Should I mod this!?
Posted by KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 45 comments
So this is my 99 Honda Accord LX, it has 149,000 miles and I was thinking about doing some things to it. I’m not really a car guy so I apologize if I use the wrong terminology but everything I’d wanna do is purely cosmetic. I’ve had it for about a year now and haven’t done anything to it besides some repairs. I had the timing belt replaced as well as some other things. I’m currently in between planning on getting a new car or making this one the priority. If anyone could let me know if it’s worth putting any work into that’d be great!
QenefGomari@reddit
Nope
Zed32_Customs@reddit
The best thing your gonna do is to just make it nicer. Polish and was the paint, detail the interior, get some nice OEM hubcaps or wheels. A well maintained Accord that's looks like it was babied since new is far more impressive than a clapped out molded one.
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
When it comes to the paint I actually went to Macco today and got quoted for 1900 for the same color and to fix some of the dents. Would It be worth doing that or should I see if polishing it would bring it back?
LGCJairen@reddit
Look into spraymax system and diy. I bet you could knock it out yourself even with the rattle can tax for under 1k.
As for performance, clean up the suspension, maybe slight lower, but not worth doing a ton unless its the v6
chrisevox@reddit
It's an old Honda. Best thing you can do is replace the maintence items (fluids, filter, belts, sparkplugs, etc) to keep it going. It doesn't need paint, it needs to run.
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
well that’s the thing if i’m gonna have it for a while I wanna have fun with it and make it look somewhat better yk
chrisevox@reddit
I had a '95 DX with 156k miles that I had painted at Maaco because the black paint was worn. Doing it again, I would have spent that money making the engine and AC work for daily driving. Repainting it wasn't the highest priority when my head was warped and leaking coolant. Just my 2 cents.
Nashvegas@reddit
$1900 is pretty cheap for paint, but the factory paint may have some life left and it's superior quality. A Harbor Freight DA polisher, pads and auto detailing search could probably do wonders for the existing paint. You should sub the auto detailing subreddit.
CaffeineTripp@reddit
100%.
Wash, clay, cutting compound, wax, Turtle Wax ceramic, done. That'll make it look much better. Remove the iron from the wheels, chuck some cards between the tire and the wheel, lay on black wheel paint, and it'll look fantastic.
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
Ok thank you I will!
Zed32_Customs@reddit
You could try polishing it for much less. Might not have the same shine but it will last longer and be higher quality. Also, it's fun.
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
Got it I’ll look into it thank you sm
1leggeddog@reddit
Absolutely agreed
TucsonTank@reddit
No
Kn1ght_Rage@reddit
Focus on deep cleaning inside and out Maybe add a CarPlay head unit if you want some more modern features
I drive a 95 na Miata and honestly it’s not the nicest but keeping your shit clean and fixed specifically the interior goes a long way
Zealousideal_Sir_264@reddit
Mod what you have. Just don't do anything that takes longer than a weekend unless you have a second car. There's tons of suspension stuff out there for these. If you lower it, do it the right way, don't cut the coils (I do it all the time but I know why that's a stupid idea so it's fine).
sonicc_boom@reddit
Get something newer
Kindly-Reserve-3143@reddit
Like the others, take care of it first
You can tell when someone just got a car and modded it. It doesn’t look good at all
The same mods would look great on a car someone took care of first
TriedNeverTired@reddit
I mean, it’s from 99 and has 150k miles. How much would these cosmetic choices be worth? If it’s too much just get a newer, nicer whip. You’ll most likely have to do a descent amount of non cosmetic work on it too if you keep it for the longer run
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
Well just considering how my life will be in the future😭. I don’t think i’ll be able to afford a car payment so I was thinking maybe if I fix all the issues now I could have fun customizing it over time.
beardedbarista6@reddit
If you’re concerned about not being able to afford a car payment then you really should put any extra money away for when this car will, inevitably, need more work or to be replaced. It sounds like your priorities might be a little off, IMHO.
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
Realistically I would be able to afford a payment it would just be more money I’m loosing every month yk? Plus I feel like I’ve gotten some of the major repairs out the way already in the time I’ve had it. But I could be wrong. Regardless I appreciate the help!
beardedbarista6@reddit
Personally, I’d keep this one running while putting away money for a car that I really loved and wanted to make my own. However, if this is that car for you, then you should do what gives you joy, friend!
TriedNeverTired@reddit
I agree with bearded barista, he’s got some good points. All come down to what you want to do at the end of the day though
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
Thank you!
TriedNeverTired@reddit
Okay why not then
Gothicseagull@reddit
Do yourself a favor: take care of this car mechanically first, and it shouldn't let you down.
Once you've gone through and made sure the mechanical aspects are in good shape, including suspension and tires, go for your cosmetics of choice.
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
I see… thankfully it’s ran smooth over the past year. That’s my only fear of it developing any MAJOR issues that I can’t afford. I only paid 1200 at the time of buying it any have already put probably like 2000 in repairs over the past year fixing all the major issues it had when I first bought it.
JustinTime_vz@reddit
These things pay for themselves. IMO If you put 4k in it you're still ahead.
Gothicseagull@reddit
Yeah, it can happen even when you think everything is perfect. Saving some cash for the big problems, like the 1900 you mentioned in another comment, is a smart play. Put it in a savings account with decent interest rate and don't touch it unless you have big problems.
I know you want this car to look like the dream you have in your head, but if it's your daily I'd advise prioritizing that first. And hey, if it blows up out of nowhere and you don't want to pay the big bill to fix it, you're closer to whatever comes next!
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
Thanks I actually planned on taking it to the mechanic again soon to check for any possible issues and to fix some stuff. I haven’t had any engine issues before aside from it smoking because it had no coolant😭. Aside from that it runs fine.
F_RANKENSTEIN@reddit
If you are mechanically inclined, swap the engine and gearbox for an h22a from a jdm prelude, lots more power!
Dark_Guardian_@reddit
polish the paint and the headlights and itll look a heap better
and get some OEM alloy wheels off marketplace (you'll have to learn about what wheel fits to your car since theres a lot of different specs) probably just from a higher spec honda of similar year
or paint your current steelies
jdmknowledge@reddit
My opinion, people who aren't car people tend to make terrible mod choices. That while "it's your car do what you want" needs to get pushed aside. Maybe lower it and some authentic wheels. Whatever you do...do not buy cheap knock-off shit. Spend the money right the first time and follow the "quality over quantity" rule.
Dark_Guardian_@reddit
"wow what a cool looking wheel, its big super shiny and has lots of detail"
>puts ugliest wheel possible on their civic
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
Yeah that’s why I came to here to ask some people who did know😭. I will be fixing everything mechanical before I do any customizing. Do you know if there anything I should ask my mechanic to look for that could be wrong.
jdmknowledge@reddit
You mentioned timing belt. I'm hoping that involved the water pump, tensioner, etc. Anything that is removed while the job was done. Did you do the balancer belt as well? That F23 engine should last a long time. If your car is an automatic then you should know that that is where your main issue will be.
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
Yes the water pump was replaced as well, I think the tensioner was as well but i’m not 100%. I’m not sure about the balancer belt either and yes mine is automatic.
kabobkebabkabob@reddit
Polish the paint, clear up the headlights and find some original Honda wheels that aren't steelies. These are old enough now that just a clean well kept one on the road will turn heads
pooo_pourri@reddit
Cosmetic like body kit or cosmetic like respray and pseudo restore?
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
uhhh the second one 😭
pooo_pourri@reddit
Tbh go for it, I had one of these that I did a crazy plasti dip color with back in the day and it was kinda sick. Those old accords are fun.
mw2strategy@reddit
Small cosmetics won't hurt. As long as you're keeping up maintenance, this car will do great. In a couple years the cosmetics might make you cringe, but if you're having fun now, who cares?
KaleidoscopeFew4785@reddit (OP)
Bet thank you!
chubsplaysthebanjo@reddit
Crazy low miles for that car. Go for it, it has ton of aftermarket support so I don't think you'll have trouble finding fun stuff