1989 Honda Accord SE-i from North America - Comments

After 2 years, the cruise control had to be replaced.

At 200,000 miles, the driver's seat started to develop cracks and tears in the leather.

Somewhere around 230,000 miles, the low fuel idiot light in the dash burned out.

At 240,000 miles, the power steering's pressure hose produced a leak that drained the power steering fluid. As a bonus, the leak created a billowing smoke effect, when the fluid hit the exhaust manifold heat shield.

At 255,000 miles, a slow oil leak appeared, which seemed to originate from the drivers side of the engine and around the oil pan gasket.

At 256,000 miles, the Bose amplifier blew, which sent a loud screeching noise to the speakers at any volume.

At 258,000 miles, the alternator died. Unknown if this may have been the result of the Bose amp blowing or vice versa. Having to take the drive shaft off to get to the alternator wasn't fun.

At 259,000 miles, the heater core developed a slow leak, and drained some coolant into the front passenger side foot well.

At 260,000 miles, a little rust has finally started to appear. It looks like it's coming from under the passenger side rear wheel well liner.

At 261,000 miles, the OEM muffler finally died. It's almost impossible to find an OEM replacement at this age.

It's my daily driver and starts on the first crank every morning, no matter the temperature or weather.

This car really doesn't look aged a bit. The guys at the Honda shop were amazed to see this car with 262,000 miles on the odometer, and in such good working condition.

Like most reviews I, too, wish this car was a manual. The gearing in the slush box automatic really takes away from the potential power of the 2.0L fuel injected engine.

Even with 262k miles, she still holds her own when passing and accelerating.

I have fitted dozens of Alternators on these vehicles. I have never had to go through the hassle of removing the Axle. If you would like me to tell you how to do replace an Alternator the easy way, email me at Idoitritefirstime@hotmail.com.

No need to remove the drive shaft to work on the alternator. Just remove the air filter housing, and then you can pull the alternator up through the engine compartment. Takes 5 minutes.

I have 2 SE-i's both '89's.

Both over 250,000 miles. Both running strong. They both have their individual

problems, but I haven't seen many American made cars that can hold up to what I

have put mine through, and have 250k to boot!

I would buy another in a heartbeat!

Talk about reliable!!

Although;

Have you or anyone else had many problems with the upper and lower ball joints,

going bad? More than one time?

Thanks

Jen.

I have replaced the balljoints on my sei, but only once. A mechanic friend told me that worn out struts are hard on the ball joints, and can be a contributing factor to failure.

I had a 1989 Honda Accord as well. My car developed the exact same repair issues as your car. I traded off the car after nine year with 178,000 miles.

The drivers seat had some bad leather, it rubbed off by where my left elbow was located most of the time.

My Bose amplifier blew after 7 years and I got the same exact loud screeching noise. It drove me nuts.

At 178,000 miles the power steering pressure hose started to leak over the exhaust manifold heat shield as well. The cost of repair was about $1000, and that was the factor that persuaded me to trading it off.

Glad your 1989 is running well.

To add onto the alternator installation speek. I would like to tell you that I have replaced alternators on a late eighty's CRX and an early ninety's civic. To remove the alternator, I removed the plastic shrouds from the wheel well, then unbolted the alternator and pushed it out of the way. After the alternator is out of the way, I removed the alternator mounting bracket. This allows enough room for the alternator to come out of the opening for the axle shaft (without removing the axle shaft). Anyway, that's how the CRX / Civic are. I don't know if that's the deal for the Accord.

I have the SE-I with about 130,000. It has developed some rust on both front doors, probably as a result of being driven primarily in the Northeast. The leather seats have begun to crack. The BOSE amplifier stopped working last year, (though I've found a place in Florida that repairs them if anyone's interested).

The biggest problem I have is related to the transmission. On long trips (over an hour) at high speeds (over 50mph) the transmission will have difficulty changing gears and especially with switching into or staying in 4th gear. On uphills it becomes impossible to drive. If I let the car sit for 15 minutes, the problem goes away for a while. I've taken it to a couple mechanics and they haven't had much insight. I change the fluids regularly. Any suggestions?

You set a record... it took over 200,000 miles for rust to appear? You must live waaay out west.

I have a 1989 Honda Accord SE-I and it was given to me to get from A-B. Can't ask for a better little car that is so old. Gets up and goes on 289,000 miles clocked on it already. Has a couple small issues, maybe ball joints, struts etc., does a bit of clunking when I come to a stop or back up. Has a bit of vibration when sitting on idle and when backing up, not sure what that is, but will take to a mechanic to check out. Great on gas. Might keep for a year or so and maybe trade in, if it lasts that long. I was told that you can just about beat them to death. I was also told that the newer Honda Accords have issues. If anyone has a response to that, it would be grateful. Would also like to know where I could find a manual for free, don't have one.

94 Accord has 235,000 and gets driven 800 miles a week regularly. 99 Accord with the V6, 130,000 miles--no transmission problems and only issues with using cheap tires. Original alternator went out at 125,000. Change transmission fluid often and it will last longer than 30k.

I love se-i's well at least mine. it has 256k+ miles and looks as good as new. is green too. the same exat things have happened to mine, but I replaced the broken power steering line myself it didn't cost me 1000$ but a few cuts in my hands and lots of sweat. I'm in love with that car. wish it wasnt automatic.

Thanks for all the insight. I'm currently in the process of buying one at 160,000 for only a grand. Test drove it and cruised great. Need it for point A to B trips, and I'm confident now. The axles and A/C are getting replaced/repaired before I pick it up.