There is a mechanic in a city nearby who restores and sells (and maintains) first-generation Honda Insights. Most of the cars his shop produces have a salvage title. He offers exclusive repair and maintenance service to purchasers. I've done a lot of reading and talking to people about this car—a trusted coworker owns one of his restorations—and I'm pretty much convinced that I want what seems to be one of the most over-engineered, fuel-efficient, cool little cars ever made. So what am I missing? [more inside]
posted by carsonb on Apr 28, 2013 - 17 answers

I suspect that my driver-side upper ball joint is the culprit. There have been groaning noises when going over bumps, and a sort of clattering noise when hitting potholes. This has been going on for several years, and has gotten worse in the past month. I took it to four different mechanics, two for this specifically, and two for general inspection purposes (the most recent, non-specific inspection took place about 5 months ago.) None of the mechanics found anything they considered to be a real problem (i.e. hazardous to my/others' safety/the car's safe operation.) The noise has intensified in volume and frequency in the past week or so, along with (new) weird vibration when traveling at certain speeds (usually over 40 mph), but only sometimes, and it continues as I slow to a stop, slowing along with the car (but doesn't start showing up until I reach a higher speed.) Today I noticed that the boot on the upper ball joint is cracked and the grease is leaking out. The passenger side ball joint is similarly worn, but no grease is in evidence yet. [more inside]
posted by i. shishkin on Apr 17, 2013 - 5 answers

I am thinking about buying a new car in a few months, wondering about model, when to buy, and planning around a trip in June. Advice/Tips/Opinions/Tales/Fact or Fiction Appreciated! (Much more inside) [more inside]
posted by token-ring on Mar 1, 2013 - 15 answers

A few weeks ago I asked this question. Consider this a follow-up question. I have a 1993 Honda del Sol 5-speed Si that has a "mystery" problem of sometimes starting and sometimes not starting. It's always a cold-start problem. I put the key in the ignition, switch it to ON until the check engine light goes on, the fuel pump pressurizes, and the main relay clicks, and then crank it. Sometimes it will fire up right away. Other times the engine will turn over but not ignite. Once it is started, it will start up fine for the rest of the day. It only gives me trouble when the engine has gone completely cold and has been left untouched for upwards of four hours. A new issue has developed since I first posted my question. Even after getting the car started, sometimes just a few minutes later during a sharp acceleration (approaching 4000rpms or more) the engine stalls out. I have to pull the car over and start it up again. It always starts up fine after that and will usually not stall out again. I had this issue looked at by several mechanics, most of whom hadn't the slightest clue what it was or willingness to investigate. The last mechanic I took it to said it was a faulty ignition switch and replaced it . . . but that has done no good whatsoever. Also, just FYI, the spark plugs are relatively new. Any thoughts are appreciated!
posted by fignewton on Feb 28, 2013 - 10 answers

About six weeks I purchased a 5-speed 1993 Honda del Sol Si. Overall, I'm very pleased with the transaction. It's in great shape and runs very nicely. However, ever since a few days after I bought it, I've had a very frustrating recurring problem. [more inside]
posted by fignewton on Feb 5, 2013 - 26 answers

"Snowflake" car purchasing question: Ford Focus vs Mazda 3 vs Honda Fit vs Hyundai Elantra. [more inside]
posted by annie o on Oct 8, 2012 - 55 answers

Help me find a specific Honda Commercial [more inside]
posted by robverb on Sep 28, 2012 - 6 answers

My relative backed into my '09 Civic in the driveway. The front emblem and fender are bent; it appears that the radiator is bent as well. The car starts without problems. What am I looking at? Should I drive it into the shop, or have it towed? Relative doesn't have the wherewithal to fix this; should I make a claim against my own insurance?
posted by sonic meat machine on Aug 14, 2012 - 22 answers

Our car – a 2003 Honda Civic DX stick-shift – has started to make a rattling/ticking/whirring noise when it accelerates. Can we still safely drive it? [more inside]
posted by scruss on Jun 19, 2012 - 13 answers

I'm going to be buying a used car soon, for around $3000. Unfortunately, Consumer Reports doesn't have a reliability chart for beaters. [more inside]
posted by freshwater on Sep 3, 2011 - 20 answers

Why does my car squeal only at higher speeds? [more inside]
posted by sputgop on Aug 29, 2011 - 9 answers

Just had to replace the rotors on my Honda Accord. Again. Help. [more inside]
posted by googly on Jul 28, 2011 - 15 answers

The lock on the rear, passenger-side door on my 99 Honda Civic is broken. Can I fix it myself? [more inside]
posted by HeroZero on Jul 5, 2011 - 5 answers

our 2006 honda civic EX sedan (automatic) is having occasional problems shifting into reverse. we're taking it in to be fixed, but i want to try and read up on this beforehand. fascinating details inside. [more inside]
posted by patricking on Apr 16, 2011 - 5 answers

How to deal with minor cosmetic damage to a leased vehicle? [more inside]
posted by Ryvar on Apr 2, 2011 - 4 answers

Whenever I release my gas pedal, I can hear a low pitched groan from the vehicle. The sound immediately stops immediately when I press the gas pedal again. The groan is louder if I release the gas at higher RPMs, even when I am in neutral. Any idea what this could be? The car is a 2002 Civic.
posted by ajackson on Mar 16, 2011 - 8 answers

First of all, I am deeply sympathetic to the disaster in Japan, so I am sorry if this is tacky. But I was already looking to buy a new Honda within the next few months and want to know if because of the circumstances I should jump on it now. [more inside]
posted by hellameangirl on Mar 14, 2011 - 7 answers

What's the best way to keep my 1991 Honda Accord in good shape this winter? It'll be parked on the NYC street, and only needs to be moved once a week. [more inside]
posted by ranunculus on Nov 1, 2010 - 7 answers

What's wrong with my car, and what's my best option for fixing it? [more inside]
posted by pemberkins on Jul 25, 2010 - 15 answers

My car was totaled, (totally not my fault) and I'm in the market for a newer car (yipee!). I was in a 2003 Mercury Sable and found it was too much car for me, now I'm leaning towards a coupe or smaller hatchback. Help me decide! [more inside]
posted by Advocate, I on May 12, 2010 - 24 answers

Honda Element for bicycle hauling, car camping, road tripping, and general use? [more inside]
posted by LastOfHisKind on Apr 15, 2010 - 17 answers

Looking to add more kick (bass) to my Honda Civic 2008 EX but don't know where to look. [more inside]
posted by bostonhill on Jan 1, 2010 - 5 answers

I have a 2006 Honda Pilot, and noticed that my right headlight went out. Each headlight is comprised of two headlights, a top and bottom one. The top one seems to be working, but the bottom one is out. The top bulb is easy to replace, but the bottom one is a little bit more tricky, as there doesn't seem to be an easy way to remove it. Can anyone point me to a schematic or something? I think the replacement bulb size is H11, I just don' t understand how to replace the lower bulb.
posted by GatorFan2000 on Dec 27, 2009 - 6 answers

Unexpectedly low MPG for a brand new Honda Civic? [more inside]
posted by entropicamericana on Dec 1, 2009 - 32 answers

I am disappointed in my relationship with my 97 Honda Civic. Maybe you can give me some advice. YANMM. [more inside]
posted by bunny hugger on Sep 14, 2009 - 5 answers

Why is my car overheating in traffic jams? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama on Jun 19, 2009 - 29 answers

Hondas and recommended service maintenance schedules, do you believe in them? I've got a 1991 standard Hatchback, 169,000 miles. and i've done every single schedule maintenance. never had a problem with anything unexpected happening (which is why i do it). Now i'm wondering if there's a better (read: cheaper) way to do this, without sacrificing quality? I don't know any mechanics, don't want to it myself, but am curious if there's an alternative. Thanks.
posted by holdenjordahl on Jun 17, 2009 - 14 answers

Is it possible to fit an ordinary, adult-sized street bicycle into a 2007 Honda Civic? If so, how?
posted by ninotchka on Jun 9, 2009 - 13 answers

What is causing the whining sound in my car engine? [more inside]
posted by markblasco on Apr 27, 2009 - 12 answers

Can anyone recommend a good source for Honda automotive parts (online or near Boston)? [more inside]
posted by Krrrlson on Apr 9, 2009 - 4 answers

BuyingCarFilter: Should I get Honda Insight, Prius, or Prius 3.0? [more inside]
posted by 7life on Apr 1, 2009 - 14 answers

The digital odometer on my 2000 Honda Accord is not displaying numbers fully. Any way to fix this? [more inside]
posted by reenum on Nov 18, 2008 - 1 answer

My car clicks when I drive over bumps or potholes. The noise is driving me crazy. How do I silence it? [more inside]
posted by valadil on Nov 5, 2008 - 12 answers

The "battery not charging" light on my dash went on; the mechanic told me I need a new alternator. Now the "battery not charging" light has turned itself off again. Does this mean my battery is, in fact, charging? [more inside]
posted by fermion on Sep 26, 2008 - 6 answers

CarFilter: We're replacing our lemon S40 with something bigger in either a sedan or "small" SUV, but we're totally stymied between our choices! Looking for any anecdotal or experience advice. [more inside]
posted by damiano99 on Sep 15, 2008 - 7 answers

Arlington, VA filter: My wife had a parking lot mishap when a lamp post jumped out in front of her car; now we need to find a good collision repair place. [more inside]
posted by UrbanEconomist on Sep 5, 2008 - 4 answers

My wife's '98 Honda Accord's engine light is on. Help me troubleshoot it to cross-check the mechanic's diagnosis. [more inside]
posted by blastrid on Jul 26, 2008 - 17 answers

Not driving for work, only for fun. Have been hitting a lot of poorly maintained roads... which car to buy? [more inside]
posted by ceberon on Jun 20, 2008 - 14 answers

How important is that I get these repairs done to my 2001 Honda Civic now, or can I wait a bit longer? [more inside]
posted by Four-Eyed Girl on Jun 13, 2008 - 6 answers

Why is my cars gas mileage so low? [more inside]
posted by LoopyG on Jun 4, 2008 - 35 answers

2006 Honda Civic service schedule: Maintenance Minder or dealer service recommendation? [more inside]
posted by Asherah on May 18, 2008 - 2 answers

Why is my Honda Civic dinging when I come down to go to work in the morning? And can I make it stop? Some backstory... [more inside]
posted by HeroZero on Mar 11, 2008 - 6 answers

Two mechanics have given up. Help me diagnose my car. [more inside]
posted by frobozz on Jan 19, 2008 - 19 answers

Will our Honda Civic get along with our newborn? [more inside]
posted by azure_swing on Jan 3, 2008 - 27 answers

I’ve found a nice used 2004 Honda Accord EX that I’m interested in which is about 30 miles away in another town. The dealership is only asking $14,995 and both KBB and NADA both list the worth over $18,000. I did a carfax report for the car and it shows a one owner history with no accidents or anything. I also contacted the local Honda dealership (not the selling dealer) and asked them to pull warranty work done to this car via VIN. The only thing that was done was an Automatic transmission that was recalled and replaced under warranty. What am I missing? Why are they selling this car for what seems to me, much less than the worth of it? I have always assumed that car dealerships are there to screw you however they can. Any help would be appreciated
posted by tradeer33 on Oct 26, 2007 - 16 answers

I am thinking of buying a Honda Fit, and I'm afraid I'm making a mistake. [more inside]
posted by 4ster on Aug 8, 2007 - 29 answers

I need to buy a car, quickly. There's a used Civic I have my eye on. I have some stupid (?) questions about purchasing it. [more inside]
posted by kmennie on Apr 30, 2007 - 29 answers

Anybody know how to change the license plates on a '95 Honda Accord? [more inside]
posted by Heminator on Apr 21, 2007 - 15 answers

Great Honda parts catalog? I've previously found a great VW parts catalog from these guys (http://www.partsplaceinc.com/). I'd like to find a similar parts place for Honda that I can order a real dead-tree version to peruse at my leisure.
posted by toastchee on Mar 6, 2007 - 1 answer

My alarm won't let me start my car. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by kables on Jan 17, 2007 - 10 answers