Planning to trade-in/downgrade '04 Accord LX 4dr/4cyl with 98k+ miles

[xesinet]

car is in good condition except for leaking power steering pump that needs to be replaced...

my choices are: used Toyota Corolla/Camry Honda Civic or Nissan Altima but I don't want monthly payments - any suggestions?

[mobiless2]

Why not fix the power steering pump & keep what you have? Are you worried about mileage? Or do you just want something else?

[ikethegreat]

98k on an accord is nothing.... keep what you got.

[2006accord4]

I wouldn't own either of those but thats just me. Maybe a Civic SI. But even so, thats so much of a teenager's car.

[matt2005]

Originally Posted by mobiless2

Why not fix the power steering pump & keep what you have? Are you worried about mileage? Or do you just want something else?

+1 the the pump is only a car payment or two and mpg is would be a mute point if you have to pay out a loan.If you just want something newer that's fine but if you want to play you have to pay.They always screw you on a trade in so think private sale.

[Drew03Accord]

Originally Posted by matt2005

+1 the the pump is only a car payment or two and mpg is would be a mute point if you have to pay out a loan.If you just want something newer that's fine but if you want to play you have to pay.They always screw you on a trade in so think private sale.

Sounds like he's trying to get out of a monthly payment on current vehicle.

[r1ckynutz]

p/s pump is probably just the o-ring issue no?

[namegoeshere]

Originally Posted by Drew03Accord

Sounds like he's trying to get out of a monthly payment on current vehicle.

OP has owned the car since early 2006, if not earlier. I'd hope the car would be paid off by now. Otherwise,

[2006accord4]

Someone will be having a serious bag of regrets...

[dude_reino]

Of those choices I would say the Altima, but like others have said: WHY?
The only cars I would think of 'downgrading' (as in price, not performance) from my 7th Gen to would be a used late 90's Integra or Prelude.

[DreaminAccord]

Here's what I would do - as I would never buy any of the mentioned cars above...

I'm looking at my power steering hose recall letter right now and it states: "Prolonged high under-hood temperatures and high power steering fluid temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely and may cause the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid..."

I would call my local Honda dealership and ask them politely if under this recall if they could replace my PS pump, as well? If they tell you that it is not covered under the recall, I would simply argue that isn't it possible the high power steering fluid and under-hood temperatures could have also deteriorated the PS pump O-ring and/or the pump itself? - just to see what they say.

If the answer is an absolute no (it never hurts to ask, nor do you ever lose anything by trying), then I would ask them how much it would cost to replace (just for the part and another quote including labor) and swap it out yourself. This is, of course, if it isn't just the known o-ring failure, which you can replace very easily/cheaply yourself.

I am just trying to save you from self regret...I know the second you trade in the 7th Gen for one of those other cars, you're going to for not just fixing the PS pump. It truly is a lot less expensive repair than getting a used (who knows what condition/issues it has) vehicle that'll make you unhappy.

[namegoeshere]

Originally Posted by r1ckynutz

p/s pump is probably just the o-ring issue no?

Originally Posted by DreaminAccord

I'm looking at my power steering hose recall letter right now and it states: "Prolonged high under-hood temperatures and high power steering fluid temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely and may cause the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid..."

I would call my local Honda dealership and ask them politely if under this recall if they could replace my PS pump, as well? If they tell you that it is not covered under the recall, I would simply argue that isn't it possible the high power steering fluid and under-hood temperatures could have also deteriorated the PS pump O-ring and/or the pump itself? - just to see what they say.

If the answer is an absolute no (it never hurts to ask, nor do you ever lose anything by trying), then I would ask them how much it would cost to replace (just for the part and another quote including labor) and swap it out yourself. This is, of course, if it isn't just the known o-ring failure, which you can replace very easily/cheaply yourself.

Not sure that would work as the o-ring problem and recall is only for the V6. OP has an I4.

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=42915

[DreaminAccord]

Ahh dang, I wasn't even thinking that it was only for the V6. Sorry OP :-\ Still, I would rather replace a PS pump and keep my accord

From Majestic Honda - Power Steering Pump '04 LX Sedan

56110-RAA-A03 001 001 PUMP SUB-ASSY., POWER STEERING $467.62
91345-PAA-A01 011 001 O-RING (13.0X1.9) $0.48
91346-PLA-003 012 001 O-RING (23.8X2.4) $1.40
91347-PAA-A01 013 001 O-RING (16.7X1.8) $0.95
91348-P2A-003 015 001 O-RING (51.0X2.4) $0.74

Did you try removing your PS pump to see where it is leaking from? I would definitely just try to see if replacing the o-ring works...for $1-2/piece you won't be losing much if it doesn't

[xesinet]

they said that it could just be the seals that are bad...$210 just to replace it - I buy the seals

I bought this car brand new on '04 - paid off since '09

I already replaced the o-ring a while back to fix the groaning issue...

[dude_reino]

The answer is simple and boils down to what kind of car owner you are.

You are either a 0-60k car owner, a 60-120k car owner, or a 120-200k car owner. Most people buy cars all through their life but never really deviate from their typical range.

If your car is approaching the end of your 'range', then there is nothing wrong with trading in for something near the beginning.