Advice about 2nd hand Accord

gavstar69

Hi all, i bought a second hand Honda Accord at the weekend. It looks ok but has feck all service history ( i know, very risky and prob a foolish choice but there you go). It felt ok to drive but because the drivers side cv joint needs to be replaced it was hard to tell if it had suspension issues too, plus, i know very little about cars!
So basically i need some advice about the car as to what needs fixing and what doesnt. Anyone know a good trustworthy mechanic who'd do a nixer..?

Captain Slow IRL

what year is the accord; mileage, petrol/diesel etc?!

gavstar69

petrol ls 1.8 1998 about 86k

Captain Slow IRL

There is very little that gives trouble with these - make sure the timing belt has been changed at this point though
The front top suspension arms can wear along with front and rear drop-links and anti-roll bar bushings, but you will know these need replacing when you hear a knocking coming from the suspect component at low speeds.
Apart from these, there is very little trouble these cars can give, even ones that have been abused (abuse is different to neglect!)
Good luck with your new purchase!

gavstar69

ok thanks land9, sounds like you know yr stuff, cheers. It certainly looks great but i just had worries about the suspension/shocks etc as it felt a bit bumpy to drive at slow speeds. Ill take it to kwikfit and see wt they say. Thanks.

gavstar69

sh!te, i forgot to ask- how do i know if timing belt needs to be replaced?!

Captain Slow IRL

the accords sit very low, and the drivers seat is very low in the cabin as well - there's probably nothing wrong, it'll take you some time to adjust to it (but get it checked out all the same)
If you're in doubt about the timing belt, get it changed, preferably, at a honda dealership - you need the timing belt and countershaft belt changed, most likely nothing else, and the honda dealership will best be able to deal with it (and they should be able to give you a quote for total cost)

gavstar69

ok cool, many thanks

tinofapples

I sold my 2.0 Accord about 15 months ago. I wouldn't have sold it only for an increase in my daily commute. Great car. Couldn't fault it, mine had about 115k on it when I sold it for €1750 (Quick sale) to a board member too !!


Incidently, if you purchase the car and you need any parts for it my brother in law has a 97 1.8 which he has just parked up. He's lost the keys to the car and has never been arsed to get a new set cause he drives a van for work.

gavstar69

thanks tinofapples, nice one. If i'm ever in Galway ill pm you.