Older Honda Accords

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Comments

  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    This is indeed a motor mount problem, and well known to any Honda dealership. Tell them to pull the TSB for the motor mount "thumping" noise, and fix it under your certified warranty. Should be a no-hassle deal - this is a common problem with the electro-hyd mount that is used on this engine.

    The relevant Tech Service Bulletin is number 00059.
  • gliddellgliddell Member Posts: 5
    Planning to purchase a 1994, 4 dr,5 spd LE with 130,000 miles. Asking = $4900. Is this reasonable? Too high mileage for 94? Anything special to look for when I inspect with my MSN checklist? Anything special to tell my mechanic to look for? I know I will have to replace the timing belt since never done. He says tires, CV axles, front brake rotors and slave cylinder on clutch have 1000 miles. He says gas guage malfunctions - what could that be? - how much to repair? Please help.
  • sam_beaversam_beaver Member Posts: 61
    The secret '03 Honda picture on the Edmunds "Future Vehicles" page has a caption that calls it a "4dr Sedan". I must say two of those doors are very well hidden. I sure couldn't find them.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    Well, Honda did say the '03 Accord will be the most radical Accord ever!
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    I hope they're not trying to do that trick 3rd door like that on the Saturn coupe!
  • subzero206subzero206 Member Posts: 111
    just about any cd player will fit.
  • dardson1dardson1 Member Posts: 696
    She has plenty of money and plans to keep as much as possible. She's driven a Mazda 626 (V6) for 10 years (very fine car and never a problem). Her sixth sense tells she's gotten her use out of it and it's time for a new one. She's got me on a search for the best, least expensive car on the planet.
    I landed on a Civic, a fine car, well appointed, and perfectly adequate power with the 115hp engine. I live in a small city with one dealer and the closest 120 miles away. They have nothing but EX's and LX's in an Accord so I have not driven one.
    I talked to a salesman in Dallas today (300 miles away). In the course of the conversation he suggested I consider an Accord with the Value Package available at his dealership for $15,300. He said they had $1000 in dealer incentives that made this price possible. Now I'm thinking I ought to bump her up to the Accord VP which is very little more than a Civic LX. All she loses is power windows (no big deal to her)as far as I can tell.
    Anyone have experience with the 135hp engine with an automatic or the Value Package? Doing this long distance I can't drive the car without a 5 hour trip. If the 115hp Civic feels good enough to me, you think an Accord with the 135hp engine is as good or better? I tend to think you get more value buying the cheapest version of a higher dollar car than a loaded version of a cheaper car. Would you rather have an Accord with less options for $500 more?
    Thanks.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    Does the next Accord coupe have a 3rd door? Just Wondering.
    Also, its worth it to get a basic version of a high dollar car than a loaded version of a lower priced car because the diffrence between the 2 is feel. My mom says that her 97' Accord feels better and more secure than her 99' Civic.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    I would get her at least into an Accord LX. And maybe add keyless entry/security system as an option. Should make life as simple and foolproof as possible for older folks. At her age, she wouldn't want to start cranking windows by hand, or to have to use a key to lock and unlock the car. An EX is probably better value, but she probably wouldn't want things like the moonroof.
  • bodydoublebodydouble Member Posts: 801
    RE: 3rd door - diploid was just trying to be facetious. I doubt Honda would do something wacky like that on the Accord.

    Normally I wouldn't want to get the cheapest version of a more expensive brand (eg. buy a Mercedes C240 just to be able to say I own a Mercedes), but if you are comparing the Civic to the Accord, then I would definitely prefer a more basic Accord than a loaded Civic. The Accord will be a more satisfying vehicle in the long run. It just feels more substantial. It's quieter, quicker, more comfortable. The air conditioning and heater is more powerful, the interior has better quality materials, etc, etc.
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    Actually, a trick door on the Accord coupe might not be such a bad idea...
  • dardson1dardson1 Member Posts: 696
    you are likely right! These days whats a 1000 bucks to get what you really want. Thanks, I need that.....lol
  • ricschricsch Member Posts: 540
    Wouldn't it be nice to see Honda match Toyota's factory powertrain warranty-5 yr/60k miles? Would be a good sales incentive to bring over some new customers!
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    I would not recommend buying an Accord with that many miles over the recommended mileage to change the timing belt. I believe the recommendation from Honda is at 105K miles. It makes me wonder what else hasn't been maintained.
  • crv16crv16 Member Posts: 205
    I traded in my 95 accord lx with 136k last year, got $4,750 at the honda dealer. My gas gauge had intermittent problems. It's likely the sending unit. I just reset the trip meter each time I filled up, and made sure not to exceed 450 miles without filling up.

    I agree with above post, if timing belt has not been changed, I'd be leary. The previous owner probally could not afford to have it changed, so you wonder about other maintenance that wasn't done.
  • gliddellgliddell Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for the sage advice. I went to see it today and it drives and sounds great. Muffler is rusted though. I had already figured it would have to be replaced. The people have a really nice home, well maintained, a new suburban, etc. so I wonder why they did not change timing belt. I believe the oil was changed ev 4000. But, maybe I'll wait for a better car. Thanks again.
  • beachnutbeachnut Member Posts: 291
    I had this same problem with my '00 SE, until I came here and, I believe it was jcrt9454, got help. Honda took care of the issue readily as long as I provided them with the TSB. Here's a link to the Thud TSB
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    or better yet, get the SE model! The Accord is a great car, but if I were getting a car for my mother, she'd at least get the LX model. The Value package is nice, but a car this size without power windows is kind of wierd don't you think?

    Also, not only does your mom lose out on power windows, she loses the power door locks and mirrors(important) 15 extra horsepower, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, map lights, driver's manual height adjustment, and cruise control. Not having Cruise control would be enough for me to get the LX over the VP, plus VPs are very rare (at least in my area.)

    The SE is one of the better values IMO, but it probably wouldn't work well for your mom.

    It adds the sunroof, keyless entry, height adjustment(powered), and alloy wheels.

    The EX isn't a bad value either.

    From my own experiences with my grandmother. She would prefer at least the Accord LX, but would probably end up with the EX. She would have brought a 2002 Accord EX by now if she hadn't die earlier this year of breast cancer. Bottom line man, get your mom the car she wants, and if she wants you to decide, I'd say go with the Accord LX
  • sarkeysarkey Member Posts: 1
    It's been mentioned but I'll stress it. IF your Mom already has manual windows nevermind. However, if she has power windows in her Mazda DON'T get her a new car without power windows!! It doesn't seem like much but once you're use to it, it's very tough to go back.
  • vmcentvmcent Member Posts: 1
    Just some friendly advice. 1. Do you do your own work on cars. 2. Are you fairly experienced in auto work/repair. 3. Don't believe everything you read/hear.
    I have a 94 Honda Civic 150K miles. I have not changed the timing belt. Recommended change is 90K miles. This is a non-interference engine. Means if the belt breaks, engine stops, no damage to pistons, valves, etc. Replace belt you are OK. I obviously do not know what the general condition of the Accord you are thinking about is. However, if you adjust the price wanted by seller by a) belt replacement and any other major repair/maintenance, I would think is not a bad deal if the price is at least 10% under wholesale and otherwise is fine and you can look at maintenance records or receipts. I would be a whole lot more concerned about oil changes and type of oil used as well as valve adjustments if required on that engine and brake fluid changes. Used cars do have some risk, you really need to evaluate how much risk you are willing to take. If this is real low, then maybe a certified used car from Honda is your answer.
    P.S. I am not a dealer, just a private owner who has no agenda and does his own maintenance on Hondas, my experience, much better than average overall.
    V
  • ricschricsch Member Posts: 540
    A few weeks ago I passed up a '99 Accord 4dr LX for $6k with 140k miles. Car drove like it only had 40K, but the owner hadn't done the timing belt, and from what a dealer mentioned, they also have a belt driven balancer that should be changed at that time, as well as changing out the water pump since it's easy to access while doing the belt change. To have the dealer do all of this would have been $600, and as mentioned above, what other maintenance wasn't done even though it was a '99.
  • jake80jake80 Member Posts: 3
    How much of a difference is there in the LX/SE 2 disc/2 drum vs the EX 4 disc w/ABS. Is the $1300 difference in SE vs EX worth it? Want to do something in the next few days. Your comments always helpful.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Great info.....My biggest concern with not changing the timing belt as recommended is, if it does break, how much internal engine damage is done. But if Accords are like you say, then there's no worry. I must admit though I am skeptical since this is the first I've heard of that. Do you know if a 99 CRV is like that too? Hmmmm, I may rethink about changing my timing belt (along with the water pump and other belts) as Honda recommends. The timing belt service is about the only maint. item I can't do on my CRV.
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    on a Honda, my understanding is that significant damage can occur. I'd change the timing belt to be safe...
  • msealsmseals Member Posts: 257
    To all, first of all, I am not certain that you can always trust your dealer when asking about timing belts and what happens if they break. Who you should ask is a mechanic you can trust. If they work at your Honda dealership then so be it. I have a mechanic friend who is certified and use to work for Sears now he works at a Chevrolet Dealership. He has told me that I recommends changing the timing belt/chain at 80,000 on any car. Why you might ask? His answer was simple, chains stretch, as well as belts, which probably stretch more. Over time you engines ECU will compensate for the time of the engine, but you engine will develop slop. It becomes less efficient than initially. He said sometimes you could have damage to the engine some times there is nothing and it just stops running. He said that it seems like most timing belts he has seen that have broke are when the car is at idle or cruising, that is the best time apparently. During hard acceleration is when you see a lot of damage, at least that is what he thinks based on his experience. So I ask you, if there are any mechanics out there who can shed some light on the situation please do.
  • splitoesplitoe Member Posts: 19
    jake80:
    EX and SE difference is about $520 with online purchase. $1300 for disn brake/ABS is way high, not worth it. Last week I purchased a SE from Riverside Honda (Sothern California) with the promotional price (4 miles on the odometer):
    $15988 + $440(desination charge) + $590(dealer installed option) = $17018
    One catch though, I had to go with their auto loan program of 7.9% for 60 months, which I intend to pay it off in the first month after I receive the payment coupon.
    My friend purchased another identical SE the same day with same price and conditions. Yesterday one of my coworker purchased a EX V6 leather(top of the line) with $20650 from differnt dealership. ANyway, Honda dealers here are eager to deal their 2002 Accord now.
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    The potential damage to the engine if the timing belt breaks depends on the manufacturer. My understanding is that there is no mechanism (something like a shear pin) to disegage the belt if it breaks on a Honda versus Mazda's 1.8l engine which for some reason wouldn't be damaged.

    I'm not a mechanic (or mechanically inclined for that matter), but this is what I have been told.
  • tclemonstclemons Member Posts: 31
    I know this is a Honda topic but I was catching up on some back topics and noticed the belt discussion. About 4 months ago, I had a timing belt go out on a 91 Geo Prizm (basically a Corolla) at 191K -- it had been changed by the previous owner at 95K. When the belt went, I was running about 60 mph and it started to slow down. The more gas I gave it, the slower it would go. It finally dawned on me that the timing belt had gone. It is a non-interference engine and no damage was done, I just coasted to the side of the road and called AAA. Total repair cost was about $350 and the belt actually lost several of the "ridges" in a row and this caused it to slip. The "ridges" ride in the teeth of the timing sprocket, if this makes sense. Just a weird feeling when it goes.
  • prophet2prophet2 Member Posts: 372
    The articles I've read say that Hondas, as well as most other makes, have "interference" engines which will sustain major internal damage should the timing belt snap while running. It's Toyota that has the "non-interference" type.

    Can anyone else clarify this?
  • jake80jake80 Member Posts: 3
    In NY/NJ metro area best I can get on SE is 17,976 and EX/auto is 19,279 (1303 diff).

    Any better prices? Where?

    Is $1303 worth 4 disc/ABS, side airbags, CD changer?

    Thanks
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Pick up the brochure. Or look here on Edmunds at the standard features. There are more differences than the ABS and rear disks.

    Some that I remember - sunroof, 6 disk CD, leather, alloy wheels, TCS (traction control), automatic climate control.

    I may be wrong about some of these. Look them up.....
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    The following EX equipment is not on the SE:

    *Driver lumbar adjustment
    *4 wheel disc brakes w/ABS
    *Side airbags (optional on SE)
    *6 disc CD changer
    *steering wheel audio controls
    *Auto-off headlights

    The SE includes simulated wood dash trim.

    Both models have 15" alloy wheels and a power moonroof.

    Neither model has traction control.

    The ABS alone should be incentive enough to go with the EX...every car should have it. Figure about $700 for the ABS and $600 for the rest.

    Good luck
  • jmurman42jmurman42 Member Posts: 675
    The Coupe V6 240hp will be available in auto only til spring 03...then the 6 spd will be available. The Sedan V6 will be auto only for a while. Couple of new colors...and a couiple of deletions. The Firepepper red is gone as is the Gold. I don't remembver the names of the other colrs right off the top of my head. One thing I did like was the new Gray...like a graphite metal flake. The Eternal Blue will be available in the EX V6 also.

    Jerry
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    You are wrong! Those accords HAVE an interference engine and serious damage CAN occur if the belt snaps!

    You are taking a serious chance and you really shouldn't suggest that others do the same.

    Now...having said that...I understand that quite often a person will get lucky and no damage will occur. Guess this depends on the speed, etc when the belt breaks. Still, the pistons can collide with the valves and this can get expensive.

    Still...even if it were a non interference engine. I don't understand why a person would want to tempt fate. If the belt breaks, it will be a very troublesome thing!

    Could be a dark rainy night in the fast lane of the freeway with your wife and kids in the car.

    But, people drive on bald tires all of the time too, I suppose.
  • wgrwgr Member Posts: 127
    Are you saying the V6 sedan will be available with an automatic for only a short time and then will come only with a manual ?? I don't believe it !!!!
  • joeandcarol2joeandcarol2 Member Posts: 152
    What is the source of your information about the availability of the manual (spring 03)on the V6 coupe? If its just what the salesperson says, those guys are always the last to know.
  • kthenkekthenke Member Posts: 12
    College Hills Honda's website also stated that the 6 speed on the coupe will not be available until Spring 03. I also don't understand jmurman42 statement re: the Sedan. He is implying that there will be a manual available in the sedan, which I have not heard anywhere before.

    Does anyone know if the Sequential Sport Shift will be available on the V-6 Sedan? College Hills also indicates that a 5speed auto will be available but they don't know for sure if it will sequential sport or plain vanilla auto (hope not!)
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    I read jmurman42's message as indicating that the manual for the V6 won't be available when the 2003 Accord is first introduced. In spring 03, the manual will be made available in addition to the automatic, not in place of. Even though the V6 manual is eagerly anticipated by many people, it's definitely a niche product in the midsize family sedan category in which the Accord is a major competitor. It's a VERY safe bet that the V6 automatic will outsell it, probably by a significant margin.

    This is just my interpretation of his message... I have no information that confirms his statements regarding availability of this engine/transmission setup.
  • jmurman42jmurman42 Member Posts: 675
    When we placed our order last week we were not able to order the manual either in the 2003 Sedan EX V6 or the Coupe. We are told that Honda will have the Coupe available in the Spring with the 6 speed trans.

    As to my "source" it's Honda, ok?

    Jerry
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    For reasons only known to the people involved, it is clear that some readers here don't realize you work for an authorized dealer.

    How much more "inside" does the information have to be?
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    An EX-4cyl. does not have steering wheel radio controls or auto climate control, but the EX-V6 does. Leather is also optional on the EX-4cyl.
  • inemerinemer Member Posts: 44
    Test drive Pilot yesterday. Sticker price for EX with DVD NAV $32,000. MARKET VALUE: $10,000. Total Price: $42,000. FYI, Acura MDX $36,800.
    I know that this is Accord forum, just really would like to share with all of you this information.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...no one in their right mind is going to pay dealer markup for this or any other Honda, but it is no surprise to see the dealers out there looking for the next "live one". I guess if you absolutely have to be the first one on your block....
  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    $36,800 is probably the sticker price for the MDX as well. Everyone is either paying at MSRP or much more for either of these two vehicles.
  • beachnutbeachnut Member Posts: 291
    Ok, I'm trying to convince a co-worker of mine to look for a nice, used Accord, 1998+ model. My question is this: are the leather seats more comfy than cloth? I find the seats in my SE to be quite uncomfortable over a long haul. Do the leather ones have extra bolstering, or are they made any differently?
  • cds12cds12 Member Posts: 139
    I want to upgrade my 1992 Accord LX with 93,000 miles to a new or newer EX 5spd. I started looking at certified 1999 and 2000 accord ex's with 25,000 to 35,000 miles. Prices have been around $15,500 to $17,000. There doesnt seem to alot of depreciation. So I checked out new 2002 accords ex 5spd - carsdirect has a price of $19,300. What do you think would be a better deal - the new or used accord? How low do you think Accord EX 5 spd prices will go considering a redesigned 2003 will be here soon? Do you think I could get a 2002 EX 5spd for $18,500? I think at this price the 2002 would be better than a used accord. When would be the best time to purchase a "leftover 2002"? My 92 is in decent shape so I have time.
  • crv16crv16 Member Posts: 205
    I've got a '01 Accord EX 5 spd - it's great, but it was hard to find. Not many dealers stock 5 spd Accords. Considering that Carsdirect.com is offering it for $18,660 in my area (1,150 UNDER invoice), you should be able to do it for at least that at a dealer. I wouldn't consider a 99 or 00 for only a few grand less. The 01 and up Accord EX's have side air bags, and the 6 disc CD changer standard.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    Sorry, the post that I referenced was the first I had seen from jmurman42... I didn't realize that he was so connected.

    So, since we now have an unimpeachable source, did Honda retain the double wishbone suspension on the 2003's?
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    In my experience [98 4 cyl with cloth, 01 6 cyl with leather], there is no comfort difference between the two. However, the difference between power seats and manual ones can be important to some people, in terms of the range adjustment available.
  • jmurman42jmurman42 Member Posts: 675
    don't know. I'll find out as we get closer to the intro date.

    Jerry
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