Gds80

Hello,
I had the great idea of buying an old Honda Accord 1990. Unfortunately it never ran properly. I bought it for 400€ and already spend 905 to change the water pump and the fuel pump.

The mechanic said he noticed that the car is starting already to have problems starting (again) and that the compression test showed some compression missing from the cylinders.
He is preparing a quote for me to replace the head gasket.
What should I expect and do?
I know you usually suggest to import a japanese car, but I see now they cost a lot, from 5k onwards at the very least. Do you agree?

I am based in Malta and the honda accord has the advantage that is vintage and does not pay any tax apart from the insurance.

Any suggestion is welcome. I will post the quote from the mechanic when he gives it to me.

Another problem of the car is that the AC is not strong enough... is that fixable?

Thanks.

nicolaselias

Do you have any mechanical experience and are you willing to try the head gasket change yourself? It isn't too hard to do on these cars once you have all the basic tools

Head gaskets themselves are not very expensive either

Did the mechanic give you pressure readings for each cylinder?

Gds80

The fact is that I have exactly zero mechanic experience. I would not even know where to do this... on the public road?

I could ask for the readings. Could that be useful?
The mechanic also said the radiator may need repair later on, but that it's not too expensive... I am not sure if this last part.

nicolaselias

It can indeed be repaired on the public road if you are allowed to do that where you live. May need to split up the work over 2 days or something

Maybe you can find some videos that can guide you and you can decide if you can do it yourself

Gds80

The mechanic asked for 760€, after I asked for a little discount... what do you think?
I am still afraid the car is not going to work even after this.
THoughts?
Then there is the radiator, which could not work... another 140+ 90 of labour.

nicolaselias

Are there import duties for parts in Malta? Can you ship things in to you cheaply?

LukeM

I don't know what your local laws are, these old cars use R12 refrigerant for the A/C. A bunch of countries have banned the new manufacture of it in favor of R134 because of the ozone layer or something so getting you hands on some may be difficult. Also, the A/C system is so old that the seals may be dried up and leaking so if you recharged the system it may all leak out anyway. Either way getting working A/C may be quite an investment.
I would ask for more details on the radiator. A good radiator doesn't just wear out.

Gds80

I am not sure, but usually they are not too high. Malta is quite benevolent with imports.

Gds80

The car has been stopped for a while and the AC still kinda work; kind in the sense that it's not very cold, even though it is cold. So maybe it is leaking but very slowly?
I don't really remember how it was when the guy who sold the car last recharged it.
As far as the radiator goes, I don't know if I got what you mean, but the radiator is the original one of the car (so 1990), that doesn't work. According to them. I am not even that sure anymore. Should I ask for a second opinion?