Hello, I'm thinking of buying my first Honda - a 2000 Honda Accord, 4 cyl with leather interior and VTEC engine (I'm not sure of trim level and whether engine HP is 135 or 150). The owners are an elderly couple who purchased it new, had all service done at the local deal and it has less than 35,000km on it (!). Asking price is high at $7900.

I'd appreciate any feedback or thoughts on this particular model. Are there known mechanical issues I should be aware of? I know that transmissions have been an issue with some Hondas - would that include this Accord?

Anything else I should know?

Many thanks for any replies.
Nemo

 

The Vtec means it is the higher HP engine.

The 98-02 accords did have high rates of transmission failure on the automatic transmissions. The V6 AT seems to be more of a problem compared to the 4-cyl. I have seen threads on here about both failing.

 

I just purchased a very clean 2001 Accord EX-L V6 (for my daughter to use as her first car) and was initially wary of the transmission issue (being a veteran of some Honda and Chrysler minivan transmission problems); a quick bit of research revealed a small cottage industry has sprung up remanufacturing the Honda Automatic transmission.

The good news here is that if the tranny on our Accord goes Tango Uniform, I can just order a replacement unit from one of the many remanufacturers (typically for less than $1,000), and pop it in my car over a weekend.

 

The auto tranny was the only problem with the 2000 Accord as far as I know. I have a 2000 with a 5 MT, but my cousin has an automatic with more than 160K and never had a problem. He also has a 4 cylinder.

 

I have replaced the following on my 02 Accord

Auto Transmission at 150k
Fuel Pump Harness @ 155k
All ignition components @ 160k (standard maintenance)
Knock Sensor (rare to have issues with) @ 130k
Thermostat @ 130k
Timing Belt @ 130k

Things to look for;

1. Harsh or delayed downshifts into first when coming to a stop, or slipping between any gears test at full throttle to 60mph (could be an indication of transmission failure)

2. A spot less engine bay - some people clean the engine bay to hide leaks or issues.

3. Oil at or on the bottom side of the distributor cap (failing seal)

4. Check the color of the transmission fluid - Should look like strawberry syrup, not caramel syrup. Should not smell burnt

5. Take it to a reputable honda mechanic and have them do a basic check.