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Comments
I try to console myself with the thought that it's "a bigger, nicer Civic" rather than "a discounted near-luxury car lacking a luxury car engine."
I've already approached the selling dealer about trading it back in for an LX-V6. In addition to paying about $2,700 more for the V-6, I'd be taking a $2,000 hit on the current car which is, of course, now used.
Clearly, one week between accident and receipt of an insurance settlement wasn't enough time for me to make a solid decision on which car to buy. If I want to catch the 1.9% APR deal again, I've got two weeks to either learn to love the LX or part with $5,700 plus tax. It's a tough decision which is part of why I'm talking about it here and I’d hate to see anyone make a similar mistake.
When in doubt, if you can afford it, take the bigger engine.
Great advice. I don't think I've ever read a message from a V6 owner wishing he had gotten the smaller engine. If you've never driven a torquey V6 on a regular basis, you don't know what you're missing.
Not even the V6 will make the Accord "near luxury". You just end up with a "family sedan" with a V6. Especially if all you get is a LX-V6.
Which is part of the reason why the level of luxury and power was raised as much as it was for the 2004 TL.
I'd have to agree with those writers... I don't think that describing a top level Accord as "near luxury" is stretching things all that much. Maybe "near near luxury"?
I'm not sure though where to put the EX and EX-L models. Perhaps, "economized near near luxury sedans"? And the LX as "near economy sedan"? LOL. Not that the LX isn't a nice car - it's just not the kick to drive I was expecting.
But the EXV6 comes REALLY close.
LX and LXV6 models are spartan.
The EX, EX-L and EXV6 models offer more in terms of features, but I just don't see the Accord as a "near-luxury" vehicle.
To me, the Acura TL and TSX are the "near-luxury" vehicles.
The Accord is a midsize family sedan.
I guess I could say then using your logic, if you want sludge problems, buy a Toyota or Lexus.
Or if you want rattles, buy a Nissan.
Or how about, if you want to spend all your hard earned cash on out of warranty repairs, buy a German car.
This is a blanket statement that has no bearing or logic to back it up.
Yes, there have been some transmission issues, but Toyota has had sludge issues to.
Even if you estimate that 10% of all Honda V6 vehicles had transmission problems, your statement still would not apply.
And I am sure that 10% is a very high number indeed.
not in a hurry ;-).....Richard
FWIW - My '05 Accord 4-cylinder has been back to the dealership twice in it's first month - once for an issue with the drum rear brakes and again for the airbag recall. Neither of these issues are present on the V-6 Accord.
You are by now well aware that the V6 AT second gear lube issue was already addressed by Honda to prevent any problems that might arise later under limited, special circumstances. You make it sound like EX-V6 owners are driving hand grenades - not.
Also, you're likely aware that Toyota's sludge problem does not effect any of their current engines. Consumer Reports recently released it's updated list of Most Reliable sedans. The Toyota Camry 4-cylinder made their list while neither Accord version did so I'm not sure that I follow your logic.
Don't worry - be happy! 8-)
I have bought three toyota's (tercel, corrolla & camry)and one nissan before, had luck with only camry. Lately Toyota service in my area is getting horrible, they screw up and blame the vehicle saying its old. I wanted to buy an Accord this time but no dealer acknowledged my internet pricing request. I got good offers on Mazda6 wagon and ended up buying it for $4.5K below invoice. Not sure about reliability, thought will take a risk, atleast I had the best buying experience.
I am not going to buy another toyota. It looks like Honda dealers here are not hungry, well like you said, its my money and I for one will take a risk.
I still don't understand your point of view. You went with a "FORD" rather than a Toyota or Honda? Because of a bad dealership experience?
Bought a new corolla for my wife in 1999, an absolute junk with many rattles ended up trading that vehicle and bought Xterra. Nissan service hours and servicing too are terrible.
I did not get the internet pricing from Honda, paid a visit to the dealers but I felt like ignored.
Looked at the Subaru Outback, liked it very much except for tight interior space and found it pricey for the features it had to offer.
Got good quotes from Mazda, I liked the vehicle and bought it. Sold my camry in two weeks for $4.2K and I am happy. I like the car and the way it drives. Time will tell how good it is.
Just because it is "FORD" (like you said), it need not be bad.
When we were in the market for a 04 Camry SE V6 fully loaded we got the same attitude from the dealership, "take it or leave it". They dealer ordered the vehicle twice and there were so many goof up's by them. We finally went to Honda, met a few dishonest, misguiding salesmen. We actually had to travel away from the immediate NYC area before we could find the vehicle and sales team that we were pleased with. Next, the reason why I pointed out you bought a "FORD" is because one of my relatives is the lead mechanic/technician for MAZDA in the NYC area. Even he recommended not to buy the MAZDA, "the company has changed a great deal since FORD took over". Meaning it's products are below standard. The mazda 6 has a FORD engine and tranny. The only vehicles not touched by FORD yet is the MAZDA 3 and RX8. There are so many problems with the MAZDA 6 that he claims they actually brought in reps from all over to trouble shoot problems.
I know I said I would no longer respond to your inaccurate postings. I've erased my lengthly reply and will simply state that your information is dead wrong. You are talking about long fixed problems that affected very few cars. This also applies to your comments about Toyota's "sludge" problem.
___I really like the looks of the Accords front end but I really wish the current Accord had the BMW looking TSX rear end :-(
Honda Accord
Acura TSX
___Some only purchase an automobile because it looks great to them ;-)
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
The Accord's standard rub strip isn't thick enough nor mounted high enough to be very protective--a really functional rub strip is the one thing (and only one thing) I miss about a Pontiac Sunbird I had in the mid '80s.
For the most part, I like the look of both the Accord and the TSX--and both have very classy interiors, too....Richard
There are always, of course, some minor glitches, but if you talk to the owners who actually drive the car every day, I'd be surprised if you heard many complaints.
The amount of Ford content in the vehicle is irrelevant (and you may know that the engine has Mazda heads on a Duretec block). The only thing that matters is how well the car performs, how reliable it is, and how much the owner enjoys the experience.
I drove Accords on several occasions before buying a MZ6. My father has owned an Accord for seven mostly trouble free years. It is an excellent car with excellent quality materials.
The MZ6 is comparable to the Accord in every way. It feels just as solid, and rides as well as an Accord. It is a little smaller, but it's the best-handling front-drive family midsize sedan and a tremendous value.
Sorry Pat, but the point needed to be made...
___I don’t now if anyone else knows this or not but the Acura TSX has a smaller interior then the Honda Civic, its Torque output is very similar to the std. Accord I4 (it uses the same ICE after all), its FE only matches the Accord’s V6, and its emissions are the highest of all?
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.)/Cargo Volume (cu. ft.)/Total (cu. ft.)
Accord: 102.7/14.0/116.7 or 97.7/14.0/111.7 for the EX’s w/ sunroof.
Civic: 91.4/12.9/104.3
TSX: 91/13/104
Torque (Ft.-lb’s)
Accord V6: 212 @ 5000
TSX I4: 166 @ 4,500
Accord I4: 161 @4,500
EPA FE estimates (City/Hwy)
Accord I4: 24/34
Accord V6: 21/30
TSX I4: 21/30 on Premium Unleaded
Emissions
Accord I4: (PZEV/LEV-II)
Accord V6: (ULEV-II)
TSX: (LEV-II)
___Where’s the beef? I was thinking about this as a replacement for the MDX because the wife liked the looks but no way in hell now. Maybe Car and Driver have their heads in the sand?
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
Frankly, for 90% of the driving I do, I would prefer the slightly smaller size of the TSX. I will never miss the 1 cu ft of trunk space. And a big plus for the TSX is stability control.
Ultimately, we weigh all those things that are important to us and make a decision. I haven't ruled out the Accord or the TSX but I can guarantee I won't be buying a Civic ;-)
The 2006 Sonata looks to be a viable competitor as well.
My wife drives a 2004 Accord EX-V6, BTW.
Do you guys think mileage improves as the engine breaks in ? Or does it pretty much stay fixed thru the life of the car ?
Also, does anybody know exactly how much fuel is left in the tank when the fuel light comes on ? Couldn't find this info in the owner's book.
The pragmatist in me said "go to Arco". The "I love my new car" part of me said "buy premium gas at a brand-name station". I compromised on Union-76, 87 octane regular unleaded...
Sunil
We just got out accord ( '05 4 Cyl EX-L Navi), and noticed that when we have the interior lights, (like the map lights on), and we sit in a parking lot with the engine running, the lights dim a bit (it's noticible) as the engine fan continously cycles on and off. Is this normal?
Also, our MPG from the trip computer really stinks- 13.33 Average MPG over the 169 miles that we have driven it. I'm guessing that this HAS to get better, right?
Thanks
I haven't ruled out the Accord or the TSX but I can guarantee I won't be buying a Civic ;-)
___I know, I know, you are considering something smaller then the Civic w/ the Accord’s ICE, and the TL’s interior and amenities ;-)
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
I mean who buys a 525i with a base MSRP of $41,000? There are so many cheaper cars out there with better performance. Blah...Blah...
Honda only wanted to sell 15,000 TSX's last year. They met it. So far this year they are at 27,000. Somebody out there finds the TSX's combination of Luxury and performance just what the doctor ordered. And I agree with em. As I drive my EX-L.
It might be true that some engines that supposedly run on regular might run better on premium; however, the Accord 4 gains nothing from premium gas.
You can love your new car without wasting money on more octane that the engine needs. Better to love your wallet!
Expect about 33 or a bit more MPG on the highway, and 22 MPG in city/suburban driving.
Average mileage in the mid 20s is quite good for a 3,200 pound car that's as quick as the Accord......Richard
ONE MORE POINT:
These vehicles also have a 7 year 100,000 mile "O" deductable extended warranty. One major repair will cover the cost of the warranty. Within 100,000 miles I am confident that I will get my money back on these warranties. (I am sure that there is a Transmission, Alternator, Starter or AC compressor in our future with the Accord). Once the Accord reaches 95,000 miles I will start to look for a replacement vehicle. That should be somewhere between 5 and 6 years. I will look at Accord, possibly a Toyota -----(if they get their engine sludge issue corrected)--- or --- a Chevrolet Impala ---- (if they get their interior engine coolant leak corrected). Most likely, based on the present information on the other name plates, we will purchase another 4 cylinder Accord. The reasons are as follows: 1.) It is basically a "quality vehicle", with some annoying issues;--- (blind spot on drivers outside mirror, only one key cylinder on the front doors, blind spot with the A pillars at an intersection on the passenger side, and making a left turn into a street on the driver's side) 2.) Our selling dealer is "OUTSTANDING"! 3.) The service from the dealer is "OUTSTANDING"! 4.) The dealer offers a fleet of loaner vehicles. 5.) We have owned or lease 5 Honda products from this dealer to date without a problem. A Toyota or a Chevrolet dealer would have to be exceptional to go up against our Honda dealer. But, we do like the Chevrolet Impala. It has more room than the Accord. As you can see, I have strong opinions!
The maintenance can be overdone. The cars most drive don't require synthetic oil (even the US version of mix synthetic) and people overspend to put it in so they feel good; same for premium fuel. You might justify Plus grade -- a study had indicated that quality was more consistant there than with regular fuel loads at stations.
Otherwise Honda has its problems just like the others. It's like a football team riding on last year's record -- go Bengals.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
You keep talking about researching "on the 'net" - you have to know that generally speaking the majority of people who have problems are very vocal about them and generally speaking the majority of people who don't are not. "The 'net" is a place where the general population (who are not car nuts) are far more likely to post complaints than they are to post praises.
We know you you feel about these vehicles just as we know how you feel about octane, fuel additives, oil changes, "the 'Book of Honda'", etc.
There is no need to keep saying the same things over and over again. If you think someone is new here and that your thoughts might be helpful to him or her, why not just provide a link or post number(s) to a prior post of yours instead of posting messages to, in your words, "really start some fun" which is to say disrupt this discussion. All of the regulars here have heard all of these things over and over and over so give us a break, okay?
Thanks for your understanding. Please email me if you want to discuss this.
As a matter of fact, yes, you can compare an ACCORD to a FORD. You can also compare an Accord to a LEXUS, or an INFINITI.
There are no laws about what cars you can compare. Does it make sense to compare those cars? That's up to you to decide. I can guarantee you that the Accord salespeople are competing against many more vehicles than the Maxima and Camry, as you believe.
Since your tech/mechanic friend is one of MAZDA's leading mechanics (just how is that determined, anyway?), perhaps he can explain to you, as I seemingly can't, that the MZ6 is in fact a MAZDA and that FORD is using its platform to produce other vehicles, just as FORD partners with VOLVO and GM partners with SAAB and SUBARU and HONDA.
By the way, has anyone driven the Accord hybrid?
Let's please stick to comments involving our subject.
Thanks.
I think the first hybrids will be pre-sold (or sold immediately) and not be available for test drives. we may have to hear from an actual owners on how it drives.
You can buy plenty of gas with the money saved by not over-paying for a hybrid. Also, after several years the resale value will be heavily discounted by the anticipated cost of replacement batteries--a major expense.
Maybe hybrids will ultimately make sense, but for now, the only advantage in owning one is the feeling of being "green"......Richard
It's hard to imagine that the hybrid is even quicker than the V-6,which is darn fast in its own right.
Anyway, my guess is that the Hybrid's unique external rod antenna will provide better AM/FM radio reception than the in-glass antenna of our regular Accords (an item that's been a bit disappointing on my car).
I've searched online and couldn't find it though.