Little or no heat. As a result, the windows fogged excessively in cold weather. I had to replace the thermostat and water pump at a cost of about $300 and there is still not much heat.
Front wheels went really out of line and the handling became loose.
The alternator hasn't worked since I've bought it.
Replaced front axle, left front and right front ball joints, as well as the right rear upper ball joint. Very expensive to fix at $1500.
Transmission makes a very noticeable "clunk/grind" noise when shifting into drive and seems to grind when put in "park", however, there are no problems I have found with the transmission.
Idle speed cable sticks occasionally resulting in idle speeds at 3000rpm.
Windshield cracked shortly after purchase.
You pretty much get what you pay for with the 1988 Honda Accord.
It's got great top end speed and good mileage to go along with it.
The engine will always start. However it idles high when it's cold.
The headlights are not very bright.
There are no cup holders. That is not friendly for drive-through orders.
Ever stop to think you bought a used car that is 16 years old??? Did you expect it to be perfect???
The high idle speed when cold is adjustable. Get a book on the car and it will take you threw the adjustment.
If you fix the alternator problem, you headlights will be allot brighter. The crunch you hear going into park, reverse, and drive is normal. My 85 accord made that sound for 300,000 miles. It's the sprag clutch doing it's job.
It sound like with a little work it will be a good car.
I just got my 88 accord and the fuel pump went bad with the front right axle went bad with the boot tearing and had to replace it. Now my windshield just cracked and it is big. A rock hit it on the highway so be careful it is a good car none the less, but be careful.
All carb vehicles will have a high idle when the engine is cold. In order for the engine to warm up, the carb has a fast idle valve. Once you let the vehicle warm up, you can tap the gas pedal and this should open the fast idle valve completely and lower the idle.
Normally you don't want to drive with the fast idle open, because the vehicle will be hard to drive, especially if your brakes aren't the best...
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