Hi guys.

I am a bit surprised with myself that I am signing up on the import forums and shopping for one but I want to give the Japanese cars a try. American makes have left me feeling that they are lacking in reliability. I see foreign cars being sold with 200k miles on them... American cars won't usually make it past 150k!

At any rate, I liked the preludes last generation (don't want too old of a car, I have a 2002 GM now) but the automatic tranny problems frightened me away. I am not a manual driver nor do I intend to be. So the next best thing is an Accord. Loooking at the 6th generation for price reasons (1998-2002), are there any glaring problems/issues I should be aware of or checking for when looking into potential purchases? Specifically with automatics? I want a V6, not interested in a 4-cylinder.

TL;DR: Common issues/problems with 1998-2002 v6 automatic Accords?

 

I would say that is a very bad combo. Google it.

I think the 5th gen Accords are a great choice for used vehicles.

 

http://www.hondaproblems.com/problem...-failure.shtml

Transmission problems with these autos too, eh? Guess I better learn to drive manual if I want a Honda... any other import suggestions in the $5k - $7k range?

 

the 6th gen accord auto tranny's are garbage.

 

Yeah, if you want a car that will last for a long time, get a manual. I know it probably sounds like torture to learn it (it took me two full weeks), but unless you're one-handed, you'll end up loving it. Honda's automatic transmission is as good as anyone else's, but at the end of the day, it's still an autobox, which means bad gas mileage, extra wear on the car, and an eventual break down.

 

prelude also has auto. I am looking for one if the price is right.

 

jrim, i really think you should try manual. i could drive a manual car before i had my permit when i was 14. it isnt too hard once you get it figured out, and it is a great skill to have. especially if you ever get a chrystler, a manual will be more reliable than an automatic. in my experience manuals are also a little quicker and more efficient than automatics in the same cars. and stick is just more fun!
but to actually answer your question: i cant think of anything in particular that would fall apart. the only problems with my 92 accord is rusty stuff and broken down rubber bushings. but now that i think about it i suppose struts might be your first thing to go