I'm looking for a reliable daily driver that gets good gas mileage and has more interior room for the family. I currently drive about 300 miles a week in stop and go Atlanta traffic. I have always liked the look of the 98-02 Accord coupe. I want to get a v-6 automatic, leather, power everything, sunroof and spoiler.

Is there anything that I should look out for while I am shopping around? I am seeing that most of the ones for sale have between 120k-170k miles on them. Does a car with this kind of mileage on it normally have alot of life left in it? I have seen posts where the older Accords get between 200-400k miles on them - but what about the 98-02's? I am seeing prices between $4,500 and $7,000 from private sellers. Does that seem reasonable?

I would appreciate any feedback that you guys can give me....

 

Tinkerbell,

I just bought a 99 coupe about 2 weeks ago. I did a lot of research on the car but I got mine because the price was right. I just finished fixing all the problem it had. First, check to make sure the auto trans isn't slipping. They are notorious for that. 2nd, make sure the EGR has been drilled. It was recalled (warranty extended) for check engine light because of faulty EGR design (clogs easily). Finally, check the ignition switch. If it wasn't replaced during the recall it will die while driving at any time. Other than that, the rest is just common sense and personal preference. Good luck.

 

Thanks. Were these problems throughout that entire year span (98-02)? Do you know if it was limited to the V-6...maybe I should look at a 4 cylinder instead? Or would I just be better off with a v-6 manual? Again, going for best gas mileage and reliability.

If the recalls were not performed (EGR and ignition switch), what are the chances that Honda will still make good on completing the recalls at no charge? Does the auto trans need to be replaced if it is slipping? Sorry for the questions, just want to be sure I know what I'm getting in to. Thanks again.

 

If the recalls weren't done you can go to the dealer and have them done as long as the VIN number of your potential purchase hasn't been in there before for the same service. Its always best to walk in there armed with knowledge of the tsb's and recalls on the vehicle that way they cannot give you the run-around on performing the work.

 

Hondas are typically strong, long lasting mounts that have few consistant issues and less yearly recalls than their domestic cousins. My '97 is pushing 240k at this moment and rides like the day it rolled out the showroom.
The only issue which might raise a red flag is the issue of transmissions for those year Accords. They had a higher rate of failures (which Honda extended the warranty for).
As always, I would suggest having the car professionally evaluated by a technician you can trust; especially the tranny. An honest seller will have no qualms about allowing you to do this.

P

 

I don't think they made the 98-02 v-6 with a manual transmission

 

True , the V6 manual did not show up in Honda livery from the factory. This was due to a congressional mandate (CAFE standards) involving Fleet Milage Averages and the Federal fines levyed if they (it) got too high.

P

 

Thanks for all of the information. I think i have pretty much decided against getting an automatic, given all of the potential problems. I have found a few 99 V-6 manuals on craigslist, but now my question is - which would get better gas mileage, a 4 cylinder automatic, manual, or a v-6 manual? I want to stick with a 98-02 coupe, but want to get the best gas mileage possible...thanks again for the feedback.

 

4 cylinder manual will give you the best gas mileage.

 

as the no so proud ex owner of a 98 LX-V6 I can tell you that the car was problematic at best

lets see what I replaced in 11K miles I got the car with 88K got rid of it at 100K

1. Transmission rebuilt FOUR TIMES
2. Alternator
3. Battery Cable
4. EGR valve
5. Rear brakes at 95K

replaced it with a CLS that I love to drive but again not epic honda reliability

Got the Car at 40K now has 78K

1. Lower ball joints (left side replaced 2x) at 45K and 60K
2. Cross over coolant pipe caskets at 55K
3. Rear brakes at 55k (wtf?)
4. Transmission at 71K with new mounts as part of the kit (i did not pay for this one)

my 94 honda lx for comparison (salvage titled car)

1. Front and rear brakes at 138K
2. Lower driver side ball joint at 90K
3. rad cap at 130K
4. exhaust at 120K
5. recharge ac at 100K

car now as almost 200K on it.no further repairs made to car (my friend has it)

 

can you post a link to one of these v6 manuals? I've never seen one. Someone told me they are out there but I looked for months and never saw a single one. The only v6 manuals I've seen are '03+

 

same here, i've never seen a 6th gen. v6 manual accord ... that would be awesome

 

I want to see one too.
According to the Honda Parts Manual, The 6th Gen V6 was available (USDM) as either a Federal Emmisions Automatic or a California Emissions Automatic only.
Canadian or EDM (European Domestic Market) may be different but.... ?

P

 

only way an accord V6 would have a manual is if someone swapped it in prior to 2003

 

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/960698852.html

 

Uhm, that's neither a V6 nor a manual, they didn't make one for the 6th generation Accord. The car shown if it is riding on original equipment is a 4cyl.

 

the exhaust and lug pattern indicate V6 he could have swapped in a manual from a CLS or TLS as it bolts right up.....

 

Indeed, if its a manual and a V6, it would have to have been swapped. No manual was offered on the V6 6th gen, which is quite sad...

 

im sure people have mentioned that the 6th gen autos have tranny problems

 

I have a 1999 Honda Accord EX 4 speed automatic.. It currently have 84k Miles.
Its just slightly modified.. Cold air intake, test pipe, aftermarket exhaust.

Well i don't have much problem with the car.. until recently. I believe i messed up my transmission somehow.

I was going 100-120+ on the freeway for about 10 minutes..
Until i got to local streets, i was driving at normal speed, until i realize the transmission was slipping bad..so i pulled up to the gas station and let the car cool down.

10 Minutes later, i drove down the street again, this time the car goes to Neutral randomly, basically slipping bad. i was pretty close to home by then, i left the car in the garage for 6 days... didn't drive it for 6 days.. because i thought the transmission is broken.. But since school was starting.. i tried the car again..
Somehow.. the car was working fine.. except it slips every so often from Gear 1 to 2. (its an automatic.. remember)..

Now I'm going to bring it to my local shop and change the timing belt and transmission oil. Anyway. the car seems reliable.. as long u dont floor it for too long..

 

Just out of curiosity, is this the first time you are changing the transmission fluid?

 

Nope, i changed it @ around 70,000 miles, I'm going to change it again. I'm planning to do all my tune-ups at once, and sell the Honda Accord.

I'm planning to sell the accord, but i doubt anyone will buy it. Since the front bumper is pretty much done.. (people @ chinatown can't park.. i parked the car outside for 20 minutes.. next thing i know is.. there is a huge hole in my front bumper)
And my stupid brother parked the car outside.. next morning.. there was 2 dents on the front and back driver side's door.

Anyhow, why'd you ask?