Slow day at the office around here. Got a good deal on a 2007 accent that needed some repairs and TLC. Car was sitting in the same spot for two years. Tried to open the doors and both handles just snapped off. Managed to get the passenger side to open and when I reached for the driver side interior handle, it also broke. It was quite comical. Got it started and it was misfiring. Some quick test with my pocket coil tester told me it had a dead coil. So a new coil and battery later, and the car was purring like a kitten.

Drove it home and noticed the clutch pedal a bit sticky and worsening. I already knew what was happening, it was definitely a hydraulic problem so most likely the slave cylinder. Two turns from my car port, the clutch pedal stays buried on the floor. I carried just enough momentum to coast to my parking stall and verified the slave cylinder leaking and jammed. Also the front brakes were metal to metal. So $25 for a new slave cylinder and new front pads and rotors, flushed the brake fluid, changed the oil and spark plugs, and valve cover gasket, recovered, vacuumed, and recharged the AC (it was way overcharged, I was getting some really high pressures) and my sniffer only went off at the service ports so changed those and I now have a mostly cold AC (the compressor is tired due to overcharged system. I wish people didn’t just dump a can of Freon when they feel the AC is not as cold).

Took it for a spin to break in the brakes and took that opportunity to drive it a bit spirited. This engine loves to be revved, I mean it’s not a fast car by any means, but if I compare it to my 2003 non vtec civic 5 speed, this accent would leave it in the dust. The steering is responsive, albeit a bit numb. The shocks do feel floaty, and I did notice the front struts leaking a bit so that’s next. But overall, it’s a fun car to drive, I imagine a few suspension mods would make this little egg a whole lot of fun.

Did some reading, and seems like aftermarket support for this car has died down. I’m not trying to put a turbo in this thing, or an annoying fart can, but maybe an intake, strut tower bar, some springs, and maybe a rear disc conversion.

here’s a video I took after I drove it home.