I am looking at buying a 1998 Accord LX with 160k+ mi (mostly grandma driven highway miles) for 3500$- but I am just curious if there is anything in particular I should have looked at or check out before I make the buy. I am not too familiar with Accord, usually work with Subaru's for the most part but think this is a pretty good deal just thought I'd see what the pro's thought. Thanks for advice you can provide! Detai
Zac

 

98-02 V6 auto - walk away immediately
98-02 I4 auto - talk the price down about $2k for an almost guaranteed transmission replacement down the line
98-02 I4 5 speed - buy it!

 

Sorry I forgot to mention it's a 5spd. Does that mean it has to be the I4? Or did they make a v6 manual? I take it the v6 had some problems? Also one other thing is the motor makes almost like a ticking noise that I am worried may possibly be a lifter but it might just be a tick. I know subaru's especially have that notorious tick that is nothing more then a noise the engine makes. Usually. Thanks for your help.

 

Right, any manual 98-02 5 speed is guaranteed a 5 speed manual, they didn't offer a 6 speed on the V6 until 2005? model year, a full generation and a half later. The V6 engine is a great motor by all means, it's just that Honda skimped n the transmission design and they have a large failure rate. The I4 autos have a lot of issues too, but aren't AS fragile as the V6.

The ticking noise is probably indicating it needs a valve adjustment. I'm assuming it's not being sold by dealer if you know it was grandma driven, so asking them to fix it before you buy is kind of out of the question. Maybe ask for $200-300 off the price and explain to them it will need a valve adjustment.