Honda-Tech Balla

I was considering buying an 08-09 Accord LX-S coupe or LX sedan but I keep reading about Accords burning through break pads within 20-30k miles, gas pedals vibrating and shaking, etc. and other things among the new gen Accords. Is this something to be concerned about or is it something only a small sample amount are being affected by?

MSN auto rates the 08' Accords reliability on a 3 grade scale (1-3, 3 being good to go) as all 3's.

Can any owners or more knowledgeable people chime in? Thanks in advance

tradosaurus

I bought a used 2008 Honda Accord with 40,000 on it. I checked the brake pads and it appears to be good but time will tell. I also replaced the motorcycle sized battery with a marine size battery.

Other than the dimming headlights it seems to drive fine.

MSchu

the brake issue is more than likely related to the vehicle stabilization system... they do burn out faster than what many consider normal... 20-25k is about right, sometimes faster if you drive like a nut. so budget for this, there is nothing WRONG with the brake system.

the light flutter on the i4's is related to a smaller than normal battery installed OEM by honda, replace with a full size battery(or get the seller to do it) and you're good to go.
some paint issues, probably related to the fact that Honda uses water based paint, but this doesn't effect the car mechanically.

there is not much to complain about really. all the negative comments are either delusional owners or a well orchestrated Cabal by other manufactures to discredit a great motor company by instituting a grass roots smear campaign. m y accord has been everything I thought it would be.

Honda-Tech Balla

So as far as replacing the battery you are just saying to buy a bigger, more efficient battery at your local auto zone/O' Reily then?

And what is this about the dimming headlights?

MSchu

just buy a full sized battery, the OEM/shipping battery is a bit undersized. it's not like it does not work, it works fine, the light just dim ever so slightly as the car switches outputs.

tradosaurus

A full size battery (800 CCA or better) will not solve the dimming headlights. I bought it for peace of mind.

Honda-Tech Balla

What is this headlight dimming problem you speak of then? And was it related to all or a majority of 08 Accords or only a select few?

tradosaurus

It is related to all 2008 Accords and according to Honda is a design of all Honda's since 2000 to save fuel (if you can believe it).

It can be construed at night to be flashing other drivers depending upon how severe it is.

Three people from Georgia made Honda (through their states Lemon Law) buy back their vehicles because of this design flaw.

Bigger alternator, bigger battery will not obscure the design flaw.

Honda-Tech Balla

I see I see, is this dimming a big issue or is it not hugely noticeable then? Thanks again!