Older Honda Accords

masroz

I live in the Northeast and will be purchasing an 03 Accord soon. Because of winter driving I wanted to know if the traction control feature on the 6 cylinder makes a noticable difference versus a 4 cylinder without it. Anyone have any first hand experience with this feature?

bodydouble

I agree with aming that a 4-door will be immencely more practical especially if you'd be sharing the car with other family members. But then again you're only 18, so you may not like the 4-door image. However, DO NOT soup up your Accord, 2 or 4-door. That's one image you DO NOT want to be associated with!

s852

http://h.wieck.com//pv/2002/11/05/HON2002110549659_pv.jpg

Looks kind of fast and furious.

What 18 year-old woudn't want it?

Actually a white 4-door 4 cylinder LX automatic or a Saturn L Wagon would probably be wiser.

anonymousposts

Had a 99 4 cylinder Accord which didn't have traction control and a 01 V6 Accord with traction control, there was no difference and my traction control only activated once and that was because I was trying to activate it. In a 4 cylinder with 160HP traction control is not necessary so don't let that be your deciding factor.

tugboat1

I have read that the stock tires emasculate this car. Has anyone upgraded the sedan to 17" wheels or wider 16"? Does it make a real difference or is the car just too softly sprung?

umyaya

Well as I just spent too much getting the NAVI tires will have to wait, but I too would like any info on tire upgrades.

talon95

If you're looking at a 2003 V-6, keep in mind that the traction control has been redesigned to use both throttle and brake control, as opposed to the previous version's brake control only. This makes it effective at much higher speeds... I seem to recall 50 mph being mentioned.

stantont

The problem with the tires on the sedan is not one of size, though you can improve response at the expense of ride by going to a larger wheel and lower-profile tire. However, for a BUNCH less money, you can keep the stock wheels and upgrade to a higher-performance tire than the Michelin MXV4+ that is standard on the EX. The Michelins are fine tires, and quite expensive, but they are optimized for low rolling resistance and long life. They sacrifice performance to gain that. I just put Bridgestone Turanza LS-V's under my '01 EX V6 (stock size: 205/65x15), and the handling went up sharply: quicker response, higher ultimate grip both cornering and stopping, much higher wet grip. They are also quieter on coarse road surfaces.
I haven't done a long road trip with them yet (I will over Christmas), but I expect to lose 1 mpg. We'll see. The Bridgestone Potenza RE950's are even quicker, but not as quiet. And I hear good things about the Dunlop SP Sport A2 on the Accord as well.
Upgrading stock tires costs about $500, depending on brand, etc. Upgrading both wheels and tires will cost at least twice that.

I got my tires through Tire Rack, had them sent to a local installer. I was very satisfied with the whole deal.

aming

Have you ever used the Michelin X ones? I was wondering how they compared to the Bridgestone Turanza LS-V's.

bburton1

Both the guys at tirerack and my local tire factory (i think it is called) chain tire store recommend the Turanza over the X-One in handling, snow, wet and noise. The only thing that concerns me-I have X-one's with 74K on them and they have another 10K at least on them is how stable will the Turanza's be meaning how often will I have to balance them. Have not had to balance the X-One's once since put them on.

Also the Turanza might last for only 50K or so vs 80K+ at least for me for the X-One.

rascallove

Hey, The car that my parent are gettin me is my own car because they got theres but if a car break down we can alway share cuz it auto. i want a coupe cuz ill get more girls and it look better. I want a sedan cuz i heard that u get bored of a coupe after a while cuz there no space and the insurance is high. My sister just got the altima 3.5SE v6 and it a sedan now i want a coupe cuz me and her could switch cars. I'm not going 2 hook up my car all imma do is get foglight and 17inch rims and mayb a spoiler. I might pick the accord coupe 03 EXV6 auto over the RSX auto leather v6 because i think accord has better resale value and it easier 2 sell an accord.

yugoboy

The turanz or potenza's are great, absolutely stick to the pavement like glue!!! Tread life is not aslong, but i think the bridgestone's are the way to go!!!!

communipaw

Sheehy/Mt Vernon Honda in Alexandria is displaying an Accord 4 with navigation system on the show room floor.

cds12

your parents r buying u a brand new car - what the hell do u care about resale value?

ahossa

If U want Girls Go with the coupe. The red one. It's a sleek lookin car. If u want more girls Go with the Altima.

jeffrey15

Also remember you don't "Turn On" the traction control. When the light is on it means the system is "off"

bowke28

is good up to 51 MPH

paulhuang

irish24, truly wise words. I held off on the cool car (M3 or Boxster) until I found the right girl. Now we are working on our wedding plans and my toy fund is dwindling FAST .... =( The up side is she's thinking about buying me M3 for my 35th birthday...that's only a little more than a decade away

rascallove, I don't think cars really attract girls as well as you might think. Many of my friends had nice cars (300M, several Accord EX-V6es, Maxima) when they turned 16 the car didn't seem to make them more popular with girls.

I'd personally go for an Accord EX-V6 sedan. I have ridden in a friend's RSX and is pretty small inside, plus he had to rev it to 4-5K rpm to get it moving. The accord coupe has a very similar interior to the sedan, but when you are moving between college and home, you'll appreciate the rear doors. I recommend the V6 because power is a good thing and I have a friend with a 2003 Accord EX-L 5-speed and he is already wishing for a little more power.

My parents have a 2002 EX-V6 sedan and I drove it for a few hundred miles when I went home. It drives fairly nice, though not as fast as my car (98 Maxima 5-speed). I think the 2003's are ugly, but it's got enough content that I would buy one and recommend them to friends.

This is a pretty opinion loaded post, so let me say that Your Mileage May Vary.

tblazer503

hook up w/ one girl that just wants to look good in your car... the same one that will want to borrow it.

Rule #1 buy the car you want, buy the car you will be happy with. At your age(guessin 16-17) most girls like guys w/ cars. period.

Rule #2 the more you flaunt your cash(ie nicer car) the more money they expect you to have. if you got it great, if ya don't, don't flaunt it.

This is just from my experience from what i have seen. My recommendation would be to do what was previously stated. Get a cheaper vehicle and make a dal w/ your parents to put the rest into college.. unless they got all that money to pay for the college too...

bodydouble

"If you get that nice car now, you won't know whether she likes you or your CAR."

Conversely, if you're an older guy, then you should spring for a nice set of wheels because then you DON'T CARE whether she likes you or your car.

bodydouble

"At your age(guessin 16-17) most girls like guys w/ cars. period."

HOWEVER, if she had a choice between 2 guys, all else being equal.......Corvette? or Chevette?

graphicguy

That's something I preach a lot to my "youg'un".

What I've found mainly is that there's a lot of wishful thinking with young drivers. I hear it all the time from my son's friends..."I'm getting a new Honda, Camaro, Toyota, Mustang, etc". Until reality sets in on what it really costs for a new car (and that's not just the purchase price), then they actually find themselves in 10-15 year old cars once their parents figure out what it costs to put young "Johnny or Janey" in that new car with insurance costs.

bodydouble

actually sounds like a pretty level-headed young man. You'd be surprised what some parents are willing to buy their kids. A client of mine, his eldest son (under 25) is on his second Porsche 911 and his second son has a Boxster. That actually was a downgrade for him 'cause his first car was a MB SL320.

tblazer503

and buy him a car stereo at you local best buy or something for xmas.. should run ya about 150-200 for something decent. 300-4 for a great stereo. That should make him happy.. =o) That's what I did with both of my "cheapo" vehicles. In fact, the same stereo xferred to both and worked great until I moved. (left it in the car.)

edmund2460

Why is Edmunds TMV for the EX-6 with leather almost 2 thou more than carsdirect price? Any ideas on which is closer to what people get at dealers?

anonymousposts

The dealer we are buying our Accord from actually brought out the TMV prices from Edmunds but we told him no way because carsdirect had them for below invoice in our area. Needless to say we are getting the car right at invoice. A little more than carsdirect but it's obvious that the car we wanted is kind of rare right now.

tblazer503

It will take a while for TMV to catch up to market value... you must also realize that TMV is most likely national while carsdirect.com gives you a "internet direct" price that is dependant on what a dealer in your zip is willing to sell the vehicle for. Some "internet direct" pricing services also have you pay the service $xxx to buy at that price... not sure how CD.com works.

1997montez34

I got my LX for $250 over invoice, or about $1100 below TMV. Don't be afraid to negotiate.

jeffrey15

This was asked way back when,, but anyone have any info on the XM radio option? None of the honda accesory sites have any info.

dan165

I thought Honda was on side with Sirius satellite radio instead. That said, I wouldn't buy from them as they are closing in fast on bankruptcy. There are some nice after market XM units available now.

bowke28

XM radio is available in accords now, as long as you ask the dealer. its just not updated on the website yet. i've already sold 2 of them, and they love it...although i wouldnt waste my own money on it.

jeffrey15

bowke, how integrated is the XM radio with the Car? Are the controls built into the radio, or are they add on? How about the antenna?

umyaya

Hey all,
I just got an O3 Accord w/leather and wondered what was the best stuff out there for the leather, dash, and maybe even the carpet. Oh, and any thoughts on waxing the outside, with what, how often? Thanks!

cheddar1

looks like our situations are parallel. I've been told by the dealership (parts dept)to buy their products. I'm sure it's to their benefit and very costly. Fortunately i bought my car thru the general manager so i checked back with him. He suggested mac guire's for the wheels, dash and leather. Soap and water and a wax every three months. The carpets he thought a thourough wisking and vacuuming would do.

silverk21

Zymol makes great waxes. A little expensive, but well worth the investment IMO. They also make a leather cleaner/conditioner, but I have not used it. I heard Lexol makes a great leather cleaner/conditioner. As for the interior, go buy some Scotch Gaurd for the carpet at your local home store.

bravedave

Today at the grocery store parking lot, I saw an an Accord LX sedan. It had the plastic wheel covers. I am not sure if it were the I-4 or the V-6--- I think it was the four banger, just by looking at the exhaust pipe. It had a sunroof!!! I thought this option was not available on trims levels lower then EX. To make sure my eyes were not deceiving me, I did a double take. When did this equipment level change?

anonymousposts

It could have been an aftermarket sunroof. I assume you are talking about the 03 in which case they either have an aftermarket roof or they had their wheels removed. Probably an aftermarket roof. If it wasn't an 03, the only other EX Accord without alloys was in 96-97. They equipped EX 4 cylinders from those years with plastic wheels for some reason.

superman5

what is a good price for 2001 used accord lx with auto? privately and dealer price?

anonymousposts

I would pay $13,500-$14000 private owner and would shoot for $14,500-$15,500 from a dealer depending on the mileage.

s852

I think that price is high also, but whatever price they ask, someone will want to pay less. They have to start from somewhere and they will have to adjust the price to what someone will pay within the timeframe they want to sell it.
I doubt any dealer still has new 2002 Accord EXV6s for sale now that the 2003s have been out for a few months.

choe13

i really can't understand, how publications such as car and driver put this car as one of their top ten cars year after year. Not only does it lack handling, strong breaks, but above all the weakest design, it is in the truest sense "ordinary" at best. Honda claims the new accord is suppose to be revolutionary and distinguised from its old accord in every way. What a big lie, and they have the rest of the public tranced to this false claim since it is basically an upgraded accord of 98-01. It is unlogical to say, the accord is not a decent car, as honda has been always good with their known engines and overall refinement, but new cars such as the altima and mazda 6 already meet those two qualities, as well superiorizing in additional areas(like design), thus constantly trying to surpass the midsize benchmark . I forecast accords #1 mid size reputation claimed by many to be properly placed #3 or maybe #2 at best.

diploid

I think you're confusing what C&D says about the Accord. They're not saying it's the best car; they're saying it's a very good car. You did notice that the Mazda6 is listed on C&D's top 10 List as well?

bodydouble

The cars that earn a place there represent the best of their INTENDED TARGET SEGMENT. No one is saying the Accord handles or outaccelerate a Porsche. The Accord is intended to be a mainstream family sedan -- and it is damn good being just that. That's also why the Ford Focus is also included. I think C & D also has a price threshold because the winners have to be more or less attainable.

choe, if you've ever actually owned an Accord, you'd understand why it's been on the list 17 out of the last 20 years.

talon95

The Altima has matched the Accord in overall refinement? In your dreams...

alpha01

breaks are not an automotive part, and it seems unlogical for anyone to take your opinions to mean anything.
~alpha

daeven

I'm looking for the 4-door EX V6 with the navigation system. I'd like it in a red or blue exterior. Does anyone know a dealership that has one on the lot like this? It must be the V6.

umyaya

It depends where you are? In MD, check Jim Coleman, talk to Jonathan Barnswell. I got my NAVI EX-V6 from them a few weeks back...

talon95

So what is the issue with the revised previous gen platform? Do you even have the slightest idea of the extent of the all-new and revised components? Let's see... completely new body, all new interior, new 4-cyl, extensively redesigned V-6, all brand new transmissions, significant suspension revisions, redesigned subframes, longer wheelbase. So what part of the 2003 Accord isn't "new or different" enough for you?

It lacks handling? By whose standards? You've made references to previous generations, so let's look at the 98-02 generation (not 98-01, as you stated... kind of a big blunder for someone who considers himself such an expert on the Accord and its alleged "flaws"). Car and Driver rated the Accord's handling, in different tests, to be the equal of the Altima and the Passat. Motor Trend rated the Accord's handling over the 2000 Maxima and Camry. The only car in its class that was rated higher than the 2003 Accord by CR for handling is the Passat (emergency handling... Accord - good, Passat - very good). So you may think it "lacks handling", but the experts seem to disagree. As do most owners.

Weak "breaks"? Look again at Consumer Reports. The 2003 Accord, Passat and Altima, all 4-cyls, get the exact same rating for braking, very good. As for distance, Accord - 144, Passat - 142, Altima - 144. Again, your opinion and the facts are clearly different.

Honda did a fair amount of "superiorizing" of the 2003 Accord. Consumer Reports said that the 2003 Accord improves on the previous generation in every way, and it ranked it as the top rated 4-cyl family sedan over the Passat, Camry and Altima. Car and Driver said that while most car redesigns raise the bar an inch, the 2003 Accord raises it 6 inches. You may consider it "ordinary", but again, the experts disagree.

So, in closing, you may think that Car and Driver is wrong, but the points that you cite to support your opinion are highly debatable.

gee35coupe

In a sentence? That distingui... whatever.

03accordman

I see there have been enough replies to your post but I couldn't help adding another one. I have a 4 Cyl Altima and have recently bought a 4 cyl 2003 Accord LX. I can tell you from being an owner of both, the Altima falls way short of the Accord in most categories that are important. I mean, the Altimas interior is definitely tacky, the engine is rough (2.5), the sun visor looks like its made of cardboard, there is a definite parallax looking at the tunnelled instrumentation, and the flimsy arm rest is a definite pain in the [non-permissible content removed]. You can not believe how many times the arm rest just goes into the retracted position just by keeping your arm on it. Both me and my wife are fed up of it. At 175HP the only time it feels faster that an 03 Accord is when you hear all the noise inside. The positive is the 20 Gallon fuel tank, which gives you good range. Regarding the new Accord, please tell me what car offers what it does at that price( I bought mine for 18,495 + TTL)? It has an excellent and smooth engine which feels as smooth as a 6 cyl, a fantastic 5 speed auto which shifts like it ready messages from the drivers brain, the most comfortable front seats I have sat in, a beautiful instrument cluster, even the HVAC fan has 9 speeds so you can really regulate how much air you want, ABS standard, Keyless entry standard, you can remotely lower all four windows (very useful in hot weather), the list just goes on, and on top of it you get the world's latest engine technology with the iVTEC which takes care of low end torque. Also, I am regularly getting 35 MPG on highway at high speeds, and 28 MPG in city driving. I think these are the most important things for a family sedan, i.e roomy, sporty, value and big RESALE value, along with Honda's legendary reputation of quality. I hope that answers your questions, and really, you have to own an Accord to really know why its been in 17 of C&D's 10 Best lists.