Hey Guys

I'm looking at buying my first honda, and it happens to be an accord. I don't have much funds, and i'm looking for a good commute car

I found an 01 Accord with 195k miles. I emailed for service records, and he says it's a clean california title. I also asked for the vin, so i can do a check. Are there certain things i should look for to help me with the purchase?
He wants 4k for it, and it's an older guy, and it's clean from the outside with new tires

thanks

 

if its an auto transmission check and see if it was replaced because they have a reputation for being crap

 

I will
anything else?

 

Timing belt? I would definitely get a record of transmission fluid changes. I think transmission is the biggest issue on this car.

It's a good overall car. Engine runs great, electricals are good except my clock light blew out. =( Other than that everything functions fine if the previous owner kept it well.

 

unless it's a manual, i wouldn't buy it

 

Yes, he says he has all fluid changes including transmission

 

Am i missing something here? Yeah timing belt

 

Oh my bads. Maybe the last time of the timing belt change. He must at least have 2 timing belt changes. Timing belt change is around 80-90K miles. 195K on the auto tranny seems iffy, especially on this generation Accord, unless he took advantage of the extended tranny warranty and had the tranny changed from Honda already.

 

Will definitely check on the tranny

 

I don't know, 195,000 miles even on a Honda is still a lot of miles. Book value for the car even with those miles on it is worth about $3800-$4100 so it is in the right price range.

If it was me I would simply pass on it as that is a lot of miles on it. The big problems on this gen of Accord is the auto trans.

But other things to look for are the following:

Timing belt (owners manual states timing belt should be changed every 105,000, so it should be coming up on the second belt change)
Make sure the cooling system is up to snuff and that the head gasket is good.

Not trying to dampen your spirits on that Accord but I would be very wary on buying the thing with high miles for $4000.

There are plenty of other 98-02 Accords out there if you like the style of that generation with lower miles

I would save my money and get a Honda with lower miles. While Accords are good, a Civic makes a nice daily driver also.

I just bought a 2001 Accord recently (in Jan) but mine was an manual with only 85,094 miles on it that was bought from a dealership (so I got a warranty on it) so I felt it was a good risk to take.

Good luck with your quest of getting your first Honda

Cheers

L

 

The timing belt change will be about a $600 or $700 job, and it will be due at 105,000 miles past the first time it was done.

Definately check www.edmunds.com and see what it says the value of the Accord is in your area with that number of miles. My guess is that $2,500 would be a fair price. Don't be afraid to look at it and tell him "look, I'll give you $2,500 for it". If he says no just tell him that your offer will stay on the table until you buy another car.

 

Also if you have to get the timing belt replaced, go the complete route and replace the water pump also,since in order to replace the water pump you have to remove the timing belt, so it is best to simply get it all done at the same time

Good luck

L