How many miles should a 2004 Honda Accord last?
Most well-maintained 2004 Honda Accords can be expected to last about 200,000 miles, with many reaching 250,000 miles or more; a few examples surpass 300,000 miles.
What factors influence a 2004 Accord's lifespan?
The final mileage a car can achieve depends on how well it has been cared for and the conditions it has endured. The 2004 Accord is widely regarded as durable, but longevity hinges on routine maintenance, driving style, climate, road conditions, and how promptly problems are addressed. Regular service—oil changes, fluid replacements, brake work, and timely replacement of worn parts—plays a decisive role.
Maintenance and care
Key maintenance activities that influence long-term durability include sticking to the manufacturer's service schedule, using quality parts, and addressing wear before it becomes a failure.
Before the list: Below are the core maintenance practices that help maximize a 2004 Accord's lifespan.
- Follow the factory maintenance schedule for oil changes, fluid services (coolant, transmission, brake), and filter replacements.
- Replace belts, hoses, spark plugs, and other wear items as recommended by the manual or a trusted mechanic.
- Inspect the cooling system and address overheating promptly to protect the engine.
- Keep brakes, tires, and suspension components in good condition to avoid secondary damage from worn parts.
- Address rust or corrosion early, especially in regions with road salt or damp climates.
Maintaining these items consistently can help the car reach higher mileages.
Typical mileage ranges for a well-kept 2004 Accord
The following ranges reflect common experiences among owners and technicians and are not guarantees. Actual results vary based on usage, climate, and maintenance discipline.
Before the list: Here are typical mileages you might reasonably encounter on a well-kept example of this model:
- Around 200,000 miles: a common milestone for many cars that have received routine maintenance and responsible driving.
- 200,000–250,000 miles: not unusual for Accords that have seen regular service and moderate wear.
- 250,000–300,000 miles: a notable achievement for a car of this era, with many systems still functioning well.
- Over 300,000 miles: a minority of cars reach this level, typically with meticulous upkeep and timely repairs.
Conclusion: Even with robust construction, reaching very high mileage requires sustained care; the 2004 Accord remains a durable option for used-car buyers who prioritize maintenance history.
Summary
In short, a 2004 Honda Accord can reliably reach around 200,000 miles and often extends to 250,000 miles or more with disciplined maintenance. While true longevity varies, clear maintenance history, prudent driving, and timely repairs are the best predictors of a long-lived Accord. For buyers, a well-documented service history and a pre-purchase inspection are key to assessing remaining life.
Can a Honda last 400,000 miles?
The Lifespan of a Honda Civic
That's not an exaggeration. Many civic owners have reported hitting high numbers on their odometer, sometimes reaching 400,000 miles with regular maintenance. It's common to find used Honda Civics on the market with well over 150,000 miles on them and still running strong.
How many miles can you get out of a 2004 Honda Accord?
A Honda Accord that is not maintained well has a much higher chance of developing major engine and transmission problems before hitting 100,000 – 200,000 miles. With that being said a very well-maintained Honda Accord has the potential to last well past 300,000 miles and further before needing any major work.
How many miles is too high for a Honda Accord?
How long do Honda Accords last? According to getjerry.com, a Honda Accord is anticipated to last between 200,000-300,000 miles. If you take proper care of your Honda Accord, it may stretch long past that milestone before experiencing a need for severe repairs.
Is the Honda Accord 2004 a reliable car?
The 2004 Honda Accord is generally considered a reliable car, especially with the four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission, but V6 automatic models are known for transmission issues. Owners praise its long-term dependability and low ownership costs, though common problems include oil burning at high mileage, minor leaks, worn suspension parts, and electrical issues with window switches or ignition components.
Reliability breakdown
This video explains the reliability of the 2004 Honda Accord and common issues: 58sTopLineRacerYouTube · Jun 28, 2024
- Four-cylinder engine: Generally very dependable, though oil burning can occur as mileage increases, which is common for this age and type of engine.
- V6 engine: While the engine itself is strong, the automatic transmissions in V6 models are notorious for problems, particularly the transmission for that year. These can fail and are costly to fix, so it is a major point of caution when shopping.
- Manual transmission: A better choice for reliability, as the associated issues are less frequent than with the V6 automatic.
- Overall dependability: Many owners report high mileage with only routine maintenance, and parts are generally available.
- Recalls: The 2004 Accord has been subject to numerous recalls, most notably the airbag inflator issue, which requires a free replacement by a dealer.
Common problems and maintenance
- Engine oil leaks: Can occur due to deteriorating valve cover gaskets or O-rings.
- Suspension and steering: Worn lower arm compliance bushings, lower ball joints, and struts are common issues with age and mileage.
- Cooling system: Radiators and coolant hoses can develop leaks.
- Electrical: The ignition switch can wear out, and window switches are prone to failure.
- Brakes: Some owners note that brakes may wear out more quickly than on other vehicles.
- Rear calipers: These are known to stick or have freezing pistons.
- Starter motor: The starter is a common failure point as the vehicle ages.
Key takeaways
- Look for the four-cylinder engine or manual transmission: to avoid the most significant reliability concerns.
- Inspect the transmission carefully: for any signs of trouble, especially in V6 models, and check the maintenance history.
- Prioritize cars with a strong maintenance record: to ensure longevity.
- Check for open recalls, particularly the airbag inflator, as dealers will replace it for free.
