1981 Honda Accord LX review from North America

Muffler is completely rusted out, will need replaced. Local Honda mechanic estimates cost will be minimal though, providing he can find a muffler to fit it.

Tailpipe is gone. (Sounds awwwesome because of it though)

Speakers are starting to go out.

No major dents or dings on body, a few pain discolorations.

Hinges on doors are weakenging with heavy use and age. Drivers side door likes to catch you in the back of the legs. Its actually quite endearing of the car.

Seats and interior are slightly musty, but still look relatively new.

Interior light is burnt out, but that's to be expected. Headlights are fine, aside from one small ring of trim missing.

Has had regular maintenance for cars entire life, but wasn't driven for about the last 5 years. Runs beautifully, no major mechanical problems. Have had it thouroughly diagnosd and given a clean bill of health. Emissions and asthetics will be your ownly major problems with this car.

Excellent gas mileage, first off. Being a teen driver, this is quite important. About 32 city. Its great.

Handles like a dream, steering is responosive, accelerates nicely (once I actually learned to shift properly.) Braking is a tad shy at times, but far from innefficent. Think quarter as apposed to dime.

Interior is slightly cramped in back (hatchback design doesn't help there) but open and roomy in front. Two different men over six foot tall have driven this car comfortably, and I am 5'2" and currently drive it -very- comfortably.

The interior retains smells well though, and the emissions did give us some issues. There are some strange aftermarket additions to my cat, but not everyone will have these.

Hinges wear down with time... I always feel like I'm going to shatter the hatchback window when I shut it. Drivers door tries to close on you, but stays shut. Passenger side door stays open wether you need it to or not. It will close, but not fully, triggering the ever-so-lovely door-ajar alarm all you vinatage Accord owners must know so well.

Lost of great features for what would have been an eceonomy car in 81. Keys are hard to lock in it because of style of locks, lots of head room, both AC and heat, defroster and the like. AC uses freon though, which can be particularly annoying when replacing it, or dumping it.

Rides nice and low to the ground too. I was shocked to first climb in it, used to my Mum's Explorer and Dad's F150. Hugs the curves, but unfourtunently it hugs the potholes too.

Overall... awesome little (cheap) first car in great condition. I am blessed to have him.