Suggestions Please

Joshua312 · 07-09-07, 12:58

Hey guys,

Well not too long ago I was wanting to get a new(er) car than what I had. I should have been grateful for what I had and just sucked it up knowing all cars eventually will need maintainence instead of wanting to buy something newer.

Well here I am 4 months after the purchase, and I hate the car payment and it just isn't worth it for a car. Little background on me I am 20 years old, going to school full time and working full time. I can't afford to spend $500 a month on a cool car to drive around..I would rather have an "ok" car and not have the stress about what would happen if I lost my job or something.

So! I am to the point where I found a 94 Accord 124,000 miles. Very clean and no rust on the body. I have yet to take it for a test drive but I am going to see it this weekend. Just wondering if anyone has input/knowledge of this year for the Accord. Am I safe to assume I can think of the Honda reliability? I know my aunt use to have a car just like this and never had any major problems and it is still running to this day.

Thanks for any help guys!

Danase · 07-09-07, 01:07

Good choice in car. For one, they are very reliable. Two, if something goes wrong they are cheap and very easy to fix. Tons of Honda guys around that could help you if you need it.

I had a 90 Civic hatchback with about 200K miles on it and everything was original. The radiator blew one day but it was original and cost me $140 for a new one and about an hour to install if that. Not bad for a car of it's age and miles. I drove it everywhere too, 2 hour trips to Lansing and all.

Joshua312 · 07-09-07, 01:54

Bob, thanks for the input! I'm hoping to take a look at it this weekend so hopefully it will drive as good as the guy makes it sound. Here are a few pictures...

I know pictures don't show anything in terms of mechanical/reliability but just for kicks

simracer · 07-09-07, 02:50

Smart decision! Kudos to you for recognizing it now.

Afraid that I don't have any specific information to that model year. Just that Honda, Toyota and to a slightly lesser extent, Nissan all have a higher than average reliability in my book. At least for those owners who actually do perform regularly scheduled maitenance (ie. change coolant, airfilters, fuel filters, oil and filter, etc).

You just might check on when the timing belt is due for a change and if it was ever done on this car. Honda engines are non clearance, so if the belt lets go, pistons will meet valves. And soon after that, you'll be meeting with either a recycler for a new engine or a machine shop for a rebuild.

Good luck to you and hope you enjoy that shorter term loan and lighter monthly car payment.

Joshua312 · 07-09-07, 05:24

Well this thread was short lived...I talked to my parents about it today and why I was worried about my car payment every month....and they told me not to worry about if I ever lose my job and stuff. They told me if that were to happen they know I would work hard to find another quickly and that I deserve to have this car since I work for it and they don't want me back tracking to something older just because I am stressed out about the "what-if's" in life.

So I don't exactly know how I feel about it..I guess it takes a big load off my shoulders so I no longer have to worry about the what-if's and worry about the time in between finding jobs. (The reason I am worried about something like this so much is because I am currently in an internship with no end date set, with possible hire in potential when I graduate) so there is always the unknown of if they still need me around)

zoomzoom mazda5 · 07-09-07, 05:33

That's a sweet looking Honda for a 94 model yr, seems from the pic's the owner took care of it or it's just me from the pic's.

Puckman · 07-09-07, 05:52

I applaud your level headed outlook on this situation. I can honestly say I wasn't thinking like that when I was 20 and learned later in life to think like that. Being so young you have plenty of time ahead of you to comfortably get what you want later. Good luck, keep pluggin and you'll be fine (and happy).

Brandon1 · 07-09-07, 06:14

Whatever happened to your stereo Josh?

richardovalle · 07-17-07, 10:32

IMO, a good used car is a good decison if you have DIy time. I bought a nice used Acura Cl for that reason, to jump into mods and troubleshooting. No major issues, did a valve clearance, CAI, pulleys, and all sorts of cool stuff all myself. And vested in a good amt of tools. I;m from NYC and never wanted a car until I moved to Nj for work. In the end I love learning new things and there's nothing more pathetic than a man, (note- my corporate co-workers) who can;t change his own oil or wiper blades. Serious, my boss took his car to mechanic for wiper blades. I wanted to smack him upside his face and steal his car. A beautiful Saab so negelected. 2006 and deteriorating leather, paint, and the engien idles off. And he doesn't even make much $$$. lol! live and learn
Happy waxing everyone

usdm · 07-17-07, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshua312

Bob, thanks for the input! I'm hoping to take a look at it this weekend so hopefully it will drive as good as the guy makes it sound. Here are a few pictures...

I know pictures don't show anything in terms of mechanical/reliability but just for kicks

Man, I absolutely love that model car. Very reliable, good looks even for a 10 yr old car, plenty of aftermaket support, and you can tote around 4 folks in a pinch. Unfortunately, a lot of other guys love that model too; so much so I would be always worried about it getting stolen. All that said:

Invest in a good anti- theft system. I've been out of the car stereo thing for a while, but do you research, and you will find a system that will address your needs. Also check with your local police department about security etching. this can serve as an added theft deterrent; and the more security you have on the car, the better the chance you can get a reduction in your insurance premiums.

invest in good wheel locks. These can be had from places like Tire rack ( The Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels )

And if by some strange chance you decide later on that you need a lil more "oomph", you can look into turbo kits, or my personal favorite, swapping out the stock IL4 for a more robust Prelude motor........

Course i'm getting ahead of myself here; get the car first and enjoy