1980 Honda Accord LX from North America - Comments

Carb died at around 95k; replaced it with a Weber 2bbl, and it still passed emissions! Everything works except the ac, which died in a front-end wreck.

Current condition is sad for a beloved Honda. The worst thing on the planet is a hurting Honda. It's been in 8 known accidents, only 4 our fault. If it were not for the damage and the New England rust, we'd be driving it. The engine is strong and the tranny has been rebuilt and runs superbly. Wish I could pass on to someone who wants to keep their s running a little while longer. The clock is most remarkable; has never lost a minute. I starts well, even at -22F, although we are now living in Georgia. Handled well in all respects. If I could buy one today I'd do it in a heartbeat. It is hard to let go of a friend that has never failed you once. Drives fine, but needs some expensive brake work; I have to draw the line somewhere.

How much rust does it have, and what type of brake work does it need? If the work required is around 500 or so, I'd just get it done and keep the car. You'd save a pile of money over buying another car, important considering Christmas is coming up soon. Just a few days ago, I saw an early 80's Accord and it looked like it was in pretty good shape for being 20+ years old.

I think its time to retire that car. I can't imagine the frame is still straight after all of those accidents, nor is the car safe at all. Honda's are good cars, but don't let Honda reliability get to your ego. Your car has been beaten to a pulp and the rust is probably worse than you think (I live in PA so I know). Go send that one to the junkyard and save yourself the money buying one that's maybe ten years newer at least. Your only wasting money on a worn out POS and risking your life and the life of other people every time you drive it.

My friend bought a 94 Civic 2 door hatch for $1500 with 156,000 miles on it and its still going strong with 277,000 miles on it. It held up just as well as yours to all of the abuse he gives it and he loves it too. I guarantee you will be able to find a nice one better than his cheap and write a good review on that one too.

Considering all that I said initially, and the comments received, I still consider it one of the best cars we've ever had. While it remains for sale in the front yard, 12 'American-made' vehicles have come and gone in this family in the 22 years my wife & I have been married. I agree with the writer that it would probably be best to retire the machine to the local junkyard, but I have a hard time trashing something that works. I'd LOVE to take the remaining life of the drivetrain and put it to work as a generator, but preliminary assessments say that the cost to put a 50kW alternator on it and properly couple it and all would exceed the cost of a machine designed to do that job. Still, a darn fine little car. A forum writer correctly pointed out the rust factor, and that is why I have it on the market as a parts-car. Thank you for your insight. I drove the thing around the yard just today. GLC... Great Little Car.