Honda Legend 4 / KB

In the mid-80s of the twentieth century, Honda decided to throw the glove the best of the best (BMW and Mercedes) and introduced the Legend model. Unlike German brands, the Japanese company chose a different path.

Review

In the mid-80s of the twentieth century, Honda decided to throw the glove the best of the best (BMW and Mercedes) and introduced the Legend model. Unlike German brands, the Japanese company chose a different path. He abandoned the weak and poorly equipped versions in favor of one, but well-equipped. Subsequent generations of Honda Legends retained powerful engines and a long list of basic equipment. The manufacturer systematically moved away from the sharp lines. Therefore, the fourth generation Legend (designation KV1), which appeared in Europe only in 2006, was dominated by rounded shapes. The model debuted two years earlier in Japan and the USA (Acura RL). The reason for the delay is that it needs to be revised to more stringent European standards: the fourth-generation legend is woven out of calm and endless lines. Long and sloping hood, a fairly high line of windows and a short ass look harmonious. The car is not striking, and enemies say that the "limousine" is similar to the enlarged seventh chord. At that time, a conservatively stylized interior can be characterized in a similar way. Anyone who has ever dealt with a Honda Accord will quickly find similarities to the big Legends. Ergonomics is at a high level, although several shortcomings can be pointed out. For example, a specific joystick for managing a multimedia system, poor visibility of the navigation display, and complex control of the climate control system, implemented, among other things, through the multimedia menu. The accuracy of the manufacture and fitting of the cabin elements does not cause questions. Some shortcomings were quickly eliminated by the manufacturer.

Engine

It is best to look for a car with a proven service history. Its absence may mean that after the acquisition, significant costs are possible. So the first replacement of the drive of the valve timing must be carried out after 120,000 km, and then every 60-80 thousand km. The cost of the operation is about 500 dollars. If the procedure is combined with valve adjustment and oil change in the engine, gearbox and transmission, the amount can reach $ 1,000.

Properly serviced engine easily will pass more than 500 000 km. The power unit consumes oil in a volume of 0.5-1 l / 10,000 km or higher. There are also leaks in the cooling system, steering, premature wear of the pulleys of the crankshaft and the air conditioner compressor.

Transmission

The weak point of the HBK automatic transmission is the shaft bearings integrated into the body. It'll cost $400 to repair. The new building is three times more expensive. And for a complete bulkhead of the machine will have to prepare more than $ 2000. During the trial trip, you should make sure that there are no noticeable jerks and tremors.

Update the oil in the machine should be after every 60,000 km. Only the original Honda ATF DW1 (formerly ATF Z1) liquid must be used.

In practice, the complex all-wheel drive system SH-AWD practically does not create problems. The oil in the rear differential should be updated every 45,000 km, which uses the original Honda ATF DW1 transmission fluid. And most importantly, never tow the Legend. Even with the front axle up. Otherwise, the SH-AWD coupling will fail.

Walking

On the front axle, two transverse levers are used for each wheel - the upper and lower. The resource of multi-link suspension and steering tips is medium (usually about 100,000 km). The cost of the new lever is about $ 300. Ideally, the replacement of balls separately from the levers is not provided, but on the market you can find levers with restored elements.

Other problems and malfunctions

During the test drive, it is worth watching the instrument panel. Yellow badges or malfunction reports should be taken very seriously. Honda Legend is permeated with advanced systems – it is enough to mention the system of assessing the distance to the car in front or two pyrocylinders that raise the hood by 15 cm to reduce the consequences when hitting a pedestrian. Even in the case of a minor accident, the control unit and two hinges of the hood change. And, of course, the hood, which is made of aluminum. All this fun will cost $4,000. The same amount will be needed on the front radar hidden under the logo. It can also be damaged even in a relatively small head-on collision. The fight against malfunctions is complicated by high prices for spare parts. The stock of used parts is very limited. A comprehensive inspection of the car before buying is a prerequisite that can protect you from subsequent large expenses. Even more expensive details in official services, and there are very few substitutes. Even in large stores, basic consumables are not always available. There are also incorrect descriptions in the catalogues. Suffice it to mention the brake discs. The design provides discs with a diameter of 320 mm, but many sellers assure that 300 mm is enough. Physically they fit, but such a set does not function correctly, and therefore is ineffective. It remains to purchase the original set worth about $ 250.

Specifications of Honda Legend 4 (2004-2012)

Dynamic characteristics (producer)

Review

• He abandoned the weak and poorly equipped versions in favor of one, but well-equipped.
• The reason for the delay is the need to revise to more stringent European standards.
• With dynamic movement or loss of traction of the front wheels with the road, the rear wheels receive up to 70% of torque.
• For example, magnesium is made of a valve mechanism cover, and an intake manifold is made of aluminum.
• To go really fast, you need to bring the box to the “kick-down” mode or switch gears manually.

Engine

• It is best to look for a car with a proven service history.
• So the first replacement of the drive of the valve timing must be carried out after 120,000 km, and then every 60-80 thousand km.
• There are also leaks in the cooling system, steering, premature wear of the pulleys of the crankshaft and the air conditioner compressor.

Transmission

• The weak point of the HBK automatic transmission is the shaft bearings integrated into the body. It'll cost $400 to repair. The new building is three times more expensive.
• During the trial trip, you should make sure that there are no noticeable jerks and tremors.
• Update the oil in the machine should be after every 60,000 km.
• Only the original Honda ATF DW1 (formerly ATF Z1) liquid must be used.
• In practice, the complex all-wheel drive system SH-AWD practically does not create problems.
• The oil in the rear differential should be updated every 45,000 km, which uses the original Honda ATF DW1 transmission fluid.

Walking

• Ideally, the replacement of balls separately from the levers is not provided, but on the market you can find levers with restored elements.

Other problems and malfunctions

• Yellow badges or malfunction reports should be taken very seriously.
• The fight against malfunctions is complicated by high prices for spare parts. The stock of used parts is very limited.
• A comprehensive inspection of the car before buying is a prerequisite that can protect you from subsequent large expenses.
• But traces of corrosion are sometimes found around doorknobs.

The cost of the new Honda Legend has been a disappointment to many. Yes, they were well equipped, and competitors were sometimes much more expensive. But the latter offered versions with small engines and minimal equipment, which was impossible in the case of the Legend. The result is limited sales, and years later, a small range of offers in the secondary market. Today, the used flagship of 2008-2010 (with 3.7 liters) is available for 15-17 thousand dollars, and 2004-2008 (with 3.5 liters) for 9-12 thousand dollars. Legend, unlike Accord, is losing value more rapidly. The limited prestige of the model, as well as high operating costs - very much narrow the circle of potential buyers.

Despite the many advantages of the Honda Legend has not become a real hit of the premium class. This is a niche model that is not in great demand. Is that fair? Of course not, especially given the technical solutions and equipment. Most buyers in this segment focus on brands with a more prestigious icon on the hood. Not contributing to the popularity of high fuel consumption, sluggish operation of automatic transmission and high maintenance and repair costs. However, it is important to note that the Japanese limousine is quite reliable. However, the decision to buy should be well thought out and well thought out.

• Overview: It abandoned the weak and poorly equipped versions in favor of one well-equipped.
• Engine: There are also leaks in the cooling system, steering, premature wear of the pulleys of the crankshaft and the air conditioner compressor.
• Transmission: The weak point of the HBK automatic transmission is the shaft bearings integrated into the body. It'll cost $400 to repair. The new building is three times more expensive.
• Driving: Ideally, the replacement of balls separately from the levers is not provided, but on the market you can find levers with restored elements.
• Other problems and malfunctions: Yellow badges or malfunction reports should be taken very seriously.
• Specifications of Honda Legend 4 (2004-2012): Dynamic characteristics (manufacturer)

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.