Originally Posted by glueguy
Thanks. Hopefully I'll unearth a good one!
Are there any specific items to check on these cars, besides the regular stuff?
The keys to a long-lasting Honda are:
a) being religous about preventative maintenance.
b) using a quality oil and filter
c) changing the oil regularly -- no longer than 7500 miles.
My advice to you is to only look at cars with documented service histories. If the owner isn't sufficiently organized to save maintenance reciepts, how well do you think they treated the car?
In terms of "must-do's" -- there is one big one..
* Every 90K miles or six years -- new timing belt, water pump & tensioner. *
Absolutely critical, this one. If the belt snaps with the motor running, pistons
will hit valves. If the water pump siezes, the belt may shear or jump. If the tensioner goes slack, so too will valve timing. All of these outcomes will ruin your day.
Other than that, look for regular oil changes, coolant flushes and so on.