I am in the market for a car and I found a 96 Accord LX 4cyl automatic with 96,000 miles on it; the owner is asking $2000. Being that I don't have a lot of knowledge on these cars I was hoping to get some advice on what I should look for, typical issues that occur with these cars, and their overall longevity.

The history of the car was that it was owned by an elderly woman who recently passed away and the estate is selling the car. I test drove it and it seems to run okay, although it does have a bit of a rough idle. I ran it until the temp came to normal and got it up to about 55mph. It seemed to shift properly but a little rough. Paint is in pristine condition as it has been garage kept. All windows function properly and based on the oil change sticker on the windshield it gets regular oil changes. It doesn't have an engine light, but the service area on the dash is red. It also has a slight rattle when starting that I assume is the catalytic converter. Beyond this I don't have any other information. Any and all advice is welcome.

Thanks,

Bryan

 

Hello New Member

Bryan..Take it to a great shop in your area and have it gone all over..every thing needs to be checked so that you dont get stuck with a Lemon..

Welcome to the HAF..

 

It depends on the car history and where the car has been most of its life, meaning high salt use area and or coastal area vs. a low or no salt use area. Certainly have it checked out as all ready stated. 300k plus is common on that generation if you are wondering about drive train and engine life.

 

Probably hasn't had too much done as far as maintenance goes. I would plan on a full time up(plugs wires all fluids etc) as well as a timing belt.

 

I'd look at this favorably. I bought its '97 twin at 185,000 with a replacement motor
having 100,000K less on it (prior owner's daughter issue) and it has been better than my expectations.
A/T does grabs firm/hard at shifts, but that's seems design. So far, no sweat in 55,000 miles.
Good gas mileage in town, too.