Working Poor

Dealer service departments are notorious for upselling on work that isn't necessary. Sears is fine, they wouldn't be averse to upselling either if there was any reason to do so.

Flushing brake lines is legitimate. I would not say that's bullshit.

However the BIG STEP you should take on an accord of that vintage is to have the timing belt replaced every 90k miles whether it needs it or not. Doing so avoids a common cause of major engine damage that would cost more than the car is worth to fix.

It's not super expensive, maybe $250. But if you're past 90k and haven't done it, do it right now. Really. It's an investment decision.

Also probably worth doing a full transmission service if you never have, as in replace the fluid and inspect (assuming it's an automatic).

In my experience alternators tend to go on Hondas at around the ten year mark. You can wait but a failure will leave you stranded with towing costs (add towing to your insurance, way cheaper than AAA and valuable in an older car especially).

Your battery reading could be variable due to an alternator problem in fact, as simple as a failing belt. If you can budget for it you should be changing out belts and hoses and struts and cv boot covers at your car's age to improve overall longevity and mileage and safety.

Brakes just wear out and they must be regularly maintained. Your life depends on it, others' lives too. Same for steering (have your alignment and steering rack and pump inspected, at some point it all needs maintenance).

Your car's age does also put you in range for needing a catalytic converter (and other exhaust components), which I am sorry to say is expensive but necessary to pass emissions in most states. Driving conditions affect a lot of these issues. And rust.

Tires: quality tires are the best single investment you can make in safety and performance. Don't go bottom level. Seriously. You get the safety you pay for. Rotate every 5-10K.

For $75 you can get a good portable battery charger smaller than a paperback to keep in the car. You will never again be stranded by battery failure. It is a vital thing to have on board (remember to take it in and recharge it every month).

Never use gasoline additives. Ever. Seriously.

Oil change with quality oil and filter (avoid quick lube shops if possible) every 3000 miles like clockwork. Period. Doesn't matter what the official schedule says. It's a cheap investment.

Source: my family has a 2002 Civic with 270k miles and it drives like a new car.