Yep... replace or rebuild

 

Been looking online for options. Used manual tranny sell online between $500-700. Most of the miles not found. Or remanufactured tranny for $800 plus shipping from Synchrotech.

Honda Accord 98 02 Synchrotech Manual Transmission | eBay

Thoughts?

 

As with any repair, one must decide if the cost is worth the investment. I would imagine that in a city the size of Santa Fe there should be a reputable shop which could make the swap or repair thus avoiding the shipping costs

 

I am a part time Honda mechanic and thus have seen lots of cars. In general the autos are a bit more problematic, which I contribute much of due to people's lack of maintenance. Manuals are more forgiving when it comes to fluid changes. Personally, all my Accords have been manuals, I sold my 86' at 428k, sold my 89' at 315k, sold my 95' sedan at 155k and currently have a 95' wagon with 280k. Again all manuals. That is 1,178,000 miles over the four vehicles, non of which had transmission issues. I know the 86' and the 95' sedan are still on the road as I see them time to time. I wish I knew what they have for mileage now.

We also had an 88' in about 10+ years ago that had 778k on it. The problem is that is when the odometer stopped working. The guy that owned it was driving back and forth to CA with it (a lot apparently). Anyway, he guessed based on the number of trips he had made after it stopped working that the car had nearly 900k on it. Ironically he was in for wheel bearings and not to replace the odometer. Yes, his car was a manual.

IMO, Honda makes one of the best manuals on the market. Problems do occur as with anything mechanical. I hope you have many years and miles ahead of you once you get it up and running.

 

Tutlehead sounds good. I hope my 99 accord manual goes the distance too. I came accross some honda techs that said starting in 98 the quality of the accord went down. I just changed the master and slave clutch cylinder on mine and was surprised to see the part was made out of plastic. I believe it's oem. The aftermarkets from autozone appear to be made out of metal [albeit from china]. Hopefully they will last longer due to the casing, [although the first set went 160k, that's probably pretty descent] IDK, I'm a beginner.

 

Good discussion on your part. On my situation, must admit that I was surprised that my manual transmission went out on this Accord with 4th and 5th gear not engaging. Guess it might be due to beating that it got from previous owner not knowing how to drive manual or not using clutch properly to change gears. I gambled on that Accord, but thinking that with remanufactured transmission replacement, it wouldn't be bad idea. Am not too keen with the idea of putting in used tranny.

 

There are a lot off good used tranys out there. Most reputable salvage yards will have at least a one year warranty on the part and they will also be able to give you the mileage on the car it came from and the VIN from the car it came from, thus you can get a car fax on the car it would come from and possibly know how many owners. A second owner low mileage transmission would not be a bad idea. Used autos are a different creature because you don't know how the maintenance was done, and as stated the low friction Honda transmissions are much more forgiving when it comes to maintenance. Good luck. You are doing the right thing by thinking through things and asking questions before jumping into things.

 

UPDATE:

Replaced the MT with Synchrotech tranny, the mechanic friend said it's looking like a new one. Put in fresh Honda OEM MT fluids. Started up and had sluggish ride trying to keep engine running. MT was perfect with new Exedy clutch kit. Took it home last week and got sluggish ride, mechanic said likely bad gas. Went ahead home with it for an hour drive. Sluggish ride went away, ride was jittery when at 55+ mph. All four tires are due for replacement anyhow. Had the car detailed, then gave it a 500 miles round trip ride over the weekend. Filled the first gas tank with premium gas and dose of Lucas Oil's fuel treatment. It's decent overall, nice leather interior with slight crack in driver's seat. The exterior paint is disappointing even after detail clean and clay bar it then polish. Noted minor grinding sound in back. Also has loud crankup for few seconds. Also during stops, the squealing sound shows intermittently. Something related to belt or pulley? The timing belt was done and belt is adjusted properly, slightly loosely set without any tightness.
Overall is happy with the drive especially the nicely shifted MT and had nice A/C working the entire trip. New tires is next on my list.