My GarageIs the Honda Accord a good used car?
The 2013–2017 Accord is the safest used pick — naturally aspirated engines with mature transmissions. The 2018+ 1.5T is excellent post oil-dilution TSB; verify service history in cold climates.
Buyer's Guide · Honda Accord · Midsize sedan
Used Honda Accord Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Best Honda Accord Years, Honda Accord Years to Avoid and Honda Reliability Guide.
The 9th- and 10th-gen Accord are two of the best midsize sedans ever built. The 2.4L K24 and 3.5L J35 V6 are among the most reliable engines Honda has ever made.
Quick Verdict
- Best years
- 2013–2017 (K24, J35 V6) and 2018+ 2.0T Sport
- Years to inspect carefully
- 2018–2019 1.5T in cold climates (verify oil-dilution TSB)
- Typical lifespan
- 250,000+ miles on the K24, 300,000+ on the J35 V6
- Annual maintenance
- $400–$550 at an independent shop
- Pre-purchase inspection
- $150–$250 — non-negotiable on any 1.5T car
- Alternatives to compare
- Toyota Camry, Mazda6, Hyundai Sonata
Bottom line: A 2013–2017 K24 Accord is the safest used midsize sedan under $18k; a 2020+ 2.0T Sport is the pick if you want more performance and a firmer chassis.
Overall
★★★★★4.7/5
The 2013–2017 Accord is the safest used pick — naturally aspirated engines with mature transmissions. The 2018+ 1.5T is excellent post oil-dilution TSB; verify service history in cold climates.
Reliability
★★★★★4.7/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.7/5
Parts availability
★★★★★5.0/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.7/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2013–2017 (9th gen)
K24 2.4L or J35 V6 — both essentially bulletproof.
2018–2022 (10th gen)
1.5T or 2.0T; excellent chassis; 2.0T is the enthusiast pick.
Side by side
Which Accord generation is right for you?
| Generation | Engine | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9th gen (2013–2017) | K24 2.4L / J35 3.5L V6 | Maximum reliability, easy service | V6 timing belt at 105k |
| 10th gen 1.5T (2018–2022) | 1.5L turbo | Commuters, best fuel economy | Oil dilution in cold climates (pre-TSB) |
| 10th gen 2.0T Sport (2018–2022) | 2.0L turbo, 10-speed auto | Enthusiasts, best driver | Very few — most reliable modern turbo Honda |
| 11th gen (2023+) | 1.5T / hybrid | Latest tech, longest warranty runway | Too new for a long-term verdict |
Generation guide
Honda Accord Generations
Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.
- Generation 1
8th gen · 2008–2012
Larger body, EPA-classified as full-size, more powerful V6.
- Generation 2
9th gen · 2013–2017
New Earth Dreams engines, CVT on 4-cylinder, more efficient V6 with 6-speed automatic.
- Generation 3
10th gen · 2018–2022
Turbocharged engines replace V6, 10-speed automatic on 2.0T, standard Honda Sensing.
- Generation 4
11th gen · 2023–2026
Cleaner styling, larger touchscreen, hybrid becomes the mainstream powertrain.
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2018–2019 1.5T (cold climates)
Oil-dilution TSB — verify update history and check oil condition/level.
2008–2012 (8th gen V6)
Some 6AT torque-converter shudder on V6 automatics.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Starter failure on 9th-gen Accord
- ✓1.5T oil dilution in cold climates
- ✓AC compressor on older V6 examples
- ✓Rear wheel bearings on high-mileage cars
- ✓Power-window regulators on older examples
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Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Accord ownership is close to Corolla for cost — parts are cheap and every mechanic knows the platform.
The V6 uses a timing belt (every 105k) — factor this into V6-shopping. 4-cyl uses a timing chain.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Engine
1.5T: check oil level and smell for fuel dilution. K24: verify no oil consumption.
Transmission
10AT smooth; older CVT and 6AT should shift/pull cleanly.
Starter (9th gen)
Slow cranks are a warning.
Timing belt (V6)
Verify last service on 100k+ examples.
Suspension
Struts and bushings at 150k+.
Take this to your inspection
Pre-Purchase Buying Checklist
- ✓Pull the dipstick cold on any 1.5T — smell for fuel and check level is not above full.
- ✓Ask for the oil-dilution TSB (24-006 / 19-113) completion record on 2017–2019 1.5T cars.
- ✓Verify V6 timing-belt service was performed at 105,000 miles.
- ✓Test the 10-speed automatic (2018+) with full-throttle upshifts and a stop-and-go loop.
- ✓Cold-start the engine and listen for slow cranking (early 9th-gen starter weakness).
- ✓Scan for stored codes even if the check-engine light is off.
- ✓Confirm the Takata airbag recall is closed on the VIN.
- ✓Inspect underbody and rocker panels for rust on Northern-state cars.
- ✓Verify the CVT (1.5T) has had at least one drain-and-fill by 60,000 miles.
- ✓Get a $150–$250 independent pre-purchase inspection — every time.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • One of the best-driving family sedans in its class — excellent chassis and steering.
- • Real-world fuel economy is strong on both 1.5T and 2.0T.
- • Insurance and repair costs are consistently competitive with Camry.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Honda Accord?
Yes. The Accord is one of the two safest used midsize sedan choices (the other is Camry). Prefer 2.4L or V6 for maximum simplicity, or a serviced 1.5T for efficiency.
People Also Ask
How many miles will a Accord last?
One of the best-driving family sedans in its class — excellent chassis and steering.
Is the Accord expensive to maintain?
Accord ownership is close to Corolla for cost — parts are cheap and every mechanic knows the platform.
Which Accord year should I buy?
2013–2017 (9th gen) is the range we'd shop first. K24 2.4L or J35 V6 — both essentially bulletproof.
What are the most common Honda Accord problems?
The issues that come up most often are starter failure on 9th-gen Accord, 1.5T oil dilution in cold climates and AC compressor on older V6 examples. Each one is checkable during a pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a used Honda Accord reliable?
Yes. The 2013–2017 Accord is one of the two safest used midsize sedans on the market alongside the Camry. The K24 four-cylinder and J35 V6 routinely reach 250,000+ miles with basic service.
What is the best year to buy a used Honda Accord?
The 2015–2017 model years are the peak of the 9th generation — the K24 and 6-speed automatic (V6) or refined CVT (four-cylinder) are proven, prices have softened, and the safety-tech gap to the 10th gen is smaller than the price gap.
Which Honda Accord years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2003–2007 V6 automatic — the transmission failure rate is high enough that Honda extended warranty coverage that has long since expired. Manual V6s and four-cylinders from that era are fine.
How many miles will a Honda Accord last?
A K24-powered 9th-gen Accord will comfortably reach 250,000 miles with routine maintenance, and the J35 V6 regularly clears 300,000. The timing chain is a lifetime component — no scheduled belt replacement.
Is the Honda Accord expensive to maintain?
No. Expect about $400–$500 per year at an independent shop for a modern Accord. The four-cylinder is timing-chain equipped and needs no belt service; the V6 needs a timing-belt at 105,000 miles ($900–$1,300).
Is the 1.5L turbo Accord reliable?
It is now — but only with the oil-dilution TSB completed. The 2018–2019 1.5T in cold climates suffered fuel dilution that Honda addressed via injector-timing and PCV updates. Post-TSB cars have been reliable.
Is the Accord better than the Camry?
They are the two safest used midsize sedan picks and separating them is a matter of taste. The Accord drives noticeably better; the Camry has a slightly longer average lifespan and a better hybrid option.
What should I inspect before buying a used Accord?
Focus on oil-dilution evidence (1.5T), V6 timing-belt records, starter cranking speed, 10-speed automatic behavior, and Takata recall completion. A $150–$250 independent pre-purchase inspection is worth every dollar.
How much does a used Honda Accord cost?
Expect $14,000–$19,000 for a clean 2015–2017 EX-L, $19,000–$25,000 for a 2018–2020 1.5T EX, and $23,000–$29,000 for a 2019–2021 2.0T Sport. Prices vary $2,000–$3,000 by region and mileage.
How the Accord compares
Side-by-side buying comparisons against the models people cross-shop most.
You may also want to research
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