If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

SO. I'm driving a 2002 Honda Accord. The base model. Not LX or EX, just the one that you get with the LEAST amount of options possible.

About Oh.. a month ago my engine started rattling.. Never thought much of it till now because I have to make another trip to Indiana in early October. I took it in to get looked at and the dude finally comes around to tell me that the engine is falling apart internally. And while its not going to break down on me now, it's only going to get worse and it needs to be replaced. This replacement costs $6200. :vomit:

Considering I don't handle the money or the business (my grandmother does) I didn't happen to ask WHY this happened so soon. My car only has almost 68,000 miles on it. It seems like after 6 years and only 68,000 miles, it seems waaaaay too soon to be needing a new engine. Or maybe I'm just not car savvy and its not too soon.

Anyone have any ideas? And any way I could prevent this from happening after I get the new engine? At this point I'm afraid to drive to Indiana anymore because I'm afraid of running the new engine into the ground.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;477778]SO. I'm driving a 2002 Honda Accord. The base model. Not LX or EX, just the one that you get with the LEAST amount of options possible.

About Oh.. a month ago my engine started rattling.. Never thought much of it till now because I have to make another trip to Indiana in early October. I took it in to get looked at and the dude finally comes around to tell me that the engine is falling apart internally. And while its not going to break down on me now, it's only going to get worse and it needs to be replaced. This replacement costs [B]$6200[/B]. :vomit:

Considering I don't handle the money or the business (my grandmother does) I didn't happen to ask WHY this happened so soon. My car only has almost 68,000 miles on it. It seems like after 6 years and only 68,000 miles, it seems waaaaay too soon to be needing a new engine. Or maybe I'm just not car savvy and its not too soon.

Anyone have any ideas? And any way I could prevent this from happening after I get the new engine? At this point I'm afraid to drive to Indiana anymore because I'm afraid of running the new engine into the ground.[/quote]Thats gotta be more than the car is worth right? I have never heard of an engine replacement costing near that much. Have another mechanic take a look at the car.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

Hondas run forever and I would get a second opinion. You did not even ask the guy what was curently wrong with the car and what might have caused the problem?

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

What kind of powertrain warranty do Hondas get?

6200 does sound high but work on Hondas is high. For example, on any Hondaa older than 3 years if you have an accident with deployed airbags, insurance is likely to total it because replacing the airbags costs a ridiculous amount of money.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

68k is WAY too early... i mean, i've had ford tauruses run up to 250k without needing a new engine...

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

Some schmuck tried to tell my dad once he needed to replace the whole headlamp unit instead of the bulb. I suspect you're getting scammed, go elsewhere preferably to a Honda dealer.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

How bad is the noise? Burning any oil? Losing coolant?

Without knowing the answer to those questions, my first guess would be that the valves need to be adjusted. It's a $100 job.

That engine should not be failing at 68k miles. I have a 2001 Civic w/ 180k miles, my parents have a 97 Accord w/ 175k miles, a friend has a 97 Accord w/ 220k miles, my sister had a 97 Accord w/ 210k miles (before totaling it in 05), my cousin has a 97 Accord with 230k miles. None of those cars have had any major problems. Change the oil and go. Yours should be no different. Every automaker produces a lemon now and again, though.

There is an independent shop in Falls Church called Car Doctor. They specialize in Honda/Acura. If you're close by, I'd recommend you take the car out there for a quick diagnostic once over.

Good luck.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

Are you getting a lot of blue smoke (oil leak) or white smoke (coolant leak)?

To me it sounds like your timing belt needs to be adjusted. Typical you do this at 100k but considering the age of your car you may need it now. Unless you have completely abused the car, like no oil changes, that Honda engine is just warming up at 68k.

I would take it to either the Car Doctor or a Honda dealer. Actually go to the Honda Dealer first get a diagnostic then have a reliable shopr (Car Doctor) do the work.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

That's not a lot of miles. You should be looking at 150k+ miles before something like that is necessary. If you do have any problem for that kind of loot, that car is a DEFECT. I would think you you could have a have a replacement motor installed end to end for half of that (which would be $1000 more than I have ever paid). Get a second opinion from someone you can trust, rent a car to go on your trip.
You may want to look into an aftermarket warranty program that would cost that would cover something like that (with a short waiting period), and drill em' with it.....at the appropriate time of course.
Sorry ins guys.........

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;477778]SO. I'm driving a 2002 Honda Accord. The base model. Not LX or EX, just the one that you get with the LEAST amount of options possible.

About Oh.. a month ago my engine started rattling.. Never thought much of it till now because I have to make another trip to Indiana in early October. I took it in to get looked at and the dude finally comes around to tell me that the engine is falling apart internally. And while its not going to break down on me now, it's only going to get worse and it needs to be replaced. This replacement costs $6200. :vomit:

Considering I don't handle the money or the business (my grandmother does) I didn't happen to ask WHY this happened so soon. My car only has almost 68,000 miles on it. It seems like after 6 years and only 68,000 miles, it seems waaaaay too soon to be needing a new engine. Or maybe I'm just not car savvy and its not too soon.

Anyone have any ideas? And any way I could prevent this from happening after I get the new engine? At this point I'm afraid to drive to Indiana anymore because I'm afraid of running the new engine into the ground.[/quote]

I would immediately remove the car from his care and take it to another technician. Take it to a dealer and have them give an etimate with NO WORK authorized and then to a reputable service shop. A new motor should cost half what you were quoted, and that's with labor included. That would lead me to believe that you are getting hosed, that the guy either has no idea what's wrong, or is trying to get you to replace his gambling debts in exchange for a 11 dollar motor mount.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=mredskins;477819]Are you getting a lot of blue smoke (oil leak) or white smoke (coolant leak)?

To me it sounds like your timing belt needs to be adjusted. Typical you do this at 100k but considering the age of your car you may need it now. Unless you have completely abused the car, like no oil changes, that Honda engine is just warming up at 68k.

I would take it to either the Car Doctor or a Honda dealer. Actually go to the Honda Dealer first get a diagnostic then have a reliable shopr (Car Doctor) do the work.[/quote]

If a timing belt needs to be adjusted, it's too late, damage has occurred. ;)

Honda used to recommend timing belt changes at 90k miles, but have since switched to 110k mile intervals. I don't know where a 2002 falls, but either way, it should be fine as its only 7 years old at the oldest.

Valve lash frequently needs to be adjusted, though. This is an easy job just requiring the removal of the valve cover and a few minutes with a feeler gauge. A timing belt replacement is more involved. Probably about 4 hours of labor on that car. You should get the tensioner, water pump, and any and all seals that live behind the cam cover replaced while the work is being done. A timing belt replacement will probably be atleast $500 on the car being discussed.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=cpayne5;477825]If a timing belt needs to be adjusted, it's too late, damage has occurred. ;)

Honda used to recommend timing belt changes at 90k miles, but have since switched to 110k mile intervals. I don't know where a 2002 falls, but either way, it should be fine as its only 7 years old at the oldest.

Valve lash frequently needs to be adjusted, though. This is an easy job just requiring the removal of the valve cover and a few minutes with a feeler gauge. A timing belt replacement is more involved. Probably about 4 hours of labor on that car. You should get the tensioner, water pump, and any and all seals that live behind the cam cover replaced while the work is being done. A timing belt replacement will probably be atleast $500 on the car being discussed.[/quote]

You are right I was thinking replacemnet. I don't know about a Vtech valve job it maybe a little more to it.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=mredskins;477826]You are right I was thinking replacemnet. I don't know about a Vtech valve job it maybe a little more to it.[/quote]

Nope, same procedure, just different clearance specs. :)

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=cpayne5;477830]Nope, same procedure, just different clearance specs. :)[/quote]


Ok. My money is on the timing belt.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

My money is on the lack of oil and/or oil changes.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=firstdown;477833]My money is on the lack of oil and/or oil changes.[/quote]

If it is not a valve lash issue, then I am in your camp.

Honda engines usually don't break down with so few miles without some sort mistreatment.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=EternalEnigma21;477824]I would immediately remove the car from his care and take it to another technician. Take it to a dealer and have them give an etimate with NO WORK authorized and then to a reputable service shop. A new motor should cost half what you were quoted, and that's with labor included. That would lead me to believe that you are getting hosed, that the guy either has no idea what's wrong, or is trying to get you to replace his gambling debts in exchange for a [b]11 dollar motor mount.[/b][/quote]

Exactly what I thought.

Engine is falling apart internally? What the hell is that supposed to mean? That made me laugh. Sounds like bullshit to me.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

Yeah at 68K you don't typically see a motor "breaking down". With that amount of miles the motor is either fine or it fails catastophically. Not a slow deterioration, which sounds like what this joker is purporting. Of course this is [I]usually[/I] the case. Exceptions can occur. I'd be very dubious that your engine needs to be replaced though. Extremely dubious.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=FRPLG;477842]Yeah at 68K you don't typically see a motor "breaking down". With that amount of miles the motor is either fine or it fails catastophically. Not a slow deterioration, which sounds like what this joker is purporting. Of course this is [I]usually[/I] the case. Exceptions can occur. I'd be very dubious that your engine needs to be replaced though. Extremely dubious.[/quote]


You do if it is a FORD.

[B]F[/B]ound [B]O[/B]n [B]R[/B]oadside [B]D[/B]ead

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=mredskins;477845]You do if it is a FORD.

[B]F[/B]ound [B]O[/B]n [B]R[/B]oadside [B]D[/B]ead[/quote]
On my second Ford Explorer.

1st went 189,000 replaced the trans around 140,000 and it was running fine when sold.
2nd I still own and is at 210,780 and still has original trans and eng. no major problems. Both also have/ had allot of miles towing a boat and running on the beach.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=cpayne5;477825]If a timing belt needs to be adjusted, it's too late, damage has occurred. ;)

Honda used to recommend timing belt changes at 90k miles, but have since switched to 110k mile intervals. I don't know where a 2002 falls, but either way, it should be fine as its only 7 years old at the oldest.

Valve lash frequently needs to be adjusted, though. This is an easy job just requiring the removal of the valve cover and a few minutes with a feeler gauge. A timing belt replacement is more involved. Probably about 4 hours of labor on that car. You should get the tensioner, water pump, and any and all seals that live behind the cam cover replaced while the work is being done. A timing belt replacement will probably be atleast $500 on the car being discussed.[/quote]

I think you're about right.

The dude called and said its NOT the entire engine but a PIECE of the engine that was defective in the first place. He called while I was in class and talked to my grandmother (Who is 89 and really doesnt understand the first thing about cars) and she can't remember wtf he said but describes it as "an engine pulley thing".

The piece costs $6500 but due to the fact that they realized it was defective from the get go, we won't have to pay nearly that much.

Thanks for your help guys.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;477858]I think you're about right.

The dude called and said its NOT the entire engine but a PIECE of the engine that was defective in the first place. He called while I was in class and talked to my grandmother (Who is 89 and really doesnt understand the first thing about cars) and she can't remember wtf he said but describes it as "an engine pulley thing".

The piece costs $6500 but due to the fact that they realized it was defective from the get go, we won't have to pay nearly that much.

Thanks for your help guys.[/quote]
Hold on. What do you mean it was an engine pulley thing and it does cost $6,500 but they will do it for less. That sounds now like "Bait and Switch". Get a second opinion on what ever it is unless they are now saying this part is only $100.00. They had you thinking $6,500 but now they can do it for like half is that how the story is going. So now your think WOW, its only $3,250 and not $6,500 so yea go ahead and fix it.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=firstdown;477862]Hold on. What do you mean it was an engine pulley thing and it does cost $6,500 but they will do it for less. That sounds now like "Bait and Switch". Get a second opinion on what ever it is unless they are now saying this part is only $100.00. They had you thinking $6,500 but now they can do it for like half is that how the story is going. So now your think WOW, its only $3,250 and not $6,500 so yea go ahead and fix it.[/quote]

My grandmother refuses to take it anywhere else since we've been using this Honda Dealership for years now. She trusts them too much and even if they quote $3250, she'll find someway to get it for cheaper.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=firstdown;477849]On my second Ford Explorer.

1st went 189,000 replaced the trans around 140,000 and it was running fine when sold.
2nd I still own and is at 210,780 and still has original trans and eng. no major problems. Both also have/ had allot of miles towing a boat and running on the beach.[/quote]


Consider yourself lucky. Ford Exploder

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=mredskins;477864]Consider yourself lucky. Ford Exploder[/quote]
Everyone I know that owned an explorer or Ford have have been happy with their cars or SUV's. Maybe we have all been lucky but I'd buy another one.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;477863]My grandmother refuses to take it anywhere else since we've been using this Honda Dealership for years now. She trusts them too much and even if they quote $3250, she'll find someway to get it for cheaper.[/quote]
My grandmother use to take her car to the Buick dealer ship and they would hit her up for ever service they could because she was an easy sale. Finaly I but my foot down and made her switch to a local mom & pop repair shop that would fix just what was needed and did not treat her like a bank. She also trusted Buick dealer but after some time of taking her car to the mom & pop place she realized you could get your oil changed & air filter changed without all the other stuff and a $500.00 bill. Maybe its time you put down your foot and just take the car for a second opinion. My grandmother was a tough lady but she trusted people too much and it cost her money. The dealer might be correct but the whole start of this thread and the $6,500 dollar motor tells me something is wrong and now its a pully that cost 6,500 but they are giving you a deal. It just seem fishy.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

my fords ran 250k, sold fine, 180k, sold fine, 150k, sold fine, current is at 80k.

no issues with any of them.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=firstdown;477873]My grandmother use to take her car to the Buick dealer ship and they would hit her up for ever service they could because she was an easy sale. Finaly I but my foot down and made her switch to a local mom & pop repair shop that would fix just what was needed and did not treat her like a bank. She also trusted Buick dealer but after some time of taking her car to the mom & pop place she realized you could get your oil changed & air filter changed without all the other stuff and a $500.00 bill. Maybe its time you put down your foot and just take the car for a second opinion. My grandmother was a tough lady but she trusted people too much and it cost her money. The dealer might be correct but the whole start of this thread and the $6,500 dollar motor tells me something is wrong and now its a pully that cost 6,500 but they are giving you a deal. It just seem fishy.[/quote]

Totally understand where you're coming from. :)

Will do the best I can. Thanks.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;477858]I think you're about right.

The dude called and said its NOT the entire engine but a PIECE of the engine that was defective in the first place. He called while I was in class and talked to my grandmother (Who is 89 and really doesnt understand the first thing about cars) and she can't remember wtf he said but describes it as "an engine pulley thing".

The piece costs $6500 but due to the fact that they realized it was defective from the get go, we won't have to pay nearly that much.

Thanks for your help guys.[/quote]

If it was defective from the get-go, why should you have to pay anything?

Also, how can a piece of the engine cost $6500, when the entire engine doesn't cost that much?

Something doesn't add up...

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

Call your local Better Business Bureau and see if they have any bad history. I'd still want a second opinion as what you've been told so far sounds like an utter crock.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;477863]My grandmother refuses to take it anywhere else since we've been using this Honda Dealership for years now. She trusts them too much and even if they quote $3250, she'll find someway to get it for cheaper.[/quote]

You shouldn't trust people who try to F you. Especially when you're married.

Who's the dealer? I know a honda shop foreman very well that can help.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=RedskinRat;477987]Call your local Better Business Bureau and see if they have any bad history. I'd still want a second opinion as what you've been told so far sounds like an utter crock.[/quote]
The BBB is worthless not even sure why they are still around. They charge a business so they can hang a sign that says I'm a member of the BBB and its a waist. Even if a business is a member all the BBB will do is file the complaint so it shows up under their history but they provide no assisstance to the consumer. Even if you look them up in the BBB and they have 10 complaints in a given year does that mean they are a bad business? Lets say they deal with 1000 customers a month thats 12,000 a year and 10 complaints is less then 1/10th of 1% of their customers. So while it looks bad they had 10 complaints its really a very good track record.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=firstdown;477791]Hondas run forever and I would get a second opinion. [/quote]

Not this one. :D

A lot of people I know with Hondas have had a lot of issues with them as they get older, especially Civics.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=mredskins;477845]You do if it is a FORD.

[B]F[/B]ound [B]O[/B]n [B]R[/B]oadside [B]D[/B]ead[/quote]


My FORD has had ONLY an alternator failure. Now it's 10 years old with 120,000 miles and still runs perfect.

Also, if the timing belt ever does break, unlike a Honda, there will be no valve damage because it is a non-interference engine. New belt, check the timing and it's like new again. ;)


I do agree, something is fishy here. Engines don't just "fall apart internally" and $6500 is ridiculous. If it DOES need a new engine, find a wrecked Accord and take the engine out of it.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=firstdown;477871]Everyone I know that owned an explorer or Ford have have been happy with their cars or SUV's. Maybe we have all been lucky but I'd buy another one.[/quote]

Me too. There are a TON of old ones still on the road.

F-150s are the best trucks ever built. Still are. Every year.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=Buster;478087]Me too. There are a TON of old ones still on the road.

F-150s are the best trucks ever built. Still are. Every year.[/quote]

Yeah, the F-150 is pretty reliable, given regular maintenance. It's the small Ford trucks you gotta worry about (i.e.: Ranger).

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=GhettoDogAllStars;478101]Yeah, the F-150 is pretty reliable, given regular maintenance. It's the small Ford trucks you gotta worry about (i.e.: Ranger).[/quote]
Most of the Rangers were made by Mazda.

Re: If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!
 

[quote=firstdown;478191]Most of the Rangers were made by Mazda.[/quote]

Really? Wow, I didn't know that.