honda reliability

aidanki

Morning all,

My mate is looking to upgrade from his 2008 Honda Accord 2.2 diesel, he has 250k miles on it.  Pre DPF model so the same as 2006 2007 model. It was  a NI car, and was fitted with every possible extra on it.

Problems encountered over the 250k miles, had it since 80k.

Engine Exhaust Manifold

Constant Issues with the front axle, wheel bearings, track rod ends, breaks, even the drive shaft turning the wheels. Sensors around that axle, drop links. 

It does have oversize 18” low profile tyres on it which are a contributory factor I think, constant tracking issues. V short lifespan too those tyres, wont be having those again.  (More than one mechanic looked at the front axle.) 

Driven on main roads at moderate speeds. 

Would these be typical issues of a diesel car ?    due to just that bigger heavier engine or would it be due to those big big tyres magnifying any vibrations etc

Gearbox – No issues

Rest of Car – V small to none.

He is thinking of another Honda, they are a setup from Toyota Auris/Corolla. Honda Civic rather than a Accord. The novelty of every extra which you never use has worn off too.

What is the reliability like of a 2012-2015 Honda Civic either the 1.4 petrol or 1.6diesel. would be staying away if there are constant front axle issues as mentioned above with the Accord.  Is the 1.4petrol engine the same engine going back to 00 civics.  

30k kilometer per year, 40min commute twice a day at 80-100km/h, half good roads half windy back road.  

User1998

The car has 250,000 miles. All those parts are wear & items that have to be replaced at some point. Nothing out of the ordinary

micks_address

i had a 1.6 diesel civic.. super car.. 2014, estate version.. very fuel efficient.. easy to get 70 mpg without trying to hard.. kept it for 3 years with zero issues.. i liked it as it had 126 bhp and a light car so it had a nice balance of power.. my dads skoda at the time was 1.6 litre diesel but only 105 bhp and it was good on diesel but felt under powered to me.. also had a 2009 accord.. lovely car, exec spec with everything on it, but it was thirsty.. probably mid 40 mpg.. we have a 2008 honda jazz petrol that my wife is desperately wishing to die but it never misses a beat.. just keep it serviced/nct'd...

yoshiktk

Ive had 2013 Civic, 1.6diesel. Had it for two years,cant say a bad word, besides service I didn't spend a dime on it. As for driving and overall experience it's Honda so it feels good and solid, my only complain would be lack of space for driver. If anything best to look for 2014+, as its afterlift and easier to find decent version with extras like bt/camera.

With this mileage maybe he could consider a hybrid?

greasepalm

Different wheels can upset the balance and put more strain on things over stock items and can see things getting worn out quicker.

Low profile wheels have more contact and grip and more torque and will put a strain on them.

Unsure of the manifold issue , was it split / cracked , plastic with built in flaps?

aidanki

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120937960#Comment_120937960

constant issues around the front axle, either those big wheels were shaking the daylights out of it or was v poor design

Hellrazer

The manifold issue was a cracked egr pipe that was subject to a modified part release. After the pipe was replace I never saw another one with the issue. The other bits are all wear and tear parts possibly exacerbated by the larger wheels. Did he do his home work and make sure the bigger wheels were the right diameter for the car .Even Honda don't recommend wheel changes unless the diameter is right. The Accord is probably my favourite Honda and they really do give very little problems. As for the Civic he's looking at..go for a 2.2 one.Theyre just fun to drive and also give very few problems.

Hellrazer

The manifold issue was a cracked egr pipe that was subject to a modified part release. After the pipe was replace I never saw another one with the issue. The other bits are all wear and tear parts possibly exacerbated by the larger wheels. Did he do his home work and make sure the bigger wheels were the right diameter for the car .Even Honda don't recommend wheel changes unless the diameter is right. The Accord is probably my favourite Honda and they really do give very little problems. As for the Civic he's looking at..go for a 2.2 one.Theyre just fun to drive and also give very few problems.

micks_address

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120938230#Comment_120938230

the 2.2 civic engine was a good bit heavier and a fair bit less economical? still a lot better than accord 09 i had.. i just found that 1.6 diesel a real sweet spot in terms of power/economy

aidanki

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120937995#Comment_120937995

good point, at what mileage per annum does the hybrid become the choice

Sconsey

I have a 2014 civic 1.4 petrol, it is a good car, no problems over the last 5 years really, the only issue is an over-enthusiastic tyre pressure sensor that needs to be reset on a regular basis.

One thing to consider (I am not a car expert), it feels like the engine has been designed or geared with town/city driving in mind, not so much motorway driving. By that, I mean that it is very economical driving round town, I spend most of my time in fourth or fifth gear on low revs. But when I go on the motorway I need to be doing around 3,500RPM to get to 100-110 kph. It consequently seems to drink fuel and the engine sounds like it is struggling when doing any high speeds, more so than I would have expected but maybe that is standard for 1.4?

If I were a regular motorway driver I would probably have changed cars, but it is brilliant around town, very good mpg, comfortable and reliable (touch wood!).

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120938235#Comment_120938235

In my experience 2.2 is actually better on diesel than the 1.6.But the official figures don't show that. I've driven both and always went back to the 2.2. when I had the option. Last one I had for 8 months. I think it was probably down to not having to use the right foot as much as you have that extra power when you need it. It's like the new civics - the 1.5 is way better on juice than the 1 litre.But again official figures say different.

yoshiktk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120938695#Comment_120938695

I did mention it at Banger as well, that for me the 7gen Accord with 2.2 engine was of the best cars I've ever driven. Silky smooth engine, great gearbox. I would be tempted to go for it again but most on DD look like crap, don't expect proper service on them.

I'm un the same boat as OP and in the end probably will go for Prius. Bland and boring but doesn't break the bank when You get the repair bill.

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120938742#Comment_120938742

What about the accord hybrid?

Jap import only but I drove one recently and it's some car to drive. When my Insight needs changing that's what I'm buying next.

They're a 2.0 litre petrol with a hybrid drive. You get a lot of car for your money.

yoshiktk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120938971#Comment_120938971

To be honest, as I did not drive one of them they are a bit unknown to me but with that in mind, in that year and money, 2012+ and 15k€. Personally I would go for something like Passat. Or if going Honda i would pick Legend instead.

Iodine1

Those wheels............lovely to look at but only for motorway, no give in the tyres and enhanced wear magnified on poor roads.

aidanki

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120940411#Comment_120940411

;

+1 motorway only

Rustyman101

Drove a Honda Accord 1.8 VETEC for a long number of years, absolutely the best car I ever had, don't make them anymore well not for ireland.

Everything still worked ,ever button , sunroof etc.

I put the usual consumables plus 2 front brake calipers.

Reliability personified!

I miss my Accord, rust got her in the end

BornSkippy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120938971#Comment_120938971

Is there much value in importing one from Japan, or are you as well to buy one that's already been imported?

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120943010#Comment_120943010

You’ll save about €5k by importing. The only ones for sale here are freshly imported ones being sold by dealers. So you’ll be paying top dollar if you choose to buy one here.

You could look at Honda Fit or Honda Grace as an alternative, plenty more of them for sale.

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120943102#Comment_120943102

Do not buy a grace...there's no parts available for them in Europe. Dealers are advertising them as Civic/Grace but they aren't near a civic. If you're buying a Fit make sure it's pre 2014 .They changed the gear box from a CVT to a dual clutch system and they are failing...the dual clutches are burning out in them from lack of maintenance...again no parts available in Europe for them.Jap supply only and upwards of 3 months to get the parts

Hellrazer

The good fits have a vin of GP1 at the start. the bad ones are GP5.

roosterman71

I've a 2012 Accord, 2.2 i-DTEC. Engine and gearbox excellent. Though one injector needs replacing at the next service. That will be the first change. Steering pump needed replacing last year. Costly. Other main issue is the brakes. Discs and pads don't last pissing length and I'm not overly hard on them. Plus they are prone to whistling and it's at it again lately.

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120944373#Comment_120944373

Very unusual for an injector to fail. Usually it's just the copper seal at the bottom. As for the pads. Next time fit apec pads and mintex discs and you should double your mileage on them.Thats the best combination I found.

Patrick2010

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120941615#Comment_120941615

Can echo all of that except I had the 2.0 VETEC. Never a days trouble until the dreaded rust hit and it was just too expensive to repair.