My first Honda (Honda Gurus help)

[Ian]

Hello all!

Last summer (August 2013) I purchased a near mint 2003 Honda Accord DX (2.4L, Man Trans) with under 75K miles.

I have never owned a Honda before (Previously only owned domestics) and I have not a single clue about anything for this generation Accord.

Over the last year I have performed the following repairs/upkeep.

-Regular oil changes using synthetic oil/Wix filters
-Spark plug changed at 83K using the identical NGK plugs removed from engine
-Valve cover gasket replacement (external leak)
-Occasional Seafoam use
-Replaced warped rotors/pads with new rotors/Ceramic pads

Additional information about the car

03 Honda Accord DX 85K~ miles
2.4L VTEC
5 Speed Manual
Only 2 options are A/C and PWR windows

Now, my questions are these.

1. Are there any common issues with this gen Accord?
2. Anything I should watch for/be aware of?
3. Any tips on keeping great care of the car? (Maintenance)
4. Economy/performance tips? (not looking for a ricer, just a little more go/fun)
5. I currently have a CEL for a failing/failed catalytic converter, is this a common problem?

I know that is quite a load to be dumped on you guys, but I am pretty clueless about Hondas. The car is an absolute BLAST to drive and I want to keep it as long as I can (200K+)

Thanks for any help, and I truly enjoy watching your vids, Eric.

Stay Dirty, guys.

Topic

[Bryan Carter]

Now, my answers are these.

1. Yes, and you already addressed one of them (front brakes). Also problems with the auto trans model. And front control arm bushings. There’s definitely more, but nothing else springs to mind
2. I guess, see above.
3. Outside of routine fluid, filter, and belt changes… nope.
4. Short answer no. Hondas are fairly high-strung from the factory. There’s not a lot left in jar, if you know what I mean.
5. The OEM cat often starts looking for the exit somewhere past 10 years… so it doesn’t sound unusual to me.

[Bluesnut]

There are a number of recalls out on these cars so you might contact a Honda dealer and find out which ones are applicable to your VIN. The recalls are related to lighting, airbags, ignition switch interlock, and so on. It’s all free of charge so take advantage of it.

You might consider checking the valve lash. That is something that should be inspected about every 30k miles and a good time to have done this was while the valve cover was off for a gasket change.

Change the oil regularly, don’t operate it while overheating, and you should have no problem getting 200 or 300k miles out of it.

[Ingvar]

Serpentine belt to be done soon.
Replace ATF once a year. Disregard 30 000 miles. Do it once a year.
Replace valve cover spark plug seals. If you already hadn’t that done.
Valve job is about due. Or what was mentioned as “lashes”. Fortunately, it’s adjustable on Hondas. Unfortunately, you should have had it done when you had valve cover off.
Overall, those are “we run over 200 00 miles easy” cars. Lousy, esp with that engine, but reliable.
Install K&N air filter. Don’t mess with anything else.
Not sure if yours has timing belt or chain. 04 2.4 L engines have chain. Belt needs to be replaced soon.

[Ian]

Forgot I replaced the Serp belt last summer right after I bought it (major cracking)
Manual Transmission (will replace MT fluid soon)
VC kit included plug and coil seals (changed at the same time)
Will speak to Honda dealership about valve adjustments
K&N filter will be the next time or so the filter needs changed
Car has a chain, chain has minor slack, but doesn’t feel at all out of order

[Lorrin Barth]

I’d suggest sticking with a paper intake filter.

[Trent “Teddy” Martin]

BarneyB is right stay with the standard filters. K&N is over priced to begin with and you only really benefit if it is forced induction.

[Hokiedad4]

I bought my 2004 Accord (2.4L, 5-spd) in 2007 as a CPO and it’s got 247k. This has been the most reliable car I’ve ever owned by far. I’ve had exactly two parts fail (CV boot and downstream O2 sensor). Just recently the radio has started to go (DPS) but that’s it.

The original struts, brake pads, rotors and rear shoes were not replaced until about 220k. Still have the original clutch, cat, timing chain, etc. Valves have never needed adjustment. AC is like a polar vortex.

I let Honda change the oil every 5k just so someone who knows what they’re doing gets a look at it every few months (plus a free car wash). I do all other maintenance. I’m hoping to pass 300k by 2016.

[Author]

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