I have an 93 Accord EX that has just turned 100K miles (long distance commuter). I know what the factory says about valve adjustments, belt changes and about $2000 worth of service at this mileage, but since my warranty is gone, is it worth it or is it better to just keep driving. I know several Accord owners who have 150K to 170K and have never done these services.

 

you NEED to do the timing belt serivce, including the water pump and seals. If that belt snaps, you won't be driving anywhere!

valve adjustment - use your judgement. If the motor seems noisy (clicking sounds) when warm, I would opt to do it. Otherwise you can live without it.

The timing belt job shouldn't set you back more than $500 and is vital to the life of your car. If you change it as schedualed, you can expect at least another 100K out of that car.

And just a reminder, keep that oil changed!

 

you should always do the service as recommended by Honda. You don't have to have the dealer do it. I leave the major service to my dealer but I do all of the other stuff myself.

If ye ol' timin' belt snaps, you be rebuildin' that there engine right quick....it is an interference design. and that timing belt is definately living on borrowed time since it was due at 90K to say the least.

 

also on top of the other suggestions T-belt being # 1 ,, replace the fuel filter. air filter, tranny fluid........

Or the famous saying will aplly

PAY ME A LITTLE NOW OR PAY ME A LOT LATER

 

I have a 1996 Honda Accord EXL 4 door sedan that I bought from the dealer, as it was alway Honda maintained. I always have the work done at the dealer, as if you do they warranty their work for 12 months /12,000. Which is worth it to me, as I am not mechanical inclined here. Also register at owner link on the Honda website, I recenty got a 20 percent off coupon in the mail for my 30,000 mile service, plus it came with Krex 180 day road side assistance program as well once the work was done.

I have been dealing with the same dealer now for over 20 years, thier service and commitment to customer satisfaction is number #1.

Good luck and happy hondaring.!

 

it is great to hear that you found a shop that you like and treats the customer good,
when a customer finds a shop like that wether it is the Dealer or any other shops they are fortunate and should keep on going to them..
I have heard and personally seen a lot of horror stories .. yes Dealers included..I guess it all comes down to the people that run, work at the place and their honesty

 

Thanks for all of the good feedback on the 100K mile services. Since this is my first Honda, I appreciate this and will arrange from my belt service soon. On the embarassing side, I see that I referred to my Accord as a 93 when it is actually a 2003! In any case, will take the advice to heart.

 

If it is a 2003 you don't need to worry about the timing belt. I believe it has a chain instead and shouldn't need replacing. But if I were you I would replace all belts, water pump, spark plugs, air filter ,cabin air filter & check all hoses including the radiator. Adjust the valves if they are noisy. Change transmission fluid, coolant and brake fluid. The last 3 items should be done more often than every 100k.

 

Is it 4-cyl or V-6?

The 2003 4-cylinder engine has a timing chain, not a belt - no need to replace that. It has a single serpentine belt for all the external accessories. Not a bad idea to check or replace that. I think even the spark plugs are scheduled for 105k miles. It's got coil packs, so there is no distributor cap, rotor, plug wires...

Maybe the V-6 has a timing belt???

Automatic or manual tranny? I've never really believed in the 'lubricated for life' trannys. Even a manual tranny, I'd change the tranny oil at 100k (or sooner). Auto tranny much more often than that.

Fresh brake fluid & antifreeze would be good to do whatever kind of engine it has.

 

Its easy to replace the manual transmission oil yourself. There are quite a few videos posted on Youtube concerning this. For my 5 speed, I go with the BGSynchroshift II. Its a simple drain, and you can make a funnel/tube system (make-it-yourself with a right angle tube at the bottom end) to be able to refill it from the top. Its basically a drain-n-fill !