1. Overview of the Honda Accord Baby Boy in Nigeria
When the 6th-generation Honda Accord was launched in 1998, it was a breath of fresh air from the spacious yet compact Accord models. The vehicle came at a time when it seemed many loyal Honda fans were considering shifting posts to the Toyota Camry. The Honda Accord 1998 - 2002 (6th generation) got into Nigeria and in no time did it gain the nickname the Honda Accord Baby Boy. Perhaps, this moniker was as a result of how long people had waited for it and how sleek and bold it looks from the outside.
The Honda Accord Baby Boy is easy to maintain while being potent in power
Right from the first sight, you can be impressed by its spacious look along with comfy seats.
Some perks were added including the V6 and 4 cylinder engine options and user-friendly controls.
The Baby Boy, coming in a four-door sedan design packed with a lot of power, maintained the three trim levels DX, LX and EX and doesn't do badly in fuel economy.
The car isn't a bad choice for those looking for an affordable Honda car to purchase with it being reliable, safe, fuel efficient, and firm on the road.
>>> End of Discussion, Evil Spirit, Bull Dog are some Nigerian nicknames for different generations of Honda Accord. What else can you name? Check it out here!
2. Trims of Honda Accord Baby Boy
The Honda Accord Baby Boy comes in three trim levels - DX, LX and EX. As expected, the EX is the upscale and sporty variant which also carries a lot of features as compared to the others. You also know what that means, it won't be as affordable either.
Tokunbo/Foreign used Honda Baby Boy prices in Nigeria
Tokunbo Honda Baby Boy prices in Nigeria
Model
Price in naira
Tokunbo Honda Baby Boy 1998
₦800,000 - ₦2,000,000
Tokunbo Honda Baby Boy 1999
₦800,000 - ₦2,000,000
Tokunbo Honda Baby Boy 2000
₦1,000,000 - ₦2,500,000
Tokunbo Honda Baby Boy 2001
₦1,500,000 - ₦2,800,000
Tokunbo Honda Baby Boy 2002
₦1,500,000 - ₦3,500,000
Note that these costs for buying and clearing can be lower than what is stated if you are a good negotiator! For clearing, the prices are not fixed, and they range between 50% – 70% of the car price.
You can view thousands of them for sale in one place, get the best prices while saving time and effort.
Cotonou, Benin Republic is also a feasible option to hunt for an affordable tokunbo Honda Accord Baby Boy if you like to travel and challenge yourself.
4. Fuel economy and engine performance of Honda Accord Baby Boy
Engine
The Honda Accord Baby Boyoffers 3 engines for buyers to choose from. You either opt for the 3 liter single overhead Cam (SOHC) V6 VTEC engine which puts out 200 horsepower, or you go for the 150 horsepower 2.3 liter inline 4 cylinder engine. This inline 4 is also a SOHC VTEC with 16 valves. The third engine variant is a bit less potent than the two listed above but it is still worth the try for a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine. This SOHC engine has a 135 HP output. The only thing about these engines is that they came with a timing belt, not the timing chain you find in more recent cars.
Fuel economy
Also to add, the fuel economy rating of the engines were ideal too. For instance, the V6 engine has a 26 miles per gallon rating on the highway and 18 mpg in the city. The VTEC comes with 28 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city ratings. You can obviously tell which is better if you seek a fuel economy car. This also means that you drive up to 600 kilometers on a full tank - from Lagos to Benin and back!
The wheelbase, length, and height of the Honda Accord Baby Boy are far better and more than what you would see in the previous generation. The vehicle also comes with a radio and cassette player with a CD changer, air conditioning, airbags, and great seats. The rear is roomier than what is found in the Honda halla for instance. I guess the automaker listened to the complaints of car owners and carried out major upgrades on this one. You also enjoy a lot of space in the rear as there's just enough cargo room in the trunk. Driver's safety is guaranteed with the anti-lock brakes and good traction. The vehicle is definitely made for tough Nigerian roads but it is a bit low. You will have a lot to worry when you climb bumps.
The Honda Accord Baby Boy is definitely an upgrade of the Honda Halla
7. Honda Accord Baby Boy problems & how to maintain
Things to look out for when buying used Honda Accord Baby Boy
The Honda Accord 1998-2002 has few problems. However, when you go to buy a used one, make sure you look out for the following critical parts:
First, blue smoke from the exhaust pipe. Once you notice this, it's a red flag.
Sometimes you would hear noises in the engine or the car will jerk when it's switching gears especially in the automatic transmission variant.
The road and engine noise can be managed, but slow transmission shifting and humming noise from the wheel bearings cannot.
Keep an eye on the dashboard for the engine light, while you're test driving. You won't want to purchase and get home with engine sludge or a car with a smell emanating from the engine.
Also, don't forget to examine the air conditioning and the timing belt. Once you and your mechanic certify both as okay, it's fine. Anything else, look for another car to buy.
Video: 1998 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Startup Engine & In Depth Tour
How to maintain Honda Accord Baby Boy
Coming to maintenance, the Honda Accord Baby Boy is easy to maintain but there are still some things to care for.
Firsly, always check for a bad ignition switch. This makes it seem like your car starter is bad.
The car also experiences faulty heater control and PGMFI relay. These make the car overheat. So endeavor to visit the mechanic once you notice they have gone bad.
Change the transmission fluid often.
Check the spark plugs and ignition coil regularly too.
The water pump should also be replaced when they go bad. Once these are done along with the regular routine maintenance, you have nothing to worry about.
8. Alternatives for Honda Accord Baby Boy & Conclusion
All in all the Honda Accord Baby Boy is a great ride. Its rivals are the Nissan Maxima, Toyota Camry Pencil Light and Mazda 6. Asides the fuel efficiency which the Camry has better, the Accord beats the rest on almost every spec.
Kennedy Ilediagu is an experienced wordsmith and a creative automotive writer for Naijauto.com. His forte ranges from vehicle maintenance and latest industry updates, to car review articles. He is also a brand management and content creation expert who has worked with Daily Posts (United Kingdom), ESUT Egg Day magazine, and many others for years. Digital copies written by him inform, educate and engage readers globally. When Kennedy is not writing, he is busy taking care of animals, traveling or watching football.