1984 Honda Accord LX review from North America

When I bought that car, it was barely running, thanks to the previous owner. I bought it for $400.

Car didn't have any exhaust. I put it myself spending about $300. Couldn't find a muffler that would fit, so I left a car without it.

Starter was blown. Bought a new one for $80.

Car didn't have any motor oil in it ($4).

No coolant.

No dust caps on wheels ($3).

No gas cap ($2).

Windshield wipers were worn out ($10).

Door handles were broken ($10).

Hatch wouldn't stay open ($30).

Aftermarket shift knob was broken. I put a factory one instead (found it in the glove box).

Pedal covers were coming off. I put aftermarket aluminum covers ($20).

Tachometer would not go over 3000rpm (but the engine would). Never fixed it.

A/C doesn't work. Never fixed it.

Carburetor is leaking some gas. Never fixed it.

Power steering wasn't working and fluid was leaking. I put new power steering belt and power steering seal (may be $20).

Brake system did not have enough fluid ($3).

Replaced air filter ($5).

Rear bumper was coming off. I screwed it to the body.

Glove box compartment's lock felt off when I tried closing it. I fixed it.

Body has some dents. Paint on the roof is scratched.

Inside, cloth has many cigarette burns and is ripped off in some places.

These problems occurred later:

Timing belt started squealing at about 150000 miles. Replaced it at 162000 ($15).

Head gasket blew at 154000 miles. I decided that a car is not worth that kind of repair. Kept it running by changing oil about once a week ($4) and adding seal to the coolant.

Put new sound deck at about 155000 miles. Didn't like the old one ($200).

Changed spark plugs, wires, rotor and rotor cap at 156000 miles ($100).

Changed tires at 158000 miles ($200).

Left low beam headlight went out at 158000 miles. Replaced it ($9).

Replaced battery at 161000 miles ($35).

Overheated the engine at 162000 miles during the long trip (head gasket was still blown). Water pump and a couple hoses started leaking. Replaced them ($150).

A day later flywheel went out. Decided that car is not worth that kind of repair. Stopped driving it.

I wish my car was in a better condition when I bought it. I kept working on it all the time.

But even known it died. It was a nice car. It was fun to drive. It handled well. Brakes were powerful. It was roomy inside. All the controls were at the place where you would expect them to be.

I drove it all over the place (I drive a lot, probably about 3000 miles a month).