Hi I'm new here. I'm in the market for a new car as my old 1992 corolla is nearing its end days. Theres a dealer in my area(atlanta) who has a 1999 honda accord ex that will cost $5600. I havent seen the car in person just online. The only glaring blackmark against it is the fact that it has 123,000 miles on it. Now after my experience with my 1992 corolla I'm very iffy about getting a car with such a high mileage. Because thats when all the parts start breaking down which is whats happening with my current car.

However i've always heard good things about the accord its pretty much on par with the corrolla if not better. But I'm a complete novice when it comes to cars and was just wondering what other peoples experience with 99 accords are. Especially in regards to those with high milage. I dont mind repairing little stuff tires, brakes, new batter ect... But I'm hoping not to repeat my past $2000+ repair(that didnt even fix the real problem) nightmare. I can give the website if anyone wants to look at it more closely. Any help or advice would be appreciated:D

123k isn't high miles, but:

Which engine?

is it an auto trans? If so, has it been replaced yet? Some die quickly, some seemingly last forever.

Either engine should have had the timing belt(s), water pump, plugs, wires, cap/rotor, filters, fluids, belts and the valves gone over, etc. If not, expect to shell out up to $1400 for a full service if it's a V6.

Make sure the lower ball joints are tight. (special procedure to make sure they are tight) Some do go early. About a $300 repair.

If it's been regularly serviced, it should go a long while.

If it's got conventional green (fluorescent green) antifreeze in it, pass it by. The antifreeze should be dark green or blue if Honda.

A V6 car at around 130k will be heading for an alternator.

For reference... I bought my 1999 Honda Accord EX-L (Leather) with 127k miles for 5650 in August of 08. It is a very clean car, and I am assuming the one you're looking at is also clean, too.

It had only one owner and was serviced at the same dealer 37 times since 1999. It was previously wrecked.

Since 127k miles... I have spent about 2200 making it mechanically perfect.

1. Timing belt, drive belts, water pump, coolant, and spark plugs with spark plug wires changed.

2. Motor mount.

3. Transmission fluid.

4. Radiator cracked

5. heater hose burst - replaced. week later upper radiator hose cracked - replaced.

6. 4 new tires.

7. rear brakes.

8. motor mount.

9. air filter, valve cover gasket, VTEC solenoid gasket, distributor o ring, and oil pump o ring.

10. both drive axles.

11. PCV valve

Prior to my purchasing the car, the transmission was replaced, and two oxygen sensors on the exhaust system were replaced. Other than those two things the car had no repairs over the first 127k miles.

I'm not sure if you need to finance this car or not, but it can be a better choice to buy privately so you can get all the service records. I am sure the person who gets my car next will be thrilled with everything I have done to keep it running great. I am not disappointed with my decision at all, but I would certainly not have done it if the transmission wasn't new. You should find out when/if it was replaced.

Older with less miles is also not a bad idea. 94-97 Accords are very solid cars.

I too am looking for a 6th gen accord. I have read many threads and reviews stating that the transmissions can go bad in these cars. Is is specific years, I've read '00-'01 and also read '99-'02..Is it specific motors only 4-cyl or V6? Is it specific to the VIN? or is it all of the above?

I was recently looking at one 99 accord LX auto with 66K miles on it and I called the Honda dealership with the VIN they checked and said nothing came back regarding the tranny. Then they ran a VIN for a 2000 accord and it came back with a TSB for the transmission.

Any help would be appreciated. I understand the cost for regular maint. but I would like to avoid the cost for a replacement tranny.

Thanks

From what I've read...the trans problem runs through the entire 6thGen (98-02), but the V6 fails at a higher (maybe much higher) rate. Honda Corp extended the trans warranty on the 00-01 trans (all expired by now), which would probably explain why your dealer was only able to pull a TSB on the 00 you were looking at.

While there is a problem with the 6thGen trans, I don't know if it would be more risky than just about any other used 9-10 year old car with an unknown history. FWIW I know several people who have >150K miles on their original 6thGen/I4 trans. Stick with the 4cyl, give it a good test drive through all gears and check the fluid - it should be at the proper level and should look close to new. Otherwise I'd walk.

I did some research and it looked like the biggest 6th gen tranny problem years were the 98 and 02. That's why I bought an 00. Although I don't know how much sense that makes because I would think they all use the same tranny, but maybe there were minor adjustments or something. For reference, I got mine for $6200 and it had 80k miles on it. No issues so far.

Jessica and All:

I STRONGLY AGREE with everything stated by FredSVT and Cajun.

While I enjoy my '02 immensely, the V-6 cars are notorious for transmission problems, regardless of mileage and length of operating service. HMC states that the (known) "B7XA" auto tranny defects were corrected by (model year) 2002, but I rather doubt it. (I see plenty of '02 models at my local dealer for a tranny replacement.) It's really a dice roll, all in the draw of the cards, as to what you get. Frequent drain-and-refill routines MIGHT be beneficial. YOUR car, YOUR money, and YOUR call.

The (godforsaken) Delphi alternator used on said V-6 cars also tends to be problematic. Like FredSVT says, you can expect to replace it ~120-to-130,000 miles. A "reman" from Honda will cost about $230.00 + installation labor. At 123K miles, sounds like it's about due.

What I think Fred and Cajun alluded to, but did not state specifically, I shall: Have the car thoroughly INSPECTED before you even think about plunking any $$$$ down.

If you buy a "pig in a poke," then you deserve exactly what you get.

IF POSSIBLE, find out any/all information about the ownership background of the car. This, most unfortunately, is now very difficult, given various privacy concerns. Most car dealers are "all lawyered up" and will provide essentially NO information to a subsequent purchaser. CarFax provides ONLY what information is reported to them. Thus, it is quite easy for the previous owner(s) to have work performed by an independent shop with no knowledge made available to any others. "Caveat Emptor" is the RULE!!!

Nevermind how well/nicely it may drive. Slick paintwork and sparkling-clean interiors don't mean SQUAT. It's the merchandise under the hood and underneath the rest of the car that matters most!

If we haven't scared off potential 6thGen buyers with all of these issues, let me throw out some positives. I own the 4cyl and can't speak about the V6.

-I've owned my car nearly 7 years and have had ZERO problems - no failures (other than the OEM battery), no rattles, no leaks.
-I get ~28mpg in mixed driving. I've taken the car on several 900 mile roundtrips, set cruise at 85 and got ~32mpg. The car is smooth (but noisy) on the hwy and the seats are comfortable.
-Most of the maintenance is relatively easy on the I4. Things like plugs + cap + rotor + PCV valve are easy to get to with a lot of room to work. Oil and trans fluid changes are a breeze.
-Car is fun to drive around town, steering feel is great and the car handles well enough in turns to make it fun.
-The 4cyl won't snap your neck back, but it's got more than enough power for daily driving.
-If you're into modding there are a ton of parts/suppliers out there for the 6th and there are many forums on the web where you can learn all about it.

If we haven't scared off potential 6thGen buyers with all of these issues, let me throw out some positives. I own the 4cyl and can't speak about the V6.

-I've owned my car nearly 7 years and have had ZERO problems - no failures (other than the OEM battery), no rattles, no leaks.
-I get ~28mpg in mixed driving. I've taken the car on several 900 mile roundtrips, set cruise at 85 and got ~32mpg. The car is smooth (but noisy) on the hwy and the seats are comfortable.
-Most of the maintenance is relatively easy on the I4. Things like plugs + cap + rotor + PCV valve are easy to get to with a lot of room to work. Oil and trans fluid changes are a breeze.
-Car is fun to drive around town, steering feel is great and the car handles well enough in turns to make it fun.
-The 4cyl won't snap your neck back, but it's got more than enough power for daily driving.
-If you're into modding there a ton of parts/suppliers out there for the 6th and there are many forums on the web where you can learn all about it.
He is right. The best combo would be 4cyl 5spd manual or 4cyl auto. With decent brand Intake/Header/Exhaust, you can get the 150hp F23 motor to about 170-175hp. Nice torque gain too. My fav is the updated 01-02 coupe. I love the G6 accords for their NSX style brake lights. Good thing about a honda is you know a honda is a honda. The look ages so well. Post the link of the car that intrests you so we can look at it to hep you out.

Thanks everyone for your information. I really like the styling on the 6th Gen accords and have heard nothing but good things about them, except for the tranny issues.

Does anyone know if the TSB for the tranny is VIN specific?

Like I said before, regular maint. isn't a problem and I expect those to take place. The car I was initially looking at has since been sold, so my search continues.

If anyone knows of a '99-'01 Accord in the Tampa,FL area that is in good condition, reasonably priced and low miles. Please send me a PM

-I've owned my car nearly 7 years and have had ZERO problems - no failures (other than the OEM battery), no rattles, no leaks.

No offense Cajun, but your car has less than 70k miles. Not much reason for it to have problems yet. Over 100k and you too will have some problems, it's just how old cars are.

6th gen is still a great car but like any old high mileage car, they can be costly. (Sadly, I've almost spent $4000 in service since buying the car) It's luck of the draw if you ask me, with any used car.:yes:

Good luck to our orig poster. :wave:

No offense Cajun, but your car has less than 70k miles. Not much reason for it to have problems yet.

No offense taken. As you well know problems creep up with miles and age. I think zero problems over a 7 year period still says something about the quality of the 6thGen, even at <70K.

A better example would be my bro-in-law's 02 with >140K miles and zero problems.

A better example would be my bro-in-law's 02 with >140K miles and zero problems.


I bought my 2000 Accord 4 cyl 5 Spd with 140k on the odometer a year and a half ago. I now have almost 184k and have not been stranded once. The previous owner maintained the car well and had the timing belt and pump done at 130k. I replaced the clutch, as I thought it was getting a little worn due to the engagement point. Once they got it apart, there was really nothing worn on it, but replaced the flywheel, pressure Plate, Clutch Disc Release Bearing and Pilot Bearing. Engagement point was still at the same point. :mad: Atleast I know that I have a clutch that will last for quite awhile.

My 02 coupe has 112K and the only thing that needed done outside of the routine maintenance (Battery, Timing Belt, Breaks, Tires) was replacing the right rear wheel bearing. We bought my car brand new. We bought my sisters 02 sedan used in 04 with 14K on it and it now has 72K. The only problems we have had with it were the speakers blowing out and the CD changer jamming.

[QUOTE=dgoode01;392333]

Does anyone know if the TSB for the tranny is VIN specific?

[QUOTE]

Not VIN specific. Here is the TSB on the extended warranty, even thou they are all now past the extension date.
19627

Good Luck

Don't have firsthand experience with the accord, but do have a 99 civic with 155,000 miles and counting. If the car has been properly maintained grab it. Daughter in law had a corolla with 140,000 on it and it was all but dead. We are now a 3 Honda family :yes:.
Son was following a guy on line a while back who was counting down to 500,000 miles on his V6 accord and we saw an ad for a civic with 960,000 miles for sale. Take care of your Honda and it will take care of you. They're built for the long haul.

i sold my 98 prelude at 155k miles those F23/H22/H23 are strong motors and never seem to fail with good upkeep.

ok, all. I think I have found an Accord. Here are the specs.

2002 Accord SE 4-cyl with 106,000 miles. Paint is in good condition a few chips on the rear bumper, nothing major. Interior is in good condition, could use a steam cleaning, but otherwise in good condition. The engine is the ULEC-VTEC. The car was original a California car. No visible oil leaks, AC is cold.

Car drove well, felt no slipping in the tranny, shifted smoothly, had power.

Here are the cons:
Steering feels very tight almost as if it has no power steering, the owner said he rotated the tires and they didn't do it right, also said the front end needed alignment.
Checking the carfax the car has been involved in two front in accidents, carfax called the car functional. Not really sure what that means other than what carfax says "driveable from the the accident".
Car has had 4 different owners and the average miles are 15K a year
No verifiable maintenance records, so I would need to do the tuneup, flushes, and timing belt.
The guy is asking $5800 obo.

Prior to purchasing I plan on taking it to a honda dealership and have them do the used car inspection. What are the thoughts on the effectiveness of this?

What is everyone's thoughts?

id pass on this one.

Prior to purchasing I plan on taking it to a honda dealership and have them do the used car inspection. What are the thoughts on the effectiveness of this?

What is everyone's thoughts?

Depending on the inspection they do it should be quite effective. Definitely have the alignment checked and let them know it was in an accident so they can look closely at it.

id pass on this one.

Would you pass because of the accidents? miles? lack of maintenance? all of the above? Which carries more weight on your decision?

I'd pass due to the multiple accidents + the fact that 4 owners have dumped the car.

Carfax's vehicle history is generally incomplete. All it really told you was that the car was in at least two accidents. There may be more unreported accidents and "functional" could mean just about anything. Worst case one or more accidents caused frame damage + deployed airbags. Are the owners across multiple states? If so, the car may have had a salvage/rebuilt title at one point. In some cases a title can go clean again after crossing state lines.

You can find a better one for that price.

I'd pass due to the multiple accidents + the fact that 4 owners have dumped the car.

Carfax's vehicle history is generally incomplete. All it really told you was that the car was in at least two accidents. There may be more unreported accidents and "functional" could mean just about anything. Worst case one or more accidents caused frame damage + deployed airbags. Are the owners across multiple states? If so, the car may have had a salvage/rebuilt title at one point. In some cases a title can go clean again after crossing state lines.

You can find a better one for that price.
^^^ Exactly. For all you know the alighnent is un fixable due to the multiple front hits. Don't buy the first thing you see bro. Be patient and look around. www.cars.com, www.autotrader.com, or the local paper. Be open to going outside your community to get a nice 6th gen. I'd say 50-75 miles. You might be surprised of what you'll find. Whats your zip code?

I would pass also on this.

I would be wary of the accidents more then the 4 owners. No matter how well a car is rebuilt after an accident, it may never run right again.

As has been said, you can do better then that on a 6th gen.

For example I bought my 2001 Honda Accord EX with stick (I will never own an auto 6th gen and go through that can of worms) with 86,002 miles from a local well trusted dealer for $6300 before taxes (all told it cost me about about $7300 with taxes, title etc) not a bad price and it was inspected (my state requires a inspection before it is tagged) and came with a warranty too.

Don't jump on the first one you find and look around. The sold millions of the 99-02 Accords so you can find one that is in better condition

Cheers

L

Thanks everyone.. I beginning to agree with you.

Thanks everyone.. I beginning to agree with you.
what is your zip code?

what is your zip code?

34685

did u want 4dr/2dr? i thought u were in atl area not fl?..lol.

Dgoode01 and All:

Cajun and others summed it all up, to perfection.

I would PASS on the particular car you have under consideration.

Best (quick) search option? IMO, AutoTrader.com, for cars in your immediate area. And preferably a "Private Owner," so you can pick his/her brain for exact details about the car's ownership history. Multiple-owner cars, especially those that have been wrecked, are a "red flag" in my book.

I want to see a one-owner car, with no accidents, original bill of sale, window sticker, and all the maintenance records/receipts. And not loaded up with aftermarket "high-perf" crapola, either. Virgins always command higher money than "hookers." And they are worth it!