The 80,000 Mile Addendum

Just a few days ago, The Voyage of DH finished a tour of one of the creepiest spots in Massachusetts: the site of the murder of Lizzie Borden’s parents. The rest of my weekend was far less macabre, however, as I spent time visiting friends, hiking through scenic woods, playing retro video games, and breaking a major milestone with my car. On Sunday, returning from a trip to New Hampshire, I passed the 80,000 mile mark. For this post, I thought I would take a break from visiting new locations and instead provide a brief update on the vehicle that takes me to all of these exciting places around the country.

Since its purchase on May 1, 2015, my 2012 Honda Accord EX-L V6 coupe has provided thousands upon thousands of miles of enjoyable driving. Through it all, the car has only required routine maintenance: oil changes, tire rotations, a new battery, new rear brakes, engine and cabin air filters, and a transmission fluid change. The only repairs to date have been a new wheel (thanks to a cavernous pothole on the Schuykill Expressway in Philadelphia) and a  new windshield (thanks to a tractor trailer, a large rock, and the New Jersey Turnpike).

The car still performs well. The engine has plenty of power, yet remains fuel-efficient, averaging close to 30 mpg on the highway. I do keep an eye on the fluid levels, and everything appears normal. However, my only concern is the rash of V6 engines from this generation of Accord (2008-2012) which burn oil and end up needing piston ring replacements. Honda has extended the warranty on these engines to unlimited years and 150,000 miles, so I’m not too worried, but it is something to monitor. I have not seen any evidence of this issue affecting DH, but I continue to monitor the oil level. The car actually feels like it is handling better now than when I first purchased it- its cornering feels more precise, and it feels more stable at high speeds. Of course, perhaps like an old, well-worn baseball glove, I’m just getting more accustomed to my car the older it gets!

The interior and exterior are still in good shape. Outside, the paint has some chips on the front bumper from rocks and other roadside debris, but overall the car still looks good. The interior has held up very well, with no fading or cracking of the leather seats of the dashboard. All the electronics still work, and the stereo sounds terrific. The car’s cargo capacity has been very impressive, the Accord seemingly transforming itself into a pickup truck for my move from New Jersey to Massachusetts. I had no idea my car could hold so much stuff! My only planned purchase is for a second set of wheels and a set of Nokia Hakkapeliitta R2 snow tires before next winter, to plow through the worst of the New England snowstorms.

Overall, I am very, very happy with my Accord. Were something to happen to DH and I needed to replace it, there is a short-list of cars I would consider: a pre-owned 2016 or 2017 Honda Accord V6 Touring sedan, a new Honda HR-V, or a new Subaru Crosstrek (I’ve sadly come to the realization that my next car should have four doors). However, replacing my Accord would be a worst-case scenario. I am still very satisfied with my car, and there is nothing else on the road that I want to purchase in its place.

As the snow melts and the temperature rises, I have planned several fun trips for this spring: to Maine, Connecticut, and some very interesting spots right here in Massachusetts. Thank you for continuing to read these writings, and for coming along on this special segment of the Voyage of DH!

‘Til next time.