2007 Honda Accord 50,000 mi. engine light on

"check engine" light came on. Brought it to an auto repair shop, they couldn't access the panel quickly to read the code, told him he would need an appointment, and not to worry about it unless it "flashes". Told him people drive for months with this on.

- Do you agree for him not to worry unless it starts "flashing".
- just ordered a code reader-do these work?

Did some google searches and saw that people have had major problems with this model. Hope won't be having major problems with this car in the future.

When the light is flashing that normally means a miss fire or major problem. If everything seems to be running ok it's probably not a huge deal. Normally an evap problem.
That being said you should still get it checked to know what you're dealing with.
Most auto parts stores will pull codes for you. I'm not sure where the connector is ( under steering wheel above pedals somewhere) but you shouldn't have to be pulling panels off.
For like $10 I got a simple code reader it is pretty handy.