Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

"Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
>> The car pulls a little to the right when I was on the
>> expressway. The
>> steering wheel seems to be a little cockeyed to the
>> right. Is that a
>> big problem?
>
> May need some suspension renovation, followed by an
> alignment.

Forgot to add: Make sure the mechanic looks at the big
trailing arm bushings. There are two, on the rear. The cost
is over $300 (labor and parts) to replace them with OEM
ones.

It's not necessarily critical to replace ones that look beat
up. But handling will certainly be better, by all reports
here. (I replace my 91 Civic's next week. They're way
overdue.) If they look really bad, consider negotiating this
into the price.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

> Had the car been driven in the last hour or so before the
> above check?

I am pretty sure the car had not been driven an hour before the check.
It had probably not been driven for a day or more.

Elle wrote:
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> > Just went for a test drive on the 94 Accord.
> >
> > Before starting the car, I checked the coolant reservoir
> > and it was a
> > little low.
>
> Had the car been driven in the last hour or so before the
> above check?
>
> > The car owner did not have any antifreeze to mix in so he
> > got some distilled water and filled the reservoir to the
> > minimum level.
> > He did not want to add any more because he said he should
> > add 50/50
> > mix of antifreeze and water to the reservoir and we did
> > not have
> > antifreeze with us.
>
> That's reasonable.
>
> > After a good 25 minute drive (15 minutes of that on the
> > expressway) we
> > stopped and turned off engine and checked reservoir again.
> > It looked
> > like it was still at the minimum level. It looked like
> > there was no
> > change at all in the level. The temperature gauge did not
> > indicate any
> > problem. Would this mean the coolant situation is fine?
>
> It should rise a little. Then again, all might be fine.
>
> > I did a couple of 360 degrees slow turns in the parking
> > lot and there
> > was no sound coming from the CV joints.
> >
> > The car seemed to drive really well. I really felt the
> > bumps in the
> > road so maybe I can ask the mechanic to check the
> > suspension.
>
> Look especially at control arm bushings and the coil
> springs.
>
> Chances are they are pretty raggedy, but I suspect the
> Edmunds etc. prices on 94 Accords take this into account.
>
> > I listened carefully for any brake noise but heard none.
> > The car
> > accelerated fine and seemed to have enough power.
> >
> > We climbed a very steep hill on a highway in our area
> > going 55mph. The
> > car dropped into a lower gear during our drive up the hill
> > and the
> > downshift seemed to be a little rough, but nothing that
> > really alarmed
> > me.
> >
> > The car pulls a little to the right when I was on the
> > expressway. The
> > steering wheel seems to be a little cockeyed to the right.
> > Is that a
> > big problem?
>
> May need some suspension renovation, followed by an
> alignment. Or it may just need, say, something like the tire
> pressure adjusted.
>
> Suspension renovation on these older cars is expensive.
> $1000 or so, easily, I bet.
>
> But unless something's obviously broken (like a ball joint
> or coil spring) I don't think that's something you can
> negotiate. It's about ride comfort.
>
> At most, you could subtract $100 from your offer for an
> alignment.
>
> > The A/C worked really well. Cruise and all the power
> > options worked
> > well too. Back two doors were a little stiff when
> > opening and it
> > looked like there was some rust on the hinges.
> > Apparently, the back
> > doors were seldom opened. I did not notice any rust on
> > body of car.
> >
> > Apparently the drivers side seatbelt got closed into the
> > door several
> > times so there is some minor damage on the inside of the
> > drivers side
> > door. It seems the seatbelt won't retract powerfully when
> > released,
> > but with a quick pull, retracts nearly all the way.
> >
> > I think this 94 Accord wagon would be better for my wife
> > and daughter
> > than the 98 Escort because of the size.
> >
> > I would like to get it inspected and hopefully get the
> > buyer to go drop
> > their price a little to compensate for the timing belt
> > change I would
> > need to do.
> >
> > I will try to go for the inspection on Monday.
>
> Nice update.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

> Had the car been driven in the last hour or so before the
> above check?

I am pretty sure the car had not been driven an hour before the check.
It had probably not been driven for a day or more.

Elle wrote:
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> > Just went for a test drive on the 94 Accord.
> >
> > Before starting the car, I checked the coolant reservoir
> > and it was a
> > little low.
>
> Had the car been driven in the last hour or so before the
> above check?
>
> > The car owner did not have any antifreeze to mix in so he
> > got some distilled water and filled the reservoir to the
> > minimum level.
> > He did not want to add any more because he said he should
> > add 50/50
> > mix of antifreeze and water to the reservoir and we did
> > not have
> > antifreeze with us.
>
> That's reasonable.
>
> > After a good 25 minute drive (15 minutes of that on the
> > expressway) we
> > stopped and turned off engine and checked reservoir again.
> > It looked
> > like it was still at the minimum level. It looked like
> > there was no
> > change at all in the level. The temperature gauge did not
> > indicate any
> > problem. Would this mean the coolant situation is fine?
>
> It should rise a little. Then again, all might be fine.
>
> > I did a couple of 360 degrees slow turns in the parking
> > lot and there
> > was no sound coming from the CV joints.
> >
> > The car seemed to drive really well. I really felt the
> > bumps in the
> > road so maybe I can ask the mechanic to check the
> > suspension.
>
> Look especially at control arm bushings and the coil
> springs.
>
> Chances are they are pretty raggedy, but I suspect the
> Edmunds etc. prices on 94 Accords take this into account.
>
> > I listened carefully for any brake noise but heard none.
> > The car
> > accelerated fine and seemed to have enough power.
> >
> > We climbed a very steep hill on a highway in our area
> > going 55mph. The
> > car dropped into a lower gear during our drive up the hill
> > and the
> > downshift seemed to be a little rough, but nothing that
> > really alarmed
> > me.
> >
> > The car pulls a little to the right when I was on the
> > expressway. The
> > steering wheel seems to be a little cockeyed to the right.
> > Is that a
> > big problem?
>
> May need some suspension renovation, followed by an
> alignment. Or it may just need, say, something like the tire
> pressure adjusted.
>
> Suspension renovation on these older cars is expensive.
> $1000 or so, easily, I bet.
>
> But unless something's obviously broken (like a ball joint
> or coil spring) I don't think that's something you can
> negotiate. It's about ride comfort.
>
> At most, you could subtract $100 from your offer for an
> alignment.
>
> > The A/C worked really well. Cruise and all the power
> > options worked
> > well too. Back two doors were a little stiff when
> > opening and it
> > looked like there was some rust on the hinges.
> > Apparently, the back
> > doors were seldom opened. I did not notice any rust on
> > body of car.
> >
> > Apparently the drivers side seatbelt got closed into the
> > door several
> > times so there is some minor damage on the inside of the
> > drivers side
> > door. It seems the seatbelt won't retract powerfully when
> > released,
> > but with a quick pull, retracts nearly all the way.
> >
> > I think this 94 Accord wagon would be better for my wife
> > and daughter
> > than the 98 Escort because of the size.
> >
> > I would like to get it inspected and hopefully get the
> > buyer to go drop
> > their price a little to compensate for the timing belt
> > change I would
> > need to do.
> >
> > I will try to go for the inspection on Monday.
>
> Nice update.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

> Had the car been driven in the last hour or so before the
> above check?

I am pretty sure the car had not been driven an hour before the check.
It had probably not been driven for a day or more.

Elle wrote:
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> > Just went for a test drive on the 94 Accord.
> >
> > Before starting the car, I checked the coolant reservoir
> > and it was a
> > little low.
>
> Had the car been driven in the last hour or so before the
> above check?
>
> > The car owner did not have any antifreeze to mix in so he
> > got some distilled water and filled the reservoir to the
> > minimum level.
> > He did not want to add any more because he said he should
> > add 50/50
> > mix of antifreeze and water to the reservoir and we did
> > not have
> > antifreeze with us.
>
> That's reasonable.
>
> > After a good 25 minute drive (15 minutes of that on the
> > expressway) we
> > stopped and turned off engine and checked reservoir again.
> > It looked
> > like it was still at the minimum level. It looked like
> > there was no
> > change at all in the level. The temperature gauge did not
> > indicate any
> > problem. Would this mean the coolant situation is fine?
>
> It should rise a little. Then again, all might be fine.
>
> > I did a couple of 360 degrees slow turns in the parking
> > lot and there
> > was no sound coming from the CV joints.
> >
> > The car seemed to drive really well. I really felt the
> > bumps in the
> > road so maybe I can ask the mechanic to check the
> > suspension.
>
> Look especially at control arm bushings and the coil
> springs.
>
> Chances are they are pretty raggedy, but I suspect the
> Edmunds etc. prices on 94 Accords take this into account.
>
> > I listened carefully for any brake noise but heard none.
> > The car
> > accelerated fine and seemed to have enough power.
> >
> > We climbed a very steep hill on a highway in our area
> > going 55mph. The
> > car dropped into a lower gear during our drive up the hill
> > and the
> > downshift seemed to be a little rough, but nothing that
> > really alarmed
> > me.
> >
> > The car pulls a little to the right when I was on the
> > expressway. The
> > steering wheel seems to be a little cockeyed to the right.
> > Is that a
> > big problem?
>
> May need some suspension renovation, followed by an
> alignment. Or it may just need, say, something like the tire
> pressure adjusted.
>
> Suspension renovation on these older cars is expensive.
> $1000 or so, easily, I bet.
>
> But unless something's obviously broken (like a ball joint
> or coil spring) I don't think that's something you can
> negotiate. It's about ride comfort.
>
> At most, you could subtract $100 from your offer for an
> alignment.
>
> > The A/C worked really well. Cruise and all the power
> > options worked
> > well too. Back two doors were a little stiff when
> > opening and it
> > looked like there was some rust on the hinges.
> > Apparently, the back
> > doors were seldom opened. I did not notice any rust on
> > body of car.
> >
> > Apparently the drivers side seatbelt got closed into the
> > door several
> > times so there is some minor damage on the inside of the
> > drivers side
> > door. It seems the seatbelt won't retract powerfully when
> > released,
> > but with a quick pull, retracts nearly all the way.
> >
> > I think this 94 Accord wagon would be better for my wife
> > and daughter
> > than the 98 Escort because of the size.
> >
> > I would like to get it inspected and hopefully get the
> > buyer to go drop
> > their price a little to compensate for the timing belt
> > change I would
> > need to do.
> >
> > I will try to go for the inspection on Monday.
>
> Nice update.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

I sold my wife's 1994 LX Sedan last March. It had the same mileage as your
wagon. No major problems with it. Only major repair was a crack in the
radiator some years ago. Otherwise everything else was minor maintenance.
My wife hated to get rid of it but we needed a minivan. Ended up getting
$3500.


<webmaster@tfy.com> wrote in message
news:1150070746.730124.88970@i40g2000cwc.googlegro ups.com...
>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
 

I sold my wife's 1994 LX Sedan last March. It had the same mileage as your
wagon. No major problems with it. Only major repair was a crack in the
radiator some years ago. Otherwise everything else was minor maintenance.
My wife hated to get rid of it but we needed a minivan. Ended up getting
$3500.


<webmaster@tfy.com> wrote in message
news:1150070746.730124.88970@i40g2000cwc.googlegro ups.com...
>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
 

I sold my wife's 1994 LX Sedan last March. It had the same mileage as your
wagon. No major problems with it. Only major repair was a crack in the
radiator some years ago. Otherwise everything else was minor maintenance.
My wife hated to get rid of it but we needed a minivan. Ended up getting
$3500.


<webmaster@tfy.com> wrote in message
news:1150070746.730124.88970@i40g2000cwc.googlegro ups.com...
>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
 

Hello Elle....thanks for letting me know what to watch out for. I am
making a list to take with me when I get the vehicle inspected.

I hope I can go today. Will post back with results.

Elle wrote:
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
> > <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> >> The car pulls a little to the right when I was on the
> >> expressway. The
> >> steering wheel seems to be a little cockeyed to the
> >> right. Is that a
> >> big problem?
> >
> > May need some suspension renovation, followed by an
> > alignment.
>
> Forgot to add: Make sure the mechanic looks at the big
> trailing arm bushings. There are two, on the rear. The cost
> is over $300 (labor and parts) to replace them with OEM
> ones.
>
> It's not necessarily critical to replace ones that look beat
> up. But handling will certainly be better, by all reports
> here. (I replace my 91 Civic's next week. They're way
> overdue.) If they look really bad, consider negotiating this
> into the price.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

Hello Elle....thanks for letting me know what to watch out for. I am
making a list to take with me when I get the vehicle inspected.

I hope I can go today. Will post back with results.

Elle wrote:
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
> > <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> >> The car pulls a little to the right when I was on the
> >> expressway. The
> >> steering wheel seems to be a little cockeyed to the
> >> right. Is that a
> >> big problem?
> >
> > May need some suspension renovation, followed by an
> > alignment.
>
> Forgot to add: Make sure the mechanic looks at the big
> trailing arm bushings. There are two, on the rear. The cost
> is over $300 (labor and parts) to replace them with OEM
> ones.
>
> It's not necessarily critical to replace ones that look beat
> up. But handling will certainly be better, by all reports
> here. (I replace my 91 Civic's next week. They're way
> overdue.) If they look really bad, consider negotiating this
> into the price.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

Hello Elle....thanks for letting me know what to watch out for. I am
making a list to take with me when I get the vehicle inspected.

I hope I can go today. Will post back with results.

Elle wrote:
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
> > <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> >> The car pulls a little to the right when I was on the
> >> expressway. The
> >> steering wheel seems to be a little cockeyed to the
> >> right. Is that a
> >> big problem?
> >
> > May need some suspension renovation, followed by an
> > alignment.
>
> Forgot to add: Make sure the mechanic looks at the big
> trailing arm bushings. There are two, on the rear. The cost
> is over $300 (labor and parts) to replace them with OEM
> ones.
>
> It's not necessarily critical to replace ones that look beat
> up. But handling will certainly be better, by all reports
> here. (I replace my 91 Civic's next week. They're way
> overdue.) If they look really bad, consider negotiating this
> into the price.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

Thanks for the post Patrick...if the inspection goes well, I was also
thinking of offering $3500 for the 94 LX Wagon.
Patrick (dot) wrote:
> I sold my wife's 1994 LX Sedan last March. It had the same mileage as your
> wagon. No major problems with it. Only major repair was a crack in the
> radiator some years ago. Otherwise everything else was minor maintenance.
> My wife hated to get rid of it but we needed a minivan. Ended up getting
> $3500.
>
>
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote in message
> news:1150070746.730124.88970@i40g2000cwc.googlegro ups.com...
> >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
 

Thanks for the post Patrick...if the inspection goes well, I was also
thinking of offering $3500 for the 94 LX Wagon.
Patrick (dot) wrote:
> I sold my wife's 1994 LX Sedan last March. It had the same mileage as your
> wagon. No major problems with it. Only major repair was a crack in the
> radiator some years ago. Otherwise everything else was minor maintenance.
> My wife hated to get rid of it but we needed a minivan. Ended up getting
> $3500.
>
>
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote in message
> news:1150070746.730124.88970@i40g2000cwc.googlegro ups.com...
> >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
 

Thanks for the post Patrick...if the inspection goes well, I was also
thinking of offering $3500 for the 94 LX Wagon.
Patrick (dot) wrote:
> I sold my wife's 1994 LX Sedan last March. It had the same mileage as your
> wagon. No major problems with it. Only major repair was a crack in the
> radiator some years ago. Otherwise everything else was minor maintenance.
> My wife hated to get rid of it but we needed a minivan. Ended up getting
> $3500.
>
>
> <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote in message
> news:1150070746.730124.88970@i40g2000cwc.googlegro ups.com...
> >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
 

I just went for an inspection on the 94 Accord LX Wagon at a Honda
Dealership.

Here is a list of the major items found and their quoted repair costs:

Left Outer CV Boot ($150)
Right Axle Assembly (shaft) ($250)
Right Outer Tie Rod End Loose ($50 or $150 (can't read quote))

Brakes:
Front Brake Pads 3mm
Rear Brake Pads 7mm
The dealer says front brakes need to be replaced pretty quick, while
rear brakes may last a bit.


Other Items should be replaced:
New Dome Light Bulb
Wiper Blades
Battery
Air Filter
Muffler (owner says it's under warranty and she can have it replaced
for me for free)

They said the front right pull is due to the loose Front Right Tie Rod.
After fixing the Tie Rod, they said an alignment would be necessary. I
guess that is $100 or so.

I am trying to get quotes from different shops on repairs. One shop
quoted %$500 to $600 on the Timing Belt.

But with the Timing Belt and the other problems, looks like I might
need to spend at least $800.

The owner lowered her price to $3600. I think she should go lower
though.

Edmunds lists Private Party True Market Value at $3697. To what degree
are these repairs accounted for in the Edmunds price? Any suggestions
on a fair price to pay considering the repairs?


Elle wrote:
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
> > <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> >> The car pulls a little to the right when I was on the
> >> expressway. The
> >> steering wheel seems to be a little cockeyed to the
> >> right. Is that a
> >> big problem?
> >
> > May need some suspension renovation, followed by an
> > alignment.
>
> Forgot to add: Make sure the mechanic looks at the big
> trailing arm bushings. There are two, on the rear. The cost
> is over $300 (labor and parts) to replace them with OEM
> ones.
>
> It's not necessarily critical to replace ones that look beat
> up. But handling will certainly be better, by all reports
> here. (I replace my 91 Civic's next week. They're way
> overdue.) If they look really bad, consider negotiating this
> into the price.

Re: buying recommendation 94 Accord LX Wagon
 

I just went for an inspection on the 94 Accord LX Wagon at a Honda
Dealership.

Here is a list of the major items found and their quoted repair costs:

Left Outer CV Boot ($150)
Right Axle Assembly (shaft) ($250)
Right Outer Tie Rod End Loose ($50 or $150 (can't read quote))

Brakes:
Front Brake Pads 3mm
Rear Brake Pads 7mm
The dealer says front brakes need to be replaced pretty quick, while
rear brakes may last a bit.


Other Items should be replaced:
New Dome Light Bulb
Wiper Blades
Battery
Air Filter
Muffler (owner says it's under warranty and she can have it replaced
for me for free)

They said the front right pull is due to the loose Front Right Tie Rod.
After fixing the Tie Rod, they said an alignment would be necessary. I
guess that is $100 or so.

I am trying to get quotes from different shops on repairs. One shop
quoted %$500 to $600 on the Timing Belt.

But with the Timing Belt and the other problems, looks like I might
need to spend at least $800.

The owner lowered her price to $3600. I think she should go lower
though.

Edmunds lists Private Party True Market Value at $3697. To what degree
are these repairs accounted for in the Edmunds price? Any suggestions
on a fair price to pay considering the repairs?


Elle wrote:
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
> > <webmaster@tfy.com> wrote
> >> The car pulls a little to the right when I was on the
> >> expressway. The
> >> steering wheel seems to be a little cockeyed to the
> >> right. Is that a
> >> big problem?
> >
> > May need some suspension renovation, followed by an
> > alignment.
>
> Forgot to add: Make sure the mechanic looks at the big
> trailing arm bushings. There are two, on the rear. The cost
> is over $300 (labor and parts) to replace them with OEM
> ones.
>
> It's not necessarily critical to replace ones that look beat
> up. But handling will certainly be better, by all reports
> here. (I replace my 91 Civic's next week. They're way
> overdue.) If they look really bad, consider negotiating this
> into the price.