"pws" <pwshelton@austin.rr.com> wrote:
> I just received a white 1995 Honda Accord, the EX I believe.

Good cars. I have the UK equivalent to the 94-97 Wagon EX - I've just
passed 188000 miles and it still drives very well.

> It has only 77,000 miles on it and had the entire A/C replaced just over a
> year ago.
> The records show a regular service every 3 months for oil/filter and a
> complete tune-up at least once a year.
> The timing belt was replaced at 60K miles, and it has almost new Pirelli
> P5 tires on it. This was grandma's car.

How long ago was the timing belt? Remember there is a time limit on these
as well as a mileage limit. Given it looks like you have a nice condition
car here it might be a wise precaution to get the timing belt done.

> Anyway, it is a great car so far, with fantastic gas mileage. It makes a
> nice companion to the 1991 turbo Miata with no A/C that has been my daily
> driver for almost 5 years.
>
> I am going to upgrade the cassette player stereo to something that takes
> CD's, and I would like to do some basic upgrades like replacing the
> shocks, but nothing too advanced or expensive. I can do most of the labor
> myself.

There are guides online to how to get the console out to change the stereo.
The original speakers were not great so you may want to change those at the
same time.

> Suggestions? Are there any specific problems to look for on this year
> model Accord?

If you get an exhaust buzz at about 1800 rpm it's usually a crack in the
manifold behind the heatshield, but it can be welded and stays fixed for a
long time.

If the SRS light shows it can be reset with a paperclip (don't pay $ to the
dealer). If it happens regularly then have a look at battery condition.

Use silicon lube on the window channels if you have power windows - it will
save you the cost of a new window regulator later.

Otherwise this model seems very reliable to me...

Buy or download a shop manual - it's invaluable for some more obscure repair
sequences.

> Oh yeah, it has steelies that will be replaced with alloys, most likely
> Honda OEM wheels, when the tires wear out.

You can often pick up decent condition Honda OEM alloys from ebay or
scrapyards as people take their OEM alloys off to replace them with
aftermarket alloys.

Enjoy the car!
Al