Older Honda Accords

anonymousposts

I have a leadfoot and find the Accord 4 cylinder to be more than adequate. If you found the Camry acceptable you should also find the Accord acceptable with a few extra HP and an extra gear to work with. Best way to find out is test drive one for yourself.

But do yourself a favor ... if you find the 4 cylinder satisfactory then don't drive the V6. I knew better when I bought my Accord. Had I driven the V6 I would've had to use my extra-special puppy dog eyes instead of the normal ones I used for the EX-L.

jimtarheel

My friends say that I rarely exceed the speed limit; I will only say that I haven't had any speeding tickets for 30 years. My point is that I don't drive like a rabbit, but more like a tortoise. I'm looking forward to test driving an Accord auto with the 4 cylinder engine. Are there ANY options that you would buy on the LX? (that's the basic accord, isn't it?)

martylaw1

I have a 2003 v6 Coupe, now with about 8,000 miles on it. Love the car. Only problem is a creaking sound that seems to come from the steering column when making low speed turns. I asked the dealer to check into it when i brought it in for service recently; was told the mechanic couldn't hear it. I immediately took him out for a test drive (in their parking lot) and easily demonstrated it to him. He said he would have to take the steering column apart the next time I can bring it in. I am now rethinking that, and wondering if I should let them do it. Has anyone had a similar problem, and ascertained the cause?

richards38

To be honest, I've never driven an Accord V6, but I've had fast cars (383 V8 '68 Dodge Charger, '72 350 Buick Skylark) and I know what a fast car drives like. So where's the fire? The new Honda Accord 4 is amazing and will shatter any preconceived ideas of noisy, buzzy, slow 4 cylinder cars. The Accord 4 is fast, smooth, quiet, and if you get the automatic transmission, you'll have a 5 speed with grade-logic that will do everything you want--it has its own brain! If you can, get the EX-L--the leather interior is first class and that model comes with side, head -protecting, curtain air bags (you really should have those). Everything you want is on that car and you'll love it........Richard

jimtarheel

I see the LX with the 4 cylinder and Automatic advertised for $17,999 in the newpaper here. If I add the XL (with the leather and side-impact airbags), how much does that add to the price? (And I like the Honda cloth interior much much better than the Camry!! Thats another area where Toyota has declined marketedly over the years. We currently have two Camrys in our family (a 1993 and a 1986, both with over 150,000 miles) but our next car will most likely be a Honda Accord.

anonymousposts

The LX comes pretty well-equipped. If you don't want/need a sunroof then all that's left is to decide if you want a spoiler, fog lights, etc.

You should be able buy a EX-L Accord for invoice which would be $22,400 or so. You can also get the EX cloth Accord with the side curtain airbags.

richards38

For buying experiences and pricing, go here and look though what's been posted for the past month or two:

KarenS "Honda Accord: Prices Paid & Buying Experience" Oct 26, 2003 11:58am

The most useful price info will be for deals showing the cost of the cars BEFORE tax, and license fees which depend on your state. Also, some dealers in some states pack the price with useless, high-priced dealer options and high "document" and other fees which should be reported as part of the pre-tax cost, in my opinion. Also, if the dealer arranges financing, there may be a kickback from the lender, so arrange your financing FIRST with your own bank unless there's a really good finance deal subsidized by the manufacturer. As for prices, invoice plus $200 to $400 is not a bad deal at all. The invoice is about 90% of the MSRP plus $49 (10% of the current transportation cost)....Richard

chillenhonda

I recently moved from New York City to San Diego, CA. I loaded my 1999 Accord EX-L 5-speed (52,000 miles) with all my stuff (about 300lbs) and headed across the country via Route 80 to San Francisco. I did take 76 down to Denver and Colorado Springs and returned to 80 on Route 25. After San Francisco, I took Route 1 (that famous scenic route) down the coast to I-5 through LA and into San Diego.

I used 87 gas the entire time, and used several different brands of gas, whichever was convenient at each rest stop. For some reason, gas mileage for the eastern half of the trip was much worse than I thought, and for the latter half in the west, where speeds were much higher and elevations changed more, gas mileage was significantly better.

Id also like to say that this is my 3rd HOnda (91 Accord and 99 Prelude) and that this Accord never hesitated or stumbled in the least, the cruise control maintained speed even on steep grades, the engine ran smoothly and quietly the entire 4000 miles, and overall I was impressed with the car at speeds of 85+.

Place Miles Gals Time Speed MPG

NYC To OH 405 14.1 5.83 69.5 28.72
OH to IL 415 13.7 6.17 67.26 30.29
IL to IA 412 13.3 6 68.67 30.98
IA to NE 375 13 5 75 28.9
NE to WY 515 15.3 6.25 82.4 33.66
WY to NV 520 14.8 6.33 82.15 35.14
NV to CA 435 14.1 5.17 84.14 30.85
CA to SD 532 14.8 7.33 72.58 35.95

I hope this comes out readable. I did the whole thing with additional information and calculations on Excel, but it wouldnt upload onto this post. I hope this is informative to anyone interested in fuel mileage.

Overall, there were 3609 miles, 113.1 gallons used, average speed of 75.2, overall milage of 31.85, and overall, it cost me $197.

chillenhonda

Ok sorry the information did not come out as readable as I had hoped.

justin

took another weekend trip. DC to Philly and back. car has almost 3000 miles on it now - purchased on Sept 6th. i need to slow down!

the smooth power of the V6 still astounds me. love it, love it, love it. can cruise at 80mph and not even know it. i keep averaging 25-27mpg, city or highway. not bad though.

one thing - when i am at speeds over 75mph, in my driver side door, near the window, there is some noise. of course, at those speeds, you can hear wind/air, but this noise actually seems like a rattle. actually, not a real rattle, but not an air-leak either. only at speeds over 75mph. not loud at all - pretty much have to have radio turned way down, but after hours of driving, sometimes i turn off the stereo for some peace.

anyone have the high speed drivers door......noise? i THINK, if i push on the panel just below the window, where the lock sticks up, the noise stops. can't confirm, but i think that might be the case. just a case of something coming loose at high speed?

i know, i know, i shouldn't complain, but with Accord, what else is there to complain about? haha.

thanks.

anonymousposts

justin: I have 3100 miles on my EX-L purchased September 13 so don't feel bad. I live 40 miles from my job so it really adds up with a 5 day work week.

venus537

hopefully when your car fully breaks in those noises will go away like a new house settling in. as we know from vocus's experience with his jetta, you're probably better off to just live with any noises than trying to have a dealer attempt a cure.

atlantabenny

Posts on a couple of enthusiast forums talk about the noise caused by metal-to-metal contact of window run channels. Cure is to wrap those parts with electrical (duct ?) tape. Obviously Honda isn't aware of fixes that creative owners have discovered. I understand these are simple but highly effective solutions. Honda dealer has replaced my run channel with no effect.

yoribe

Atlantabenny,

Can you describe specifically where the "run channels" are on the doors? My 03 Accord LX has been afflicted with the same bothersome rattling with the windows completely closed. The noise goes away with the windows cracked open. I've been unsuccessful so far in trying to pinpoint the source of the sound.

Thanks!

atlantabenny

They're the "rails" that secure the window glass and which it travels in. They have a metal housing with a rubber/felt material lining the surface that's in contact with the glass.

Access is by removing door panel. What I've seen is the metal housing resting loosely against what could be the door mechanism rods. Those are the parts that need insulation against each other.

Cracking the window forces the bare metal parts against each other, eliminating the noise.

samshem

Can an Accord that sits on the lot without the Navi currently installed be upgraded with Navi? My situation is that my local dealer has a left over 2003 that I am interested in but it does not have Navi, so I would like them to add it if at all possible. Thanks

brucee_ca

I've been pretty impressed with the highway MPG for the V6. Average Hwy speed was 70MPH (on Cruise).

KM Fillup MPG mix.
        Litres
523.0 52.058 28.4 Mixed City/Hwy
411.3 42.831 27.1 Mixed City/Hwy
604.0 46.097 37.0 90% Hwy (mostly flat)
494.6 34.356 40.6 100% Hwy (mostly flat)
495.6 42.513 32.9 Mixed City/Hwy

atomic300

I just got a 2003 accord with 9k on it. Great car but now need to polish it. The car has a shine but would like to put a polish on it for the winter, since I will be putting a roof rack on it. what is a good polish to use? Or wax or is a car/polish better to use?

Does anyone have the rack that attach to the back of your car frame to hold ski or bike? What brand do you have and where did you attach it to the frame of car?

justin

by the end of today i will have about 3300 miles. but after today, no more long trips until Christmas....

that first oil change is approaching fast!

aggie1995

I'm confused you've mixed Miles and Kilometers in your post.

40.6 MPG !!!!! in a V6??? Is that US gallons?

I'm sure it's a Canadian thing and that's why I don't get it. But if I can get 40.6 MPG(US) in a V6 accord I'll trade my I4 next week!

snakehair

if you fixed the center console pocket door in your '03 V6 yourself or was it done by a dealer? I have been unable to get a solution from my dealer or through Honda Tech for an annoying rattle in the CD pocket. If you fixed it, how so specifically? If a dealer, can you give me name so my dealer can contact?? Much appreciated.

46jimbo

Here in Canada, we often use a mongrelized version of the metric system, with inches and gallons creeping into our speech as we talk about kilos and metres. I think it's quite incomprehensible to either Americans or Europeans!

Brucee says on his best run that he did 494.6 km on 34.356 litres of fuel. In metric, fuel economy is expressed as litres/100 km (the lower the number, the better it is). So divide the litres used by 4.946 and you get 6.946 l/100 km.

So what's this in mpg (US gallon)? Try this handy conversion site: http://www.greebo.net/beAnAussie.htm#Fuel economy

Punch 6.946 into the first box and click on the button under it, and voilà, he's getting 36.86 US mpg.

Hope this helps.

ian2

Canada uses imperial gallon which is 4.546 litres, while a US gallon is only 3.785L. This would explain the difference in the numbers. See how confusing imperial units are?

dindak

Exactly. Canada is a total mish mash cross between the U.S. and England in this respect. That said, even the British don't really use Imperial gallons much anymore.

When is the U.S. going metric? That would solve all the problems.

;-)

aggie1995

Taking into account imperial gallons and all I got 33.87 MPG

That is still great! I can't believe that

494.6 km ... 3.785 L ... 1 mile
-------- .....X. -------........X. ------- = 33.87 Miles/US Gallon
34.356 L ... 1 US Gal ... 1.609 km

I'm jealous I have yet to get that on my I4 Accord.

WOW!

jebinc1

Search these boards using the "Search this discussion" feature I recall a while back that it is possible but it will set you back ~$4000 instead of the $2000 dealer installed approach. For that money, you can by the 04 and not deal with the potential problems that may be casued by a service department installation. MTFWTAW

jebinc1

Having had an 03, and currently an 04 EX V6, I can vouch that the mileage is better than one might expect. On a 70% Highway/30% city tank (not lead footing it) I can do 30.3 - 30.7 mpg. 50%/50% driving w/lead foot still yields between 26.8 and 28 mpg. I have yet to do a pure highway trip but I would guess the results would be around the 33-34mpg posted by aggie and brucee

brucee_ca

Sorry for the confusion on the US vs. Imperial Gallon -- I'm so used to staring at the Imp. numbers. I never got used to thinking in terms of L/100km; just seemed wierd to me. Regardless, in either system, I'm happy

explorerx4

jebinc1, what's a current nav system going to be worth in a couple of years? i'm not saying don't get one, just be aware that it's kind of like a tv, as far as future value goes.

jebinc1

Depends on the buyer. I heard folks estimate the value at around $1000. It will also depend on the state of technology at that time as well. I love mine and would recommend it.

dindak

First time I have seen calculations done on Edmunds, thanx for the smile.

;-)

rambo5

Does the Accord come with an open differential? In the 25K price range are there any sedans with a limited slip differential?

rivertown

Good point, Jebinc1.

My 5 year old 'puter is worth about $.29. My three year old one, almost twice that.

jmess

LSDs are pretty hard to find these days in a sedan. About the only cars that come to mind in the 25K or less range with LSDs are:

AWD WRX has center, front, and rear
AWD Subaru Legacy
FWD Sentra S-ER SpecV manual
FWD Mazdaspeed Protege manual
RWD Miata
FWD 04 Neon SRT-4
There may be a few GM or Ford cars that have one. The Mustang comes to mind?

LSDs in the 25-40K range

AWD Mitsu EVO
AWD Subaru STI
RWD IS300 manual and auto.
RWD G35/G35C manual
RWD 350Z (not on base car)
FWD 04 Acura TL manual
FWD 04 Maxima manual
RWD Mazda RX8 manual and auto
Probably some GM (gran prix, gto) or Fords (cobra)
You could also mention AWD cars like the Audi, Benz, & BMWs some of which don't have an LSD on both front and rear differentials.

Most people don't even know the difference between and LSD and traction control. I found it pretty shocking that you can't get an LSD on a BMW 3 series unless you spring for an M3. BMW is really ripping people on this one.

prebmw

I want to thank Atlantabenny for his post dealing with the infamous door rattle. My '03 EX-L has the exact same rattle that has been driving me nuts. The explanation makes sense. I will try to get my dealer to do it a.sa.p. Again, thanks for the information.

billyperks

Picked it up last night- Graphite with the gray interior- EX-L 4cycl.

I was reading the shorter version of the manual and it mentioned that there is Home Link on the EX-L model 4 cycl, can someone verify if this is true.I was looking right by he map lights and did'nt see any.

Also- are the fog lights worth getting?

What about the auto dim mirror, is that worth getting? I have it on my TLS but hardly use, maybe my wife will find it useful.

Lastly- I bought the Half Nose Mask because she does a lot of highway driving- is there going to be any damage to the paint after removal.

I also bought the splash guards- is there any trick to the installation?

isellhondas

No, a NAVI system can't be added.

There are, however aftermarket units out there. I know nothing about these and I would proceed with caution.

Why not just buy a 2004? The price didn't go up much. You'll get the nifty XM radio and the car will be worth a lot more down the road.

ragtop

Congrats on new Accord.
I have the same car except in silver.
There is no Homelink in the EX-L. It was a mistake in the printing of the owners manuel. I also purchased the splash gurad, took me about 15 minutes to install. All you really need is a short/stubby phillips head screwdriver. Was very easy to do.

I can't speak about the other options.

billyperks

Thanks for the quick response.

This may sound like a silly question but-is there anything I need to unscrew before I start the installation?

I presume the holes are pre drilled.

mikeysoft

Home link in on the V6 EX

justin

i love my homelink

jrhanifan

I'm in the market for a 2004 Accord EX-V6. There is a plethora of posts which describe rattles in the 2003 Accords. Can those who have purchased 2004 Accords tell me if the rattles still exist in the 2004 Accords? If so, where do they exist? Have the rattles been minimized? Are the rattles significant enough to make you second guess your purchase decision? Thanks in advance.

jam1000

I've been very concerned about this issue as well. I realize most rattles mean nothing of substance, but they drive me crazy.

Anyway, I haven't seen any reports of rattles in 2004's, and I've test driven quite a few and none had rattles. That said, it often takes time for rattles to rear their ugly heads, so it wouldn't be surprising that there are no reports of rattles in the 2004's.

justin

if you are looking for a car with no rattles, then good luck out of the hundreds of thousands of Accords sold each year, some will rattle. same for all cars. i think i have counted 5 people so far mention a noise/rattle, even on 2003 models. i would hope the 2004 would be better, but if you are looking for a car with no noises, i strongly suggest you don't buy an Accord. my car makes a faint noise at high speeds, but i would buy the car again for sure.

billyperks

At what mileage can I start letting loose on this four banger? I have 19 miles so far.

robr2

43 out to do it!! Just kidding. Read the manual - it'll tell you.

rambo5

Thanks jmess for the info. Is traction control nearly as effective as a LSD? I assume if one wheel slips in icy conditions that wheel can be braked allowing torque to go to the opposite wheel. Is a LSD far superior in the event of slip during hard acceleration? Any suggestions where I should post the above?

kimodo

Yes, there are some rattles in the '04. Picked mine up on Sept 30, 04 v6 ex coupe AT in silver. Traded an 02 trailblazer for this baby. Love the car, however, there are some rattles. suprisingly, the TB didn't have any many rattles. Actually, only one that went away. But, the gas was killing me, and I wanted a sportier ride.
Presently, where the windshield meets the frame, there is a rattle. Was initially on the bottom part of winshield. Now has moved to the top. Moonroof rattle. There when the cover is open or closed. New one popped up somewhere towards the pssanger side door. Haven't been able to localize it.
Thing that is bothering me and which I have to bring it in for is that I feel that the tires are wobbling or too much vibration coming from them. but at certain speeds, even on nice pavement, feels like wheels are wobble cause they're not balanced or soemthing.
Other than that, really nice ride. Love the pickup and ability to go into turns more now than before with the trailblazer. Plus, don't see too many coupes around in CT.
Finally, mpg has been around 26-29 area with mixed driving.

slawenda

I am surprised by how many people say they don't like the new accord sedan's exterior appearance. I agree it's not THE best looking car on the street today, but I still think it looks better then the previous accord models (definite improvement), and I would say it looks as nice if not better than many of the others in its class. Besides, the interior is a different story- I think it IS one of the nicest in the class. Are people over-reacting to the exterior appearance, expecting something miraculous? Does anyone else agree?

venus537

i would say most rattles in a new car go away after the car has been "settled in". the best thing to do is to have patience.

if it's definetly known where a rattle is and how to fix it then try to cure it. otherwise you may make things worse by having the dealer taking your car apart then hoping it's put back together right.