6
    correction for previous post
    ----but hopefully it will NOT happen to other people
  • akasrpakasrp Member Posts: 170
    FWIW, I had an ‘87 Accord - insanely reliable. 100% trouble free. Now have a 97 Camry - some problems - most under warranty - overall 95% good. CR rated both of those cars tops.
    Consumer Reports is just running stats supplied by readers - may or may not be a valid approach. Agree some of their ratings (jeans!) are dubious.
    With the 03 Accord getting the nod from both CR and Car and Driver it seems a safe bet.
    What is one going to find that will be any more reliable?
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    let me say, i am not saying that JASOND is making things up. i am saying, for the other person (Taurus vs. Accord), to take all postings with a grain of salt. sure, they are used to help car buyers makes purchases, but so many of the postings in the Jetta forum were from VW haters just trying to tarnish the reputation. i learned that pretty fast. caught people often - you would ask what kind of Jetta they had, and all of the sudden, never heard from them again, or they would have a Jetta that it isn't possible to buy because it isn't actually made, etc.

    not sure that happens in the Accord forum, but i would hate to see that person deciding between a Ford and a Honda to base his decisions on everything in here (Edmunds TH).....because in that case, all cars are crap :)
  • bburton3bburton3 Member Posts: 185
    When I bought my first accord-an 80, was driving it home from the dealer in SC, lived in Atlanta at the time the the Atlanta dealers loaded them up with over 2K of extra crap cause they could. Anyway on the way back to Atlanta, the fuel pump went out and had to pay a good old boy with a big old ford truck and a trailer to cart my broken honda back to atlanta-got in at 6AM-was the fuel pump. Honda paid for the towing charge-no receipt or anything-think it was $120-fixed under warranty and literally no problems for the next 180K-till the fuel pump went south again-replaced clutch at 200K and that was it-unreliable-well that puppy is still going with over 300K on it-rusted out like hell since it is now in MN but it keeps on truckin.
  • gwleonggwleong Member Posts: 36
    Sorry if this is the wrong place to be posting this and if it's a repeat post. Please refer me to the right place if so.

    As you probably know, the '98 EXV6 sedan comes with Michelin MXV4+SE P205/65/VR15 tires. I need replacements. (Can you believe I have 70K+ on these?)

    Been looking at Continental ContiExtremeContact (none available anywhere!!) Dunlop SP 5000 Sport (not sure of quality) and Bridgestone Turanza LS-H or LS-V.

    Anyone know of the pros/cons of going to H rated tires vs. V rated? I don't drive hard at all (definitely not 140mph!) so I'm thinking H rated tires will be sufficient.

    Let me know what you all think.
    Thanks in advance!!

    Gary
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    Personally, a good rule of thumb is to go with at LEAST the speed rating on your stock tires. Yes, you may not be driving the vehicle 149mph, but the car is supposedly "designed" to run with that rating, which will probably factor in many things.

    If that were the case, you "could" go with "S" rated since most people don't "plan" to go over 90mph or so. IMHO, you will get much better performance for a higher speed rated tire than one that isn't rated as high.

    I will usually go up one or two ratings when changing tires... On the new accords, it's pretty funny, they are "luxury touring" tires, so they have no warranty.. they are also "v" rated.

    It really is up to you, but I would stay with the stock ratings or better.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Is that it's unreliability is backed up in any reports publication. Not so the Accord.
  • gbriankgbriank Member Posts: 220
    Are you looking for more performance or more of a smooth touring ride?
  • clint98v6atclint98v6at Member Posts: 54
    I went with the Turanza LS-H on my 98 V6 sedan. Bought through Tire Rack and I am very pleased with them. Much better than the OE Michelins in terms of handling and wet weather performance. I've put about 8,000 miles on them so far with no complaints. Haven't had snow yet here in the midwest to comment on.

    The salesman at Tire Rack said the only difference in the LS-H and LS-V is that the LS-V has a slightly stiffer sidewall, which would deliver slightly better performance but also a little bit stiffer ride. I went with the LS-H which is $19/tire cheaper and still performs much better than the V-rated Michelin. Ride seems a little more stiff than with the Michelins but the trade-off is a better handling vehicle. I'm very happy with them so far.
  • slawendaslawenda Member Posts: 101
    Does anyone know of any major car rental agencies that rent Accords? I am interested in renting one for a day or two before I decide to buy. Thanks.
  • laconianlaconian Member Posts: 2
    I recently purchased a 2004 EX-V6 and noticed that the low-fuel warning light comes on rather early (I refueled and only needed to put 13.5-13.8 gallons to fill up). Supposedly the tank holds 17.1 gallons. What do people think is a "safe" additional distance to drive after the light goes off? (I did not see any guidance in the owner's manual). By the way, I am getting 22-23mpg in everyday suburban Washington traffic.
  • chillenhondachillenhonda Member Posts: 105
    Looking to trade my 1999 Accord EX-L for 2004 EX-L coupe 5-speed. Went to Cush Honda in San Diego. They offered me $13,000 for my trade is (Kelly blue book of 10,300), and 380 a month (nothing down) for the car. I thought that was pretty good deal, altho I might be able to get them down a little further. They were very pushy about buying TODAY and as usual, the sales people didnt know too much other than the hood was at the front and the trunk at the rear.

    The car drives noticeably better than mine. The engine was smoother and quieter, and had lots more power all over. The 5-speed was slicker. Overall it was quieter on the highway and more stable, with less lean on on-ramps and in turns. The steering is lighter but still very precise and smooth. You sit higher in this car, and the cowl is higher too (I owned a 91 Accord and 99 Prelude and I like the low seating).
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    laconian... the fuel light does go on pretty early... I have put an extra 50miles or so(sparingly) on the tank with the light on, but try not to do it often. Sometimes the fuel in the tank cools the fuel pump, which if you consistently run it low, could shorten the life... on the other hand, maybe Honda really doesn't want you to run dry...

    chillin...
    380/mo is a great deal(IMO) for 60 months. If it is for 72, well... that's another story. The trade offer sounds very good, and considering the 8% tax in washington, it doesn't sound like a horrific deal, IMO.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Not enough details about the trade in amount and financing to tell if it's a good deal. Almost sounds like they inflated both the purchase price of the 2004 AND trade-in amount to make it seem like you're getting a good deal.
  • jasondd2jasondd2 Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for your guys. The dealer said that the alternator is a one with defects. I guess I am just too lucky.
  • mikeysoftmikeysoft Member Posts: 63
    I always assume I have 3 gallons left so for you it would be 66 miles (really more) before you run out. However, I don’t like to let the tank get too low because you may get caught in traffic or a snowstorm.
  • gwleonggwleong Member Posts: 36
    Thanks for the responses to my tire replacement question.

    I'm leaning toward the Bridgestone Turanza LS-H. It has received great reviews (tirerack.com) and the price is reasonable. I drive pretty conservatively (70K miles on stock MXV4+SE) but want a tire that can handle well while having exceptional ride qualities (smooth, quiet).

    Stock tires were "V" rated but I feel comfortable with these "H" rated tires due to my 'conservative' driving habits. Anyone have any pro's / con's as to "H" rated tires on this car ('98 Accord EXV6 sedan) please jump in now!

    I need to make a purchase within the week.

    Thanks again, Gary
  • dan165dan165 Member Posts: 653
    After narrowing down my final choice to an 03 Accord and a 04 Grand Prix, I chose to lease the Grand Prix because I preferred the looks and sport ride. After several months, I have still had no issues with this car, in fact it's the best new car I have ever bought. I am surprised to see how many issues are popping up in the new Accord (we used to have an Accord and we loved it). I'm kind of wondering if Honda has lost it's quality edge?
  • billyperksbillyperks Member Posts: 449
    Does the MPG gets better on the EX 4cycl auto sedan after the break in period?

    My wife tells me that MPG is not so stellar right now with 600 miles on the odometer.

    It did get better for my TLS after I passed the 1000 mile mark.
  • chillenhondachillenhonda Member Posts: 105
    More details: The book value on my 99 Accord was 10,300 (on edmunds and in kelly, both approx the same) and i owe $12,400. They offered me $13,000 for the trade-in (after I bitched about not even wanting to do any business with them if they thought they were gonna give me 10,300) and 380 a month for the EX-L 5-speed coupe, which I'm pretty sure is $23,600 MSRP plus 490 dest. I will go back and see if they will throw in the spoiler and tax and titles and stuff for under 400 and i think that is a good deal.
  • chillenhondachillenhonda Member Posts: 105
    Also, for those lookin for tires, my Accord has 195/65R15 Bridgestone Potenza RE950 and they are top rated, both on Tirerack and in personal use. I have never hydroplaned, wet traction is a huge improvment over stock, dry grip is better, they squeal less in tight turns, wear has been minimal, and noise is similar or slightly less than before. They cost significantly less than the stock replacements as well.
  • vunyvuny Member Posts: 1
    Transmission fluid leaked empty from valve, less then 50 miles. At 12k miles, Steerting gearbox replaced, CV boot inboard & outboard replaced. Noticed problem sometimes with starting the car, the engine won't start. Noticed shifting from D,N,R (in reverse hear a hard click sound in the transmission) Dealer manager said, "That's normal". Changing lanes on the freeway, dashboard makes noise going over bump. Automatic transmission not shifting smoothly driving @ 70mph, accelerate is a lag @ 3-4k rpm range.
      Basicly HONDA is unreliable for 2003 model should have bought a TL. Never had problems with my previous Integra GSR '96, and TL '00.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    Just an FYI... my first Accord (a 2000 EX V6) was one of the first to exhibit the transmission issues with that generation. And it did so right after I got it. I was pretty disappointed... I too was expecting an Accord to be bulletproof.

    However, after they replaced the transmission, that Accord was a paragon of reliability. Hopefully, that will be your experience as well.

    As for my 2003 Accord EX V6, it has been completely trouble-free (knock on wood)... again, hopefully you've gotten the problems behind you.
  • laconianlaconian Member Posts: 2
    tblazer503 and mikeysoft, thanks for your responses. I am pretty conservative so I do not expect to be stretching things too far- - just wanted to get some additional perspectives. On my previous car (Audi A4), after the gauge hit the quarter mark I had about 30 miles before the light went off (and then probably about 1.5 gals left). Regarding billyperks' question, my Audi got about 19mpg (city) when brand new, then it went up to 21mpg (city) as the engine got broken in. I kind of expect similar improvement in the Accord (??)
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    The reason that the "offered" you the 13k for you car is because you owe 12k on it. So this is the way it works...

    Dealer gives you 10 and some change for your car, and sells you the accord for say a couple hundred over invoice. I'm guessing that you are getting the EX-L Manual Transmission. Then they roll 2k of your old debt into the loan, and you basically finance the 22k plus the 2k which is MSRP.

    Scenario you are in... dealer gives you 13k for your car, sells you new one for 25k, minus the 700 extra on your trade allowance, and you finance MSRP.

    Either way, it's a wash. Head over to the smart shopper "real world trade in value" and run it by terry. gve him all the necessities(location, color, options, condition(perfect doesn't count)) he should be able to give you a good feel for what it is worth. I'm guessing if it's a stick it will be worth 10, maybe 11 on a trade if it "glows" and you can get someone to give it to you.

    Just as an example... that $380/mo I have calculated out at 24,3 4% 72months. You seem to be a payment shopper. Personally, I go with bottom line(usually have my own financing lined up as a back up) and tell em' best OTD price. Me thinks you will end up putting money down on this bad boy, depending on the bank, they may not finance more than MSRP.
  • w5kapw5kap Member Posts: 32
    I have the 2003 V6/Nav so I guess my mileage is going top be different buit I can tell you I noticed a considerable jump around 5k. Normal mixed driving yields me 25/26 MPG. All highway driving at 70 or better ( ;)) has yielded 34 MPG. Bottom line though is I did see thatr noticable jump once the engine got broken in. Good luck!

    Kenn
  • aggie1995aggie1995 Member Posts: 318
    The fact that you don't know what the purchase price of your new Accord is, worries me.

    That is a gold mine for the dealer who is trying to sell you on a payment.

    The only thing that matters in a trade-in situation is the difference between the purchase price and the trade-in price of your new car.

    By my best guess the difference should be about

    Purchase Price $21,938 ($300 over Invoice)
    -
    Trade-In $10,300 (Kelly Blue Book, which is always too high)
    + Negative Equity $2,100
    =
    $13, 738 (Need to add TT&L)

    Financed for 48 months at 4.95% = $316 / Month

    ----------------------------------------

    So Bottom line it does not sound like a good deal.
  • larpuplarpup Member Posts: 1
    I've brought my Accord in to my dealer 3 times to fix the rattle in the passenger's side door. They can't fix it. Said to call corporate so I've opened a case.

    Only happens when I cross lanes (with reflectors, live in LA) or on bumpy roads. Also, at low speeds on bumby roads get vibration noise in dash near vents. Very irritating. Unlike any Honda I've owned for the past twenty years. Quite dissapointed.

    Anyone experience same?
  • gibbergibber Member Posts: 41
    I've been looking into a mid size car and liked the Accord and the Mazda 6. The 6 seems a little too small and thirsty(especially with the 6), although it handles great, much fun. I really prefer a manual transmission over an auto any day(why pay more for less power, less mileage, less reliability, less fun?), which the 6 cyl Mazda comes with. How is the performance out of the 5 speed version of the Accord(4 cyl)? I've never seen one tested, only automatics. Has anyone ever actually timed it? I know CR got about 9 secs out of the automatic, so I'm estimating low 8's.
  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    I test drove one and it was fantastic.

    I feel compelled to say this, but first NOBODY BLAST ME FOR SAYING THIS: The 4cyl Accord, IMO, is a smidge faster and more fun to drive than the 6i.

    On the handling side, many prefer the 6 but I find the accord to be VERY tactile and steering is precise with a lot of feedback. The Accord 4cyl is reportedly more fun to toss around than the V6 b/c of less weight over the front wheels.
  • ian2ian2 Member Posts: 168
    I'm going to blast you for saying the 4cyl is more fun to drive than the 6i :P

    The 2.4 is very refined and powerful, more powerful than Mazda's 2.3. I accidently hit the rev limiter when I test drove the car because the engine was that smooth! The 6i gives off better exhaust notes but the engine is still very smooth. On the handling front, the 6 wins hands down, even more so with the 17" wheels. After driving the Accord for many months, it took me a while to finally get my 6i to understeer. Yes, the 6i has way more grip, but if you swap in 17" wheels on the Accord, I bet it can come pretty close. Overall, the 6 is a more sporty car than the Accord. The engines are not as sophisticated, but the handling makes up for it.
  • dust90dust90 Member Posts: 169
    Car & Driver did a camparison of $20K cars, I believe in Feb 03. It included the Mazda 6i, the Accord, and several other cars. The Accord finished top overall and had a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds, while not the fastest(one of the test cars, Nissan Altima, had a V6), they did say that the 4 cyl in the Accord was much more responsive than the 6i. I test drove one & loved it - very torquey at the lower revs.
  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    ian--I upgraded to 17's and MUCH better tires on my LX and the increase in cornering ability and stopping distance is REMARKABLE. The best thing anyone could to for their Accord.

    I guess I just liked the Accord better, and one of my good friends from work got a Mazda6 about the same time I got my car, and IMO after the wheel/tire upgrade the car is just as much fun to drive. --my .02
  • tblazer503tblazer503 Member Posts: 620
    something is wrong with your calculations....

    Poster said he owed about 12,4 or so on the car.

    KBB says it's worth 10k. so the poster has ~2,400 in negative equity in car

    So the real equation is New car value - Used car value + Used car payoff =

    I think you forgot to add in the payoff, and just added in the negative equity.

    using the formula as stated, 21,938(300 over invoice) - 10,300(KBB) + 12,400(loan payoff) = 24,038.

    Financed 48mo @ even 0% is over $500/month.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.