I made this thread to document all the changes/events with my Accord for however long I end up owning it.

A few updates since I bought it. Mostly minor. Replaced the missing A/C knob, got 4 new General Altimax HP tires, replaced the plug wires (the were so old they fell apart!), new air filter in there, changed the oil and cleaned the engine quite a bit, now just focusing on taking care of maintenance. Then I'll move onto other things. Nothing major, it pretty much has everything how I want it. :yes:

Lexol was great for restoring the leather, it feels awesome now! :banana:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-01-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-03-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-04-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-05-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-07-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-10-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-11-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-13-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-14-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-15-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-16-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-18-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-20-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-21-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-22-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-23-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-25-1.jpg

6th gen people,

Anyone know where to get the cabin air filter for the best price online? Mine appears to be original... very scary. :paranoid:

Looks good! The 6th gen engine bays look so bare...

Where did you find that decal?

Looks good! The 6th gen engine bays look so bare...

Where did you find that decal?

Thanks

I bought for 10 bucks at a mall in Austin while I was killing time. They had a giant H but I figured that was too ricey! :lmao:

I've gotten so many comments on it. People always want one! :yes:

nice... looks great...

nice... looks great...

Thanks. :wave:

That really is a sharp car, you done good son! Considering the miles on it I urge you to consider a double treatment of Auto RX. As with Wet Paint, it's nice to find something that does what it claims......
http://www.auto-rx.com/

That really is a sharp car, you done good son! Considering the miles on it I urge you to consider a double treatment of Auto RX. As with Wet Paint, it's nice to find something that does what it claims......
http://www.auto-rx.com/

Thanks, I'm monitoring oil usage at the moment. I found that the cam seal is leaking, the VC is leaking too, so I'm sending the car into Honda for all the belts, seals and fluids to be changed.:thmsup:

Well...

Here's my latest update.

I am a little disappointed. I drove the 96 Accord today and I have to say, I think it's still favored over the 99 Accord. While the 99 may be a bit more refined in its chassis, the 96 has quality oozing from it, where the 99 lacks it. The seats are more 'hug me' feeling, the driving position is better, and overall the materials are a lot nicer.

I still like my 99 Accord, the 6th gen never made my head spin or anything. Leather and a sunroof won me over, I guess. :dunno:

Not regretful of the purchase, but feeling ready to trade it in already. Maybe it's just one of those days?

Rant.

Are you sure you're not seeing a bit of worn in comfort with the seats on your 96? I've always thought the leather seats on Honda's were less forgiving, too.

Get it back on the highway and I'll bet you're favoring the 99 again. If not, s'okay to remain in the stall of your tried and true.

I was out of mine all of last week as it did did duty in the airport parking lot for my wife. I was quite happy getting back in after a week in the Pilot.

Didn't see this thread before today...your pics/car look great. Enjoy both of those vehicles.

Are you sure you're not seeing a bit of worn in comfort with the seats on your 96? I've always thought the leather seats on Honda's were less forgiving, too.

Get it back on the highway and I'll bet you're favoring the 99 again. If not, s'okay to remain in the stall of your tried and true.

I was out of mine all of last week as it did did duty in the airport parking lot for my wife. I was quite happy getting back in after a week in the Pilot.

Didn't see this thread before today...your pics/car look great. Enjoy both of those vehicles.

The 96 has fewer miles, so worn in shouldn't be the case.

The seats in general are more sculpted, and the 99's seats ae more flat and wide. I have a skinny frame so I feel kinda loose in the 99's seat, I guess. Slippery leather doesn't help either.

The 99 certainly wins on the highway, and even in most city driving. It's just the materials and the setup on the 96's interior that I enjoy more, that's all. Well, that and the more firm and nimble handling.

There's still love for both of them. In a little under 2 years I'll be driving the 05 TL. :banana:

I know what you mean about the front seats. I'm not crazy about the ones in our 02 sedan but the ones in the coupe are much better. I also can see what you are saying about the materials. On the 5th gen. the whole top of the dash was made of soft plastics and on the 6th gen. the top of the dash is hard plastic. I do however like a few things better on the 6th gen. like the backlit displays on the audio system, clock, and climate control system, easier to read in the sunlight. I also like that the audio system is located higher on the dash.

Here are some pics from yesterday's detail.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-03-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-05-3.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-09-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-10-3.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-11-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-12-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-14-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-15-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-16-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-17-1.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-20-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-23-2.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-26.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/Accordlover_2006/LastRoll-28-1.jpg

Car looks great! Have you tried cleaning off the scuffs on the rim?

Keep your weekend open for the 13th and 14th, I'll be making a quick jaunt to New Orleans. So far, I plan on bringing the 93... Stiller Fan style.:D

Thanks Alex!

I really love heathermist metallic. Such a nice, clean color!

I'll be here. :)

I haven't put much effort into the wheel, but they did use a lot of pressure on it at the carwash and it did very little.

I'm confused. Did u clean the leather yet? Didn't really look like it but i don't know how it looking b4 the cleaning either...lol. very nice car. Ever think of adding mud-flaps? Maybe even color matching them? Were you gonna do mods? h22/f22 takes good to i/h/ex. i think f22 gaines 20-25hp from them. Keep that car. good for trips, cruising. I see you changed the deck. did upgrade speakers yet?

I'm confused. Did u clean the leather yet? Didn't really look like it but i don't know how it looking b4 the cleaning either...lol. very nice car. Ever think of adding mud-flaps? Maybe even color matching them? Were you gonna do mods? h22/f22 takes good to i/h/ex. i think f22 gaines 20-25hp from them. Keep that car. good for trips, cruising. I see you changed the deck. did upgrade speakers yet?

I did clean/condition the leather. If it looks dirty it's probably because you're used to the newer lighter/tan leather. This is more of a dark tan/ivory IMO. It's several shades browner/darker than new Hondas.

No mods. I see no point in modding any autotragic Honda Accord. Not to mention I just spent $900 on the motor alone for maint.

I haven't changed the speakers... I think the stock ones are either really good, or they were replaced before. The bass from the rear deck is incredible. I need new ones for the front doors, though. I'm leaving the tweeters as-is.

Mudflaps... eh not really. I don't like how they look on this generation.

Only plan for me right now is to pay off the 24 month loan I have on this thing. It will be mine in Oct of 2010, if not sooner. I have 0% interest, too.:thmsup:

Ok... so this is a total list of everything I've done between 128k and 132k

Replaced Air Filter
Replaced In Cabin Air Filters (2)
Replaced Engine Oil/Filter
Replaced All Four Tires w/ General Altimax HP's in 195/65/15 Size
Replaced Timing Belt, Drive Belts, Water Pump, Cam/Crank seals
Replaced Valve Cover Gasket, Dist. O-Ring, Oil Pump O-ring, and VTEC seal
Replaced Radiator
Replaced Heater Hose and Upper Rad. Hose and clamps
Replaced Engine Coolant with new Honda Coolant
Replaced PCV Valve
Replaced Spark Plug Wires
Replaced Spark Plugs
Replaced Rear Brake Pads
Replaced Missing Pin on Front Brake Caliper
Replaced Undersized Battery w/New Honda Battery (100 Month)


To Do:
Replace ATF
Replace P/S Fluid with New Honda fluid
Replace Brake Fluid/Bleed System
Inspect Suspension/Sway Bar Bushings

Runs Great! :)

Solved the rattling in reverse?

I obviously wasn't in New Orleans this weekend, I had forgotten that the company Christmas party was on the 13th. Planning on leaving this coming Friday...

Solved the rattling in reverse?

I obviously wasn't in New Orleans this weekend, I had forgotten that the company Christmas party was on the 13th. Planning on leaving this coming Friday...

No, it's going back to Honda this week. I have found that reproducing the noise when the engine is warm is hard... so I might have to leave it overnight, but I'm trying to perfect a way to make the noise occur when the engine is hot. It did it fine the night I drove it home.

I did make a video of it, which is good.

I may be in Texas when you come... but call me.:thmsup:

Solved the rattling in reverse?

Fixed... almost. Waiting on a clip that holds the hood prop rod in place. It was rattling. :banana:

The rattle is fixed.

Now that I live in Texas again ( :banana: x 210!), I took my 99 to my friends Honda repair shop for the first time for their look over. We put it up on the lift and they visually looked at all the bushings, boots, bolts, and seals under the car. My axle has a LOT of play in it, and it's possible that it is causing my "clunk" noise over bumps in the roads. We looked at all the bushings, none are cracked. My ball joints and tie rods are all in good order. The power steering rack is leaking, and after taking the old fluid out, it seems the typical idiot adding non-honda p.s. fluid is the culprit of the leaky rack. There is a vibration when the motor is cold that seems to be attributed to a worn motor mount, too.

Other than the rack and pinion leak and this axle having a TON of play, everything looks really good and I'm having these problems fixed this week along with the motor mount, new P.S. fluid, oil change, and ATF. I've put a lot of money into this car, but I am fine with doing so, since everyone I have had look at the car tells me that it should last forever, transmission excluded. With my 120 mile a day commute, I'm getting about 31-32mpg. I'm very satisfied with my purchase, and I'm having the front bumper cover replaced and the rear one repainted by the end of this month. The headlights are also going to be restored or replaced. The tech at the shop wants me to get the blackhoused lights and my windows tinted to 25-30%. He said it would look good; Idk, really.

135,100 miles now. She just keeps going...and going.

I love having a good friend who owns a Honda repair shop! ;)

With my 120 mile a day commute, I'm getting about 31-32mpg.

135,100 miles now. She just keeps going...and going.

I love having a good friend who owns a Honda repair shop! ;)

man, tyler, the why you're driving, you remind me of both mike nad karen when they used to frequent the forums.....

:wave:

man, tyler, the why you're driving, you remind me of both mike nad karen when they used to frequent the forums.....

:wave:

Texas is a big place. Wide open spaces.:yes:

I had the Axle replaced today.

Along with new oil/filter and trans fluid.

I test drove the car after the service and the suspension clunk is still present and the car is driving the same, so the loose axle wasn't effecting performance, but safety, I'm sure.

The master tech will look at the car tomorrow. But 3 people have scrutinized the suspension components and all the bushings front to the back have been looked over, nothing abnormal has been found. In fact, we think the prev owner already invested in some suspension work as many bushings look very new. Everything is nice and tight though.

Ridiculously good looking 6th gen.

I do hope it lasts you a good long time with all the bucks you've put into it. Checked the cooling system? Since you're back in TX the cooling and A/C will be put to the test soon. Disregard.......I saw that you had replaced the radiator. I do hope the A/C is up to task though. With all the money you have sunk into these old cars it's likely you could have purchased an '06 or '07 and not had to deal with any of that repair crap. I know you like the 6th gen better but it does reach a point where you gotta ask yourself......WTF am I doing?????

I do hope it lasts you a good long time with all the bucks you've put into it. Checked the cooling system? Since you're back in TX the cooling and A/C will be put to the test soon. Disregard.......I saw that you had replaced the radiator. I do hope the A/C is up to task though. With all the money you have sunk into these old cars it's likely you could have purchased an '06 or '07 and not had to deal with any of that repair crap. I know you like the 6th gen better but it does reach a point where you gotta ask yourself......WTF am I doing?????

So far the car has cost me...

$5600 - which I have a 24 month loan with 0% interest which still has just over a year left on (I'm paying more than the payment each month...)

$2200 in Maint. - But remember, I got a $1300 check from an insurance company for damage to my pass rear that I opted not to fix. (Can't even see it in those pictures!)
Replaced Air Filter
Replaced In Cabin Air Filters (2)
Replaced Engine Oil/Filter
Replaced All Four Tires w/ General Altimax HP's in 195/65/15 Size + Full-Size Spare
Replaced Timing Belt, Drive Belts, Water Pump, Cam/Crank seals
Replaced Valve Cover Gasket, Dist. O-Ring, Oil Pump O-ring, and VTEC seal
Replaced Radiator
Replaced Heater Hose and Upper Rad. Hose and clamps
Replaced Engine Coolant with new Honda Coolant
Replaced PCV Valve
Replaced Spark Plug Wires
Replaced Spark Plugs
Replaced Rear Brake Pads
Replaced Missing Pin on Front Brake Caliper
Replaced Undersized Battery w/New Honda Battery (100 Month)
Replaced Drive Axle
Replaced Transmission Fluid
Replaced Motor Oil (x2)

So $7800 bucks, car was blue booked at $7150 when I bought it, and most of the dealers wanted $7-8k for the same car (some still do! :nuts: ). The recent work such as the axle, p.s. fluid, and trans fluid have been trade off work. Friend of mine who owns the shop worked out a deal with me. I'm also getting a new bumper cover for the front of the car (painted, of course), and they have a mugen exhaust but I declined the offer... :dunno:

They're also going to replace a motor mount next week and continue to solve my clunking problem.

I could've bought an 06-07 Accord for $15k, but I'll bet I would also need new tires and brakes too. That's $600 alone, at least. I still firmly believe I have made and am continuing to make smart decisions with this car. It is a phenomenal runner, and even my dad admits that it drives just as good as his TL. In fact I had to ask for my car back the other day!:lmao:

Can't beat it, 30mpg, zippy, quiet, smooth, brakes good, steers good, nice stereo, nice interior... just can't beat it for $7800 bucks.

Oh, and the A/C is good, but my bud with the honda shop has a refridgerant machine should that become an issue. After driving a 5th gen Accord with their TERRIBLE A/C units, the 6th gen is a dream. Most who have issues with the A/C's in these cars have fan problems (exhibit A: Bowzer. :lmao: ). Keep the car cool and it will keep you cool!:thmsup:

Ridiculously good looking 6th gen.

Thanks! I can't wait to show off my new bumper.:lmao: I may also replace the hood and fenders while I'm at it... not sure though! The fenders are a little wacky; to me, anyways.

Hey wait a minute! Was I just made an exhibit?

Yes you were! :p

Just out of curiosity, I went and looked at the dealer who sold me my car's website. They have a 2000 Accord EX-L with 110k miles for 8,995, and a 2001 Accord LX w/Leather 5spd w/ 140k miles for 6995.

The 2003 they have has 74k on it and is a V6 with a terrible looking black leather interior for 11,500. There's also an 03 Element for 9995 with 68k.

Yep... still feeling good. :yes:

Texas is a big place. Wide open spaces.:yes:

dude, it's a shame that mike and karen (married couple) aren't on here anymore..... they lived in austin too!!!!

small world, huh? :thmsup::yes:

maybe you could try to contact them via other means, see if they wanted to do a DA meet sometime....... :wave:

You should do a controlled crash test on the accord

Just out of curiosity, I went and looked at the dealer who sold me my car's website. They have a 2000 Accord EX-L with 110k miles for 8,995, and a 2001 Accord LX w/Leather 5spd w/ 140k miles for 6995.

I wouldn't put too much stock in a dealer's asking price - the ones you listed sound nuts given the current economic conditions. A coworker has his 01/Camry/100K miles listed at $5K. It's in good condition in/out and he's getting no legit offers.

hey tyler,

i know that some time ago when mike and karen were still frequenting the forum, one of the members (can't remember whom), was looking into buying their 89 accord.

if you ever have a chance to meet up with them, like you do others on here (both in NOLA and TX), see what you can find out. i think that the member is still interested in purchasing it.

:)

hey tyler,

i know that some time ago when mike and karen were still frequenting the forum, one of the members (can't remember whom), was looking into buying their 89 accord.

if you ever have a chance to meet up with them, like you do others on here (both in NOLA and TX), see what you can find out. i think that the member is still interested in purchasing it.

:)

This post doesn't even make any sense?:dunno::nuts:

Cajun,

That's what most dealers are asking. I just helped my friend buy a 2000 Accord SE sedan with 180k, dealer wouldn't go lower than $5000, period. The car is in good shape though, and it has been well maintained and a one owner. Accords are selling for what people want for them, most can't even keep them on the lot, especially older ones that are in great shape with low miles.

thats rice!

This post doesn't even make any sense?:dunno::nuts:

Made perfect sense to me

That's what most dealers are asking. I just helped my friend buy a 2000 Accord SE sedan with 180k, dealer wouldn't go lower than $5000, period. The car is in good shape though, and it has been well maintained and a one owner. Accords are selling for what people want for them, most can't even keep them on the lot, especially older ones that are in great shape with low miles.

1) That price is outrageous

2) Why are you shopping at a dealer for a car that old

3) 180K is not low mileage

4) We're not talking Ferrari's, Accords are a dime a dozen. Craigslist Austin shows nearly 400 Accords for sale, about half being private sales...no wonder they can't keep them in stock.

5) Accords sell for high prices because fanboy's keep buying them :lmao: If the general public knew about their tranny issues (many people do now), they wouldn't touch those AT cars with a 10 foot pole

I had the new motor mount (by the timing belt) installed on friday. What a difference it made! I never noticed how bad the vibration was until the mount was replaced. Car runs much smoother at low speeds and idle now. Premier Honda in New Orleans couldn't even diagnose that it was broken, the mount that came out was in two pieces. No joke! :nuts:

The clunk is still there... I replaced the drivers side axle assembly. Now I'm going to do the passenger side as I can see that Axle is loose too. There's a chance that the looseness is coming from within the transmission, but its very unlikely. I did notice today that the car will clunk the same way it does over bumps if I turn the wheel back and fourth really quick and not very far left to right. So it's also possibly in the rack itself, but I really do think the Axle's being loose contributed to it. Either way, I need to replace the axle since its obviously loose. :paranoid:

My front brakes are wearing out and I will probably tackle those in a couple of weeks. I haven't hit the wear indicators yet. I'm sure when I take the car in for an oil change on Friday that Honda will suggest a front brake job. If the rotors are within spec I will do it myself.

Does anyone know about green brake fluid? Friend of mine says Honda used it at one point. I've never seen it before. My fluid is green and clear. Not coolant green.

137,800 miles now. Will have 138k by Tuesday. :banana: Car runs great still! Engine is great. No major oil usage in almost 3k miles. Still good on the dipstick.

Accordlover,

Not doubting what you're saying - the markets vary a lot. That price sounds nuts compared to what I'm seeing here and especially in ATL. Look on autotrader. There are 2005-06 Accords going for ~$10K on dealer lots.

Accordlover,

Not doubting what you're saying - the markets vary a lot. That price sounds nuts compared to what I'm seeing here and especially in ATL. Look on autotrader. There are 2005-06 Accords going for ~$10K on dealer lots.

I guess my area has a stronger market. I have been to every Honda dealer in my area and you can't get a 2003+ Accord with less than 70k miles as an EX+ 4cyl/V6 model for less than $12,995 asking.

www.austin.craigslist.org and click on cars and trucks. You'll see almost everyone is asking more than blue book for an Accords. The dealer across the street from my school agreed to $3900 if I were to trade for a 2004 Accord EXL with 69k miles for 12995. KBB trade is like 3750 I think. They would probably sell my car for 6+ grand.

Just got back from my trip to Dallas for the weekend. 138,700 miles now.

My front brakes need attention, they're not making noise yet, but you can tell they're worn as the wear bar is nearing the face of the rotor.

I got 410+ miles out of this tank of gas. I imagine I'm looking at about 30mpg. I'll fill up later tonight.

All is well...

Two more cooling hoses blew. :(

Dealer charged 240.00 to replace lower hose, and another heater hose, and reinstall the upper hose as it wasn't connected to a clean base. So they sanded the build up off and reattached the hose. They also changed the oil.

I have started seriously looking at replacing the 99 Accord. I am working with my dealer on a 2004 Accord EX Coupe. They offered 3250 for the 99. The 04 is 12995 with 56k miles, new tires and brakes. Petty good shape.

We'll see.

i think i also need to check my hoses, my car has not given much trouble, but i need to do some stuff like get an alignment, and change the timing belt.

Two more cooling hoses blew. :(

Dealer charged 240.00 to replace lower hose, and another heater hose, and reinstall the upper hose as it wasn't connected to a clean base. So they sanded the build up off and reattached the hose. They also changed the oil.

I have started seriously looking at replacing the 99 Accord. I am working with my dealer on a 2004 Accord EX Coupe. They offered 3250 for the 99. The 04 is 12995 with 56k miles, new tires and brakes. Petty good shape.

We'll see.

That's just kind of weird if you ask me. Makes me wonder more about the history of the 99. With the misalignments of body panels and now this, somebody did a less than stellar job of reconstruction maybe? Sure hate to hear of the problems for you...especially with the money invested. Onward and upward!

The 04 sounds interesting. And, while I'm not in favor of debt, if you are going to carry a note anyway it might be a very good time to be looking at deals on new ones especially if you have a bit to put down. And especially since you like to have a vehicle you can lean on for the long term, a new one may provide a good option. Could grab some seriously low interest rates right now.

Good luck T.

Well I'm in New Orleans this weekend. A friend and I drove my 99 Accord here. 139,750 miles now. I'll have 140k+ by Sunday.

I have 4 people interested in buying my 99 Accord for $4400. Others are offering 3800-4250.

I'm currently looking at buying a 2006 Civic EX sedan. I'll know if I got it or not tomorrow...

I'm currently looking at buying a 2006 Civic EX sedan. I'll know if I got it or not tomorrow...

There is a $500 dealer incentive + 2.9% financing on new Civics, so you might want to consider reaching a little higher for one. With the stimulus package you also get to deduct sales tax and and interest on a new car (if that remained in the package).

I recently got two good quotes for an 09/5spd/Civic. In both cases the sales guy didn't think it was necessary to tell me they didn't actually have a 5spd Civic on the lot and didn't expect one in the next month. :deal:

Luckily I asked before taking the trip b/c one dealer is 3 hours away.

accordlover......having followed your service and repair issues with your 99 Accord and the costs associated with them, it may indeed be time to release it back to the wild. Do you have a complete list of repair/maintenance and the costs associated in your brief ownership. It might make for good reading and also be the wedge that pries your fingers from this vehicle. Although ~140K miles, to me, seems not excessively high, your continued visits to dealerships does seem too frequent.

Myself, I'm at the point where if something fails and I can't fix it, it stays broken if I don't deem it a necessity.

Do you still have the 5th Gen to fall back on?

I would take that offer of $4400. I had hard time selling my 98 Accord. It only had 90k miles. I was asking $7000, but in the end I have sold it for $5000 bucks. It took me a month to get rid of the car by placing it on craigslist.

There is a $500 dealer incentive + 2.9% financing on new Civics, so you might want to consider reaching a little higher for one. With the stimulus package you also get to deduct sales tax and and interest on a new car (if that remained in the package).

I recently got two good quotes for an 09/5spd/Civic. In both cases the sales guy didn't think it was necessary to tell me they didn't actually have a 5spd Civic on the lot and didn't expect one in the next month. :deal:

Luckily I asked before taking the trip b/c one dealer is 3 hours away.

The Civic I am looking at is only $12,500 + TTL. It has 44k miles, one owner, no accidents, new tires, and 60% brakes all around. It also has all the service records.

I'm just waiting on the loan info to come thru...:dunno:

accordlover......having followed your service and repair issues with your 99 Accord and the costs associated with them, it may indeed be time to release it back to the wild. Do you have a complete list of repair/maintenance and the costs associated in your brief ownership. It might make for good reading and also be the wedge that pries your fingers from this vehicle. Although ~140K miles, to me, seems not excessively high, your continued visits to dealerships does seem too frequent.

Myself, I'm at the point where if something fails and I can't fix it, it stays broken if I don't deem it a necessity.

Do you still have the 5th Gen to fall back on?

I had this mentality where I would be like... "well, I fixed that now, I should be ok for awhile now right?"

But now, I had my hoses replaced and the dealer noticed the distributor had oil leaking around it. Turns out it's the metal part that is a $400+ at Honda, and you can't buy the seal separately, apparently. :dunno: Then they also let me know my P/S pump is leaking (reseal is $230, but I think I can do it myself), and the rack and pinion is also leaking. It will need to be replaced at some point. Steering is still tight and well, for now. That alone is a 1k+ bill at a Honda dealer, and I'm sure close to that at an independent. The other thing they suggested was the front motor mount. I just replaced the one by the timing belt cover, and now it looks like that one needs replaced too. ~bangs head~ ($140 at honda)

So I could fix these problems and pray to god that I don't need anything else for awhile, but the fact of the matter is I put too many miles on this car. I'm doing over 1,000 miles a week, which is a lot of wear and tear on a 10 year old car with 140,000 miles. The engine is strong but I'm just not sure that the body of the car is going to weather the storm if you know what I mean.

Overall I'm still comfortable driving it anywhere, but I think it would be wise of me to get into something newer with a lot less miles at this point. My Accord will make a great car for someone who isn't putting 4k+ a month on it. I am anal retentive about my cars, everything has to be in good working order (mechanically). I could probably keep driving it and not address any of these problems until they got really bad and be just fine. I just have a hard time doing that!:nuts:

The 5th gen is still in the family, but it's not mine anymore. This is my only car at the moment.

I would take that offer of $4400. I had hard time selling my 98 Accord. It only had 90k miles. I was asking $7000, but in the end I have sold it for $5000 bucks. It took me a month to get rid of the car by placing it on craigslist.

My CL ad has gotten a lot of attention. In fact I haven't even had time to call everyone who is interested in buying the car. You can see it here: http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/1028509698.html

You're getting a heck of a deal on the Civic compared to what I've been seeing around here. Hope it works out for you. In case you haven't already found it, this is a good 8thGen Civic site - www.8thcivic.com.

With the similar mileage utility requirements daily, my thoughts when recenlty goling through the new vehicle purchase:

Best Option: Slightly used & highly reliable, emphasis on mpg's
My current 99, with known history did this perfectly. But, I needed the reliability to go even higher with my young passengers included. If it would have remined just me, I'd be reporting on my continuing 6th gen service.

It does not sound like you have the highly reliable portion of this equation with this 99 you're driving. Whatever has brought it to this condition, it doesn't sound like piling miles on will improve that even after all these repairs. If it's leaking now, just wait till the summer heat kicks in.

IMO, get it out of your stable and get something more toward the ideal target. And if you haven't done so, at least talk to a dealer on a new vehicle option just to see the numbers. The deep available discounts could make up for a large part of mileage getting on there quickly and you have a car history all your own vs these unknown options. THese discounts and finance rates on new easily equal buying slightly used based on numbers alone.

Good luck! Looking forward to seeing the pics of the new ride. (And where in the heck are you driving to each day BTW?)

Eek!!!

I washed it today, but then my battery died. So I couldn't take the after pics! ~doh!~

Bowzer- I'm driving 120 miles a day commuting to Austin from my Home in Belton TX.

I don't think the Civic is a go. I drove it for the 6th time and can't seem to bring myself to buy it. It feels underpowered, has less room than my Accord, and the insurance is more. I am happier driving my 99 accord compared to this Civic. It's a nice car but nothing makes me excited about it. I want to wait to buy a car that I'm excited about.:yes:

I don't think the Civic is a go. I drove it for the 6th time and can't seem to bring myself to buy it. It feels underpowered, has less room than my Accord, and the insurance is more.

I'm somewhat surprised that the Civic feels underpowered to you. I know that it has a smaller engine, but at the same time it is lighter than an Accord. :dunno: I'm just assuming that you are comparing it to your Accord though...

Anywho, enjoy your Accord for now. You have one gem of a Honda! :thmsup:

I'm somewhat surprised that the Civic feels underpowered to you. I know that it has a smaller engine, but at the same time it is lighter than an Accord. :dunno: I'm just assuming that you are comparing it to your Accord though...

Anywho, enjoy your Accord for now. You have one gem of a Honda! :thmsup:

I haven't checked weight to weight. But the main thing I noticed is that the Accord gets up to speed faster. The Civic makes more noise and is noticeably slower. The Civic could really benefit from a 2.0L K series motor of some sort. The 1.8 with an AT isn't cutting it.

just curious did you ever have any issues with your new tranny?

just curious did you ever have any issues with your new tranny?

No I haven't. It has just shy of 50k miles on it.

It will break again though, they all will. The new transmission has the same design defect the old one did. Not that I don't have faith in it, I'm just realistic about it.

I haven't checked weight to weight. But the main thing I noticed is that the Accord gets up to speed faster. The Civic makes more noise and is noticeably slower. The Civic could really benefit from a 2.0L K series motor of some sort. The 1.8 with an AT isn't cutting it.

I've test driven auto and 5spd Civics and I have to agree. The R18/auto combo feels pretty lifeless. The 5spd makes the car somewhat fun.

i feel bad cause im kind of hoping mine will crap the bed so i can get a manual. i love the car the auto is just killing me