CBS News/ October 27, 2011, 9:42 AM

Million miles and counting for a Honda Accord

In Norway, Maine, there is a 1990 Honda Accord with the nickname "True Blue." It's been going so long it recently passed the 999,999 mile mark. Since it's logged more than a million miles, you can't see the actual number on the odometer because it doesn't go that high.

Owner Joe LoCicero told co-anchor Chris Wragge on "The Early Show" that he has to do a lot of maintenance to keep the 15-year-old car running -- so much that his wife sometimes gets jealous of his relationship to the vehicle.

He said, "I have to make special time (with my wife), and I try to break up my maintenance into smaller pieces so that rivalry is not as big."

LoCicero says that, because of the economy, he's been averaging about 55,000 miles on the car in recent years.

But keeping the car running hasn't been without its rewards. In addition to having a functioning vehicle, LoCicero has received some recognition from Honda. He received a parade in his honor from the Japanese automaker, as well as a new Honda Accord, which he's dubbed "Midnight Blue."

LoCicero said, "I love Honda. I love this particular color. And I love the fact that it's 20 years newer technology."

But just because he has a new car doesn't mean he's going to abandon "True Blue."

When asked if he's going to put the million-miles vehicle out of commission, LoCicero said he's not and plans to "drive it a while longer."

14 Comments Add a Comment

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danwat1234 says:: 5th and 6th gen Civics and 90s Accords are bulletproof reliable, including the automatic transmissions. Just keep the fluids clean and use the correct fluids not generic crap for the transmission, Peak Global Lifetime for the engine coolant and a good moly dino engine oil and non-fram oil filter.
7th gen and newer, not quite as reliable, more like average with the average car.; reply

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richjenny says:: I had similar experience on my motor vehicles using sythetic lubricants, especially Amsoil Motor oils, Amsoil Automatic Transmission Fluids and Amsoil Gear Lubes. Engines and Transmission using synthetics save lots of fuel and extends the life of the drivetrain because of less wear and friction on all lubricated parts on a motor vehicle. One of the greatest benefits of Amsoil is the extended drain intervals of their products. I have been using Amsoil since 1980 on all my cars; reply

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636anton33 says:: I could never get that many miles out of anything because I enjoy a new car to much. I only keep mine around 2-3 years then trade.; reply

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commenter777 says:: These things last forever. I drove mine for over 5 million miles until it turned back into a pile of dirt.; reply

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Nmums says:

15 years old? Isn't a 1990 21 years old? Also...needs to be original engine and transmission with 1,000,000 miles. I have a 94 Toyota Celica with original engine and transmission, 240,000 miles. I have replaced: engine seals, timing belt, starter, radiator & hoses, alternator, CV joints, brake pads, tires, oil changes, transmission fluid changes. Pretty normal items for a 17 yr old car.


stoleniPod replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; That was a mistake, it says in other mentions of this story that he got the Accord used in 1996, so 15 years he's had the '90 Accord

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rozelle12782 says:: JOE! You are awesome! I have a white 4 door 92 honda accord LX that I love too! Mine has around 240,000 miles on it and I have owned it for over 9 years putting on about 136,000 of those miles! My mom gives me crap saying I should sell it. I have invested a lot of time, knowledge and parts into this car but not any more than another used car would need. I plan on keeping mine forever and hopefully getting a newer one someday. It has great gas mileage, good looking body style, comfortable seats, good heater and a/c, you name it! Mine is named Pearl! Go Honda!; reply

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tsigili says:

I won't be impressed, until I see his average cost of maintenance per year.

The only Hondas I have seen, that old, irregardless of mileage, were pretty bad mechanically.


SharpyWarpy replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; I was an auto mechanic for 20 years and remained in the automotive business for an additional 14 years. I did not see many Hondas except for routine maintenance like oil changes, brakes. I saw one torn down for engine rebuild once. Another mechanic in the same shop had the job. I looked closely at the internals of the engine while it was torn down and I was very, very impressed by the quality I saw in every single detail of the engine parts. It looked more like a racing engine than a common passenger car engine. The connecting rods had no sharp edges or forging flaws. Two of the main crankshaft bearings were ROLLER BEARINGS! The layout of all engine compartment components were well thought out. Water pump, alternator, etc all had smooth motion and good solid mounts. The block was robust and the main bearing caps fit tight. I was just so impressed comparing that engine to so many others I had seen up to that time and since. If you have seen Hondas that look "pretty bad" I can assure you it's because it has been used to it's limit. That's the way it is with good vehicles of any kind -- bicycle, car, truck -- if it's reliable and fun it's gonna get used a lot. Think about it. If you're looking at two bicycles to ride aren't you going to pick the one that rides good and won't give you trouble?


rare_aries replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; First I have to say Sharpy is right. I too am a mechanic and from what I see Hondas have the least issues when it comes to major repairs. Second I have a cherry 87 Civic that I show regularly I bought her from the original owner with only 130k on her clock, ( yes still a baby as Hondas go!)and ALL her service records going back to her first oil change, and I was very impressed by the fact it never had a major repair in its entire 24 years! Think about it, if they were that well built then think of how much they improved since.

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tmittelstaed says:: It's not unheard of to make that high of a mileage:

http://www.volvocars.com/intl/top/about/news-events/pages/default.aspx?itemid=192

I would question the definition of "lot of maintainence" I would assume this means both transmission and engine replacement. I could see an engine making it a million miles if you kept it on synthetic oil but it would very likely need a few valve jobs along the way. But I can't see an automatic transmission making it a million miles.

I thought Maine used salt on the roads in the winter, though.; reply

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Forty-Four says:: That is nothing...well, for cars it is a lot. There are pickup trucks out there with WAY more mile on them.; reply

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canislupus16 says:: This guy drives too much. A million miles over 15 years is 66,667 miles a year. At 50 mph average (unlikely that high), he's spending 1,333 hours IN the car every year, which is 111 hours a month, not counting his "maintenance time" with his car. There are 730 average hours in a month (24 hours a day), so he is spending at least 15 percent of his life just driving, and some other percentage maintaining this vehicle. Buddy, get a life.

He needs to move closer to a job or change something else.; reply