Ask an expert

I am planning to purchase a import 1998 Honda Accord station wagon.

Do they have any known issues? Some forums I've read indicate they have automatic transmission problems.

If yes, do you know any other good recommendations for less than $5000.

Patrick

From the "Ask Jack" archivs - 20 September 2009

You are in a high risk price bracket especially if you specifically want to purchase an automatic. They all have the potential to cost almost as much as the vehicle is worth to repair if there was a major failure, and yes, the early Honda transmissions can be known to give their share of problems.

In a lot of cases a second hand gearbox is the most economic way to get the car back on the road provided you get some sort of warranty from the supplier. Even then the best you could hope for would be three months on the transmission only (no cover for labour) from my experience.

Having a manual transmission of any make and model in this price bracket certainly provides some peace of mind against potential high repair costs.

The best you can hope for is getting hold of a vehicle with a proven service history with items such as cam belts and fluids (coolant, transmission) changed at regular intervals.