Hi all-first time poster on here! Just thought I'd let everyone know my story and a little background on my Accord ownership. My first Honda was a brand new 2001 Accord LX manual sedan in naples gold, I had it for 9 1/2 years and put over 200,000 miles on it with no problem. Then in 2010 I traded it for a certified 2007 Accord v6 6-speed manual sedan that was an absolute thrill to drive. But then I lost my job during the recession, couldn't afford the payments and had to sell it and drive my backup car as a daily driver for a while (a 1969 VW bug!)
Well last week I found a 2000 EX manual sedan in Naples gold, almost exactly the same car as the 01 I had, for sale at a nearby Honda dealer, the price had been lowered to $2990 which seems like a fantastic deal (in fact I can't find a single other Accord manual sedan-- in case you haven't noticed I much prefer manuals--within the same price range on autotrader anywhere close to my location.) It has 173,000 miles which may deter some folks but I remember how reliable my 01 was and how strong it was still going even after putting 200,000 miles on it. I can pay for it straight out, avoid sales tax in my state because it's under the state minimum requirement for sales tax, AND since I don't have to finance I can just do liability only on my insurance which gets me down to $29/MONTH!! I test drove it last weekend and it seems to drive great, didn't seem to have any surprises (I feel better that it was checked over by actual Honda mechanics) just a bit of cosmetic issues here and there. I put a $500 deposit on it and am going to pick it up this weekend.
I am a little nervous but am comforted with the fact that it is a Honda and I am getting back to the car I love to drive and what seems like a really good price. But I wouldn't mind some reassurances that everything will be fine with the car and I will be able to enjoy it for years to come! Any suggestions of anything to check or monitor closely or ask the dealer about before taking ownership would be more than welcome. Thanks all

 

Well 1st off I liked your introduction and 2nd off I Like that you joined the HAF..Thank You and enjoy this forum..Good people in here..

WheelBrokerAng

 

I have a 2000 EX in Naples gold. It currenly has 190K on it and it drives great. Still no leaks, squeaks or rattles. As far as maintenance two timing belts, 1 brake job at 110K, 02 sensor, several oil changes (every 5k miles), tires and batteries. Still on the original clutch. The car is rock solid, I wouldn't be concerned about taking it anywhere. Body is beginning to show its age, but all it all, it's a very reliable, fuel efficient, and safe car.

 

Welcome Aboard

 

Thanks all... frugalhonda you have definitely made feel good about the purchase-- the dealer also says they have records showing a recent timing belt replacement and other normal maintenance. I do plan on checking a few things over myself after picking the car up. Hopefully I can do most servicing on the car myself should the need arise-- I work on my bug all the time but the Accord is a whole other ball game-- I just found an original Honda service manual for 1998-2000 Accord at goodwill for $10! So grabbed it as it may help me out considerably in the future.

 

There is also a wealth of information on this site, if you have any problems. If you search the internet there are several video's: engine/transmission oil changes, brakes, etc.. Good luck with your new/used car!

 

Thanks, I'll probably be on here often with questions.
The whole story is that I currently have a lower paying job than my one before, and I did buy another brand new car in November 2012 which has been a good car and not given me any problems, but the payments + full insurance is just too much plus I had to finance it out for 5 years just to get down to that payment--just shouldn't have done it. I need to get out from under it and I am getting a fair trade offer from the Honda dealer on it, so I am hoping this is the right thing to do and then just wait until I am a little bit better back on my feet to get something newer.