Honda drive train life expectancy
 

My daughter's new FIT Sport (auto trans) is the family's first Honda. It
drives and feels like a small Mercedes, and we agree with the favorable
articles regarding build quality and features. However, we've heard
unlikely stories about engine-trans longevity, and wonder if there's any
repository of such information.

How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance, etc?

Thanks.

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

Ike <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote in news:UvCRg.6737$%i.2457
@tornado.socal.rr.com:

> My daughter's new FIT Sport (auto trans) is the family's first Honda. It
> drives and feels like a small Mercedes, and we agree with the favorable
> articles regarding build quality and features. However, we've heard
> unlikely stories about engine-trans longevity, and wonder if there's any
> repository of such information.
>
> How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance, etc?
>


Half a million miles, easy. Given the right kind of driving that is.

For most people, you can expect about 300K max.

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

Ike <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote in news:UvCRg.6737$%i.2457
@tornado.socal.rr.com:

> My daughter's new FIT Sport (auto trans) is the family's first Honda. It
> drives and feels like a small Mercedes, and we agree with the favorable
> articles regarding build quality and features. However, we've heard
> unlikely stories about engine-trans longevity, and wonder if there's any
> repository of such information.
>
> How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance, etc?
>


Half a million miles, easy. Given the right kind of driving that is.

For most people, you can expect about 300K max.

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

Ike <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote in news:UvCRg.6737$%i.2457
@tornado.socal.rr.com:

> My daughter's new FIT Sport (auto trans) is the family's first Honda. It
> drives and feels like a small Mercedes, and we agree with the favorable
> articles regarding build quality and features. However, we've heard
> unlikely stories about engine-trans longevity, and wonder if there's any
> repository of such information.
>
> How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance, etc?
>


Half a million miles, easy. Given the right kind of driving that is.

For most people, you can expect about 300K max.

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

TeGGeR® wrote:
> Ike <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote in news:UvCRg.6737$%i.2457
> @tornado.socal.rr.com:
>
>> My daughter's new FIT Sport (auto trans) is the family's first Honda. It
>> drives and feels like a small Mercedes, and we agree with the favorable
>> articles regarding build quality and features. However, we've heard
>> unlikely stories about engine-trans longevity, and wonder if there's any
>> repository of such information.
>>
>> How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance, etc?
>>
>
>
> Half a million miles, easy. Given the right kind of driving that is.
>
> For most people, you can expect about 300K max.
>

I'm from an era when a valve job was necessary after 40k, and at 80k or
so the engine was shot. My 1949 Chevy followed that profile, but of
course gas was 24c/gallon and Earl Scheib would Paint Any Car for $29.95!

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

TeGGeR® wrote:
> Ike <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote in news:UvCRg.6737$%i.2457
> @tornado.socal.rr.com:
>
>> My daughter's new FIT Sport (auto trans) is the family's first Honda. It
>> drives and feels like a small Mercedes, and we agree with the favorable
>> articles regarding build quality and features. However, we've heard
>> unlikely stories about engine-trans longevity, and wonder if there's any
>> repository of such information.
>>
>> How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance, etc?
>>
>
>
> Half a million miles, easy. Given the right kind of driving that is.
>
> For most people, you can expect about 300K max.
>

I'm from an era when a valve job was necessary after 40k, and at 80k or
so the engine was shot. My 1949 Chevy followed that profile, but of
course gas was 24c/gallon and Earl Scheib would Paint Any Car for $29.95!

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

TeGGeR® wrote:
> Ike <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote in news:UvCRg.6737$%i.2457
> @tornado.socal.rr.com:
>
>> My daughter's new FIT Sport (auto trans) is the family's first Honda. It
>> drives and feels like a small Mercedes, and we agree with the favorable
>> articles regarding build quality and features. However, we've heard
>> unlikely stories about engine-trans longevity, and wonder if there's any
>> repository of such information.
>>
>> How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance, etc?
>>
>
>
> Half a million miles, easy. Given the right kind of driving that is.
>
> For most people, you can expect about 300K max.
>

I'm from an era when a valve job was necessary after 40k, and at 80k or
so the engine was shot. My 1949 Chevy followed that profile, but of
course gas was 24c/gallon and Earl Scheib would Paint Any Car for $29.95!

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

"Ike" <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:aXCRg.11236$rE5.6965@tornado.socal.rr.com...
>
> I'm from an era when a valve job was necessary after 40k, and at 80k or so
> the engine was shot. My 1949 Chevy followed that profile, but of course
> gas was 24c/gallon and Earl Scheib would Paint Any Car for $29.95!

Boy, I don't miss those days! I still hear the Merle Haggard song on the
radio, bemoaning the days when "a Ford and a Chevy still last 10 years like
it should..."

Most modern cars will give 200K-300K miles, with the possible exception of
some of the domestic designs. I had a Nissan that had fatal electrical
problems at 150K miles and an '84 Dodge that was completely used up at 95K
miles, but other than that 200K is sort of my baseline. I bought my first
Volvo with 190K miles on the odometer, although I had to rebuild the engine
because it had been torn up by detonation. My current Volvo turned 240K
recently, but my daughter's '93 Accord (bought at 163K miles) is gaining on
it fast. My son bought a '94 Acura at 130K miles last year, and I just
bought a 2002 Toyota Prius with 103K miles on it. My wife's 2002 Prius is
the baby of the family at nearly 65K miles.

I agree that 300K is about the limit for mainstream driving characteristics.

Mike

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

"Ike" <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:aXCRg.11236$rE5.6965@tornado.socal.rr.com...
>
> I'm from an era when a valve job was necessary after 40k, and at 80k or so
> the engine was shot. My 1949 Chevy followed that profile, but of course
> gas was 24c/gallon and Earl Scheib would Paint Any Car for $29.95!

Boy, I don't miss those days! I still hear the Merle Haggard song on the
radio, bemoaning the days when "a Ford and a Chevy still last 10 years like
it should..."

Most modern cars will give 200K-300K miles, with the possible exception of
some of the domestic designs. I had a Nissan that had fatal electrical
problems at 150K miles and an '84 Dodge that was completely used up at 95K
miles, but other than that 200K is sort of my baseline. I bought my first
Volvo with 190K miles on the odometer, although I had to rebuild the engine
because it had been torn up by detonation. My current Volvo turned 240K
recently, but my daughter's '93 Accord (bought at 163K miles) is gaining on
it fast. My son bought a '94 Acura at 130K miles last year, and I just
bought a 2002 Toyota Prius with 103K miles on it. My wife's 2002 Prius is
the baby of the family at nearly 65K miles.

I agree that 300K is about the limit for mainstream driving characteristics.

Mike

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

"Ike" <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:aXCRg.11236$rE5.6965@tornado.socal.rr.com...
>
> I'm from an era when a valve job was necessary after 40k, and at 80k or so
> the engine was shot. My 1949 Chevy followed that profile, but of course
> gas was 24c/gallon and Earl Scheib would Paint Any Car for $29.95!

Boy, I don't miss those days! I still hear the Merle Haggard song on the
radio, bemoaning the days when "a Ford and a Chevy still last 10 years like
it should..."

Most modern cars will give 200K-300K miles, with the possible exception of
some of the domestic designs. I had a Nissan that had fatal electrical
problems at 150K miles and an '84 Dodge that was completely used up at 95K
miles, but other than that 200K is sort of my baseline. I bought my first
Volvo with 190K miles on the odometer, although I had to rebuild the engine
because it had been torn up by detonation. My current Volvo turned 240K
recently, but my daughter's '93 Accord (bought at 163K miles) is gaining on
it fast. My son bought a '94 Acura at 130K miles last year, and I just
bought a 2002 Toyota Prius with 103K miles on it. My wife's 2002 Prius is
the baby of the family at nearly 65K miles.

I agree that 300K is about the limit for mainstream driving characteristics.

Mike

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

In article <UvCRg.6737$%i.2457@tornado.socal.rr.com>,
Ike <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote:

> How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance, etc?

Well, my 92 Civic Si is at 150K miles and still on the original clutch.

Maintain it, fix things that break, and go on with your life. A Honda
is genuinely an appliance. A pleasant one, in that it's not breaking
the bank.

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

In article <UvCRg.6737$%i.2457@tornado.socal.rr.com>,
Ike <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote:

> How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance, etc?

Well, my 92 Civic Si is at 150K miles and still on the original clutch.

Maintain it, fix things that break, and go on with your life. A Honda
is genuinely an appliance. A pleasant one, in that it's not breaking
the bank.

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

In article <UvCRg.6737$%i.2457@tornado.socal.rr.com>,
Ike <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote:

> How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance, etc?

Well, my 92 Civic Si is at 150K miles and still on the original clutch.

Maintain it, fix things that break, and go on with your life. A Honda
is genuinely an appliance. A pleasant one, in that it's not breaking
the bank.

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in
news:elmop-8A13C0.18081224092006@nntp1.usenetserver.com:

> In article <UvCRg.6737$%i.2457@tornado.socal.rr.com>,
> Ike <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance,
>> etc?
>
> Well, my 92 Civic Si is at 150K miles and still on the original
> clutch.



Got 255,763 miles out of my original clutch. And the only reason it
needed to be replaced that soon had to do with the grease on the input
shaft splines. Had that not been a problem, my mechanic thinks I might
have got another 5 or 10K before both faces got down to the rivets.

I currently have 274,791 miles on my '91 'Teg. Oil consumption at the
moment is about 1,600 miles per US quart. After a huge amount of
investigation, research (and some expenditure), I have come to the
conclusion that my short engine lifespan is due to undergearing. The
Integra was marketed as a "sporty" car, and Honda geared it low for
spirited acceleration.

I spend about 85-90% of my driving on the highway at speeds between 75
and 85 mph, common velocities in my area. This means my little mill is
buzzing along at around 4,000rpm most of the time, with the attendant
high piston speeds those revs entail. The rings don't last very well
under such stress, it seems.

Cars without sporting pretensions have much higher gearing. The CR-V
engine, for instance, is turning roughly 3,000rpm at 80, so I'd expect
its rings to have a longer life.




>
> Maintain it, fix things that break, and go on with your life. A Honda
> is genuinely an appliance. A pleasant one, in that it's not breaking
> the bank.
>
>


The new ones seem to have problems the old ones didn't. Lots of the
usual new-style EVAP issues, cats, and alternators. All of those really
add up in expenses. Mind you, all but the alternator seem to be endemic
to ALL makes, and you can thank the federal EPA for them.



--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: Honda drive train life expectancy
 

"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in
news:elmop-8A13C0.18081224092006@nntp1.usenetserver.com:

> In article <UvCRg.6737$%i.2457@tornado.socal.rr.com>,
> Ike <binarydotike@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> How long should such a drive train last assuming proper maintenance,
>> etc?
>
> Well, my 92 Civic Si is at 150K miles and still on the original
> clutch.



Got 255,763 miles out of my original clutch. And the only reason it
needed to be replaced that soon had to do with the grease on the input
shaft splines. Had that not been a problem, my mechanic thinks I might
have got another 5 or 10K before both faces got down to the rivets.

I currently have 274,791 miles on my '91 'Teg. Oil consumption at the
moment is about 1,600 miles per US quart. After a huge amount of
investigation, research (and some expenditure), I have come to the
conclusion that my short engine lifespan is due to undergearing. The
Integra was marketed as a "sporty" car, and Honda geared it low for
spirited acceleration.

I spend about 85-90% of my driving on the highway at speeds between 75
and 85 mph, common velocities in my area. This means my little mill is
buzzing along at around 4,000rpm most of the time, with the attendant
high piston speeds those revs entail. The rings don't last very well
under such stress, it seems.

Cars without sporting pretensions have much higher gearing. The CR-V
engine, for instance, is turning roughly 3,000rpm at 80, so I'd expect
its rings to have a longer life.




>
> Maintain it, fix things that break, and go on with your life. A Honda
> is genuinely an appliance. A pleasant one, in that it's not breaking
> the bank.
>
>


The new ones seem to have problems the old ones didn't. Lots of the
usual new-style EVAP issues, cats, and alternators. All of those really
add up in expenses. Mind you, all but the alternator seem to be endemic
to ALL makes, and you can thank the federal EPA for them.



--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/