Hello, I have a 2002 EX V6 Accord coupe and was thinking about buying my friends 88 LXI 4 door for my girlfriend. She said she likes the look of the 90 model better. Of these two body styles (88-89) (90-93) which is more reliable and what are the known weak links if they have any. All of these will be well over 100,000 miles. Thanks, David

 

well the newer/less mileage on the car the better when your talking about old cars for the most part. get her a 90-93 accord.

 

Well any Honda whether it be an '89 or a '90 is still a Honda and will last long and hold up well. They all have their weak spots, but what car doesn't?

I would suggest the 4th gen (90-93) only because what is said above. It will most likely have less mileage and would probably be in better shape. But,t hat all depends on the driver.

I, myself have a '90 and I love it. I have no problems.

Hope this helps and good luck with the purchase!

 

90-93 definitely, imo.

only thing i can think of right now that would go wrong would be the main relay?
ive heard they have intermittent problems with that.

 

Why do I get the impression of déja-vu?

 

(Gets on Soapbox)

- Both are fuel-injected (good)
- 88LX-i's have older crash-standards
- 92+ have driver & passenger airbags + newer crash-standards
- 90-93 accords styles have also aged better...i.e. she won't feel funny about driving that car for awhile whereas she would in the 86-89 body-style.
- parts are more expensive however for the 90-93, somewhat cheaper for the 86-89
- the 88 is still 5 years older than the newest 93....miles start to mattter less and less than overall age of the car - rust/corrosion
- ppl didn't start learning to chang their oil 'every 3k miles' till the 90's. That 80's honda probably has cycled it's oil fewer times than a 92.
- find one with a J-VIN and you find one built in Japan with 98% japanese content.

I'm sure you care about your gf...personally, I'd rather stick mine in a safer car (read: airbags/ heavier/ more power/ newer crash-standards) than an older one (no airbags/lighter/less power/older crashstandards) if I could afford it. Though I'm sure the 88lx-i from your friend is cheaper than dirt.

(gets off soapbox)



[Modified by RotaryBzzz, 4:53 PM 2/5/2003]

 

(gets on my soapbox as well)

Well I may be slightly biased, but in my humble opinion the 3rd gen is still the most reliable/durable Accord made, and I'm not just saying that because I own one. If you look at the recalls, the 88 LX-i only had 2 recalls (front seat belt buckles, owners manual), whereas the 90-93 had 7, 9, 4, and 3, respectively. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating, just backing up my beliefs. Really no major problems with the 3rd gen, just the main relay that all older Hondas have (even 4th gen), and leaky fuel injectors after about 200k or so, and few other really small things not even worth mentioning. Even the auto trannies in the 3rd gen were excellent, provided the fluid was changed according to the service schedule (like it SHOULD be!). A friend of mine in town here has an 87 LX with 272k on the original auto trans, and it still shifts perfect! He's just one example....there's numerous others. Sadly though it's hard to find a used auto that someone actually changed the fluid regularly like they were supposed to. 4th gens, along with some other probs, had that big thing with the distributor/ignitor, which I would consider to be quite a problem and safety hazard (here's an example: http://www.earthrenewal.org/are_honda_automobiles_safe_and_r.htm</a>, and this chart: <A HREF="http://autos.msn.com/vip/usedrelover.aspx?modelid=10143&src=VIP" TARGET="_blank">http://autos.msn.com/vip/usedrelover.aspx?modelid=10143&src=VIP ). Again, not trying to hate, but it just seems that the 4th gens had more problems than the 3rd gen did. Hey 4th gens were great cars too, and it is still a Honda after all! But 3rd gen still wins my reliability vote.

Now if your GF likes the 4th gens better, then you might as well get the 4th gen and be happy. Makes sense, right? But if she doesn't mind the 88 LX-i, and the body hasn't rusted out, then jump on it! And rest assured that it will last for a LONG time to come. Just go read the car reviews and the high mileage stories at hondabeat.com, and look at just how many 3rd gens you see with insanely high mileage, most all without engine rebuilds, and you'll see a pattern start to develop. It's up to you and your GF though, since it's hard to say without actually seeing and driving the car itself.

(still on soapbox -- beginning rant)

RotaryBzzz....just out of curiousity (and I'm not trying to sound mean...just curious as to your reasoning). Why would you think someone would "feel funny" driving an 86-89 Accord body style over a 90-93 style? Why...because they're newer and you see more of them on the road? So what...who cares??? It's up to the individual person, because regardless of popularity, some people happen to like the 86-89 body style better than the 90-93 style. Anyways I still see 3rd gens all over the place down here! They're not that outdated, by a long shot. And they don't age as well? Maybe, maybe not. Hell up in IL I've seen 5th gens with bigger rust holes on the rear wheel well than my 89 has, and some 4th gens with ALOT more rust than mine (and remember mine spent it's entire life in northern IL in the roadsalt up until 3 months ago). It just depends on each individual car and how it was taken care of. Now you remember that friend I mentioned above with the 87? Here'a couple pics...




For 16 years and 272k miles, it's aged pretty damn good if you ask me. I'd be proud to have an oldskool car that was still in really nice shape (like the one above...that thing is mint!) over a newer car in really nice shape. Once again, this is just an example and is based on an individual perspective, but please don't be judgemental towards the whole gen. Just because it's newer, doesn't mean it's better. Now the thing on peeps not changing their oil every 3k until the 90's?!? Dude, come on. That's total BS! If people with older 3rd gens (or any older import for that matter. Domestics don't count) didn't change their oil, then we wouldn't be seeing them with 3-4-500k+ miles on them today with the original engine and still running perfect!! Am I right? People weren't THAT dumb (except for the ones here in S. FL). And you'd be suprised how well the 3rd gens hold up in a collision, even with no air bags and older safety standards. Mine again is a decent example....when my mom had it she had a collision with a van on the tollway and it did ~$5k damage. She didn't even get a scratch or bruise. And there have been peeps on 3geez that have gotten in terrible wrecks where you just say "how the hell are you still alive?", but they walked away with little or no injury. Don't rule out a car just because it's a little lighter, doesn't have airbags or abs, and has older crash standards. Sometimes airbags can do more harm than good anyways. So I repeat, just because it's newer, doesn't automatically mean it's better, or worse for that matter. It's all in the design, and whatever works...works.

(stepping off soapbox -- ending rant)

Alright I'm done now. Sorry if I sounded offensive at all, I just get a little carried away when peeps start to get under my skin. No offense was meant RotaryBzzz, seriously. I just get so sick and tired of people acting like 4th/5th/6th gens are "the ****" and 3rd gens are just junk because they're older and you can't drop an H22 into them just like that, or "there isn't much aftermarket support for them". Those statements may be true, but the judgements are far from it. Can you see where I'm coming from? But as I always say, to each his own and be happy!

Oh yea, my car still runs GREAT! Never had any real problems, just a few things here and there that you'd expect to wear out (finally replaced original starter @ 298k, lol). 200 psi compression across the board, rock steady 21 in-Hg vacuum, 30 mpg avg, and it's so smooth and quiet that at idle you can barely even tell it's running. And it will still start up almost instantly on the first crank like it's nobodys business, on any sub-zero winter morning you could throw at it (assuming I was still up north, haha)

Just my $0.02


[Modified by 89_LXi, 5:09 AM 2/6/2003]

 

Amen!

Don't get the impression that I'm hating 3rd gens b/k I don't. I'm going off a more strict safety/style perspective that might appeal to a guy buying a car for his GF. The simple fact is that crash-standards do improve with the years...that's what their suppose to do. Styling also changes....that's just what happens. I also think that he doesn't want to hear his GF complaining about how the car looks in 6 months...(but that's what gf's do)

Don't think that I'm hating on older cars either. My old love and joy was nowhere near the 90's: http://www.geocities.com/carpe_diem_888/rx7 - blown motor



Edit: ha - i just realized you can see my parts of my Jetta & Accord in the pics




[Modified by RotaryBzzz, 10:09 AM 2/6/2003]

 

94!! probably because thats what I have

 

Hi guys, Thank you for your info on the question I asked. Especially 89_lxi and Rotary Bzzz. We are going to look at the 88 lxi this weekend. It's in really good shape, but the color doesn't appeal to me (rose). The interior is very nice. I really like the looks of a 93 ex coupe, but prices on those are a little high for me. As far as the 88 being dirt cheap, it isn't. That's why the GF started looking at the 90-92 style. He wants $2500 for it, 140,000 miles, local car, almost new tires, timing belt and water pump new, battery new, paint is a little faded, didn't notice any rust(but only glanced at it),4 door. What do you think? David

 

I am sure you know this but I would have a car checked out before buying it...My car, well cost me nothing but a couple of grand in repairs when I got it. I might even take it to a place and have them do a full inspection to be sure...esp since it's for your g/f. You do not want to have to be working on the thing all the time, and not to mention you could convince him to come down on the price if the mechanic finds anything wrong.

 

goto http://www.kbb.com & run the values using "private party value"

this is what i got for Columbus, MS. A fair deal. Not a steal.
Private Party Value $2,465

Edit: Running a 92 accord LX 4dr, 120k, in xlnt condition came back with:
Private Party Value $3,850


[Modified by RotaryBzzz, 2:14 PM 2/6/2003]

 

I'll sell you my 5th Gen for a good price.

 

I think the 94-95 is the best Accord, not saying that other models are bad, but I always like the model.

 

d00d, go with a 4th gen accord. good torque and also fun as hell to drive. but, its ur taste soo good luck in making the right decision..

 

92-95 models are good

go with those

i have a 4th gen

or you can try to get an acura 2.2 CL

 

I'd personally go with the 90-93 models, I like the styling better. My friends 90 accord has 300,000 miles on it and it purrs even though it gets the crap beat out it. By the way, how is you're tranny on your '02?

 

Hey EXV62000, My car has 18,000 on it and no problems so far. I did buy the ext warranty because I had planned on keeping it for a long time. I read somewhere that someone crashed into another car when his tranny blew. I used to drive 80 with one hand lightly holding the wheel, but I'm trying not to do that as much anymore. I hope this thing holds together, because the only other Honda I like is the S2000. That car is about as practical as my 85 Toyota Celica Convert (not very). Thanks everyone for the comments. We haven't decided on anything yet. David

 

people generally like newer cars if they can afford it, so someone might be equally able to afford a 89 and a 90 accord, but they choose the newer model styl, or someone might be able to afford the 93 and the 94 model year, but they choose the 94, that's because MOST people usually prefer the looks of the newer model style. its like shoes, Nike jordons only sell expensive because they are new, its not they look good or anything, its just because it is new, and people like to be in things that are newer. i personally don'y know much about the reliability difference between the 89 or the 90 model groups. i think it is more of an individual thing, because it is how well the car was taken care of. Whenever i am buying a car, the most imporant thing i try to figure out is how well the previous owner took care of the car.
for example, the most reliable and strongest feeling car i ever owned was a 90 integra with 177k miles on it. it felt like it was brand new. the previous owner took excellent care of it. sadly though, it was in a wreck. after that, i bought a 94 accord with 130k miles. that was a disaster. the day i bought it, it overheated and blew the cylinder head gasket. i spent over $800 at a side mechanic, would have cost $1500 normally).i eventually sold it, now i have another 94 accord with 84K miles, but it still don't feel as good as how my integra felt, so i would say you have to really look how good a condition the car is in and decide wheather it looks like it was taken care of or not.
I think that should be the most important thing to look for when buying a used car

 

Which did u decide to go with?

 

We haven't decided on a car yet. I would like to get her a 94 if possible. I like the 93's also. Not sure if we'll get the 88, but still thinking about it. I'm thinking of all factors and the amount of money is limited. I'll post when I make a purchase. I visit this site often. Many thanks to all that helped with their input and facts. David

 

em..get a 5th gen! you/your gf be so happy with it.

 

I'll get her a newer car if i were you, sometime old crap will break down and sh_t, you dont want her to stuck in the dark trying to figure out what's wrong with it.
my 2cents

 

94 to 97 = 3 in wider, dual airbags, upgraded suspension, a few more ponies, slightly larger base motor, nicer interior, much better dash, definately not so boxy looking, supposidly better fuel economy, (that usually is true for each new generation) upgraded 4 speed auto or 5 speed manual, etc

all accords are good so i guess any model is good altough I would tend to stay away from a car that is 15 years old........no matter who makes it....