After 20 Years and 567,000 Miles, I Think It's Time to Say Goodbye to My 1996 Honda Accord, But I'll Still Daily It Until It Sells

Cars that refuse to die are endlessly fascinating. Vehicles that outlast trends, outdrive expectations, and build reputations one odometer digit at a time are rare nowadays. So when I saw a post in the “Mileage Impossible” group on Facebook from Greg Roberts, it instantly stood out. Greg shared that after 20 years of ownership, he’s finally ready to part ways with his 1996 Honda Accord, a sedan that’s conquered 567,000 miles. Still running on its original engine, transmission, and clutch (which might be the craziest part to believe), the car is still faithfully serving as Greg’s daily driver while he referees soccer. It's proof that even in retirement, this Honda still has fight left in it. Here's his long but detailed description:

“After 20 years, it’s time to part ways with my 1996 Honda Accord with 567,000 miles. Before I just list it locally, I’m wondering if anyone on here might be interested. While a WRX drivetrain was being installed in my Forester, I've been driving this thing 75 to 100 miles a day to referee soccer. I would continue to do that every day without hesitation. This a car with over a half-million miles on it, so, details/pros and cons are listed below.

Car is in southern middle TN. It has the original engine, transmission and clutch. Rack is seeping on both ends, the original power steering pump is noisy on a cold morning until it warms up. Original compressor and condenser, but there is a leak somewhere, so A/C has to be regularly recharged. Newer Honda battery. Original starter was finally replaced a couple of years ago. Aftermarket alternator and fuel pump. Radiator replaced some years ago from the same factory that puts out Honda OEM but on a different production day. Front axles were replaced at about 250k miles with NAPA parts. Passenger front window needs help going up if you put it more than halfway down.

Tachometer and cruise control quit working a few years ago. Back wheels have to stay on the back or be replaced because they were passenger side when they went through a pothole that bent them. Tire shop knocked them back out, but a slight wobble in steering if run on the front. Original front brake rotors can no longer be turned and are slightly warped, but I downshift for most of my stopping, so have not bothered to replace.

One broken motor mount with feedback that can be felt at light throttle. Roof is faded to primer. Clear coat peeling on side panels and trunk. Recent plugs, wires coil and distributor. Honda battery about 15-18 months into an 84-month warranty. Timing belt is due at 590k. Transmission service due at 565-570k. Vehicle maintained by local shop with major maintenance (timing belt kits, etc.) performed by Gary Force Acura for the last 450K+ miles. Currently entertaining offers.”

A Testament to True Honda Endurance

Greg’s post quickly drew attention. It's not just because of the sheer mileage, but for the honest, detailed breakdown of what life with a half-million-mile car really looks like. It’s a rare glimpse into the kind of reliability and resilience that Honda built its name on, and it sparked admiration from fellow drivers who know just how rare it is to see a car last this long, especially with so many original parts still doing their job. Honda’s new GT concept has sparked debate about whether the brand is still delivering what its fans want, and this post is a timely reminder of what made older models so beloved in the first place. Here’s a look at how the new GT concept paints an interesting future for the Japanese brand.

Nick Pagniello chimed in, “Those can run 1,000,000 miles+ if regularly maintained like this one. That’s peak Honda quality.” And he’s not wrong. This Accord’s long life isn’t a fluke, but the result of attentive care and solid engineering. Honda’s reputation has been built on vehicles like this, ones that defy mileage expectations and keep going long after others have called it quits. In fact, some real-world Honda Accord owners have reported substantial reliability, even as they cross into six-figure mileage territory. That kind of durability is backed by real-world numbers. Just take a look at the actual maintenance costs of owning a Honda Accord past 100,000 miles.

Brian Edward added, “My aunt had over 500k on her ‘97 Accord! Drove it like a brand new car.” This is a common theme among long-term Honda owners. When these cars are maintained right, they tend to retain a level of drivability and familiarity that makes them hard to give up.

Then there’s Devin Wilson, who shared, “I had this exact same car (I forget what trim). Biggest regret of my life was selling it back in the day. I loved this car. Peak Honda quality. I now drive a 10th Gen Civic. 0 issues with 59,000 miles on her.” Devin’s story shows how these cars leave a lasting impression. Even when owners move on to newer models, the benchmark set by the older ones remains.

But not everyone thinks selling is the best move. Ernie Montoya offered a different perspective: “I would just keep it and see how many miles you could get out of it. Not worth selling it with how little it’s worth sadly.” It’s a sentiment that rings true in today’s used car market. Even with such a remarkable history, a car like this doesn’t bring in big money. The car's value to the owner can be hard to quantify.

When Reliability Matters More Than Looks

And while this Accord’s cosmetic flaws and mechanical quirks are well documented, none of them seem to hinder its function. This is a vehicle that simply does what it was made to do: get from point A to B reliably. With original brake rotors and a fading roof, it may not win beauty contests, but as newer Accords occasionally experience significant issues, there’s something refreshing about a car that just lasts. By contrast, some newer Honda Accords haven’t fared as well—like one that I wrote about which suffered a head gasket failure at just 49,000 miles, highlighting just how impressive Greg’s story really is.

Of course, not every used Accord will hold up this well. That’s why buyers should always do their homework, especially with high-mileage cars. For those thinking of finding their own long-lasting Honda, it’s worth doing your research before buying into the dream. If you’re considering buying a used Accord, make sure you know which model years and trims to avoid, as not all of them have the same legendary staying power like Greg's.

As someone whose first car was a 2004 Civic, I can’t help but find stories like Greg’s inspiring. That's because I shared the same dream to reach this kind of mileage. In an era of digital dashboards, expensive repairs, and cars that sometimes feel more like computers than machines, there’s something profoundly grounding about a '96 Accord with nearly 600,000 miles still doing its job.

It’s not just about the mileage, but it’s about what it says regarding trust, maintenance, and a relationship between a car and owner that today’s vehicles rarely get to enjoy. Stories like these make you question whether we’re actually progressing or just complicating things. That reflection naturally leads to questions about modern cars. So for the new Accords, here are five real updates some owners would personally like to see. 

Moral Takeaways and Key Lessons

• Longevity is discipline. Cars like Greg’s Accord don’t survive by accident. Maintenance matters.
• Mileage tells a story, but so does consistency. The original clutch, engine, and transmission still operating after two decades show what quality parts and responsible ownership can do.
• Value is personal. Even if a high-mileage car isn’t worth much on paper, the reliability and trust it’s earned might make it priceless.
• Modern reliability doesn’t always outshine the old guard. As we see more complex cars fail early, vehicles like Greg’s remind us what true longevity used to look like.

Do You Miss the Cars From This Era?

Have you ever owned a car you just couldn’t let go of no matter the miles or age?

And do you think the quality of car production has decreased in today's era? 

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: The “Mileage Impossible” public Facebook Group.