Just recently (at 127,500 miles), the check engine light started coming on after the car warmed to operating temperature. I have not had this serviced yet, but I suspect a temperature sensor of some sort. Around the same time, my mileage dropped significantly, from 35 mpg around town down to about 28.
Other than this, I have only replaced normal wear items such as brake pads, headlamps and the battery. With regard to regular maintenance items, the car is a joy to work on.
I can't believe my car has 127,000 miles on it. The engine is strong, lively and smooth. There is however transmission wear, specifically the first and second gear synchronizers. The clutch might be starting to go as well, given the occasional chattering.
At 6'1", I'm about the largest person who can effectively drive this car. Considering this, the fit for my height is not bad.
The EX trim package appears to share a good bit of its steering, suspension and brake components with its cousin the Acura Integra. Fore and aft stabilizer bars and MacPherson struts give this car superb control and agility. However, the same relatively long wheelbase that helps grant the car a smooth ride also gives it a turning circle that's large and awkward for such a small car.
Do-It-Yourselfers will like this car on the whole, though the engine itself can be difficult to work with at times. The oil filter for instance is a real pain to get your hands on. Also, the car's front air dam is too low for drive-on ramps, requiring the use of jack stands. Still, the suspension, brakes, interior components, lights, cooling, exhaust and most other components are immediately accessible and straightforward.
I love Honda's anti-lock brakes. They are aggressive, reliable and sure. They've saved my butt a number of times in slushy New England winters.
Good, good car.
Check your O2 sensor or your fuel injectors. They might be the problem. You can, also, go to AutoZone and they will do a diagnostic check for free.
It's three years later and I thought I'd add to my original entry.
The car now has 167,000 miles on it. It has required a good bit of wear-and-tear maintenance on it, including:
- Both drive axles/CV joints (due to torn outer boots)
- O2 sensor (as indicated by above comment)
- Rear springs and shocks
- Rear disc caliper (was frozen)
- Front lower right control arm
- Left inner tie rod end.
The last two items above were largely due to driving on @#$%&*! New Orleans roads with potholes the size of bathtubs. The above list doesn't include the "typical" tune-up items like plugs, wires, distributor cap, filters, tires, etc. My main gripe about the repairs is that parts tend to be expensive for this little car as of 2008.
That said, the car is still a joy to both drive and work on. Fuel economy in the city is still good at 30mpg. I drive by gas stations and wink! The engine is still strong and peppy. My earlier remarks about the transmission were probably due to my inexperience with the car, as I'm still driving the original clutch.
I know whatever money I'd get from selling the car wouldn't buy me a vehicle nearly equal in quality to the one I'm driving. Still an awesome car.
Nice to see your follow up after several years of owning the car. I just got a 1995 ex and so far am loving it. Of course, this comes after years of driving cars from the early 80's. Although the 95 is 13 years old, it feels tight like a new car!
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