Faults:
I had very few problems with the car despite the abuse it received. No major mechanical failures only nik-nak and general maintenance problems.
Car was nearly perfect when I bought it-A steal for $3100.
Minor problems:
Rear cyclops light cover constantly came loose and hung down.
Lights behind climate controls always fizzled out.
Wiring harness connecting body and rear hatch broke disabling rear defrost and wiper.
Began to rust on the rear quarter panels above the bumper.
Oxygen sensor was ready for replacement at 125,000 miles.
Moon roof needed to constantly greased and helped closed by your hand to seat properly.
More extensive repairs:
Both front CV boots needed to be replaced.
Was showing signs of leaky head gasket near our departure (oil in the coolant).
Clutch was ready as well.
General Comments:
This "go-kart" of a car was a quick little devil! I was young when I owned it so it saw a lot of street races, drifting, and e-brake donuts.
When I got into the car and turned the key, it was there every time-no hesitation.
Removed the snoot from the airbox and it ran even better.
No lie-the fuel economy was excellent: 28/48 miles. per gal. avg. despite my driving habits.
The most astonishing thing was that it held its value. Luckily it was an accident victim so insurance paid me back and I kept it and sold it to someone who wanted to race it for fun. The moral is I got my $3100 back.
Honestly this car is what brought me to Honda and it is the one that made me go back. The reliability, the horsepower/torque curve of Honda power, and the forethought of the engineering defines this company's products.
14th Mar 2004, 15:49
You said that the starter is going, I just wanted to tell you to be sure and check the contacts in the starter before replacing it. I thought the starter in my truck was going bad, but I replaced the contacts for 10$ and it works fine now.