Hey guys I'm in the market for a 1998-2002 Honda accord (4cylinder), I'm open to what model,4 door or 2 door,I aiming towards stick shift since I've read many known issues with the automatic transmissions, are there any issues with the manuals as well or just issues in general that are common with these years for the accord. I just want to make sure it's worth getting and wont have expensive known issues, I don't want to buy something that is more headaches like my past 95 GSR Integra I just sold. I know all used cars will need normal maintenance but aside from that what advise would you guys suggest when looking into the 98-02 accords, what year would you guys say is the most reliable and problem free? I will be traveling back and forth from LA to Las Vegas to San Diego at least 4 times a month so I want to make sure I have a very reliable car that isn't going to end up needed major work after only a few trips. Also as far as maintenance how expensive are they to own? All help and advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

depending upon milage you might have to do a major service. other than the following, the car is pretty reliable.

V6 alternator
AT (all of them)
OPDS (On cars so equipped)

There are minor suspension problems but they should have been repaired under recall notice by now...

F series engines need a shaft retainer installed for the seal again covered under recall and or when the t-belt was changed.

 

When looking at a car, make sure that the timing belt / balancer belt* and maybe the water pump have been replaced. If they haven't, this is about a $600 or $700 job at the dealer and needs to be done, just keep it in mind when negotiating a price. It was supposed to be done at 7 years or 105,000 miles, whichever comes first for "normal" conditions.

Overall this is a very good car, especially if you go with a manual transmission.

* the balancer belt is not on V6 engines, I4 only.

 

Thanks for the information guys, I'm thinking of going with a 2000-2002 or new if it's more reliable(What new year would you recommend?) I'm looking for a 4cylinder,under 70k miles,5 speed, 4 door or two door. I'm just trying to get the most for my buck, looking to stay under $9,500

 

Hey guys, so I've been some research here and seen mostly SRS lights going on and lots of oil consumptions, is this a known issue with this F series motor? I'm looking for a Manuel transmissions so not to concern with the automatic issues. Just trying to avoid any known issues.

Here is the link I've been reading...
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/A...02/index.shtml

 

daily driving boosted 9 pounds for yr and a half and no oil consumption on 90k miles. excellent engine my friend! take of her and shell take care of you

 

I have no doubt I will take care of the car then question is mostly towards buying a used car adn being able to find something that isn't going to have known issues already. I'm trying to figure out what car to go with, I cant seem to find many accords that are stick shift with under 100k

 

you will have a hard time, but its worth it i went from a 96 accord auto, love my 99 accord stick shift. its a really good built car, i have mainly did just your maintence things really, timing belt, brakes, battery, etc. I still have orginal alternator, p/s pump, a/c, radiator, etc. i did have to change out the starter contacts though. no biggie.

 

Would you say that as long as it's no more than 110k it should last me 250k no problem given the car has no issues and is well maintained by me? Also do ex and lx models tend to burn oil because of V-TEC?

 

the motor is your main concern, yes most of honda motors are known to go 300k miles plus maintained of coarse. No V-tec doesnt cause you to burn more oil as long you change the spark plug tube gaskets, and all oil seals you should burn any oil.

 

I have a 2002 Accord SE (automatic) made in Japan. I purchased this car in January with 174,000 miles. First thing I did was change the timing belt, water pump, flushed the cooling system and changed the oil. They timing belt and h20 pump were the originals! Also its worth changing the cabin filter (a bit of a challenge but can be done yourself). The previous owner replaced the steering rack leading to the SRS light coming on and the loss of the horn and the cruise control. The Honda dealer told me i needed an air bag... They were wrong! I changed the clock spring to fix this. This car drives great! The engine is strong, transmission shifts well and I'm confident I will get another 80,000 miles from her. Parts are abundant on ebay, I wouldn't fear a higher mileage Accord to save valuable green on the initial purchase. Honda used well made quality parts, the seats are extremely comfortable and the car is heavy making for a smooth ride. The 2.3 is a little sluggish and Honda made up for it by gearing the automatic aggressively. Its a good compromise however because for a 4,000 + lb car its pretty good on gas.
These cars are getting harder to find look for one that has been taken care of, expect to sink about $1,000 into initial requirements IE: timing belt, brakes, tires, fluids... Assume there all the originals!

 

Its not 4000 lbs but it is a pig. My 4 dr weighed in at about 3400 with my sounds in the trunk when I got smogged last. All in all it was a great car aside from the auto trans. You wont be dissappointed with one as a daily

 

Ive got 208k miles on my 2000 accord ex with original engine and Auto transmission. Still shifts pretty well, once in a while it will get a minor slip but for 200K+ miles, I cant complain. Still a great ride in my opinion. Beef up the suspension when you get it with a nice full coilover kit with struts and some other minor upgrades and it will ride like a dream.

 

Thanks for the tips guys. I am looking at a 2002 Accord.