Hi, I am looking to buy a 1990 Accord EX that has 190,000 miles on it. It is from an old man up the street who is the ORIGINAL owner of it. He also showed me all the maintenance records on it in the last 5 years. It has had regular oil change at every 3K-4K miles for its entire history. In addition, major maintenance he has done lately includes replacing the timing belt 10,000 miles ago, he put in a new AC unit 20,000 miles ago, and it has new tires on it (put on in 2010, have about 15K miles of wear). The battery is about 4 years old so that might come up for being replaced in the next year or two.

Things that DO NOT work on it include the cruise control and the radio/tape deck has no volume/noise on it. That said, what else do I need to look out for in regards to unforseen/pricey repairs that might come up on this Accord at 190,000 miles? He said he has never replaced the starter or alternator but that he has never had the need to. Do I need to get these checked out? What about the radiator or fuel pump? I am just not that familiar/good with cars so I want to make sure I don't overlook something huge.

He is asking $1,700. Do you think this is a fair price given everything I have told you about it? If not, what price would you offer? How much is it to get the cruise control fixed, if at all, and what do you think the cost is to do new wiring for a new sound system? Thanks so much for any and all input, and please let me know anything else that I might should ask him!

 

Automatic or Manual transmission?

 

You should be good to go.....

The radio, well a number of things but if you end up having to buy a new one that isn't that bad.

The cruise could be simple - or complicated.

A "buyers" inspection might be a good idea.

Either way, these are pretty solid cars if taken care of, which it "sounds" like the owner has.

 

Sorry, I should have included that. Its automatic. Is that better or worse than manual for repair stuff?

Also, about the cruise, the light comes on in the dashboard/speedometer area when you hit the cruise button, but it just doesn't hold the speed. It starts going right back down.

Thanks for any and all input!

Also, this will mainly be driven 10 miles each way to work 5 days a week. Not much highway driving at all.

 

Last January I bought a '92 EX with 203,000 on it, MT, paid $2700 (premium price, IMO) because of one owner,
documented maintenance records and fine condition. Happy with purchase, trouble free car.
No repair, replacement costs to date.

I'd buy your car, but figure on getting a modern stereo. Then drive it
for a while and see if fixing the cruise control is worth it to you.
[FWIW: I've heard, only heard, that the AT's on all Hondas do better
with drain and fill fluid service (to avoid the flush service).]

 

What will you play all your tapes on?

Sounds like you are good to go.

 

not much to say other than got mine with 249K and paid 800$ 1700 seems steap, ha mine for 2 1/2 years now and its got 360K normal issues in other words BUY IT!!!!