After all these years driving Subarus, who knew I was a Honda Fanboi? I've been in search for a daily driver for the last few weeks. I had my sights set on an old Subaru but they are such a rare find, especially in the sub $2,000 range that I had budgeted. Accords and Civics were next on my list due to their reputation for reliability, and the number of vehicles sold ensures that my local pick-n-pull junkyard will have plenty of cars to steal parts from. I ran across this '93 Honda Accord on Craigslist and I picked it up the next day (last Saturday). It has been a pain in my a$$ ever since.

It is a 2.2L, 4-spd auto with 166K on the clock. It is an EX model so it has 4 wheel disc, sunroof, and power everything. Nearly all of the service on it has been done at local Honda dealers, except none of that service included a timing belt and water pump, so I'm sure I have a project ahead. Aside from that, only a couple spots of cancer; I think she has been resprayed at one point. The interior is in very good condition! And the air conditioning.. ICE COLD! Well hold on.. it was Ice Cold on Saturday when I bought it.. today it is luke warm.
Looks like the seller was playing tricks.
The only other big problem is that the trans is really hard to get in and out of park. I've spent an hour each of the last few days working on that. At first I read that if taillights were burned out, it would cause this condition... so I had to track down a bad wiring harness for the tailights first. A trip to the junkyard later I had that solved, but still stiff getting in and out of park. Tonight I pinpointed the problem to either the shift cable or the actuator on the transmission. She's going on the lift tomorrow so I'll find out then. If I can sort through all the silly bugs this car has, I'm sure it will last me a few years.
Because of the general popularity and age of this car I am really pleased that used aftermarket parts are easy to find. I'm thinking some STS type mods; lowering springs, intake, 16" wheels.... Who knows what I'll find in the Honda forum classifieds. Anyone have a TypeR badge and a coffee can exhaust tip?
James Elterman
Nukabe / P&L Motorsports / Nitto Time Attack Impreza STi
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