It's time (for me) to make a decision.

[mbc]

First, a little background.
My 3G and I live at the beach. Lots of crime, lots of salt, and lots of people.
The Beach:
Here is my parking spot at my house.

Also my neighborhood from Google Earth.

Crime:
This car has been car stolen (by carjacking), broken into four times, and involved in two hit-and-run accidents....Oh yah, the left rear door has been hit, while open, causing it to swing around and hit the front door. I am amazed the door wasn't torn off. Actually, I am not responsible for ANY of the body damage.

Salt:
Sea spray has also taken it's toll on the body (pic of roof).


Well, it's time for me to make a decision regarding the future of this car. I have owned my 3G since '92 and have personally put 451,000 miles on it. I have grown fond of my car and am considering a substantial overhaul. The body is already shot so I see no point in a good paint job. I have other vehicles that I could use as my beach car, but this one is already "broken in".
Here is the mileage as of 5/15/07 @ 6:16 p.m.

My initial plans were to junk the car when we reached 500k together. Well, the time is nearly upon us and I am having second thoughts. Please give me some suggestions on what you would do if this were your car.
Although I frequent this forum for entertainment, I respect the knowledge and opinions of everyone.
I know this post is jumbled up, and ultimately I will make my own decision-
However, your imput is greatly appreciated.

[snoopyloopy]

well, if you're going to continue living at the beach, and seeing that the 3g is like you said "broken in" for the beach, then might as well keep it. no point in getting another car just to get it junked by the beach again. of course, if this one is about to fall apart on you the next time you get in it, then i guess it becomes a matter of how much it would cost to repair vs. replace.

[russiankid]

If you have another car that can be used as a DD, then park this one and rebuild the engine. Do some body work on it, which in the mean time you can also learn. After that it can have another 500k miles of service.

Then again why not just rebuild the engine and keep going?

[mbc]

I agree. The car needs:
Ball joints(all)
Clutch
Carb work
Tires
Struts
Driver's seat
Catalytic converter
Carpet
Engine overhaul
New A/C
New heater core
Stereo
Vent fan
Pass side window regulator


To name a few.

[snoopyloopy]

well at that rate, you might as well pick another one up as a beater. i've seen a couple in the la craiglist for $1500 tops. there's been a flood of them lately.

[mbc]

Sam, Good point. I have a toyota van in storage that has been in the family since new, however there is NO rust and it would be a shame to bring it to the beach after 21 years of good care.
My 3G would remain my DD as I repair it. I would build another A20 on the side to install later.

[mbc]

This seems to be mainly an issue of "letting go".

My Honda and I have a long history.

The next required smog is in Dec. so there is still time to procrastinate.

[Ichiban]

I'd use the car to learn some body work on, and as an excuse to get some tools and start tinkering. As for the engine, if it still passes smog I'd run it until it blows up.

[russiankid]

Sam, Good point. I have a toyota van in storage that has been in the family since new, however there is NO rust and it would be a shame to bring it to the beach after 21 years of good care.
My 3G would remain my DD as I repair it. I would build another A20 on the side to install later.

Yea if the car is in good condition then don't destroy it with the salt. How is the engine running? Does it pass smog? If the engine doesn't give you any problems i would get the car on a lift and check out the under body and see how the frame and all are doing. If that checks out fine then why not do some work on the suspension.

[mbc]

I have to buy a new catalytic conv. every time, but on the last test the HC's were about 5ppm short of failing the test.
My choke plate is held open by some wire. For some reason, the choke is always shut causing the car to spit out soot and black smoke.
I don't think it will pass smog any more.

Matt.

[russiankid]

I have to buy a new catalytic conv. every time, but on the last test the HC's were about 5ppm short of failing the test.
My choke plate is held open by some wire. For some reason, the choke is always shut causing the car to spit out soot and black smoke.
I don't think it will pass smog any more.
Matt.

Mine used to do that, forgot what part my bro replaced. I believe it was the slow choke heater or something like that. Why do you need to buy a new cat every time?

[mbc]

I buy cheap ones that lose their potency after 50 or 60k.

The last 2 or 3 times it passed I said to myself this is the last smog.

[russiankid]

I buy cheap ones that lose their potency after 50 or 60k.
The last 2 or 3 times it passed I said to myself this is the last smog.

Oh, so it isn't the engines fault. I say you should keep driving it, but replace ball joints and all so it is safe to drive.

[mbc]

That's what I'm thinking...When I turn the wheel, there is a creeking sound from the right side. I checked it out and the rubber part is split badly on the lower ball joint.

There is a '87 LX-i hatch with 110k miles that i am considering buying. Maybe that could be my next beach car.

[russiankid]

That's what I'm thinking...When I turn the wheel, there is a creeking sound from the right side. I checked it out and the rubber part is split badly.
There is a '87 LX-i hatch with 110k miles that i am considering buying. Maybe that could be my next beach car.

Yea ball joints are scary. You can never tell when they will go out, you just know they are bad. Calculate the amount need on this Accord, like to get the ball joints, struts,etc.. replaced. If it is more than the '87 then just get the '87.

[mbc]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ce=&cardist=15

Here is the link for the '87.

He is asking waaayyyy to much tho

[russiankid]

Yea he is asking to much. Plus it's an auto

[mbc]

This ad got me thinking about this whole situation.
I don't mind the auto trans, My other Honda is a stick

[russiankid]

This ad got me thinking about this whole situation.
I don't mind the auto trans, My other Honda is a stick

Very nice. Stick>auto. I drive a 5-speed everyday, and i will hate to get an auto.

[mbc]

My 3G has been in the family since new.

Early on, it was fun to race through the gears. Now, the lack of power, and abundance of traffic has made a stickshift more of a chore. To me, an auto trans would be relaxing in a DD.

[russiankid]

My 3G has been in the family since new.
Early on, it was fun to race through the gears. Now, the lack of power, and abundance of traffic has made a stickshift more of a chore. To me, an auto trans would be relaxing in a DD.

I DD in traffic and have no problem. I just like to shift and control the shifts, the way everything engages together.

[mbc]

I did some research on mpg and found a considerable difference between autos and stick
http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

[speedpenguin]

I say overhaul it. You clearly like this thing, so I think you'll find the work rewarding.

Sand off that rust and paint some cure on it, that should slow it down a bit.

[russiankid]

I did some research on mpg and found a considerable difference between autos and stick
http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

Well i have a some what of a heavy foot, so i get around 23mpg in the city. That is also with the a/c on most of the time.

[mbc]

I understand now where you are coming from Sam.

When I was 16, I owned a '72 Datsun 240Z. It was a stick and always a joy to drive- traffic or not.
The feeling of being in complete control of the driveline definately has it's advantages.

Now, in a state of 40+ million people, there's not much room for spirited driving anymore. Driving has become stressful and to me, shifting gears in a DD doesn't help relax me anymore.

My 3G is a stick and I would welcome change.