Still MORE Honda problems for LOML

[MilDoc]

So, after two transmission replacements on her 2000 Accord, she decided to wait a while before getting a new car. "I still have it under warranty for 12 months."

Until it failed again last week. Third transmission installed on Tuesday.

Tomorrow we go to look at Toyota and Hyundai.

[phrog]

I traded in a Ford Crown Victoria with 135 000 miles on it for a new 2003 Honda Accord. The Ford had become unreliable and with an 80 year old mother I didn't want to find I could not make it to the hospital. Two months after I bought it, it was recalled - something to do with the transmission. At 17 000 miles, I noticed a problem with the brakes. Oh, it was an "unannounced" recall. The brake pads had not been made to specs and were too hard, thus, grooving the rotors. The pads had to be replaced and the rotors turned. At 27 000 miles and by then out of warranty (3 1/2 years old - who needs a longer warranty - after all, it's a Honda), the entire sound system blew out. I rarely listen to the sound system and when I do I play it, I play it very low because of sensitive hearing; so I didn't even bother getting it repaired. A couple months ago, I was taking my mother to the emergency room and I on the way an idiot light came on. Didn't know if I would make it or not. We did and she is okay. However, not so the VERY RELIABLE HONDA. It seems that the oxygen sensor had burned out at 28000 miles. Would I ever buy another one of these cars - absolutely NOT. The only car I have ever owned that even compared to the UNreliablity of this car was a Toyota. I'm through with Japanese cars.

[footprintsinconc]

you know, you guys probably have the same luck that i have. what ever car we own, it turns to dust (almost).

we have had two previous gmc safari in the family and no issue what so ever. however, when i went out and bought one for myself, i had all sorts (i mean everything from engine to body to moldings...) of problems till about 60k and now since we dont drive it much, its been fine. then i bought a hyundia elantra based on reveiws etc, and i have had all sorts of issues (again, i mean everything from engine to body to moldings...there was a seem in the back that was not factory sealed properly that leaked water in!!!) with it and still some going on. it seems like, if you luck out, you are good, otherwise too bad.

so i dont know what the solution to such a problem is, maybe just give up on driving and start walking

[Hoover]

My wife drives a 2001 Hyundai Sante Fe V6 all-wheel drive. It has had some problems, but the 100,000 mile warranty covered everything. I would buy a Hyundai again.

[Sam Conder]

My Kia is a CHAMP! It has a few rattles and clangs, but for the most part is a solid vehicle. I will be looking at Kias when my boys turn driving age!

[JeremyM]

Honda CRV 1997 model. The first year they produced them. I bought it brand new. Sometime next week or the week following, I will turn it over 300,000 and nothing major wrong with it that I haven't been the real cause.

You want to know the sad truth to many of the problems of those newer made Accords? I'll give you a hint...My CRV was made in Japan and shipped to the US. You do the math on where and who makes the Accords. However, you'll still find that the "lemon ratio" is much lower with a Honda than any of the big 3's vehicles. Oh, some will try and fight it, but compare the long term quality and the overall numbers, and there is no argument. I'm very sorry that some have gotten real lemons. Frankly, after 3 trannies I'm all on your side, someone should make good on that car as true customer service action and take it back.

I'll give anyone here just one guess to figure out what my next vehicle purchase will be? In fact, I'll tell you specifically, I'm currently shopping for a 98, 99 or so CRV with only 100,000 miles or so. I love that model of vehicle. I recently climbed into a different car manufactured by Ford and many of the parts in that brand new mid 20's car are cheaper and worse than what is in my 11yr old vehicle. A friend has a work vehicle provided. It was a brand new Impala. I once drove one of the old "boat" Impalas. His visors are falling in his face, he has handle problems, gauge lights not working right, amongst other things. It's under 3 years old if not under 2. Just food for thought.

Buy what you're comfortable with, but do your research. It hurts when you are the 1 in however many low number statistic. In fact, it just plain bites. I feel for you.

Take care

[pithed2]

We have a 2001 Honda CRV. We now have around 135K on it. We've put new tires on twice and a couple break jobs. Other than that, it's been perfect. I've had zero issues with the car. I'd get another Honda in a heartbeat.

[MilDoc]

Just don't buy a used 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 Accord. This transmission issue is a known problem. They've extended the warranty twice. The tranny is now covered to 109,000 miles!

[jonmulzer]

You want to know the sad truth to many of the problems of those newer made Accords? I'll give you a hint...My CRV was made in Japan and shipped to the US.

No argument here. Though *knock on wood* I am over 150K with my Silverado and the only thing it has required is a battery and tires. Well, it blew out the rear diff twice but the first was not the fault of the quality of the truck and the second was after 13 miles on the new diff and was because of improper clearances when rebuilt. After changing that out twice in a week I do believer I could change rearends in my truck with NASCAR speed. The second time I had it out in 20 minutes. I did not even have time to finish the beer I opened when I started.

Enough rambling, this new coffee I bought makes me edgy and gives me the attention span of Boo Radley. I should erase all my incoherentness, but I will leave it up for people to get a grin.

[Tom Slick]

have they changed your radiator yet?

[JimD]

I had a Kia once, it was a Ford Festiva. No problems at all in 80K miles and it got over 40mpg. Wish I had one now.

My last two vehicles have been Suzuki SUVs. First one was a 1997 my son drives. 140K+ and no major repairs. My 2006 has been good so far. I know the 2006 was made in Japan but I am not sure about the 1997. Other Suzukis are made in Korea, however. The XL7 is made in Canada in the plant that also makes Equinoxs. The engine of the XL7 comes from Japan but the transmission is from GM.

There used to be thoughts about buying cars made in the middle of the week - not Mondays and not Fridays. Supposedly you could tell from the VIN. I've never done this but it seems interesting.

Jim

[gjat]

I usually have decent luck with vehicles, but not like my brother-in-law. He has a Nissan pick-up with 225,000+ miles. The plus is because his speedometer was broken for 6 months. He never changes the oil and rarely checks it. About two years ago, the truck ran so bad, it barely moved. He dropped it off at my shop so our traveling mechanic could take a look at it. Over the phone the mechanic said it's probably fouled injectors, and it would be a week before he could stop buy. Since my BIL is always broke, I put injector cleaner and oil flush in the car, let it run for two hours, had the oil changed, and it was as good as new.

Yesterday, he took it to my other mechanic, figuring two years is long enough to go without checking the oil, much less changing it, and hoping he could look at the AC whick works intermittently. Also, he wanted to have the battery cable fixed that corrosion had rotted off and re-connected with a paper-binder. The mechanic was STUNNNED that everything is all original, never a tune up or changing the timing belt or water pump, complete with a dirt crust on the dip stick, and it still runs and drives. For $500 he's replacing the water pump that was beginning to seep, replacing the timing belt that looked like black polished linguini, replacing the battery cables, and changing all the fluids.

It annoys me that I spend almost that much every year on cars I take care of, getting it maintained, changing oil, brakes, alignments, car washes, etc., while my BIL believes full maintenance is only gets a car wash once or twice a year when he happens to see a cheerleader team doing a fundraiser.