I've read the threads on AC compressor failure, but trying to get an idea of how common it actually is. Is it a matter of bad luck or just a matter of time before the thing blows up?

I'm just under 92k miles in my 04 6M and starting to worry about the compressor and transmission clutch going out on me, which would be disasterous. The fear almost has me wanting to jump ship while everything still works!

 

Guess what? Any part on your car can potentially fail at any second.

Seriously though, if everything works, why worry about it so much? Do you go outside everyday panicking that someone might throw a javelin in your face?

 

A 1996 Accord can still run without any problems after 180k miles.
I believe an 2004 JDM Accord can run without any problem after 92k.

I'm 2000 miles ahead from you. 04 Auto no Navi @ 94500 miles.

 

that's when you trade in your car once you start to get problems and get a new trouble free car.

i'm an 04 auto w/navi with only 56,800 miles though.

 

I might if several of my neighbors already had javelin-sized holes in their faces!

As much as I enjoy the forums and as much as they have helped me, I guess reading about other people's problems just makes me a little too paranoid sometimes.

I was really just trying to get some idea of how common the a/c compressor problem is.

 

The problem is pretty common across Hondas in general, not just the TSX. The CR-V has had big problems with it as well. It's common enough to make me nervous, and I usually don't worry about this stuff. It's just a little more 'real' to me since I already had the HVAC lights problem, and a less expensive but just as annoying A/C failure. Both happened within 3 weeks of each other last summer, so it's still fresh in my mind. It seemed like one thing after another last summer, and I almost traded the car in for fear I'd have these problems out of warranty. But, I thought about it and decided to just hold on for a couple more years, or until these issues come up again. At that point, I'll trade the car, but for now, it's fine. I'm enjoying some time with no car payment.

 

I'm getting nervous too.... T: i'm at 82k now on my 04.. and still planning to put on 500 miles / week for as long as I can see... T:

 

This is the longest (75K miles) I've ever kept a car.

 

lol

I'm at 90k and I had a couple A/C related issues (failed relay and leaky shrader valve), but it doesn't have me worried. If anything major happens that is not worth the cost of repair, then it just means I'll have to buy a new car. It's something that could happen at any time, and I figure why let it get to me? So far this car has been a lot less troublesome than my previous cars so that could be a possibility on why I am so at ease with it.

I'm going to drive it into the ground or drive it until the ground comes to me...whichever comes first.

Of course, I may think different once my extended warranty is over (10k to go!). We'll see!

 

well sauceman is the champ, he's at 200,000 miles.

 

Yes......but has anyone put a javelin in his face yet?

 

I had A/C compressor problems at 42000 miles and I got mine replaced under warranty. Around 53000 on her now, best of luck to ya...

 

A common argument that I hear is that it's time to get rid of a car when -- presuming you've finished making payments on it -- the annual cost of repairs to a car exceed what you'd pay monthly for a car payment on an equivalent car.

I might've shit a brick when my Jeep required $2500 in repairs a few years back, but I finished paying it off in 1992. Yeah. 16 years ago. I kept the Jeep for another 2 years.

As long as you're not making payments, just take good care of it. Regular maintenance, ensure you do routine checks of hoses, wires, fluids, etc., and if something goes kerblooey on it, try not to freak out. Wait and see if it requires more expensive repairs within a year or two. Otherwise ... keep having fun.

 

 

That was my original plan too. I just hope if something major goes wrong, it happens after I graduate (In December) and have a job!

I love this car too much to get rid of it. I'll just keep 'em crossed!

 

If you're done making payments on it, put that money (or a reasonable portion of that sum) into an "escrow" account, for upcoming maintenance. If you were paying $400 a month for it, put $250 into the account, and within 10 months you'll have enough to cover most maintenance with the exception of catastrophic failures. Easy.

 

Well I bought it used, so no payments for me. Between my school work and an unpaid internship, however, there's not much time for making money. If something happens, it's going straight on the credit card I'm afraid.

Damn, I wish I didn't have such high standards for cars! I just can't be happy with a Civic...

 

should've went with an Accord coupe or sedan then.

 

Sure, put it on the card and pay it off over 4-6 months. Maybe pay a bit more for interest (hope you got a good card), but if you have a card like Costco's AmEx card, you can get some rebate on that big ticket charge.

 

Don't fret yet! My 04 6MT TSX has 99k miles and still going strong. No A/C problems and no clutch/tranny problems. Have had all regular maintenance done at the dealership.

And, if any consolation. When I got my TSX in 04, I sold my 98 5MT Civic EX to my bro-in-law. Now that car has 260k miles...still original A/C and original clutch/transmission...

Don't lose sleep just yet!

 

Gang Violence in SoCal? haha

 

90k? holy crap.... you drive alot.

 

23 yrs old and the source of all wisdom... and worrying about something over which you have virtually ZERO control over.



enjoy your ride

 

Drive-by javelin attacks!

 

No need to be snide. He's a student, and maybe can't handle the big ticket expense such a repair would mandate. So his worry is understandable. He justs needs to prepare for the contingency, versus making a choice of selling now or laying awake nights worrying.

 

dang you also drive a lot!

 

Sorry if I ruffled someones feathers.....laying awake nites worrying about something mechanical you can not control, is truly lame.

Sell it now and buy a used Hyundai , or motorscooter, you will sleep better and save on gas...Good luck to you.

 

"... Truly lame!"

 

Ok, I never said I was laying awake at night worrying. All I wanted to do was find out how common the A/C compressor problem is. I wanted to decide whether I should hang on to the car I love or sell it while everything worked and I could get top dollar.

As for being the "source of all wisdom," I say that facetiously of course. Unless I've had a few beers. Then it is absolutely true.

oldguytsxer - maybe you should post after you wake up from your nap. You'll sound much less cranky

 

-- Was joking. tongue in cheek. Hyperbole for humorous effect. That sort of thing. But not nearly as witty as





"Bah, who needs naps! We drive as young as you do, ya whippersnappers!"

 

David - that wasn't directed at you, you have been constructive and helpful.

haha, gotta love those cranky old muppets!