98-00 Accord Reliability and repair costs

[TriOptimum]

Hi everyone. I'm currently the owner of a 1997 Saab 900 SE Turbo. I'm tired of it breaking down all the time and am paranoid of driving it now (several smoke filled incidents and one shutdown at 75mph...).

My question is pretty simple. Are Accord's reliable cars, and are they inexpensive to fix? Can anyone list any major repair's they've had done and the prices of the repairs on a 98-00 Accord?

I'm a bit worried about the transmission on the V6's, with all the stuff I hear - anything to be worried about? Anything to look for when test driving one?

The repair costs have been huge on my Saab - $900 AC compressor, $450 re-torqued head bolts, $400 serpentine belt/pulleys, $150 coolant hose, $350 crankshaft sensor, $450 ignition switch (that shut the car and power steering/brakes off at 75mph) and tons of little stuff every few weeks, in the year I've had the car.

Thanks guys... looking forward to hearing you're opinions and maybe picking out a 98-00 Accord in the next few weeks !

[94hondaacc]

yeah no where near that much. having a saab is like having a benz or bmw when you have to fix it, get rid of it. Honda are the best, parts are relatively cheap, not in quality but in price, i have a 94 now, but i have had a 98 and yes it true the v6 did have problems with the auto trans, but i think the dealer has a recall on them or something, A trans cooler solve the problem, i think. it all depends on the maintance as well. how you drive and things like that. if your so worried about the trans, get a stick.but hondas are at least 99 percent better than a saab, at least thats what i think.

[Igovert500]

My suggestion would be the Honda...my other would be stop getting the dealership to do the work on your saab...(judging by the prices I'm assuming that is what is happening. Dealerships charge WAY too much for labor, when any semi-intelligent mechanic can do it for half the price. Just find a good one you trust and stick with them).

[phantastic1]

Accords are reliable cars as long as it has been taken care of. if the transmission is a concern for you...i would ask the seller if any work has been done to the transmission under the recall. if not just write down the vehicles vin and miliage and see if it's under the recall and if it is...and it's still under warranty...at least you could take it in for the recall. if it is out of warranty...then having the trans rebuilt can cost anywhere from 1200-1700. i wouldn't recommend buying a salvage yard trans b/c you don't know if that trans is also under the recall or not. also check to see if timing belt service was done if the vehicle is around that miliage where it needs to be serviced.