I'm looking at a very low mile 2000 Accord SE to purchase for my daughter. Is a one owner car and very clean but does need a paint job as has faded on hood/roof mostly. Rest is in good shape.

Are there any areas I need to really look at or be concerned with. Have read some negatives about the transmissions on the automatics but for most part seems like it may fit what we need. How do the accessories hold up?

Any help you can would be great. My wife and I have owned Honda's for many years and looking at getting the daughter into them as well.

Thanks in advance for any advice. J-

 

That generation accord is a very solid car. if its the 4 cyl, then you are in better shape off the bat then the 6 cyl. the 4 cyl. is still an f series, which is a very reliable engine and can rack up miles on it without a sweat. the 6 cyl is good, but the trans it is coupled with it is a joke. the 4 cyl trans is not terrible, but the best either.

remember trans fluid should be changed out every 30,000 miles. and you need to keep to that, and as miles go up, maybe do it every 15,000 miles. its a very simple DIY procedure too.

Just inspect the trans fluid when you go to look at it, and take it for a drive with light, normal, and wide open acceleration to see if there is any harsh shifts or slips. that could be a red flag right there.

 

@Tama
I purchased a 2000 4dr EX V6 last week in NC w/ 167K and no service records. The transmission feels fine while driving ie no slipping, but does tend to clunk when moving out of park on itial startup. Was planning on having the tranny flushed this wkend and wanted to know what transmission i have? It is an automatic and was wanting to call aaround for estimates on rebuilding if necesary. I've seen alot of posts on here concerning tranny problems w/ the 98-02 series. Excuse the noob ?, but what designation engine do I have? I know its the 3L v6 but I see alot of comments such as H22 or G22 upgrade and mod posts. I'll also post in the suspension forum, but just wanted any thoughts on replacing worn out shocks and springs w/ Eibach pro springs and dampers. TIA

 

J30A1, might wanna check your motor/transmission mounts for the clunk

 

tnhndyman -

Can I ask about what did you paid for your accord and how many miles are on it. Was it in good shape. I test drove the one i'm looking at and am going to take my daughter to look at it on Monday. It is a private seller and not advertised for sale yet.

I tried to PM you but you box is full.

I think I may buy it no matter what she feels, unless she can't reach the pedals, she is only 5 feet tall. Thanks, J

 

After looking around for over a month, a letting 2 others get sold before I had $ avail, I took a risk and drove 2hrs away to buy my car. Adv @ 3500 but I bought it for 3000. It has 167K, interior nice shape w/ tear in driver seat leather, EX model w/ auto ac, leather, sunroof, alloys, 4 wh disc brk, so loaded. It drives good and engine feels strong but am worried about transmission and definately am getting ready to replace shocks, springs, and tires. I'm looking @ 1400 to upgrade suspension & tires but feel like if the transmission holds out for 200K I'll be very happy. For a teenager i would recommend the 4 cyl model (V6 is 200HP which could be a little much for 1st car) and a manual 5sp if possible. It's alot cheaper to fix than the automatic. Good luck and let me know how it works out. Also the body of mine has several dents, dings and needs paint bad; however, I was more concerned w/ mechanical working than appearance.

@Honda Parts

I'll check into the transmission mounts when I get it on the rack this week. Thanks for the J30A1 heads up. I've figured out its a 6th gen but still have alot of lingo shorthand to learn. I'll try to post a pic or two later before I do anything to it. I am hoping to get away w/o a camber kit being necesarry for the 1.25-1.5" drop w/ the eibach pro kit springs and dampers. Some things I'll do myself, but I've never changed springs before so I'll let a local shop handle this swap. Anyone have any recommended installers in the Johnson City area?

 

Thanks for all the help. I’m a proud owner, for my daughter, of a 2000 Accord SE sedan, Ruby Red. Has 59,xxx miles and will get it in the shop for 60,000 service and new timing belt as has not been done. It is a one owner car and they had all the service records and new tires only 5,000 miles ago.

The 60K maintenance is pretty comprehensive. Is there anything else you would suggest being done that is not part of that which will hopefully help this thing last well another 10 years.

 

This is the car I started out with when I was 18. Car ran solid, didn't give me any problems at all. Since it's an SE, they only come in 4 cylinders, which is a good thing because 1998-2002 v6 transmissions were known to have problems. I received the car with 30,xxx miles and I put on 32,xxx miles myself. Car got totaled by another driver at 69,xxx miles I would say it's a safe car as well, I was t-boned by a big suv traveling at least 25 mph when he hit my passenger side and I came out without a scratch. Both passenger side doors were crushed upon impact, but the car was still drivable. Hope this helps with your decision.

 

Hey man I'm glad you are getting good answers here, but for future reference what you are doing is considered "thread-jacking" and it usually pisses people off. Fortunately nobody has gotten bent out of shape here, but it is against the rules. If you would, please start your own thread when you can thanks. Or, use the PM system.

And to help you out a bit, you will be able to do the drop without a camber kit. If you go any lower though I believe you will start running into some issues. Just make sure you have a good alignment shop to take it to.

The timing belt is more of a 100,000 mile maintenance thing, but if you want to jump the gun on it go ahead. It is more than likely that's the original belt, so it might be getting a little old and worn just from being on there for so long. Regardless, unless you see noticeable wear, I'd say you have at least a bit more life in it.

I'm impressed you found one with that low of miles, you have a rarity on your hands. I don't know what service has been done previously, but obviously you would benefit from checking out more common items like spark plugs, air filter, oil, brakes, etc. if they have not been done in a while/you have no records for them.

My 98 Accord LX 5 speed has been incredibly reliable it's whole life and I would not hesitate for a second to recommend it to potential buyers. Has 225,000 on it and it still runs fine. It's had a harder life so its far from perfect, but it shocks everyone that it has so many miles and still runs silently and drives nicely.

 

Yes, we were lucky. Found it through a friend. It belonged to a 73 year old lady, she bought new with 18 miles on it. It was her third, has owned them for 'nearly 30 years' she said. Only had to sell it as had been grounded by her doctor. If she gets cleared to drive again is going to buy another Accord.

Anyway, has been kept up great. Have all records. Had at 49K miles new pads and rotors resurfaced, brake system flush, power steering flush and shortly after that installed BG product engine clean, fuel system cleaner and motor oil additive. Last oil change 1000 miles ago and 5000 miles ago new tires balance and allingment. Some clear coat coming up but body is in good shape and no rust.

I've been a Honda guy for years. Owned a couple motorcycles and a 1984 Prelude. Now wife has an Odyssey and i've got a 2007 S. Also a Honda mower. I just feel that Honda makes the best small engines in the world.