2013 and earlier-Honda Accord Prices Paid and Buying Experience

paul176 · February 2003

Hello, I finally purchased my 2003 Accord. It is a Nighthawk Black Pearl 4 dr EX-V6 with the following accesories: hood deflector, rear mud guards, chrome exhaust tips, tinted windows, and wheel locks. Also, I am having the rims switched the the rims on the EX-L. I don't like the rims on the EX-V6. The final price of the vehicle is $34,600 (Canadian). This price includes PDI, Freight, Air/Tire Tax, Documentation, installation of accesories, and G.S.T. What have other Canadians paid for this vehicle? Is it a good price? I believe I saved about $2300 off MSRP. This vehicle was bought from Alberta Honda in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

03honda · February 2003

Does anybody know anything about the 2.9% financing? Did it start yet? Is it going to start soon? Is it for 36, 48, or 60 months? I haven't seen any ads from Honda dealers about it nor could I find any info online. TIA!

kdthelen · February 2003

Hi,
Just found this site and couldn't figure out how to "write" until now.
I"ve been seeing all these fantastic prices for buys and wonder what the price to purchase would be in Chandler, Tempe or Mesa, AZ? If you've bought recently, please let me know. Thanks !!

irishiron · February 2003

This 2.9% financing seems very enticing for me to wait. Right now I am being offered 4.75%. If 2.9% is true then I would wait for that. Does anyone know when this will occur. If it is March 1st then I would wait any later I do not think I can. Thank you for your help

auerbach · February 2003

I've been emailing the internet sales manager at a dealership in North Jersey. He told me the 2.9 would start on Feb. 13 and end on Feb. 18. I didn't ask him about the length of the contract.

Whether this info is correct or not I don't know - just passing on what he told me.

brodway · February 2003

i spoke to New Jersey dealer as well....he told me the 2.9% is available now and will run until february 18th

billiam70 · February 2003

Apprently it's a rumor.

bowke28 "Honda Accord" Feb 12, 2003 3:00pm

What dealer in NJ did you speak with? Is it Honda financing or a local lender?

cds12 · February 2003

is clueless. Just because he doesn't know about it doesn't mean its not going to happen. Bowke has been pretty unreliable with his info. My local dealer just told me Honda will be offering 2.9% finacing sometime soon.

auerbach · February 2003

I was emailing the internet sales manager at Route 23 Honda in Pompton Plains.

brodway · February 2003

The 2.9% will be running starting tommorrow through the 18th....

i spoke to another NY dealer today, and he confirmed it....its not a rumor...

redkey1 · February 2003

Boston Honda has it advertised on their website, and their Internet Sales Mgr just emailed me. The 2.9% is for 60 months!

ezinn · February 2003

I checked prices on a 2003 Accord EX-L 5 speed manual, and the Invoice was $19900, and the TMV listed was $20600. Today the Invoice is $20609 and TMV is $21361. Anyone else notice this.

javaswing · February 2003

edmunds website mentions a LX auto lease for
239$ per month for 36 month, and 1355$ first
payment. Does this sound like a good deal?

Also, if I lease from one dealership, can I
return the car to another dealership at the
end of the lease?

thanks

aming · February 2003

That's a pretty good price. I'll have to keep that place in mind when I purchase my car. The lowest price that I've received so far in Calgary is $400 below MSRP...

Cheers..

jtbruin · February 2003

I'm from So-cal and thinkning about getting an lx-coupe with. auto and no accessories? the coupe seems to be priced a little bit higher than the 4-door and seems to be more popular. some people on this board got their lx sedans for $17.5k? What is a good target for an LX-coupe? $18.5k? thanks.

billiam70 · February 2003

I received an online quote from a dealer in NJ. When I replied back asking what the total would be with fees the quoted price was $800 higher, before the fees. I emailed him back to ask what happened and I was told it was a typo. The best they could do now was take $100 off what the offer was supposed to be, making it $700 more than I originally thought the price would be. Shouldn't they honor the quote even if it was a mistake?

03honda · February 2003

So far, from what I've gathered here, the 2.9% financing is for 60 months and runs from today- the 18th?? Am I correct? Thanks everyone!

atlantabenny · February 2003

This is likely localized and not a Honda-subsidized national APR promo. In Nov & Dec 2002, all Honda dealers in Atlanta advertised the same 3.99 and later 3.49 APRs because Honda of America footed the bill.

What this means to us as carbuyers is that the cost of the low APR (roughly $7/mon for every % APR) will be loaded into the car's price.

If you can negotiate, say, an invoice price with the 2.9 APR - that'll be a great deal. If the dealer says "2.9 APR = give us a break on the price," then they're just buying down the rate as Bowke says and making you pay for it.

prep21 · February 2003

Question:

Does Honda make a 2003 Accord EX-L coupe; 4-cyl 5-speed with navigation? I thought I saw it on the hondacars site and edmunds, but my local dealer told me that the navi only comes with the v6 series.

1997montez34 · February 2003

No they shouldn't have to honor it. A mistake is just that. A quote is not a sales contract.

atlantabenny · February 2003

Another view is that an offer is a conditional contract that can be voided only if a bid to buy is not received against it.

In Billiam70's case, if he went to the dealer and offered to buy at the quoted price (helped along with a print-out of the email), the dealer would be hard pressed not to honor it.

A "material typo" would be, say, a quote of $14k for a $24k car and this could be reasonably explained away as such, a typo.

For $800, while the case has a legal leg to stand on, I probably wouldn't pursue anything more serious than telling the dealer off in a civil manner and taking my business elsewhere. On the other hand, if the store valued its reputation and integrity, they'd honor the quote and I could probably refer more business to them.

agie1 · February 2003

I bought 2003 accord coupe LX-4cyl auto ($18552) on Jan 5. The dealer in NY offered me 2.99% (honda finance) for 60 months if I bought the alarm system(cost $590) and lojack from them.
I knew this alarm system is more expensive than the aftermarket price.
Since I really need it and the dealer gave me
3 years warranty on the alarm, I agreed to buy the alarm for $540 and they gave me 3.24%.
I think dealers could give you any lower rate financing, but you have to pay more on other stuffs.

spleck · February 2003

On the way to work this morning I saw the local (low volume) dealer filling the tank up on their new black 6MT. I stopped by after work (15 minutes before they close) and asked about it since it was still out back, half-prepped (plastic on seats, some white stickers still).

I tried to negotiate a price on it ($26360 with fogs and spoiler), but they wouldn't budge from MSRP with no options. They were however, willing to drop their $495 locality adj, $195 mud guards, $95 pinstripes, and reduce their doc fee from $399 to $75.

Still have a few calls to make, but the other dealers are getting silver. Unfortunately, the sales mgr. was probaby right... its Valentine's/President's Day weekend and they'll probably get a buyer at $27145 + $399 doc fee.

Anybody else negotiating on a 6MT? If these guys were willing to go to MSRP, SOMEBODY'S gotta go lower.

bigdogzonly · February 2003

in n.y. dealers are offering 0.00% interest rate for 60 months

anonymousposts · February 2003

ezinn: The $19900 invoice was for a cloth EX 5-speed. According to carsdirect.com invoice for a 2003 2.4 EX with manual transmission is $19,990.

ezinn · February 2003

I have called several dealers in the Orlando, Melbourne area of Florida, and the best price I got from the internet manager for a EX-L 4cyl with 5 speed manual is. $22600 before TTL. Anybody do better and from what dealer.

anonymousposts · February 2003

$22600 sounds high. We paid that for ours but that price included rear spoiler, fog lights, body-side moldings, chrome exhaust finisher, day/night mirror with compass, and mud guards.

johnnymurph · February 2003

Just purchased an EX leather, 4 cyl. auto in Woodbridge, Va. Since I live in Maryland, taxes were higher. Bottom line (price includes all fees, freight, appearance package [door guards, mud guards and fender guards plus the leather package] - $21,800 ($23,000 on the highway). Took a lot of shopping, but I am content. Maybe not the best deal, but a great dealer (Hendrick Honda) to work with. They would not budge on any EX-V6 (leather or not).

spleck · February 2003

I just bought my 6MT in Atlanta at Honda Carland with spoiler, foglights, body side trim, splash guards, door visors, and moonroof visors for $26460. I thought the process went pretty smooth (negotiated over the phone, then came in to pick up). Only complaint was that the office was very busy and the finance office was overloaded (had to wait).

Another dealer, Hughes in Warner Robins, wouldn't budge from MSRP with no options (except splash guards and pinstripe--whoopdee).

jmess · February 2003

I tried to buy a EX 4dr 4cyl for the wife today at the local Beaverton, OR dealer. We had agreed on the publised invoice price over the telephone before I showed up with the wife. After a test drive we went back to do the paperwork. Once we sat down they immediately tried to raise the price by $200. The sales manager had to come out and size me up before we got back to the invoice price. I felt this ploy was sort of sleazy but we wanted the car so I was still in the game. The sales manager said he wanted to make sure we were happy, that was all that mattered. He didn't want us to buy the car and then give them a bad rating on the survey Honda would send us.

So the sales rep did the deal sheet and was about ready to ask me to sign it. I noticed the price didn't make sense. So I looked a little closer and see a $189 VTR fee stuck in with licensing and registration. I question the rep and she says it was Vehicle Theft Registration (aka window etching) and all their cars had it so it was automatically added in the price just like registration and license. I know I could have got the VTR fee removed after another round with the sales manager but I was tired of the sleaze so we got up and left.

I pitty the poor consumers who have this scam pulled on them. It is one thing to try and upsell somebody for a service or option; sell the value and a let the consumer decide. It is another thing to try and hide etching as a mandatory fee like registration and license. In many cases a consumer might not even know the VTR fee was a dealer add or when they do find it they may be to far emotionally into the deal to stop. IMHO this is a sleaze tactic and I will take my business some where else.

FYI, you can get a window etching kit for 20-$30. If you read the fine print for the etching registration and insurance you will find they are pretty much worthless to the consumer. Also, some police agencys and automobile clubs have etching days where you can have your car done for $10-$15.

anonymousposts · February 2003

That can happen at any dealer. They tried the same thing when we bought our SI.

phate2 · February 2003

The 0% financing referred to in an earlier post has a catch or 2. I affects final price meaning you will pay more. Also, there is a max of 10000 that you can finance at that rate so you have to put much more down. My 2 pennies

atlantabenny · February 2003

Haven't seen this in Atlanta, indicating that the special APR is a dealer promo.

As posted earlier, if APR is not price-dependent (meaning you're able to get best price "on cash" and dealer will still use that price divided by the number of months' installments), then it's a great deal.

If not, it's just the dealer's way of getting customers to the store.

Rule of thumb, it's about $7/mo for every % APR for a 60 month term. Thus, if regular APR is 5%, dealer will add $2,100 ($7x5%x60mos) to their lowest acceptable price for the car. If that's invoice of $23,765 for a V6, installment papers will show $25,865 payable in 60 months. Obviously not a 0% deal, if such is the case.

redsel · February 2003

Have observed some posts on this site addressing purchase price of Accords in Canada. Initially $$$amount looks extreme prior to the U.S. equivalent amount being explained, which sounds enticing. Does anyone know if it is legal for U.S. residents to traverse North, purchase a vehicle, and drive it home thru border/customs, etc.? Is the speedometer graduated in Kilometers only in Canadian models? Just wondering, looking for a bargain.

anonymousposts · February 2003

You can buy the vehicle in Canada and bring it to the US but you will not be able to sell the car in the US without suffering a great loss. Also, I think that you will not be able to get warranty work performed in the US but would have to go to Canada to get the work performed. I could be wrong but here is an article that Edmunds did on the subject:

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/specialreports/articles/64615/artic- le.html

jmess · February 2003

Has anyone had any luck in negotiating a better price on the Honda extended warranty? We aren't interested aftermarket warranties. Since this is a first year car and we will have this car a long time we are thinking about extending the warranty if we can get a better price.

atlantabenny · February 2003

Some thoughts on this subject.

1) Does it duplicate the vehicle defect coverage of the carmaker ? If yes, then it's worthless for the period of the factory warranty (3/36 bumper-to-bumper for Honda).

2) Will the vehicle be leased for 3 years/36k miles ? If so, one obviously doesn't need coverage beyond the factory warranty.

2) Does it cover bumper-to-bumper starting from 3/36 and beyond ? If yes, we then assess the car's reliability record. For the most part, Honda Accords have had very few major problem areas during and after the 36k mile mark. I've had 2 Accords surpassing 36k miles with no problems whatsoever. Next question: because it's basically a reliable car, is the risk small enough to "self-insure ?" Meaning, if the E.W. Plan offered by the dealer is an additional $15/month for, say, 48 months - would it make sense to just put that amount aside ourselves in the bank to cover contingencies ? In my case, the answer was yes.

4) Is the plan actually a "maintenance contract" that covers scheduled maintenance items like oil/fluid/filter changes, drivetrain check-ups and tire rotation ? If so, it makes sense to compare the dealer's "maintenance plan" with what's available elsewhere. When I was offered this $700/45k plan last Nov during my EX purchase, I declined it because I could get the same services from my local garage for about $220 (45k miles=9 oil & filter changes, 4 tire rotations, etc. for $20/oil change & tire rotation package for a total of $180 plus $35 for the a/c and air filters).

Bottom line: Hondas are good enough cars to justify self-insurance. Put the money instead in a high-yield type deposit and withdraw it when needed (unlikely anyway with a Honda).

jmess · February 2003

I did some searching and www.hondawarranty.com has pricing and information on coverage and cost. I am sure my dealer is going to love the competitive pricing :-) ; the web is the consumers' friend.

I have had lots of Honda cars and only had one problem out of warranty with a 90 Civic's ignition system. We didn't find out until after we sold the car that Honda eventually had a recall that covered our problem. So my experience has been that you don't need an extended warranty because the cars are reliable.

However the Hondas of today have far more gadgets and electronics in them than the Honda cars in the past. The cost of repairs from a labor standpoint is really high to a point that the $730 dollars (10 hours labor?) for 7/75 contract might be a reasonable insurance premium. Since the contract is transferable, you could recoup some of your cost if you sell the car before it expires.

The 03 Accord is a first year car and first year cars are usually the most problematic of all the years. In the past I would have never considered an extended warranty for a Honda. Today when I look at all the features/gadgets in the Accord EX we are buying, I am leaning towards an extended contract.

spleck · February 2003

I'm still undecided, but I priced hondawarranty.com. They'll send an $85 promotional code by email, putting the V6 at $950 for 7yrs/100k. And they offer warranties out till 42 months/42,000 miles.

It's run by Curry Honda which has locations in MA, NY, and Atlanta, GA. The warranty is backed by Honda.

After mentioning this one to the finance guy, he was done selling his after saying that I could finance theirs into the car payments.

The other benefit I see is that the warranty is transferable--which should make private resale easier.

jmess · February 2003

Well I just got back with the new car; paid invoice for a Japanese built silver EX 4dr 4cyl car with 5 miles on it. For anyone in the Portland, OR market who is interested, I got the car from Thomason Internet Sale. The transaction was extremely simple; signed a few papers and wrote the check. There was some good natured attempts to upsell me some packages that ranged from etching to scheduled maintenance but a simple no thank you was all it took to move forward. What a pleasant change from the sleazy dealer in Beaverton, OR where they tried to pull the etching scam on me Saturday.

The pricing info from hondawarranty.com was invaluable. The folks I dealt with were pushing a contract from some company called Fidelity over the HondaCare that cost more and had a shorter coverage period. Once they knew I could buy a better HondaCare contract for less money they quickly sold me a HondaCare contract and matched the hondawarranty price.

Thanks to all for sharing their buying experiences. Knowledge is power.

kirknchocolate · February 2003

I bought my Honda from Ed at Burns Honda in South NJ. So did my sister. He was great, and very friendly without pressure. He explained that the window etching is optional. That's good, because it really depends upon your particular insurance company for a reduction. I have Prudential, and with my policy, I'll get about $45 a year reduced for having the etch elect...which cost me $99.00 at Burns Honda. But also, I found out that if my car is stolen, that I'll get an additional $2000 from Honda towards my comprehensive insurance reimbursement. But check with your own insurance company first. I did. In fact, I asked my agent first. It's only an option, not a scam.

tbgar · February 2003

I've received the following prices on the Accord:

2003 Honda Accord EX-L
4 cyl: $20,988
V6: $23,100

I think these are pretty darn good! Someone please tell me if they believe otherwise. I read a trillion websites and did a ton of research. Husband is impressed with my new found negotiation skills...although he won't come out and say it

My biggest problem is that I'm still deciding between the Accord (the V6 $23,100) and the 03 VW Passat GLS 1.8T for 23,600. Certainly, the Accord gives me more bang for my buck and I'm more comfortable with the reliability. But I'm not big on the Accord looks and love the Passat! I think I just have to learn to love the Honda......but that's a whole 'nother post...

anonymousposts · February 2003

You should buy a car you like. $23,000 is alot to spend on a car if you do not like the looks at all. With that said, most of your time will be on the interior any how and since some Passats can be VERY iffy when it comes to reliability I would have to buy the Accord even though I too love the way the Passat looks. I think the Accord will grow on you though. Have you seen one with splash guards, fog lights, and the rear spoiler? Makes a huge difference.

atlantabenny · February 2003

Have you looked at posts of current 1.8T Passat owners ? If not, I recommend it. Have come across some folks not happy with the 1.8T's responsiveness (flat at low rpm then sudden rush). The Passat's ledger is pretty strong, with build quality, materials, cachet and road feel among the positives. Among the negatives would be the forgiveable (to some) unreliability and the 1.8T's said sluggishness.

An Acura TSX, having more of that European personality, might just be the optimum solution - premium-branded, responsive, reliable and good resale.

tbgar · February 2003

To post #1782-
Thank you for your response! Yes, I agree that it's a lot of money to spend on a car I don't like. As you mentioned, I do think the car's looks would grow on me, and I'll have more peace of mind with it's reliability. I realize anything can happen with cars, but if something were to happen to the Accord I'd feel like I was unlucky. Whereas with the Passat, if something goes wrong, I'll feel like it is my fault for having bought something that I already know will likely have some issues.

Thanks, atlantabenny for your response, too! I have read posts from Passat owners and it has me very worried. Although, *some* people are very happy with their Passat- I definitely hear more bad than good.

I just don't understand how Passat keeps getting great overall ratings. This site, for example, says its their favorite car of its class...(or something to that effect). It was rated number three in Car&Driver (Accord being #1), and its received pretty good reviews in Consumer reports for 2002. It seems like its always had some problems in the past...and I just keep thinking that even though they've probably fixed a lot of things...what will be next??!!

I would not even consider the Accord without at least a spoiler. It looks a lot better with a spoiler, but still overwhelms me with its large, egg like shape (and why, oh why didn't they update the tail lights?!) I don't know why I care...I'm certainly not a car person, but I still want something I like.

AtlantaBenny- I would love another Acura (my last car was the integra..I'd still be driving it but I totalled it-it was 8.5 yrs old anyway)However, it seems all the new Acura are more expensive. Looks like the RSX only comes in 2 dr (I need a 4) and from the pics I've seen, the 4 doors seem very sedan-y. I can't seem to find any Acura TSX (that you mentioned). Which one is this??? Maybe I'll take a quick look around today just to be sure.

........Thanks for the help! I'm a mess this morning. I have NO car after today and HAVE to buy something. Such pressure! I was hoping I'd wake up knowing what my decision was....

spleck · February 2003

www.acura.com/2004TSX They won't be out till April though.

That's the hidden TSX site for official info. Otherwise, you should be able to find some info on the boards here, or at www.vtec.net, or www.clubtsx.com

atlantabenny · February 2003

Tbgar, glad to be of help. Acura dealers I've spoken to have confirmed the TSX to be coming out this spring as Spleck mentioned.

The TSX's "grapevine price" is right at about the Accord V6's MSRP of $26k; to get invoice pricing as one can with the Accord, you probably need to wait a couple of months until the new car halo vanishes.

Another minus for the Passat I didn't mention is its short remaining lifecycle - it's bound to be replaced next 2 years, after which market value will dramatically drop. With its other shortcomings, owning the car another 2 or some years after that might just be too uncomfortable.

If I were in your shoes - not wanting the Accord and curious about the TSX (and having eliminated the Passat) - I'd get "cheap interim transport" until the TSX comes out. That could either be a cheap 3-month car rental deal, a "short-term paid-loaner" deal with an Acura dealer (they have vested interest to sell you the TSX) or a paid loaner car from a friend. With some cash, I could even get a fast turn-around pre-owned car to use meantime.

If that's making the TSX sound so appealing, I believe that's because it is - given what you're looking for in your next car.

I saved a TSX online promo video which I can only share by forwarding the email it came in; if you're interested, email me so I can send it to you.

irishiron · February 2003

Do you feel that the extended warranty, paint sealant/protectant, and the window etching are worth the money. I am extremely confused on whether they really should be purchased. Please let me know your opinions.

Thank you for your help

ne0 · February 2003

IrishIron, How much is the extended warranty price? and extended warranties can be purchased later at a different time. Before your 36 month/36000 miles period. Paint sealent and paint protection is a a load of !@#$ from the dealer trying to make a quick buck. When you buy the car, take it to a good hand car wash and have to do a hand wax job and wax @ least twice a year and you'll be fine.

Ne0

ne0 · February 2003

Anyone seen any good prices? I found Creddy's Ex-v6 to be an awesome deal! Looking for either Eternal blue or Tafetta White with the option of 17's wheels :-)

2013 and earlier-Honda Accord Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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