Just bought a 1997 Accord Special Edition, Automatic with 77,400 miles on it. First time Accord owner, recently discovered this forum. The car is in phenomenal condition on the outside, obviously parked in a garage, hard to find a scratch on it, interior is almost like new. Engine looks and runs great too, I had it looked at before buying. Just a couple issues.

Timing Belt: The dealer didn't have maintenance records on whether it has been changed before. I know mile wise it's ok, but the original would be well over due time wise. My mechanic was iffy about it, but was gently suggesting it would be a good idea to replace soon if I can't be sure if or when it was changed, which I am leaning towards. Here's the funny part: when I was trying to haggle with the dealer, he claimed these cars don't suffer any damage if a timing belt fails, "they just slip off, not snap." He also said he couldn't believe a mechanic had the audacity to suggest timing belt replacement at 77k miles, "these things last 120k and time doesn't matter!" Just goes to show don't believe a word a car salesman says!

CV boots: My mechanic noticed both front CV boots had a crack going around them. They weren't split open just cracked. Should I get them replaced immediately?

Spark plugs: The one closest to the drivers side had some oil on it, the others little or none. Again, repair ASAP? Mechanic suggested seals, which if I remember wasn't incredibly expensive.

The timing belt "package" I had estimated at $550. Is that in the ballpark? I will call around in my area too.

Thanks!

 

Belts dont slide off, they most certainly snap. They should be done like every 3 or 5 years or something like that or 60-90k miles. I have seen them go for like 160k miles and like 6 years but thats cause someone didnt care. The price is about right to have a TB done, have them check the crank seal and cam seal and also water pump needs to be replaced.

 

Its like under $200 in parts if you replace everything.

 

Yeah, never go back there.
Its a mileage or a time issue. Time to replace the belt just to be on the safe side. As for no damage, that is not true. These are interference engines. If the belt were to fail the pistons would make contact with the open valves, bending/breaking them and possibly causing damage to the piston itself. Requiring a head rebuild at minimum.
Yeah. Replacement is faster. Keep the original axles if you can. Do not buy remanufactered axles only buy new. You could also have the older axles rebooted and keep them as spares.
Correct. There are seals on the ends of the tubes that the spark plugs and boots reside in. You can have this done when the timing belt is done, since the cam/valve cover needs to be removed anyway.
When redoing the timing belt it is also best to replace the waterpump as that is run off the timing belt.

$550 doesn't sound bad to have a competent technician do it.
I've had quotes in the $800-1200 range.

But if you don't have the tools, or experience, that $550 is pretty damn cheap.

 

Where do you live? If you are in Socal, I have a friend of mine that can help by doing this for a lesser price. In my opinion, if you found a gem and it matters to you then replace all the necessary parts. As for the CV boot, you can wait a little bit. As for the timing belt get those done. If you use aftermarket parts you can save another $100 easily. I personally trust aftermarket parts, I have always used aftermarket parts without any concern.

 

First, if your CV boots are cracking, change the boots now. If they split you will then need to replace the axel and thats a lot more $$$.

When doing work yourself use OEM parts, there a bit more but they are what came with your car and they last. Skimp on a belt, like a timing belt and when it snaps you'll pay the price...big time.

 

Thanks all for your input I really appreciate. I will definitely have to bite the bullet and get timing belt, its a nice car. Will get some estimates on cv boot replacement too. Im in NorCal, sf area. Ive done some repairs on other cars with my dad and have changed timing belt water pump and cv boots on a car before. But unfortunately I don't have a garage now so anything too involved or needing a jack I have to take to a mechanic.

 

Post pics man let's see!

 

alright I think I put some car pics in my "garage" ...well I can see they're there but I don't currently have permission to open them myself

 

Post some pics, I wanna see an absolute MINT accord!

 

Where in the Bay Area?
Replacing the axles on these cars is stupid simple and very quick. Lolly gagging about replacing the axles is a 30min process. And this is without air tools.

 

mad_mike- live and work in the peninsula


j13- Trying to load pics but I seem to be running into restrictions due to the 15 day "trial member" period.

 

I always used photobucket to host all of my pictures. I find that loading it up to the side takes longer IMO

 

On this forum, he might just have to reach 5 posts before he can post pics.

 

Ok, trying to load from photobucked directly here.. the pics might not be the highest quality.

 

Nice accord! It's in great condition for it's age. I have a 1997 too that came with around 114,000 km's, the progressive timing belt is actually pretty durable if driven under certain conditions. I got mine replaced at 122,000 km and it was barely worn my mechanic said. No way it would last as long as that tool salesman said though haha. Definitely change the tranny fluid (drain not flush) spark plugs if need be and the fuel filter too. Oh yeah make sure you get a new pcv valve with the spark plug tube kit. Voltage stabilizers are also helpful in these cars too, c-west makes a reasonably priced one.

 

Wow, I don't ask you how much you paid for, but your car is 2 year older than mine, but your mileage is only half comparing mine, at the time I bought it, now it has 170,000 miles on it, and it's still running like a crazy horse. Mine is V6. Enjoy yours.

 

Thanks for sharing pictures!

 

Very clean for its age! We actually have the same exact car. 97 SE...wood grain radio bezel,etc. That engine is amazingly clean. Looks like i need to get my engine to look as clean as urs! Welcome!

I couldnt agree with you more. Mines has 293,00 miles on it and its running very good. Stay on top of all ur maintenance & ur accord will take care of you!

 

Thanks for all the comments and tips again. The tranny fluid and spark plugs look good, I'll have to check up on fuel pump and voltage stabilizer.

I didn't set out to buy such an old car, I was casually shopping for a month then researching different models and years. We have a 2010 crv which of course treats us well, and seeing this generation of accord is very good, with the miles and condition it ended up being just what I wanted. If you see it in person its a 1997 but its in good condition for a 2007. Anyway I'm ready to put some miles on it and drive daily... even tho I will only probably do about 10k a year.

 

Looks great!

 

Wow!!! Amazing at the condition of this accord excellent condition