When I had my car detailed, some peeling was noticed along the trim on the roof line and around the windshield. A couple of months ago, a large spot started peeling on one of the rear quarter panels. My dealer has told me this was common on red Honda Accords (mine is a 2005) and the only solution was to have the car repainted at a cost of $4,000.
Online, I found a way of repairing individual spots, a solution I'm not willing to try. I've been keeping an eye out for the same condition on other cars, especially Accords, and haven't seen one with a peeling clear coat. Is Honda doing anything about this? What can I do, short of a paint job, considering the age and value of the car?
– Christine
This is a widespread and well-known problem with a variety of Honda products in the United States. There is no known single source of the problem, which commonly occurs with dark colours, such as blue, black and red, and it almost always happens well after the vehicle is off warranty. Honda of America extended the warranty on some products and issued a technical service bulletin on 2003-2005 Odyssey minivans for this issue.
As your car is now 10 years old, the best you can hope for is a sympathetic dealer. In the meantime, have the trouble spots repaired.
Rusty cars
We are considering buying a Mazda3 hatchback. I have heard that Mazdas are notorious for rusting early. Is this true?
– Al
Absolutely not. This sounds like another of the old wives tales involving Japanese cars that got its start 40 years ago. The first cars from that part of the world did suffer from premature rusting – as did many domestic models of the time. Once manufacturers started using galvanized steel and rust-perforation warranties became common, the problem all but disappeared. The Mazda3 often appears on lists of the best used cars to buy.
Check engine light
My check engine light came on and I checked the fuel cap. It was loose. I tightened the cap until it clicked. How long will I have to drive the car before the light goes out? Will I need to pay to have it reset?
– Earl
This issue will commonly self-correct after the ignition has cycled on and off a few times. If it does not, you may have to go to a service provider to have it reset.
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