Honda Accord Mk3 (1985 – 1989) Review

Item: Honda Accord Mk3 (1985 – 1989) Review 2024
Author: Administrator

1989 Honda Accord LX 2.0L 4-cylinder engine

Honda Accord
LX 2.0L 4-cylinder engine
£8,680

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Honda Accord Mk3 (1985 – 1989) At A Glance

Reliable and built to go the distance

Rust is starting to eat away at them now, problems with the air conditioning

The third generation Honda Accord adopted striking wedge shaped styling debuted in the 1984 Civic. It was a bold step into the 1980s, and as with the previous generation, was usefully larger than the previous Accord. As before, the Accord boasted a generous equipment tally in the top most models, and proved to be a sizeable commercial hit, especially in the USA.

Technically, it was a great leap over its predecessor, with an all-new double-wishbone suspension, and multi-valve engines. ABS was available as an option on the up-scale four-wheel disc brake models. The Accord was offered in several forms globally, including a stylish two-door coupe and and a three-door liftback - bot of which were denied UK buyers. The most interesting model, the three-door shooting brake Aerodeck did make it to the UK, recalling memories of the Reliant Scimitar GTE and Lancia Beta HPE... but without the unreliability and flaky electrics.

Ask Honest John

Where should I sell a 35-year-old Honda Accord?

"I have been asked by a friend to dispose of his one owner Honda Accord which has been off the road for a number of years. It has 35000 miles on the clock and has been garaged throughout its life. Bodywork is excellent but work will be needed on the engine and other perished parts. Presumably its age precludes annual road tax and it would qualify as a classic car. How would you recommend I should proceed to obtain the best price available bearing in mind that it would likely need a trailer to get it to an auction?"

Under the current system, a car has to be 40 years old before its tax class can be changed to historic (and therefore take advantage of free road tax). The good news is that the body is in good condition - the bad news is that the market for Japanese classics is small, compared to - say - performance Fords. Prices for early Accords are currently all over the place. We've seen some optimistically pitched above £3k while others languish around the £600 mark. You'll need to take stock of the market and price yours accordingly. Maximise its chances of a sale by getting it seen in as many places as possible - shows, eBay, newspaper and magazine classifieds.