Why is the hood prop for Honda Accord so expensive … any cheaper options out there

I’ve seen prices as high as $80 on some sites, and even the cheaper ones have crazy delivery fees like $30-$70. I need a replacement for mine because I lost it. Why is it so pricey? Where can I find one for less?

Try a pick n pull junkyard or look for an aftermarket option. You might find one from a parted-out Accord.

Remy said:
Try a pick n pull junkyard or look for an aftermarket option. You might find one from a parted-out Accord.

That’s exactly what I was going to suggest.

Remy said:
Try a pick n pull junkyard or look for an aftermarket option. You might find one from a parted-out Accord.

I’m still learning about cars … what does aftermarket mean?

Jonah said:

Remy said:
Try a pick n pull junkyard or look for an aftermarket option. You might find one from a parted-out Accord.

I’m still learning about cars … what does aftermarket mean?

It means a part made by a third party, not Honda. They make parts that do the same job as the original.

I recently bought a battery blanket for my 2018 Accord. The original price was around $50, but the parts person was surprised too and adjusted it to $30. Maybe your parts person can do the same?

Boden said:
I recently bought a battery blanket for my 2018 Accord. The original price was around $50, but the parts person was surprised too and adjusted it to $30. Maybe your parts person can do the same?

I used to work in Honda parts, and I’d always tell customers, ‘Wow, Honda’s prices are crazy. Let me give you a better deal.’

@Sloane
You’re the kind of parts person we need more of!

Boden said:
I recently bought a battery blanket for my 2018 Accord. The original price was around $50, but the parts person was surprised too and adjusted it to $30. Maybe your parts person can do the same?

$50 for a battery blanket … that’s wild.

Boden said:
I recently bought a battery blanket for my 2018 Accord. The original price was around $50, but the parts person was surprised too and adjusted it to $30. Maybe your parts person can do the same?

My local Honda dealer charges those prices without even blinking. It’s ridiculous.

How do you even lose a hood prop?

Miller said:
How do you even lose a hood prop?

I knew someone would ask this. A few years ago, my starter was acting up, and I used the hood prop to hit it a few times. One day, it didn’t work, so I left the car on the side of the road and forgot the prop there.

@Blake
Mine isn’t even attached to my car anymore. I just keep it in the trunk.

Ira said:
@Blake
Mine isn’t even attached to my car anymore. I just keep it in the trunk.

Same here, lol.

Miller said:
How do you even lose a hood prop?

The starter on a Honda Accord is tucked way behind the engine, so the hood prop was perfect for reaching it.

Blake said:

Miller said:
How do you even lose a hood prop?

The starter on a Honda Accord is tucked way behind the engine, so the hood prop was perfect for reaching it.

I had to change mine a year ago. It was a nightmare. The bolt was in such a tight spot, and I had to squeeze into the engine bay like a contortionist.

You could go to Home Depot, get a 3/16" cold rolled rod, and bend it yourself for about $3. Or better yet, get a hood strut kit and switch to gas struts.

Morgan said:
You could go to Home Depot, get a 3/16" cold rolled rod, and bend it yourself for about $3. Or better yet, get a hood strut kit and switch to gas struts.

Is that easy to do?

@Blake
Yeah, it’s pretty straightforward. You just bend the rod to match the shape you need. It’s not rocket science.

Morgan said:
@Blake
Yeah, it’s pretty straightforward. You just bend the rod to match the shape you need. It’s not rocket science.

I’ve seen hood strut kits on Amazon. It looks like I just need to widen a couple of holes on the hood to fit the bolts. Seems doable.