I just bought this car yesterday and took it to a mechanic to make sure it was okay. He said it was fine that Honda make that noise and that it was an older car and because it has 177k miles. Well, one 1st and 2nd gear it makes a funny rattling noise, not grinding, but it just doesn't sound good to me, should I take it to someone else? If the clutch is going out, how much does it cost? Did I just get suckered??? I paid $3500 for it, it is in very good shape other than that crazy noise.

 

crazy noise - can you explain a little more??

 

Loud, tinny rattling is usually a heat shield. Doesn't have anything to do with the transmission. But it seems related because when you accelerate, the position of the engine shifts within the car. That can make the heat shield start to rattle.

 

+1 w/ mk. it sure sounds like a heat shield issue.

you can check by putting the car up on a ramp or use a jack and lift up the front. Head over to the beginning of the exhaust under the car and you should see a heat shield above the short exhaust pipe (known as pipe A). if you hit it, it should rattle. I use 2 clamps to hold it down. no more noise and it still functions like a heat shield.

some suggest that you don't need it but do so at your own risk.