Grand Daughter wants me to find her a used honda accord. Looking at something
about the year 2000. 4k to 7k dollars. I am a car guy but never had a honda.
What engine/trans do we want? Is there a engine/trans to avoid? She kind of wants a Accord. I am looking at cars with about 100k miles on them, give or take a little. Is that starting to get into problem area with a accord? Should I just talk her into buying a Toyota? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for putting up with questions from the new guy.
Duke L

 

Avoid the automatic transmissions from 2001 to 2003 on the 4 cylinders. It would shift to a lower gear and get stuck. Engine and tranny will be on your preference. I'm not sure if the automatic transmission is the same for the v6 and 4 cylinder models.

 

Regular transmission services say every 25-30k using only Honda fluid helps keep the trannys cool and problem free. For the most part the V6's had most of the problems.

 

At $7k I'd start looking at 2003-4 Accord LX 4cyl models...

Also, you may want to consider Civics as well. Nothing wrong with a 2006 Civic LX. KBB says private part is like 9-10k with average 79k miles on it.

 

Word. It was a bad time for autos. But she needs to learn manual anyway, right?

 

Maintenance records. You can get a certified used car from Honda but you have to pay more. A private owner with Honda records would be nice. Take your time and look around. Make sure timing belt and transmission fluid changes are up to date.

 

the 98-02 v6 accords had the most automatic transmission problems, followed by the 01-03 civics with their automatic transmissions. the 4 cylinder accords are much better in 5 speed, but a well maintained automatic is not a problem. i would look for the same things you do on ever other car, records of maintenance being the most important. look for the auto transmissions being serviced on the correct interval especially....

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. I have to say I am getting a little put off by the Honda
trans stories. But it is what it is. That is why I got on here and asked the questions.
Thanks again.
Duke

 

just stay away from the 6th generation autos. my gf has one of these. the tranny has failed twice in 2 years. and i maintain them with the proper amount of honda atf.

like themuffinman stated for the amount your looking to spend i would definitely spend 6-7 and get an 03+ for reliability and safety. civics=good granddaughter cars too.

 

I own an 02 4cyl auto accord and love it, but I do keep it well maintained. I think the Civic would be a good choice for cost, and the mpg would be a little better as well since its a smaller car.

 

Buy certified used, its the only way to go. The vehicle will have all of the latest updates and TSB concerns addressed. And yeah Honda Auto trannies are junk. They STILL have issues today(Although the isses today plague the V6's for the most part) As some one mentioned, 98-2002 Trannies had issues (4 cyl AND V6) Proper maintenace and the right fluid seem to make the biggest difference in longevity, but still, issues arise.

 

Eh, every manufacturer has some quirk with them. I wouldn't let something like that completely deter you from buying one. I recently bought an '03 Pilot from my Dad after he bought a brand new Pilot. I bought it with 175k miles on it and just did the timing belt, water pump, all the fluids (coolant, diff, tranny, engine, etc) and it runs great - should last me another 60k + miles without any issues.

VW's have their electrical ones
BMW's have random expensive **** break
Honda has crappy auto transmissions on certain year V6's
Ford is, well they're Ford
etc