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.
This reviewer should definitely go into advertising. This is the most positive spin on what is an old, nearly worn out car. She even describes the negatives as positives.
Although the reported mileage is a little perplexing for a 25 year old car, even if it was not used for five years.
I too have an older model of the lovely Honda accord. My dad gave it to me as a birthday gift. It hasn't left me stranded, probably because I've replaced so many parts; including a head gasket, power streering box, heater core, alternator, suspension and breaks, as well as tires. this car has so many miles on it I honestly couldn't tell you where its been. I love this car, its beautiful and totally fits me. Today I got it back from my mechanic, (a.k.a. my dad), and its acting like it needs another head gasket... I want to keep it, but I've put so much into it these past months I can't help, but think I'm getting myself into a big mess, and an expensive one at that! I can't decide to keep it and completely restore the engine or try and sell it as is... what should I do?
Bought my Honda Accord Hatchback new in 1980 and have been its only owner-driver of its original 166,000 miles, mostly on long distance trips over unsalted highways since then. As a Mechanical Engineer I have maintained it carefully as my second car since then, stored in my garage or in the south in winters. You cannot tell I had it professionally repainted about 10 years ago in its original red/maroon color and it still looks pretty good! I still enjoy using it occasionally around town, but I am considering replacing it for a lot of money. A new Toyota gas economizer car will not be cheap!.
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