These cars lasts forever...I'm talking about Honda's 4th generation Accord. I've owned every year of the 4th gen.( 1990-1993 ) , and there are certain secrets to look for when buying one of these...

A. Does the car have a clear title? Remember , instrument clusters are subject to mechanical malfuntion ; so ask questions if the title has the word "EXEMPT " on the title. This will not show the actual miles of the car itself...and the transmission computer, also known as the TCU, malfunctions... The capacitors leak down, causing the entire circuit board to go bad...A replacement TCU should be purchased new, as used TCU, might have the same problem.  Installation instructions can be found online. It is a simple job using 10 mm socket, extension and rachet...

B. Ask the owner when the last time the TIMING BELT was replaced...The Honda's timing belt must be changed approximately EVERY 60,000 to 68,000 miles...

C. The WATER PUMP must be changed normally at the time of the TIMING BELT  change. So if the timing belt needs changing, ALWAYS change the water pump, since the these two critical parts are almost in same place on the engine...

D.  Inspect the engine compartment, with the engine off. Gently remove the spark plug wires from each cylinder...if there is oil on the bottom tip of the PLUGWIRE, then the SPARK PLUG SEALS need replacing. Also if there is a slight ticking ( sewing machine like sound  ) from the upper engine area, then the valves need adstment.  These are both a common, however, inexpensive fix.( under 100 U.S. dollars at a mechanic's shop )...These can cause the engine to smoke,  and can be easily mistaken for another costly repair...... 

E. Finally, do an all over test drive - kick the tires, kind of test drive. If it sonds good, and runs good, and suits your taste, then you can usually bet that it will be a good Honda for the money. ( Average price as of 4/24/2006 is between 3500.00 to 1400.00 U.S. dollars ) depending on the cost to fix and the shape of the exterior / interior and the mileage.....