I'm looking to get either an Accord or a Civic but I keep hearing that there are issues with the timing chain at about 100k miles...is this true? does it happen on all engines, 4cyl and v6? anything else i need to look out for? any help would be great!

 

It depends on what car you have.

Most of the Accords in this generation have timing belts which do have a recommended service interval of around 80-100k/7 years along with the water pump and the other "major" serviceable items.

Some of the newer Hondas (and I think the V6 98-02 Accords too) have timing chains, but I'm unsure what their intervals are.

 

well im looking at 98 to about 2002...hopefully v6 but might end up with a 4 banger...

 

and if it is an issue is it something someone could do on their own? how much $$?

 

The V6 is known to have problems with the transmissions, I'd suggest you look elsewhere - either the 4cyl or something newer.

There is a guide on how to do it in the Accord FAQ, but honestly if you have to ask if it even has one I don't think you want to try to tackle the job yourself. I'm not comfortable doing a timing belt and I've done a motor swap, wiring, suspension, etc.

 

well i just dont know anything about Hondas...i have an LS1 z28 and used to have a mustang so I know domestics, just not imports...

 

this is a honda/import forum.

back to the OP, dont get the V6, thats just asking for trouble.

 

thats why i'm here...i dont know about these cars and need to find out from people that do before i buy one

 

I am also looking for an accord early 90's. why are you recommending the 4 cylinder. I did have one with a 5spd i really enjoyed. What is the biggest differenced between these and the late 80's ? please advise.

 

All Accords from 1990+ went to Fuel Injected engines, no carb models offered. Also came about OBD1 onboard diagnostics.

Hondas have always been about making the best 4 cylinder engines...the 5th and 6th gen accords Honda had just started making 6 cylinder motors and they were much more troublesome than the tried and true 4 cylinders. Plus 4 cylinders are about 3X easier to work on.

 

The 6th gen Accord V6's were actually alright engines, but mated to one of the worst automatic gearboxes ever created. No arguments on those 5th gen ones though.

Also agreed on the ease of work on the 4 bangers.

 

Like all cars, if the owner keeps up with the preventive maintenance, the chance of the timing belt/chain braking is minimized. I bought my 98 Accord new, and replaced the timing belt at about 90k about 2 years ago. Other than a radiator (a small rock cracked the lower part of the radiator), I didn't replace any unexpected parts on my Accord.

 

The issue however is you can occassionally have a bad batch of timing belts or something along those lines.

I know recently Honda had a bad string of timing belts for our motors (F23 and F22) the shop I'm friends with had several with completely shredded belts they had to replace free of charge.

I'd keep on top of stuff on the recommended intervals just as preventative maintenance and not resultant maintenance.