7 Reasons Why Buying a Second-Hand Honda Accord Is a Great Decision
If you’re on the lookout for a reliable used car that won’t break the bank but still offers top-notch performance, it’s hard to overlook the Honda Accord. Whether you’re a new driver looking for your first car or an experienced motorist looking to upgrade your ride without spending a fortune, buying a second-hand Honda Accord is a move many people swear by. In this article, we’ll dive into why this car is a solid investment and help you understand why the Accord has been a popular choice for decades—while also pointing out a few quirky flaws. Let’s get rolling!
What Makes the Honda Accord So Popular?
The Long History of Excellence
The Honda Accord has been around since the late 1970s and has built a strong reputation for being dependable and long-lasting. Many drivers have clocked over 200,000 miles on their Accords without any major issues. There’s a reason you’ll still see older models cruising down the highway. Honda didn’t skimp on quality.
Fun Fact: Did you know the Honda Accord was the first Japanese car to be produced in the United States? It’s been a beloved car on American roads ever since.
This car has a wide fanbase. People love it because it’s an all-arounder. The interior is comfortable without feeling too luxurious and the fuel economy is great even in older models.
"I bought a 2008 Honda Accord back in 2015 and it’s still running smoothly today" says Alex Collantes a car enthusiast who’s owned several vehicles over the years. "I’ve had minimal maintenance issues and it still drives like a dream on the highway."
Available in Different Configurations
Whether you want a sedan or a coupe there’s an Accord out there for you. Some models even come with a V6 engine if you’re looking for that extra bit of power. The variety in trims and engine options means there’s an Accord for just about every taste and budget.
Configurations Available (Sedans):
- LX – The base trim with good standard features
- EX – Adds more tech and comfort options
- EX-L – Leather seats plus upgraded infotainment
- Sport – A little extra spice with sportier tuning
- Touring – Fully loaded with all the bells and whistles
Fun Fact: The Honda Accord Coupe (discontinued after 2017) still turns heads as one of the rare two-door sedans that manages to feel just as practical as its four-door counterpart.
Why Buying a Second-Hand Honda Accord Is Worth It
Affordability Meets Longevity
Buying a new car is nice but it loses value the second you drive it off the lot. With a second-hand Honda Accord you skip that immediate depreciation and can snag a well-kept model at a fraction of the original cost. If you’re on a budget you could find a great deal on an Accord that’s a few years old with low miles. Many Accord owners take care of their cars religiously because they know they’ve got something special.
"I picked up a 2012 Accord for less than $10,000 and I’ve had zero complaints" shares Alex. "It’s one of the best purchases I’ve made—especially because I don’t have to stress about a huge car payment."
Strong Resale Value
Even if you’re buying used the Honda Accord holds its value. That means when it’s time for you to upgrade you can get a pretty good return on your investment. Accords have consistently ranked high in resale value over the years compared to other midsize sedans.
Potential Drawback: Sure the Accord holds its value but be prepared to have a staring contest with potential buyers who think their used Accord is made of solid gold. The negotiating process can get a bit intense when everyone knows how well this car retains value.
Low Maintenance Costs
One of the biggest draws of the Honda Accord is that it’s relatively cheap to maintain. Parts are widely available and mechanics are very familiar with these cars. You won’t have to deal with exotic-car level repair costs or wait weeks for parts to arrive. Regular maintenance like oil changes tire rotations and brake checks won’t set you back too much either.
Common Maintenance Tasks:
- Oil changes every 5,000-7,500 miles
- Brake pad replacement around 30,000-70,000 miles
- Timing belt replacement (for older models) around 100,000 miles
- Spark plug replacement after 100,000 miles
Excellent Fuel Economy
The Honda Accord is known for getting great gas mileage even in its older models. If you do a lot of commuting or long-distance driving this car will save you money at the pump. Some earlier models like the 2013 Accord can get up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway. Newer models continue this trend of efficiency.
Potential Drawback: Yes the fuel economy is good but let’s be honest—if you’re driving like you’re trying out for Fast & Furious you won’t see that 36 mpg. Maybe more like 25 if you’re lucky. Save the racecar driving for the weekend.
What to Look For When Buying a Used Honda Accord
Check the Car’s History
As with any used car make sure to get a vehicle history report. Look for any accidents major repairs or title issues. This can save you from buying a car with hidden problems. Websites like Carfax or AutoCheck are great for this.
Key Information to Verify:
- Was the car involved in any accidents?
- Has the car had any major repairs?
- Are the miles on the odometer accurate?
Test Drive for Any Odd Sounds
During your test drive listen closely for any unusual noises like rattling or knocking especially when going over bumps or turning. These could be signs of suspension issues which can be pricey to fix.
Potential Drawback: Of course with older cars you’ll occasionally feel like you’re auditioning for a role as a race car sound effects artist. Knock knock. Who’s there? Just the strut mounts asking for some love.
Pay Attention to Transmission Performance
Some second-hand Honda Accords have been known to experience transmission issues especially models from the early 2000s. If the car hesitates shifts roughly or makes strange sounds while shifting it could be a red flag.
Pro Tip: A simple trick is to take the car on the highway. If the gears shift smoothly even at higher speeds you’re in good shape.
Honda Accord Models to Consider (And Their Quirks)
2008-2012 Honda Accord
This generation of the Honda Accord is known for its solid reliability and good resale value but also for its lackluster interior materials. Some owners have reported that the interior trim scratches easily and the dashboard materials don’t feel as premium as one might expect.
Fun Fact: The 2012 Accord was one of the first models to offer Bluetooth connectivity as standard. But let’s just say its user interface wasn’t exactly cutting-edge. You’ll get there eventually if you have the patience of a saint.
2013-2017 Honda Accord
This generation brought significant upgrades in terms of technology and design. The interior feels more upscale and the ride quality is smoother. However the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) found in some of these models can take a bit of getting used to. Some drivers find it a little sluggish off the line.
Potential Drawback: The CVT is like that friend who insists on telling you all about their vegan diet every time you meet. You appreciate them but you kinda miss the days of simpler small talk (or in this case gear shifts).
2018-Present Honda Accord
If you’re looking at a more recent second-hand Honda Accord you’re in for a treat. The newer models feature sleek designs advanced safety features and turbocharged engines for more pep. These models also offer Honda Sensing which includes driver-assist technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Fun Fact: The 2018 Honda Accord was named North American Car of the Year. No big deal or anything. Just a little light flex from Honda.
Potential Drawback: However with all that fancy tech comes the risk of electronic gremlins. Just be prepared for your Accord to occasionally decide that now is the time to reboot its infotainment system—right when you’re trying to change the radio station.
Final Thoughts on Buying a Second-Hand Honda Accord
At the end of the day buying a second-hand Honda Accord is a smart decision for anyone in the market for a reliable fuel-efficient and affordable car. Whether you’re looking for something older and cheaper or a more recent model with all the bells and whistles the Accord offers incredible value.
As with any used car be sure to do your research check the car’s history and take it for a thorough test drive before making your final decision. If you’re lucky you’ll end up with a car that will keep you cruising comfortably for years to come—without emptying your wallet at the repair shop.
As Alex Collantes puts it "I would absolutely recommend a second-hand Accord to anyone who asks. It’s a car that just keeps giving and you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or performance to stay within your budget."
Quick Takeaways:
- The Honda Accord is known for its reliability longevity and strong resale value
- Be mindful of potential transmission issues especially in models from the early 2000s
- The fuel economy remains a strong selling point even for older models
- Always check the vehicle history and take it for a test drive before buying
So if you’re in the market for a second-hand car the Honda Accord is a strong contender that’s worth every penny. Plus let’s face it—who doesn’t want a car that can hit 200,000 miles and still have people complimenting it at the gas station?