buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a private party with
a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks very clean.

I am looking for a car that can last a year without any major repairs.

I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether or not it is a
good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on it?

How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a major repairs?

Thanks in advance.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

<webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
>I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a private
>party with
> a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks very
> clean.
>
> I am looking for a car that can last a year without any
> major repairs.
>
> I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether or
> not it is a
> good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on it?
>
> How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a major
> repairs?

106k miles is typically mid-life for a c. 1990s Honda
//assuming// it's been maintained.

Seems like this newsgroup's most frequently reported used
car major problem is serious cooling system leak. The
sellers sell them knowing this is a problem but mask it, and
unload it to unsavvy buyers. Drive the car for at least a
half hour locally; maybe 15 minutes on the highway. Check
the coolant reservoir level at the beginning, mid-way
through and at the end.

Obtain maintenance records if at all possible. When was this
car's timing belt last changed?

Consider paying an import shop mechanic to do a check of the
car. S/he should look at the brakes, cooling system, tranny,
etc., catching things you might easily miss. It's $50 or so
well spent.

edmunds.com has a used car appraiser (by mileage, general
condition, geographic location, dealer price, private party
price, etc.) that might be helpful in pricing.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

<webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
>I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a private
>party with
> a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks very
> clean.
>
> I am looking for a car that can last a year without any
> major repairs.
>
> I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether or
> not it is a
> good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on it?
>
> How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a major
> repairs?

106k miles is typically mid-life for a c. 1990s Honda
//assuming// it's been maintained.

Seems like this newsgroup's most frequently reported used
car major problem is serious cooling system leak. The
sellers sell them knowing this is a problem but mask it, and
unload it to unsavvy buyers. Drive the car for at least a
half hour locally; maybe 15 minutes on the highway. Check
the coolant reservoir level at the beginning, mid-way
through and at the end.

Obtain maintenance records if at all possible. When was this
car's timing belt last changed?

Consider paying an import shop mechanic to do a check of the
car. S/he should look at the brakes, cooling system, tranny,
etc., catching things you might easily miss. It's $50 or so
well spent.

edmunds.com has a used car appraiser (by mileage, general
condition, geographic location, dealer price, private party
price, etc.) that might be helpful in pricing.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

<webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
>I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a private
>party with
> a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks very
> clean.
>
> I am looking for a car that can last a year without any
> major repairs.
>
> I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether or
> not it is a
> good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on it?
>
> How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a major
> repairs?

106k miles is typically mid-life for a c. 1990s Honda
//assuming// it's been maintained.

Seems like this newsgroup's most frequently reported used
car major problem is serious cooling system leak. The
sellers sell them knowing this is a problem but mask it, and
unload it to unsavvy buyers. Drive the car for at least a
half hour locally; maybe 15 minutes on the highway. Check
the coolant reservoir level at the beginning, mid-way
through and at the end.

Obtain maintenance records if at all possible. When was this
car's timing belt last changed?

Consider paying an import shop mechanic to do a check of the
car. S/he should look at the brakes, cooling system, tranny,
etc., catching things you might easily miss. It's $50 or so
well spent.

edmunds.com has a used car appraiser (by mileage, general
condition, geographic location, dealer price, private party
price, etc.) that might be helpful in pricing.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

Thanks for the information Elle.

The person selling the car says that she does not know if the timing
belt has been changed or not. Apparently, the car belonged to her
mother who is now elderly and has stopped driving. Besides regular oil
changes, she does not remember her mother doing any service on the car
so she tends to think that the timing belt has not been changed.

I asked for maintenance records, but she said that except for some
receipts for tires that were put on not long ago, there were no
maintenance records for the car.

At what mileage is the timing belt supposed to be changed? If it has
not been changed, can it be changed now in order to extend the life of
the car? Without any service records, can the shop mechanic tell
whether or not it has been changed?

One thing the owner did say is that the "boots" may need to be
replaced. She said her mechanic told her it would cost $200 to do.
She said she would be willing to deduct the repair cost from the sales
price.

I asked about the coolant situation. She said there were no leaks that
she knew of, but I will try to take it for a 30 min ride as you advise
to make sure.

I understand an inspection from a mechanic is important. My friend
recommended a mechanic, but I don't know if he specializes in imports.
Is it absolutely necessary to have it checked by an import shop
mechanic?


Elle wrote:
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> >I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a private
> >party with
> > a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks very
> > clean.
> >
> > I am looking for a car that can last a year without any
> > major repairs.
> >
> > I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether or
> > not it is a
> > good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on it?
> >
> > How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a major
> > repairs?
>
> 106k miles is typically mid-life for a c. 1990s Honda
> //assuming// it's been maintained.
>
> Seems like this newsgroup's most frequently reported used
> car major problem is serious cooling system leak. The
> sellers sell them knowing this is a problem but mask it, and
> unload it to unsavvy buyers. Drive the car for at least a
> half hour locally; maybe 15 minutes on the highway. Check
> the coolant reservoir level at the beginning, mid-way
> through and at the end.
>
> Obtain maintenance records if at all possible. When was this
> car's timing belt last changed?
>
> Consider paying an import shop mechanic to do a check of the
> car. S/he should look at the brakes, cooling system, tranny,
> etc., catching things you might easily miss. It's $50 or so
> well spent.
>
> edmunds.com has a used car appraiser (by mileage, general
> condition, geographic location, dealer price, private party
> price, etc.) that might be helpful in pricing.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

Thanks for the information Elle.

The person selling the car says that she does not know if the timing
belt has been changed or not. Apparently, the car belonged to her
mother who is now elderly and has stopped driving. Besides regular oil
changes, she does not remember her mother doing any service on the car
so she tends to think that the timing belt has not been changed.

I asked for maintenance records, but she said that except for some
receipts for tires that were put on not long ago, there were no
maintenance records for the car.

At what mileage is the timing belt supposed to be changed? If it has
not been changed, can it be changed now in order to extend the life of
the car? Without any service records, can the shop mechanic tell
whether or not it has been changed?

One thing the owner did say is that the "boots" may need to be
replaced. She said her mechanic told her it would cost $200 to do.
She said she would be willing to deduct the repair cost from the sales
price.

I asked about the coolant situation. She said there were no leaks that
she knew of, but I will try to take it for a 30 min ride as you advise
to make sure.

I understand an inspection from a mechanic is important. My friend
recommended a mechanic, but I don't know if he specializes in imports.
Is it absolutely necessary to have it checked by an import shop
mechanic?


Elle wrote:
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> >I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a private
> >party with
> > a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks very
> > clean.
> >
> > I am looking for a car that can last a year without any
> > major repairs.
> >
> > I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether or
> > not it is a
> > good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on it?
> >
> > How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a major
> > repairs?
>
> 106k miles is typically mid-life for a c. 1990s Honda
> //assuming// it's been maintained.
>
> Seems like this newsgroup's most frequently reported used
> car major problem is serious cooling system leak. The
> sellers sell them knowing this is a problem but mask it, and
> unload it to unsavvy buyers. Drive the car for at least a
> half hour locally; maybe 15 minutes on the highway. Check
> the coolant reservoir level at the beginning, mid-way
> through and at the end.
>
> Obtain maintenance records if at all possible. When was this
> car's timing belt last changed?
>
> Consider paying an import shop mechanic to do a check of the
> car. S/he should look at the brakes, cooling system, tranny,
> etc., catching things you might easily miss. It's $50 or so
> well spent.
>
> edmunds.com has a used car appraiser (by mileage, general
> condition, geographic location, dealer price, private party
> price, etc.) that might be helpful in pricing.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

Thanks for the information Elle.

The person selling the car says that she does not know if the timing
belt has been changed or not. Apparently, the car belonged to her
mother who is now elderly and has stopped driving. Besides regular oil
changes, she does not remember her mother doing any service on the car
so she tends to think that the timing belt has not been changed.

I asked for maintenance records, but she said that except for some
receipts for tires that were put on not long ago, there were no
maintenance records for the car.

At what mileage is the timing belt supposed to be changed? If it has
not been changed, can it be changed now in order to extend the life of
the car? Without any service records, can the shop mechanic tell
whether or not it has been changed?

One thing the owner did say is that the "boots" may need to be
replaced. She said her mechanic told her it would cost $200 to do.
She said she would be willing to deduct the repair cost from the sales
price.

I asked about the coolant situation. She said there were no leaks that
she knew of, but I will try to take it for a 30 min ride as you advise
to make sure.

I understand an inspection from a mechanic is important. My friend
recommended a mechanic, but I don't know if he specializes in imports.
Is it absolutely necessary to have it checked by an import shop
mechanic?


Elle wrote:
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> >I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a private
> >party with
> > a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks very
> > clean.
> >
> > I am looking for a car that can last a year without any
> > major repairs.
> >
> > I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether or
> > not it is a
> > good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on it?
> >
> > How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a major
> > repairs?
>
> 106k miles is typically mid-life for a c. 1990s Honda
> //assuming// it's been maintained.
>
> Seems like this newsgroup's most frequently reported used
> car major problem is serious cooling system leak. The
> sellers sell them knowing this is a problem but mask it, and
> unload it to unsavvy buyers. Drive the car for at least a
> half hour locally; maybe 15 minutes on the highway. Check
> the coolant reservoir level at the beginning, mid-way
> through and at the end.
>
> Obtain maintenance records if at all possible. When was this
> car's timing belt last changed?
>
> Consider paying an import shop mechanic to do a check of the
> car. S/he should look at the brakes, cooling system, tranny,
> etc., catching things you might easily miss. It's $50 or so
> well spent.
>
> edmunds.com has a used car appraiser (by mileage, general
> condition, geographic location, dealer price, private party
> price, etc.) that might be helpful in pricing.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

I'd take a VERY close look at the coolant/radiator situation. If it has
been neglected, RUN from that car. Take it to someone who has seen
damage from dead coolant and trust their information.
Car like that in good condition around here is very desirable. Figure
at least $500 for timing and countershaft and accessory belts, new water
pump and coolant change. Get new oil seals on the front of the engine
too. Look at the fuel lines and power steering lines and gas tank for rust.
Good Luck, and keep in touch. bob

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

I'd take a VERY close look at the coolant/radiator situation. If it has
been neglected, RUN from that car. Take it to someone who has seen
damage from dead coolant and trust their information.
Car like that in good condition around here is very desirable. Figure
at least $500 for timing and countershaft and accessory belts, new water
pump and coolant change. Get new oil seals on the front of the engine
too. Look at the fuel lines and power steering lines and gas tank for rust.
Good Luck, and keep in touch. bob

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

I'd take a VERY close look at the coolant/radiator situation. If it has
been neglected, RUN from that car. Take it to someone who has seen
damage from dead coolant and trust their information.
Car like that in good condition around here is very desirable. Figure
at least $500 for timing and countershaft and accessory belts, new water
pump and coolant change. Get new oil seals on the front of the engine
too. Look at the fuel lines and power steering lines and gas tank for rust.
Good Luck, and keep in touch. bob

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

<webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> The person selling the car says that she does not know if
> the timing
> belt has been changed or not. Apparently, the car
> belonged to her
> mother who is now elderly and has stopped driving.
> Besides regular oil
> changes, she does not remember her mother doing any
> service on the car
> so she tends to think that the timing belt has not been
> changed.
>
> I asked for maintenance records, but she said that except
> for some
> receipts for tires that were put on not long ago, there
> were no
> maintenance records for the car.
>
> At what mileage is the timing belt supposed to be changed?

For the 94 Accord, for "normal driving," the timing belt
should be replaced every 90k miles or six years, whichever
comes first. For "severe driving," the belt is supposed to
be changed every 60k miles, period. "Severe driving"
includes driving in dusty conditions; lots of short distance
driving; driving in extreme cold; and the like.

Autozone.com has a free online repair manual for this
Accord. For the full maintenance schedule ( = frequency of
replacing various basic things), see
http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...3d800cf09c.jsp

> If it has
> not been changed, can it be changed now in order to extend
> the life of
> the car?

Absolutely. The only concern by not replacing it is that it
could break at any time. Timing belts not changed at the
Honda specified interval do break.

If the timing belt breaks, the engine repairs may run into
the thousands of dollars.

> Without any service records, can the shop mechanic tell
> whether or not it has been changed?

Some clues that it has been changed may be evident, but, no,
not really.

> One thing the owner did say is that the "boots" may need
> to be
> replaced. She said her mechanic told her it would cost
> $200 to do.
> She said she would be willing to deduct the repair cost
> from the sales
> price.

She most likely means CV boots. One can look under the car
where the axle joins the wheel and see these roughly 1-inch
to 3-inch normally sturdy looking rubber cones. If they have
tears, they need to be replaced immediately, lest dirt and
water ingress into the CV joint, leading to a much more
expensive repair. It's not an unusual repair. Happens maybe
every 8 years or so, depending on where and I suppose how
one drives.

> I asked about the coolant situation. She said there were
> no leaks that
> she knew of, but I will try to take it for a 30 min ride
> as you advise
> to make sure.

Look for the coolant reservoir, and check its level, too. If
you're not sure where it is, ask. Or, assuming you know
where the radiator is (at the front, under the hood), follow
the small (around 3/8-inch diameter) rubber hose attaching
to the radiator fill neck (just under the radiator cap) to
the reservoir bottle. It has a lid on it through which one
may add more coolant.

> I understand an inspection from a mechanic is important.
> My friend
> recommended a mechanic, but I don't know if he specializes
> in imports.
> Is it absolutely necessary to have it checked by an import
> shop
> mechanic?

No, it's not. You might want to start a relationship with an
import shop, though, especially since you know about the CV
boots. Maybe call around and see how much they want in your
area to replace them with new, genuine Honda ones. Call the
local Honda dealer service department, too, for an estimate.
Ask all also how much to do a timing belt, and what all that
would include. It should include a new water pump, new shaft
oil seals (like Bob said), among other things, too.

Do not buy aftermarket parts for the CV boots. Buy only
genuine Honda parts. If you wish, you can buy them online at
a great price and take them to the shop for them to use.

You might want to get the Edmunds.com used car appraiser
price, then deduct the roughly $500 (like NE Bob estimated)
for the timing belt and X dollars, depending on what local
import shops say, for the boots.

I agree with all else NE Ohio Bob says, too: Look for rust,
etc.

Any doubts or concerns, feel free to ask here. Plenty of
others with good experience may chime in, so keep checking
back. Make a list of things you want to check up close, then
follow up.

> Elle wrote:
>> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
>> >I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a
>> >private
>> >party with
>> > a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks
>> > very
>> > clean.
>> >
>> > I am looking for a car that can last a year without any
>> > major repairs.
>> >
>> > I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether
>> > or
>> > not it is a
>> > good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on
>> > it?
>> >
>> > How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a
>> > major
>> > repairs?
>>
>> 106k miles is typically mid-life for a c. 1990s Honda
>> //assuming// it's been maintained.
>>
>> Seems like this newsgroup's most frequently reported used
>> car major problem is serious cooling system leak. The
>> sellers sell them knowing this is a problem but mask it,
>> and
>> unload it to unsavvy buyers. Drive the car for at least a
>> half hour locally; maybe 15 minutes on the highway. Check
>> the coolant reservoir level at the beginning, mid-way
>> through and at the end.
>>
>> Obtain maintenance records if at all possible. When was
>> this
>> car's timing belt last changed?
>>
>> Consider paying an import shop mechanic to do a check of
>> the
>> car. S/he should look at the brakes, cooling system,
>> tranny,
>> etc., catching things you might easily miss. It's $50 or
>> so
>> well spent.
>>
>> edmunds.com has a used car appraiser (by mileage, general
>> condition, geographic location, dealer price, private
>> party
>> price, etc.) that might be helpful in pricing.
>

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

<webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> The person selling the car says that she does not know if
> the timing
> belt has been changed or not. Apparently, the car
> belonged to her
> mother who is now elderly and has stopped driving.
> Besides regular oil
> changes, she does not remember her mother doing any
> service on the car
> so she tends to think that the timing belt has not been
> changed.
>
> I asked for maintenance records, but she said that except
> for some
> receipts for tires that were put on not long ago, there
> were no
> maintenance records for the car.
>
> At what mileage is the timing belt supposed to be changed?

For the 94 Accord, for "normal driving," the timing belt
should be replaced every 90k miles or six years, whichever
comes first. For "severe driving," the belt is supposed to
be changed every 60k miles, period. "Severe driving"
includes driving in dusty conditions; lots of short distance
driving; driving in extreme cold; and the like.

Autozone.com has a free online repair manual for this
Accord. For the full maintenance schedule ( = frequency of
replacing various basic things), see
http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...3d800cf09c.jsp

> If it has
> not been changed, can it be changed now in order to extend
> the life of
> the car?

Absolutely. The only concern by not replacing it is that it
could break at any time. Timing belts not changed at the
Honda specified interval do break.

If the timing belt breaks, the engine repairs may run into
the thousands of dollars.

> Without any service records, can the shop mechanic tell
> whether or not it has been changed?

Some clues that it has been changed may be evident, but, no,
not really.

> One thing the owner did say is that the "boots" may need
> to be
> replaced. She said her mechanic told her it would cost
> $200 to do.
> She said she would be willing to deduct the repair cost
> from the sales
> price.

She most likely means CV boots. One can look under the car
where the axle joins the wheel and see these roughly 1-inch
to 3-inch normally sturdy looking rubber cones. If they have
tears, they need to be replaced immediately, lest dirt and
water ingress into the CV joint, leading to a much more
expensive repair. It's not an unusual repair. Happens maybe
every 8 years or so, depending on where and I suppose how
one drives.

> I asked about the coolant situation. She said there were
> no leaks that
> she knew of, but I will try to take it for a 30 min ride
> as you advise
> to make sure.

Look for the coolant reservoir, and check its level, too. If
you're not sure where it is, ask. Or, assuming you know
where the radiator is (at the front, under the hood), follow
the small (around 3/8-inch diameter) rubber hose attaching
to the radiator fill neck (just under the radiator cap) to
the reservoir bottle. It has a lid on it through which one
may add more coolant.

> I understand an inspection from a mechanic is important.
> My friend
> recommended a mechanic, but I don't know if he specializes
> in imports.
> Is it absolutely necessary to have it checked by an import
> shop
> mechanic?

No, it's not. You might want to start a relationship with an
import shop, though, especially since you know about the CV
boots. Maybe call around and see how much they want in your
area to replace them with new, genuine Honda ones. Call the
local Honda dealer service department, too, for an estimate.
Ask all also how much to do a timing belt, and what all that
would include. It should include a new water pump, new shaft
oil seals (like Bob said), among other things, too.

Do not buy aftermarket parts for the CV boots. Buy only
genuine Honda parts. If you wish, you can buy them online at
a great price and take them to the shop for them to use.

You might want to get the Edmunds.com used car appraiser
price, then deduct the roughly $500 (like NE Bob estimated)
for the timing belt and X dollars, depending on what local
import shops say, for the boots.

I agree with all else NE Ohio Bob says, too: Look for rust,
etc.

Any doubts or concerns, feel free to ask here. Plenty of
others with good experience may chime in, so keep checking
back. Make a list of things you want to check up close, then
follow up.

> Elle wrote:
>> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
>> >I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a
>> >private
>> >party with
>> > a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks
>> > very
>> > clean.
>> >
>> > I am looking for a car that can last a year without any
>> > major repairs.
>> >
>> > I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether
>> > or
>> > not it is a
>> > good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on
>> > it?
>> >
>> > How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a
>> > major
>> > repairs?
>>
>> 106k miles is typically mid-life for a c. 1990s Honda
>> //assuming// it's been maintained.
>>
>> Seems like this newsgroup's most frequently reported used
>> car major problem is serious cooling system leak. The
>> sellers sell them knowing this is a problem but mask it,
>> and
>> unload it to unsavvy buyers. Drive the car for at least a
>> half hour locally; maybe 15 minutes on the highway. Check
>> the coolant reservoir level at the beginning, mid-way
>> through and at the end.
>>
>> Obtain maintenance records if at all possible. When was
>> this
>> car's timing belt last changed?
>>
>> Consider paying an import shop mechanic to do a check of
>> the
>> car. S/he should look at the brakes, cooling system,
>> tranny,
>> etc., catching things you might easily miss. It's $50 or
>> so
>> well spent.
>>
>> edmunds.com has a used car appraiser (by mileage, general
>> condition, geographic location, dealer price, private
>> party
>> price, etc.) that might be helpful in pricing.
>

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

<webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> The person selling the car says that she does not know if
> the timing
> belt has been changed or not. Apparently, the car
> belonged to her
> mother who is now elderly and has stopped driving.
> Besides regular oil
> changes, she does not remember her mother doing any
> service on the car
> so she tends to think that the timing belt has not been
> changed.
>
> I asked for maintenance records, but she said that except
> for some
> receipts for tires that were put on not long ago, there
> were no
> maintenance records for the car.
>
> At what mileage is the timing belt supposed to be changed?

For the 94 Accord, for "normal driving," the timing belt
should be replaced every 90k miles or six years, whichever
comes first. For "severe driving," the belt is supposed to
be changed every 60k miles, period. "Severe driving"
includes driving in dusty conditions; lots of short distance
driving; driving in extreme cold; and the like.

Autozone.com has a free online repair manual for this
Accord. For the full maintenance schedule ( = frequency of
replacing various basic things), see
http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...3d800cf09c.jsp

> If it has
> not been changed, can it be changed now in order to extend
> the life of
> the car?

Absolutely. The only concern by not replacing it is that it
could break at any time. Timing belts not changed at the
Honda specified interval do break.

If the timing belt breaks, the engine repairs may run into
the thousands of dollars.

> Without any service records, can the shop mechanic tell
> whether or not it has been changed?

Some clues that it has been changed may be evident, but, no,
not really.

> One thing the owner did say is that the "boots" may need
> to be
> replaced. She said her mechanic told her it would cost
> $200 to do.
> She said she would be willing to deduct the repair cost
> from the sales
> price.

She most likely means CV boots. One can look under the car
where the axle joins the wheel and see these roughly 1-inch
to 3-inch normally sturdy looking rubber cones. If they have
tears, they need to be replaced immediately, lest dirt and
water ingress into the CV joint, leading to a much more
expensive repair. It's not an unusual repair. Happens maybe
every 8 years or so, depending on where and I suppose how
one drives.

> I asked about the coolant situation. She said there were
> no leaks that
> she knew of, but I will try to take it for a 30 min ride
> as you advise
> to make sure.

Look for the coolant reservoir, and check its level, too. If
you're not sure where it is, ask. Or, assuming you know
where the radiator is (at the front, under the hood), follow
the small (around 3/8-inch diameter) rubber hose attaching
to the radiator fill neck (just under the radiator cap) to
the reservoir bottle. It has a lid on it through which one
may add more coolant.

> I understand an inspection from a mechanic is important.
> My friend
> recommended a mechanic, but I don't know if he specializes
> in imports.
> Is it absolutely necessary to have it checked by an import
> shop
> mechanic?

No, it's not. You might want to start a relationship with an
import shop, though, especially since you know about the CV
boots. Maybe call around and see how much they want in your
area to replace them with new, genuine Honda ones. Call the
local Honda dealer service department, too, for an estimate.
Ask all also how much to do a timing belt, and what all that
would include. It should include a new water pump, new shaft
oil seals (like Bob said), among other things, too.

Do not buy aftermarket parts for the CV boots. Buy only
genuine Honda parts. If you wish, you can buy them online at
a great price and take them to the shop for them to use.

You might want to get the Edmunds.com used car appraiser
price, then deduct the roughly $500 (like NE Bob estimated)
for the timing belt and X dollars, depending on what local
import shops say, for the boots.

I agree with all else NE Ohio Bob says, too: Look for rust,
etc.

Any doubts or concerns, feel free to ask here. Plenty of
others with good experience may chime in, so keep checking
back. Make a list of things you want to check up close, then
follow up.

> Elle wrote:
>> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
>> >I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a
>> >private
>> >party with
>> > a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks
>> > very
>> > clean.
>> >
>> > I am looking for a car that can last a year without any
>> > major repairs.
>> >
>> > I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether
>> > or
>> > not it is a
>> > good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on
>> > it?
>> >
>> > How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a
>> > major
>> > repairs?
>>
>> 106k miles is typically mid-life for a c. 1990s Honda
>> //assuming// it's been maintained.
>>
>> Seems like this newsgroup's most frequently reported used
>> car major problem is serious cooling system leak. The
>> sellers sell them knowing this is a problem but mask it,
>> and
>> unload it to unsavvy buyers. Drive the car for at least a
>> half hour locally; maybe 15 minutes on the highway. Check
>> the coolant reservoir level at the beginning, mid-way
>> through and at the end.
>>
>> Obtain maintenance records if at all possible. When was
>> this
>> car's timing belt last changed?
>>
>> Consider paying an import shop mechanic to do a check of
>> the
>> car. S/he should look at the brakes, cooling system,
>> tranny,
>> etc., catching things you might easily miss. It's $50 or
>> so
>> well spent.
>>
>> edmunds.com has a used car appraiser (by mileage, general
>> condition, geographic location, dealer price, private
>> party
>> price, etc.) that might be helpful in pricing.
>

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

Thank you very much Bob and Elle.

I will make a checklist of the points you mentioned and try to find an
import shop mechanic for quotes on the repairs.

I will post back as soon with what I find out.


Elle wrote:
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> > The person selling the car says that she does not know if
> > the timing
> > belt has been changed or not. Apparently, the car
> > belonged to her
> > mother who is now elderly and has stopped driving.
> > Besides regular oil
> > changes, she does not remember her mother doing any
> > service on the car
> > so she tends to think that the timing belt has not been
> > changed.
> >
> > I asked for maintenance records, but she said that except
> > for some
> > receipts for tires that were put on not long ago, there
> > were no
> > maintenance records for the car.
> >
> > At what mileage is the timing belt supposed to be changed?
>
> For the 94 Accord, for "normal driving," the timing belt
> should be replaced every 90k miles or six years, whichever
> comes first. For "severe driving," the belt is supposed to
> be changed every 60k miles, period. "Severe driving"
> includes driving in dusty conditions; lots of short distance
> driving; driving in extreme cold; and the like.
>
> Autozone.com has a free online repair manual for this
> Accord. For the full maintenance schedule ( = frequency of
> replacing various basic things), see
> http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...3d800cf09c.jsp
>
> > If it has
> > not been changed, can it be changed now in order to extend
> > the life of
> > the car?
>
> Absolutely. The only concern by not replacing it is that it
> could break at any time. Timing belts not changed at the
> Honda specified interval do break.
>
> If the timing belt breaks, the engine repairs may run into
> the thousands of dollars.
>
> > Without any service records, can the shop mechanic tell
> > whether or not it has been changed?
>
> Some clues that it has been changed may be evident, but, no,
> not really.
>
> > One thing the owner did say is that the "boots" may need
> > to be
> > replaced. She said her mechanic told her it would cost
> > $200 to do.
> > She said she would be willing to deduct the repair cost
> > from the sales
> > price.
>
> She most likely means CV boots. One can look under the car
> where the axle joins the wheel and see these roughly 1-inch
> to 3-inch normally sturdy looking rubber cones. If they have
> tears, they need to be replaced immediately, lest dirt and
> water ingress into the CV joint, leading to a much more
> expensive repair. It's not an unusual repair. Happens maybe
> every 8 years or so, depending on where and I suppose how
> one drives.
>
> > I asked about the coolant situation. She said there were
> > no leaks that
> > she knew of, but I will try to take it for a 30 min ride
> > as you advise
> > to make sure.
>
> Look for the coolant reservoir, and check its level, too. If
> you're not sure where it is, ask. Or, assuming you know
> where the radiator is (at the front, under the hood), follow
> the small (around 3/8-inch diameter) rubber hose attaching
> to the radiator fill neck (just under the radiator cap) to
> the reservoir bottle. It has a lid on it through which one
> may add more coolant.
>
> > I understand an inspection from a mechanic is important.
> > My friend
> > recommended a mechanic, but I don't know if he specializes
> > in imports.
> > Is it absolutely necessary to have it checked by an import
> > shop
> > mechanic?
>
> No, it's not. You might want to start a relationship with an
> import shop, though, especially since you know about the CV
> boots. Maybe call around and see how much they want in your
> area to replace them with new, genuine Honda ones. Call the
> local Honda dealer service department, too, for an estimate.
> Ask all also how much to do a timing belt, and what all that
> would include. It should include a new water pump, new shaft
> oil seals (like Bob said), among other things, too.
>
> Do not buy aftermarket parts for the CV boots. Buy only
> genuine Honda parts. If you wish, you can buy them online at
> a great price and take them to the shop for them to use.
>
> You might want to get the Edmunds.com used car appraiser
> price, then deduct the roughly $500 (like NE Bob estimated)
> for the timing belt and X dollars, depending on what local
> import shops say, for the boots.
>
> I agree with all else NE Ohio Bob says, too: Look for rust,
> etc.
>
> Any doubts or concerns, feel free to ask here. Plenty of
> others with good experience may chime in, so keep checking
> back. Make a list of things you want to check up close, then
> follow up.
>
> > Elle wrote:
> >> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> >> >I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a
> >> >private
> >> >party with
> >> > a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks
> >> > very
> >> > clean.
> >> >
> >> > I am looking for a car that can last a year without any
> >> > major repairs.
> >> >
> >> > I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether
> >> > or
> >> > not it is a
> >> > good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on
> >> > it?
> >> >
> >> > How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a
> >> > major
> >> > repairs?
> >>
> >> 106k miles is typically mid-life for a c. 1990s Honda
> >> //assuming// it's been maintained.
> >>
> >> Seems like this newsgroup's most frequently reported used
> >> car major problem is serious cooling system leak. The
> >> sellers sell them knowing this is a problem but mask it,
> >> and
> >> unload it to unsavvy buyers. Drive the car for at least a
> >> half hour locally; maybe 15 minutes on the highway. Check
> >> the coolant reservoir level at the beginning, mid-way
> >> through and at the end.
> >>
> >> Obtain maintenance records if at all possible. When was
> >> this
> >> car's timing belt last changed?
> >>
> >> Consider paying an import shop mechanic to do a check of
> >> the
> >> car. S/he should look at the brakes, cooling system,
> >> tranny,
> >> etc., catching things you might easily miss. It's $50 or
> >> so
> >> well spent.
> >>
> >> edmunds.com has a used car appraiser (by mileage, general
> >> condition, geographic location, dealer price, private
> >> party
> >> price, etc.) that might be helpful in pricing.
> >

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

Thank you very much Bob and Elle.

I will make a checklist of the points you mentioned and try to find an
import shop mechanic for quotes on the repairs.

I will post back as soon with what I find out.


Elle wrote:
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> > The person selling the car says that she does not know if
> > the timing
> > belt has been changed or not. Apparently, the car
> > belonged to her
> > mother who is now elderly and has stopped driving.
> > Besides regular oil
> > changes, she does not remember her mother doing any
> > service on the car
> > so she tends to think that the timing belt has not been
> > changed.
> >
> > I asked for maintenance records, but she said that except
> > for some
> > receipts for tires that were put on not long ago, there
> > were no
> > maintenance records for the car.
> >
> > At what mileage is the timing belt supposed to be changed?
>
> For the 94 Accord, for "normal driving," the timing belt
> should be replaced every 90k miles or six years, whichever
> comes first. For "severe driving," the belt is supposed to
> be changed every 60k miles, period. "Severe driving"
> includes driving in dusty conditions; lots of short distance
> driving; driving in extreme cold; and the like.
>
> Autozone.com has a free online repair manual for this
> Accord. For the full maintenance schedule ( = frequency of
> replacing various basic things), see
> http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...3d800cf09c.jsp
>
> > If it has
> > not been changed, can it be changed now in order to extend
> > the life of
> > the car?
>
> Absolutely. The only concern by not replacing it is that it
> could break at any time. Timing belts not changed at the
> Honda specified interval do break.
>
> If the timing belt breaks, the engine repairs may run into
> the thousands of dollars.
>
> > Without any service records, can the shop mechanic tell
> > whether or not it has been changed?
>
> Some clues that it has been changed may be evident, but, no,
> not really.
>
> > One thing the owner did say is that the "boots" may need
> > to be
> > replaced. She said her mechanic told her it would cost
> > $200 to do.
> > She said she would be willing to deduct the repair cost
> > from the sales
> > price.
>
> She most likely means CV boots. One can look under the car
> where the axle joins the wheel and see these roughly 1-inch
> to 3-inch normally sturdy looking rubber cones. If they have
> tears, they need to be replaced immediately, lest dirt and
> water ingress into the CV joint, leading to a much more
> expensive repair. It's not an unusual repair. Happens maybe
> every 8 years or so, depending on where and I suppose how
> one drives.
>
> > I asked about the coolant situation. She said there were
> > no leaks that
> > she knew of, but I will try to take it for a 30 min ride
> > as you advise
> > to make sure.
>
> Look for the coolant reservoir, and check its level, too. If
> you're not sure where it is, ask. Or, assuming you know
> where the radiator is (at the front, under the hood), follow
> the small (around 3/8-inch diameter) rubber hose attaching
> to the radiator fill neck (just under the radiator cap) to
> the reservoir bottle. It has a lid on it through which one
> may add more coolant.
>
> > I understand an inspection from a mechanic is important.
> > My friend
> > recommended a mechanic, but I don't know if he specializes
> > in imports.
> > Is it absolutely necessary to have it checked by an import
> > shop
> > mechanic?
>
> No, it's not. You might want to start a relationship with an
> import shop, though, especially since you know about the CV
> boots. Maybe call around and see how much they want in your
> area to replace them with new, genuine Honda ones. Call the
> local Honda dealer service department, too, for an estimate.
> Ask all also how much to do a timing belt, and what all that
> would include. It should include a new water pump, new shaft
> oil seals (like Bob said), among other things, too.
>
> Do not buy aftermarket parts for the CV boots. Buy only
> genuine Honda parts. If you wish, you can buy them online at
> a great price and take them to the shop for them to use.
>
> You might want to get the Edmunds.com used car appraiser
> price, then deduct the roughly $500 (like NE Bob estimated)
> for the timing belt and X dollars, depending on what local
> import shops say, for the boots.
>
> I agree with all else NE Ohio Bob says, too: Look for rust,
> etc.
>
> Any doubts or concerns, feel free to ask here. Plenty of
> others with good experience may chime in, so keep checking
> back. Make a list of things you want to check up close, then
> follow up.
>
> > Elle wrote:
> >> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> >> >I recently saw a 1994 Accord LX Wagon for sale by a
> >> >private
> >> >party with
> >> > a 106k miles on it. Asking price was $3900. It looks
> >> > very
> >> > clean.
> >> >
> >> > I am looking for a car that can last a year without any
> >> > major repairs.
> >> >
> >> > I was wondering if anyone has any comments on whether
> >> > or
> >> > not it is a
> >> > good idea to buy a 94 Accord with this many miles on
> >> > it?
> >> >
> >> > How many miles can a 94 Accord go before it needs a
> >> > major
> >> > repairs?
> >>
> >> 106k miles is typically mid-life for a c. 1990s Honda
> >> //assuming// it's been maintained.
> >>
> >> Seems like this newsgroup's most frequently reported used
> >> car major problem is serious cooling system leak. The
> >> sellers sell them knowing this is a problem but mask it,
> >> and
> >> unload it to unsavvy buyers. Drive the car for at least a
> >> half hour locally; maybe 15 minutes on the highway. Check
> >> the coolant reservoir level at the beginning, mid-way
> >> through and at the end.
> >>
> >> Obtain maintenance records if at all possible. When was
> >> this
> >> car's timing belt last changed?
> >>
> >> Consider paying an import shop mechanic to do a check of
> >> the
> >> car. S/he should look at the brakes, cooling system,
> >> tranny,
> >> etc., catching things you might easily miss. It's $50 or
> >> so
> >> well spent.
> >>
> >> edmunds.com has a used car appraiser (by mileage, general
> >> condition, geographic location, dealer price, private
> >> party
> >> price, etc.) that might be helpful in pricing.
> >