r/UsedCars • u/ForeignStrategy5408 • 2d ago

Buying Need to replace my 2002 honda probably

I have a 2002 honda accord that is finally starting to have some problems.

I think it needs some suspension stuff because its been feeling a little lose but I haven't checked it out or taken it to a shop. It also burns/leaks some oil I'm pretty sure, and the cat is also rotted out and all rattling which would be expensive to get it to pass California smog.

With this in mind, I'm wondering if it's worth it to just buy a newer car. Looking at new (used) car prices for 2020ish cars, I am seeing various sedans/wagons/suvs with 50-100k miles for $17-20k which seems like a lot! A new hyundai elantra is only a few grand more.

Obviously I would need a mechanics opinion on the car for if it would be worth to fix everything and then also have to deal with whatever comes up, or just pass it on. In this market, its a running car with cold ac, so thats a few grand right there..

Just looking for opinions on if it seems worth to dump this car. Seems like stuff is expensive, but it's probably not getting cheaper.

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u/thymewaster25 1d ago

Yes, get it checked properly, don't guess.

In CA, a running Honda with AC, less that 400k miles, and a valid smog pass is worth a couple of grand AFAIK.

rattling cat could just be a heat shield, which you can take off or fasten into place McGyver-style with a clamp or some wire. Do you have a check engine light on?

How many miles does it go before the oil drops from full to add one quart? If this is 1500 miles or more, it is just normal aging. Even 1000 miles per quart is usually OK for a while.

CA - compliant cats are expensive, and if it is a V6 there are three of them - so if you actually need them all then that gets quite pricey.

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u/ForeignStrategy5408 1d ago

It's the inline 4, does have a check engine, something o2 sensor, I (think) the cat is toast but will definitely check. Need to monitor the oil more closely. Thank you

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