We need to replace my parents' minivan, and well I'm lookin in the direction of the 5th generation Accords (1998-2002 is 5th gen right?). In particular, the 4-banger automatic tranny models because of the bitchin gas prices right now.

basically I wanted to find out what repair issues (if any), weak spots, recalls, or just general suggestions or things i should look out for when shopping used accords.

 

1998- 2002 accord are 6th generation accords.

I know the 98-00 had some quarks and stuff which were corrected for the 01-02 model.

The 4cyl auto doesnt have the problem with the tranny as the 6cyl.

Hmm.....Im not sure what the "weak spots " are on the accords.

So far,
I've heard of the following recalls

6cyl tranny
ignition - Not sure for 4cyl, 6cyl or both.

 

that's a 6th gen.

some general used car tips.

1. feel the seams on the panel edges. if there's a ridge, it's been repainted. factory paint is completely smooth all the way around.

2. look at the cruise control cable under the hood. make sure it runs UNDER the radiator hose. if it's over, the radiator might have been replaced. for what reason? who knows.

3. make sure to have them install a new battery. used cars can sit on lots for months, leaving the car with barely enough juice to start.

4. when sitting in the drivers seat, look around the portion of the chair that's near your left love handle. check the stitching. those are notorious to be torn.

5. if you're really picking the car apart, look at the sparkplugs. if there's a white residue on them, the previous owner ran nitrous.

6. if you do purchase the car, make sure you have the radio's security code when you leave the lot.

 

heh that cracks me up. i hope nobody ran nitrous on an auto 4-cylinder accord.

but speaking of the white residue, doesnt that indicate that coolant is leaking into the engine?

 

1998- 2002 accord are 6th generation accords.

I know the 98-00 had some quarks and stuff which were corrected for the 01-02 model.

The 4cyl auto doesnt have the problem with the tranny as the 6cyl.

Hmm.....Im not sure what the "weak spots " are on the accords.

So far,
I've heard of the following recalls

6cyl tranny
ignition - Not sure for 4cyl, 6cyl or both.

 

This is not a correct statement! The 6th gen auto trannys are all a problem, for both 4 and 6 cylinder. The cars are great, except for the trannys.

Honda has extended the trans warranty on the 2000 and 2001 models to 100k miles, so if you are looking at 6th gens, I recommend you get the 2001 with average miles (50k or so) so you have the extra assurance. Also, if you buy from a dealer, try to get it certified so you have 100k protection all the way around.

As far as other problem areas:
1. The clock bulb seems to burn out every 3 years or so ($3 repair)
2. The factory CD player (not the 6-disc) may have trouble playing some CD-R's
3. The factory speakers are pathetic

That's about it for my complaints. I am very happy with my 2 2000's, even though 1 of them is on tranny #2 - free from Honda by the way...

 

V6 model only.

 

:werd:

If the oil is milky white or the coolant is the same, there is cross leakage betweek the cooland and oil. NOT GOOD!

 

4cyl doesnt have the same problems as the 6cyl.

 

4cyl doesnt have the same problems as the 6cyl>>>

Incorrect, both the 6th gen 6-cylinder AND 4-cylinder automatics have bad carrier bearings and can fail prematurely. The warranty covers both the 4 and 6 cylinder models, also.

This is not a correct statement! The 6th gen auto trannys are all a problem, for both 4 and 6 cylinder. The cars are great, except for the trannys>>>

Pairallel, How dare you come in here with facts!

C'mon guys.. the information is allover the internet, do your homework.

BTW, the 98-2002 Accord is a 6th gen. 5th gen was from 95-97.

As for problem areas, not too many aside from the pesky automatics.

Plastic radiators don't usually last longer than 7-8 years (depending on climate)

Ignition switches

Digital clock bulbs blow

The V6s are good engines, but it's hard to beat a Honda 4-cylinder (especially F-series) for ultimate reliability and high-mileage (300,000+ easily...)

Enjoy...