Originally posted by detroitpoop
Hey guys what's up. I'm going to buy an Accord once I sell my current car, and I'm trying to find out which model has less problems. The price range I'm looking at will put me into either a 92/93 or a 94/95 model year (however I'm open to spending more to get a 96+ if I think it will be a far better experience). From searching the forum a bit I've come to understand that the 5th gen has several well-known problems, including the following:
- Possible balancer shaft seal defect (factory recall)
- Power windows slow (all accords, I had the same problem on my old '86)
- Fuel gauges can read incorrectly when full
- Tachometers can read incorrectly
- Power antenna can rattle when retracting
- Engine buzz from the exhaust at 1800 rpm.
- Heater control cables can pull out so heat doesn't work
Are some/all of these problems also common to the 4th gen? Know of any problems I missed? In people's experience/opinions, which is the better designed and built car? To avoid wasting anyone's time, I would also want you to know that I don't plan to modify this car at all. I'm looking for a boring but reliable/comfortable commuter car. 
Obviously a 5TH Gen. will have less problems... plus it looks like a much newer car... and if you like the IS style then you would for sure like the 4 Door 5TH Gen. Accord. As far as some of your list...
- Fuel gauges can read incorrectly when full... I used my odometer for a while, and now my guage fixed its self... now it still wont go completely full but I know it is so who cares??
- Power antenna can rattle when retracting... This happens to tons of cars... Is it really a big deal? If you get a Coupe then there is no external antenna... it is built into the rear windshield wireing.
- Engine buzz from the exhaust at 1800 rpm... This isn't a "problem"... Some might find it annoying but if you get headers intake or even just exhaust then you cant hear it... Its no big deal AT ALL. I never noticed it at all before I got my exhaust... and now its just nice and loud right there.
- Heater control cables can pull out so heat doesn't work... This IMO is the worst problem in my car... As of now my knob is too hard to turn so the plastic on the back of the knob that goes around the metal shaft cracked... So you cant tell its broken, but when I want to change Temp. (twice a year :fawk: ), I have to whip out the needle nose plyers. Either way I hear it isn't expensive to fix... I just don't care that much.
- Possible balancer shaft seal defect (factory recall)... I've never heard of this happening. I personally had a oil seal bust, and all my oil leaked out of my engine... So I had to get my car towed and fixed... But Honda payed for most of it, it was a recall, and they even saved me an ass load of cash cause I had my timing belt and water pump replaced at the same time... Some oil leaked on the timing belt so that part was free!
.
- Tachometers can read incorrectly... Never heard of this happening... I hope it doesn't happen to me!
Oh and the windows, yeh mine are kinda slow I guess, isn't even a small deal. I can wait the extra 5 seconds.
:fawk:
Any other problems you'd like more info on? I'd like to add that the CV boots usually need to be replaced usually at about 125k miles or so... and obviously there is the timing belt/water pump thing.
Either way good luck with the Accord and I hope you get a 5TH Gen.