How many miles can a 1987 Honda Accord last?

A well-maintained 1987 Honda Accord commonly reaches 200,000–300,000 miles, with exceptional examples surpassing 350,000–400,000 miles; however, age-related issues like rust and failing rubber components often end their service earlier than the engine itself. Longevity hinges far more on maintenance history, climate, and driving habits than on the model year alone.

What determines lifespan on a 1987 Accord

The 1987 Accord—part of Honda’s third-generation lineup—earned a reputation for durable A-series 2.0L engines and robust 5-speed manuals, while the 4-speed automatics were more maintenance-sensitive. After nearly four decades, the car’s remaining life is primarily a function of prior care and corrosion exposure rather than any single mechanical weak point.

The key factors below shape how many miles a 1987 Accord can realistically deliver today.

• Maintenance history: Regular timing belt/water pump service, oil changes, valve lash adjustments, and cooling system care dramatically extend engine life.
• Rust exposure: Corrosion in rear wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, front frame rails, and strut towers can total an otherwise healthy car.
• Powertrain spec and use: The 5-speed manual typically outlasts the period 4-speed automatic; gentle highway use beats short-trip, cold-start cycles.
• Fuel and emissions setup: Carbureted A20A1 models need careful vacuum-hose upkeep and carb tuning; fuel-injected A20A3 models depend on healthy sensors and relays.
• Parts quality: OEM or high-quality aftermarket components help; cheap ignition parts, hoses, and cooling components can shorten life.
• Climate and storage: Dry, garage-kept cars in mild climates age slower than salted-road daily drivers.

Taken together, these variables explain why some Accords retire at 180,000 miles while others push well beyond 300,000 with their original long blocks.

Typical mileages seen in the real world

Owner reports and shop experience suggest many third-gen Accords still on the road today cluster in the 180,000–260,000-mile range if they’ve had average care. Engines that received timely timing-belt service, cooling-system maintenance, and valve adjustments often clear 250,000 miles without internal work. Manuals commonly outlast automatics, which can falter around 180,000–220,000 miles if fluid changes were neglected. Outliers—especially garaged, rust-free cars with meticulous records—can exceed 350,000–400,000 miles; some go further after an engine refresh or rebuild. Age-related failures (rubber seals, fuel and vacuum hoses, deteriorated wiring, and rust) are now more likely to end a 1987 Accord’s life than catastrophic engine failure.

How to extend the life of your 1987 Accord

Targeted preventive maintenance can meaningfully increase the remaining miles on a 1987 Accord. The following priorities focus on reliability, longevity, and preserving scarce, rust-prone structure.

1. Timing belt and water pump: Replace every 60,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first; replace cam/crank seals and tensioner while you’re in there.
2. Oil and filters: Use quality oil and change every 3,000–5,000 miles; replace the PCV valve and air filter on schedule to reduce blow-by and deposits.
3. Valve lash: Check and adjust roughly every 30,000 miles to protect the cam and ensure efficient combustion.
4. Cooling system: Flush coolant every 2–3 years; inspect radiator, hoses, thermostat, and fan switch; overheating is a common engine-killer.
5. Transmission care:
   – Manual: Replace fluid at ~30,000–60,000-mile intervals with the correct GL-4-compatible oil; monitor clutch wear and axle/CV joints.
   – Automatic: Do periodic drain-and-fills (not aggressive flushes) with high-quality ATF suitable for older Hondas.
6. Fuel system and induction:
   – Carb models: Replace vacuum hoses, maintain the choke and carb tuning, and avoid ethanol blends above E10.
   – Fuel-injected models: Keep injectors clean and inspect the PGM-FI main relay for heat-related failures.
7. Ignition tune-up: Use quality plugs (e.g., NGK), plus proper cap, rotor, and wires; weak ignition accelerates fuel wash and carbon buildup.
8. Rust prevention: Treat early rust, keep drains clear, wash the underbody, and consider rustproofing in salted regions.
9. Rubber and hydraulics: Replace aged accessory belts, coolant and fuel hoses, brake hoses/lines, engine mounts, and suspension bushings.
10. Storage and driving habits: Garage when possible, avoid short cold trips, and keep the battery on a maintainer if the car sits.

Consistent, conservative care like this does more to add miles than any single repair; it prevents the cascade of failures that often sidelines aging vehicles.

How to evaluate a high-mileage 1987 Accord

Before banking on long-term lifespan, a careful assessment helps you estimate how many miles are realistically left in a specific car.

• Compression and leak-down: Look for even compression across cylinders and low leak-down; even readings within roughly 10–15% suggest a healthy bottom end.
• Cooling system health: Any history of overheating is a red flag; pressure-test the system and check for combustion gases in coolant.
• Transmission behavior:
  – Manual: Check for synchro grinding, clutch slip, and axle/CV joint noise.
  – Automatic: Look for smooth shifts and clean, red ATF without burnt odor.
• Rust inspection: Focus on rear wheel arches/quarters, rocker panels, floor pans, front frame rails, and strut towers; structural rust can be terminal.
• Fuel/air and ignition: On carb cars, confirm stable idle and clean transitions; on FI cars, verify sensor health and main-relay reliability.
• Maintenance records: Timing belt dates/mileage, coolant intervals, and regular oil changes are the best predictors of remaining life.
• Oil usage and exhaust: Blue smoke under throttle or high oil consumption points to ring/valve wear; white smoke may indicate head-gasket issues.

A car that passes these checks with solid records is far likelier to deliver thousands more trouble-free miles than one with unknown history and visible corrosion.

Cost and practicality considerations

Because parts remain reasonably available and the A-series engine is simple to service, keeping a sound 1987 Accord on the road can be cost-effective if the structure is solid. However, significant rust repair, automatic transmission overhauls, or engine rebuilds can exceed the car’s market value. For frequent use, plan a budget for ongoing rubber, fuel, and ignition refurbishments, and favor ethanol content no higher than E10 to protect older fuel-system components.

Summary

With diligent maintenance, a rust-free 1987 Honda Accord typically delivers 200,000–300,000 miles, and standout examples can exceed 350,000–400,000. In 2025, condition is king: a clean, well-documented, mostly highway-driven car with timely timing-belt service, cooling-system care, and minimal rust can still provide many dependable miles, while neglected or corroded cars may be near the end of their practical lifespan regardless of odometer reading.

Will a Honda Accord last 300,000 miles?

How long can a Honda Accord last? On average, these vehicles can go anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles, as noted by CoPilot, a third-party evaluator of vehicles. With consistent maintenance and timely repairs, many Accords can exceed these expectations without needing significant work.

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.

What engine does a 1987 Honda Accord have?

The A18A engine was the 1.8-liter engine found in 1982–1987 Honda Prelude and 1986–1988 Accord found in JDM models. Prelude A18A has twin side-draft CV carburetors (also named ET2 in some years) while the Accords came with single down-draught carburetor.

How much is a 1987 Honda Accord worth?

1987 Honda Accord base price starts at $10,494 to $15,119.