I am close to buying a used Honda Accord in the 2000-2003 range.

For cars this old, reliability is very important of course. I have owned a Honda previously, but that was many years ago. I had no complaints with my experience with Honda.

I'm trying to get a car with somewhere between 50k-150k mileage.

If it's in the 100K-150k range, I definitely want the car to have timing belt and wter pump replacement done.

In perusing the internet for information however, it seems that there were significant problems associated with hondas of the early 2000s, especially with regards to transmission.

My question is this -- are there general mechanical defects that I need to look out for here that specially pertain to Hondas of this time period?

Thanks.

 

I've had 2 98's and currently a 99 with close to 150k miles. The only problems I've had were with the Catalytic converters failing. Other than that, if the car has been properly maintained, its pretty much a great daily.

I think the transmission issues you are referring to are the automatic V6's which were notorious for slipping. There was a recall on the CL, TL, and RL. Not sure if there was one on the Accord, mine were all 4cylinders.

 

I would say generally look for leaks of any sort. In the 150k range theres bound to be something oil related leaking (rear and front main, oil pan gasket, camshaft end seal, etc). With exception of the rear main they are easy general fixes but give a good talking point to lower the price of the sales due to repair and then do it yourself and pocket the savings. I'm looking right now for a 5/6th gen civic or 94up accord so I'm in the same boat. What sites are you looking at for used cars. I'm stuck with craigslist and it seems most of the time its junkyard material, ha.

 

V6 - transmission

You should have the timing belt done regardless unless the previous owner had just done it, and has paperwork proving it.