1988 Honda Accord LXi from North America - Comments

The vacuum hose coupling on the ignition timing module was broken when I got the car, so the engine was "searching" for the proper idle speed (it would surge between 1,000 RPM and 2,000 RPM once every second). Some super glue fixed that issue.

The front suspension rods needed to be replaced. They weren't in bad shape, but they dried up and were creating an awful squeaking sound with every bump.

The primary temperature sensor went out, causing the car to overheat and thus killing the secondary temperature sensor (the one that kicks the fan on when the car is turned off - I don't understand why the car needs one whole sensor for that, but I'm sure there is a good reason).

Rust on the wheel wells in the rear and some rust around the trunk lid.

Driver side power window module has a loose wire that causes the window not to operate from time to time. Will fix that one day.

Replaced timing belt. General maintenance at 150k miles. I don't like rubber timing belts, and I know the design of the Honda engine would force the valves to collapse into the piston compartment if the belt ever broke, ruining the engine.

A/C compressor needed to be replaced and the system upgraded to R134 - Was next to nothing because my Dad does HVAC work, and the compressor was picked up from a salvage yard for $50. The R134 conversion kit was only $39.95.

The car has an intermittent start problem if it is not warmed up all the way, or if it is left parked in direct sunlight. Usually, if it let it sit for 2 - 5 minutes, it will start right up the second time around.

Over all, total repair costs were about $250 - not bad for a free car.42.

The car is nice, for a 1988.

I owned a 2002 Chevy Malibu, which I loved, but needed to turn it in because I lost my job.

The Honda Accord was acquired from a family member who did not need it anymore, and did not see any worth in it.

It's a good car. The ride isn't as smooth or quiet as my new Malibu was, but it will fit the bill.

I don't like the fact that the car sits so low to the ground, or the fact that the driver door won't lock unless it's closed. I know it's a feature that can be overridden, but I need to find out how.

Overall, I love the car, and I think it runs as good as new, especially for having 150k miles on it!

In order to lock the door while it is open, pull either of the door handles (inside or outside) while locking the door.

Yeah you have got to pull up the door handle from the outside and the push down on the lock and close the door while holding the door handle up and then release it when door id closed.

I have the same problem when the car is just a little too low because it always hits the front towing hook while I back up too fast from my drive way, but anyhow its not big problem and besides it will give you a smoother ride when the car is sitting lower.

I bought my '88 Accord LXi manual transmission about a year ago - it had 151,000 miles on it at age 19. I have to say it has been extremely reliable, with no major problems in the least! I have had a leak in the seal around the sunroof, and occasionally rain will seep in; also, a power steering fluid small leak. Other than that, I think the car is good to go for another 19 years!

I like the feature off the door. You cannot lock your keys inside the car. I can't remember how many time it save myself. I believe it is design this way, I can't tell you how many time I accidentally locked my keys in my old car (Ford).

I have a 1988 Honda Accord LXi 4 door 5 speed, sunroof and original Honda aluminum wheels. I have 203,349 miles on it. It doesn't burn any oil. The A/C isn't working but in San Diego I can live without it although I would like to get it fixed. It has a salvaged title on it because the original owner got in an accident and broke one of the hideaway headlight covers and the insurance company said it was too expensive to fix. The interior is perfect except one of the front seats has the piping along the side coming loose.