QuestionQUESTION: I am looking at a 1988 Honda Accord in great condition---BUT---
the odometer reads 113,000.
How do you tell if the actual mileage is 113,000 or 213,000?
Any problems to look out for on this vehicle?
Thank you.
ANSWER: Mike, these are great cars. Even a 1988 has the potential to provide a smooth ride and above average gas mileage. If this car is in great condition - chances are this has the 113K on it. I use carfax for my personal inquiries into the history of the car. It will show you when the car was registered and to whom. Also, it will have the actual mileage too.
These cars were built from 1986 to 1989. Models DX (bare - roll up windows, etc.), LX, LXi, and an SEi. The DX's and LX's were carberated. The LXi's and SEi's are injected. The LXi and SEi are what you see commonly on the road today. The carb models seemed to have problems with the engines. Maintain this vehicle and it will pay you back in the long run. Neglect the vehicle and this will cause you time and money.
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QUESTION: You said that the models with carberators had problems with the engines.
What kind of problens?
A used car dealer that does not carry any Hondas on his lot told me that they have "weak" transmissions.
What do you think that he meants?
Any unusual transmission problems you know of?
And is there anything speciasl that I can do to lengthen the life of the engine & transmission?
(Ex--synthetic oil--oil & trans coolers etc...)
Thank you.
ANSWER: The carberated engines come out of tune from time to time. Especially over 100K. Out of tune can mean lack of tune ups and proper adjustments. Direct result of neglect from owner. The transmissions can become "weak" in the automatics due to lack of maintenance. Once again, result of neglect from owner. I would recommend a basic aftermarket transmission cooler that bypasses the OEM cooling, which is routed through the radiator in a separate chamber. I would not recommend synthetic motor oil. But, synthetic transmission fluid would be helpful. Replace the fuel filter too.
Thus neglect from owners of these vehicles is what adds to their problems. Usually avoidable but not knowing or caring to know is the major issue. Your car sounds like it has been taken care of throughout its life. Then again you never know. Don't listen to the used car dealer either he is just jealous. Best of luck to you...
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QUESTION: What is involved in a complete tune up?
Where is the fuel filter located? (is the fuel pump inside the gas tank?)
Why no synthetic oil?
Why synthetic in the trans?
AnswerTune-up: Spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, rotor and a fuel filter. Timing should be checked and set properly. Inspect belts and hoses for wear/damage. Every 50K miles this should be done.
Fuel filter: is located near the fire wall or on the fire wall. Honda dealer will give you a print out for the location for this part for free. Or just Google it. Yes the fuel pump is in the fuel tank. Very easy to replace.
The reason no Synthetic motor oil, because, your motor has rubber seals in certain areas. They have become used to regular motor oil and are conditioned to that spec. Switching to synthetics at 100k + *COULD/POSSIBLY* cause these to leak. Your call though.
The Transmission has a total of 2 seals that are not even rubber. That is why it would be fine. It would shift more accurately, gain power, stay cooler and prolong the life of the transmission.
