My price discussions only apply to the Calif market; Colorado is particularly bad, it seems...lots of horror stories on the CL board about what Acura dealers are asking for cars that, here in Calif, are routinely discounted on every transaction.
Which reminds me again that any discussion about price should include a mention of your locale...like politics, all pricing is local.
I went through a similar decision process. Took over a year. Really tough to decide between Passat and Accord. Local VW dealer would not come off MSRP, HOnda dealer would easily deal to internet prices. VW reliability still not up to Honda. Honda dealer only does Hondas. VW dealer does four other kinds of cars. Would be too tough for the service department.
I got the LX 4-cyl, manual trans. Couldn't be happier. Very quick off the line, cruises all day at 80, 27 mpg in town, 32 mpg on the highway. Car has about 7,000 miles and no problems. BTW, I keep written record of every tank of gas, as well as all other maintenance. Have done so for every car I ever owned, since 1963.
This is my third Honda (first was a 78 Accord hatchback), but have also owned everything from TR-4, Volvo, and many Ford products.
Last year, I posted in this DG a lot, but then I got interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail, so I went to a DG on that topic. But I couldn't stay away from here forever.
We bought a 1999 Accord 4-cyl EX, but came to realize the clutch was pretty hard to push in. It was significantly harder than our 1997 Accord.
I complained to Honda about it, so they rented a little device to measure the pressure required to push in the clutch. As I recall, we found the 1997 models needed about 23 pounds, but the 1999 cars required about 28, more than a 20% increase. We tested several cars from both model years, and the results were the same.
The Honda representative said something about the newer cars using a plastic master cylinder for the clutch, whereas the older cars had a metal one.
Our clutch pedal started to squeak a little a few weeks ago, so I took it into the dealer to have it fixed. Surprisingly, they replaced the whole master cylinder, and now the car is much, much more enjoyable to drive. I think the pedal pressure has even decreased.
I don't know how the clutch feels on the newer cars, but if you are thinking about buying one, I suggest you pay close attention to it. As I mentioned before, the pedal pressure increased over 20% from 1997 to 1999, which is not too good. Based on what my car feels like after the repairs, maybe Honda has fixed the problem. Maybe not.
I recently bought some touch up paint for my 2000 honda acoord ex v6 satin silver? The salesperson told me I would have to look at the code in the side door to get the color match, as there were two diiferent silver colors for that year? Can anybody tell me what the other silver looked like for the Accord? Just curious!
I am being offered a choice between the Civic EX coupe with moonroof, etc. (no ABS) and the Accord LX 4-Cyl, both in manual shift, for only a $2,800 price difference (and good deals on both). Anybody had experience with both cars and could give me advice? I will be doing a lot of highway driving at high speeds (don't tell the cops :-) !) Also, I have heard the Accord sound system is better, and I might have to replace the Civic one.
If 2800 dollars doesn't mean much to you then get the accord. Actually, when talking about cars in this price range $2,800 is a significant difference. I believe you will find the ride quieter, smoother, and more enjoyable in the accord. The 150hp VTEC 4cyl is a joy to have. Plenty of power when needed. I just sold a 99LX. I found the stock system is very good in the accord. While it didn't match my Bose system in the PF, its sound was very good for the money. And finally, while the resale on the civic is probably very good, the Accord resale was awesome! I got 90% of the original MSRP after owning it for 14-15 months.
Yes, if highway driving is the goal, this is almost a non-choice: get the Accord. Even the new Civic will not approach the current Accord as a long-distance car...different class altogether.
There is also a signet silver for the 2000 model year. It is not as shiney as the satin silver and has a slight purplish cast to it when the light hits it at just the right angle.
Iam new to this country and have zero credit history!
I booked a HONDA ACCORD SE last weekend for 17500! The dealer promised me that I will get 4.9%apr from American Honda Finance Corp(AHFC). Now he gets back to me and says that Iam not eligible bcoz i have no credit history.
Interestingly, I was ***approved*** by AHFC 2 months back for 4.9%APR for the same car. But, I walked out of the deal then.
I have, however, faxed the dealer the docs that were given to me last time from AHFC. IS this going to help?
Could anyone let me know whats the next course of action I should take?
Same with me !! Dealer Incentive: $750 i.e their invoice has gone down by 750, If u don't get 4.9APR. If you get 4.9APR then delear will add $750 to your final deal. Anyway the price u r getting is too good.don't let it pass by....
I got an offer which was at invoice WITH 4.9APR. I had a cosigner..If you can arrange for a co-signer u will get this special rate.
Just heard that AHFC's 4.9%apr is over and they cannot give it at that. DCU is offering at 7.9% and it is too expensive, I will end up paying 2725 interest in 3yrs. Is this worth going for with DCUs loan? Pls respond.
Chandrak, Calculate the *difference* between the two APRs.You can use any online calculators for quick help (eg. on fool.com). Also, if you have a plan to repay the loan in advance, the difference will be even lower.
Milind/Tushar: AHFC has said no to the 4.9% and offering me 10.7%. I am back to square1. DCU is offering me 9.4%. Shd I go ahead or go for a 01model an Accord LX?
Where do i get the latest pricing info for the 01 models.
FYI, just got a 2001 for 23,601 before options. I have convinced myself that this is a decent deal. The MSRP as you all probaboly know by know, is 25,100 (plus 440 dest). Based on the TMV of the 2000 over the summer months, I am assuming that I paid just about TMV for the 2001. Anyway, happy hunting.
No need to convince yourself - that IS a decent deal, especially at this stage in the model year [how much newer can it get?]. Where are you, by the way?
Just what you need, someone telling you what the car SHOULD sell for, rather than what they will offer you. Than, what you don't sell it for TMV, watch out!!!
Since all pricing is local, Edmunds' attempts at determining a market value at any given time is ludicrously naive, as you know Isell, and makes amusing reading, nothing more.
Here in the NorCal market of SF and Sacto, MY2000 ExV6s were routinely trading at well under $23k, and more recently [at year end] at well under $22k. With the new MSRP at $25.5, I think anything like the price being quoted sounds like a good deal. But who knows? In SoCal, Honda dealers duke it out in the streets...anything goes there. I thought I'd wait until October 1 and then pick up an LA Times and see what their "market" is. But a nationwide "average"??? A useless number, if there ever was...
you mean you don't believe an average number can be determined? You think there are really differences between New York City, Maine, Alabama, West Virginia, Texas and Oregon?
I just got back from purchasing a '01 EXL loaded out the door for 23,300. 4cylinder model. First time internet buying experience. Any thoughts if this was a decent deal? Also drove a 6 cylinder model, didn't feel quite right as far as suspension/chassis dynamics. Nice accel but didn't feel as smooth as I thought. Zippy
Hi. I am 6'3" tall and I am not sure if I would fit in Accord. As far as I can see from the stats Camry's leg room is at least 1.5" more than Accord. Any other tall Accord drivers out there with comments?
Sorry, Was away from home for the weekend(Niagara)
Mortan Community bank is giving 8.0/8.2 to many of newcomers here. I lost the numbers of local branch here....
Otherwise go with DCU & re-finance it after a year or so. If you are not getting 4.9APR then getting a 2001 model would be better.
The offer you are getting for SE is too good to be passed...get it as such u r saving 1000 bucks which would justify paying greater APR....
Right now, 2001 Accord: Best deal should be 500 or more over invoice. After 2 months they may negotiate a bit more... (See http://www.vtec.net/news/items/437.html for changes in 2001 Accord)
hope this helps... my mail id is milindc@iname.com/milindc@yahoo.com (Office/Home)
i've posted twice before here about my only frustration with my 2000 Accord LX sedan: at 6'2", i just can't get comfortable. while away on business from 1/00 to 8/00, i drove a Taurus, Camry and 626. all three had what was to me a much more natural, comfortable seating position for a tall person. hard to explain, other than that the entire seat just feels like it's about an inch or so too high (yes, i have the manual height adjuster turned to the lowest level for the seat cushion). for average-sized people, though, i hear it's a terrific fit.
I am 6'2" @ 220 lbs and the 2001 EX V6 is quite comfortable. Both driver and passenger seats move back plenty far enough and the seats are comfortable. The backseat is another situation but I don't plan on riding back there too much.
I have a 99 honda ex v6 sedan. The power outlet for the cell phone goes on/off with the key. Is there a relatively simple fix so that the outlet stays hot all the time? ie; like green wire on terminal B
hi-- re: what you're experiencing: i sat in a friend's 2000 EX v-6 coupe, and the seating position was significantly different (and better) than in my '00 LX sedan. the seats that you have in your car are quite a bit different than what's in mine. for some reason, the power control on yours allows the seat bottom to be lowered much closer to the floor than does than manual adjustment in my LX. i could get VERY comfortable in his EX V-6. too bad i didn't have the extra $6000! (i paid $16400 for mine new, and i think yours would be around $22500, right?)
I just picked up my 2001 Accord EX - VL (V6) sedan. Got it for 23.7 in Chicago at Honda of Lisle. I dealt with Mike Frain. Great guy, great dealer (except for a pushy biz manager). Btw, I'm 6'6" and there's plenty of room. Although my other car is a Suburban.
Just wondering what the 23.7 price for the top line accord included. I would imagine that this was before tax and title and any add-ons. Would be interested in a bit more detail. Thanks in advance
This included destination, no tax, no add-ons. I am not a big fan of spoilers and stripes. The car is pretty loaded as is. This gave them about 3.5%. I feel pretty good, considering the cars are just hitting the streets.
I had a 90 Honda EX. Loved it. 155k. Great in town and on the highway. The only thing more I wanted was a little more torque. That's why the v-6 was a priority. Leather was not that big a deal for me. I also wanted the sunroof. The EX v-6 was the one. I went in with a check at 7.9% from peoplefirst.com. They got me a 7.5% from some credit union in Chicago. How?, I don't know, nor do I care. Anyway, enjoy your car, I am mine.
I own a 1994 Honda Accord with the automatic transmission with 125,000 miles. When I put the car in reverse it makes a loud clunking noise. I think it wold lead to a lot of transmission problems later. Does anyone know what this problem is? can it be fixed easily or will it cost a lot? Any help would be gratly appreciated. Thanks.
Just purchased a 2001 EX V6. I test drove both the Accord and Acura TL and couldn't see where 5K bought that much more. The 2001 accord has almost all the Acura has and more. Side bags, 6 in dash cd, great engine with regular gas and more comfortable seats. Acura is a quieter car, but the seats were no where as comfortable and even though the engine was 25 hp more, you had to use premium gas. The Acura, at least the 2000 version, did not have side airbags either. Cost was 23.7K (without options) which included destination charges, but not tax nor tags. This site has been great for information and I want to thank all of you for providing helpful inputs.
$23,550 K (before taxes etc).... Seems pretty good since they rejected an offer that was a little lower (and I left to go annoy another dealer before closing this one).... They had a few other dealers shaking their heads at that deal... But a few were willing to match or beat but I was sick of dealing.
Oh well, either way I will be driving it in a few days.
While I wholeheartedly agree that the new EX V6 is the superior value to the TL, a couple of observations seem in order:
- The TL has side airbags, and had them for yr2000 as well.
-While requiring premium fuel, the 5-spd automatic has gearing that results in real-world trip mileage that, for the average owner, results in the actual cost being about a wash: total fuel costs will be about the same, assuming a 10% difference in price for regular vs premium.
That said, there is one advantage to the Accord that you didn't mention: it is marginally roomier in both the cabin and the trunk than the TL..."swoopy" styling results in less room from the same basic platform.
I too feel that the general tradeoffs, even allowing for the longer warranty, xenon lights, 5-spd automatic, and extra hp, tilt the field strongly in the direction of the EX. The new features for 2001 pretty much make it a very easy decision to make...
jrct9454- you are right on all of your comments. The salesman (who was new to Acura's) mentioned no side air bags and I doubted him but forgot to look for myself when I drove the car. I also think that the finish (paint) on the Acura may be of somewhat better quality than the Accord much like the difference between the Infinity and Pathfinder. As far as the car price, I really think everyone should stay with one baseline which is the cost of car including destination and excluding tax, title and options. Options price may vary. In my case, I got options at invoice. I can pass them on if anyone needs them.
Comments
I chose 4Cyl bcos:
Mileage/Price/Insurance/Financing
Go with Ex-L with manual tranny...I have an AUTO & find it more than adequate.
Thanks
Which reminds me again that any discussion about price should include a mention of your locale...like politics, all pricing is local.
I got the LX 4-cyl, manual trans. Couldn't be happier. Very quick off the line, cruises all day at 80, 27 mpg in town, 32 mpg on the highway. Car has about 7,000 miles and no problems. BTW, I keep written record of every tank of gas, as well as all other maintenance. Have done so for every car I ever owned, since 1963.
This is my third Honda (first was a 78 Accord hatchback), but have also owned everything from TR-4, Volvo, and many Ford products.
Bottom line, you will like the 4-cyl.
We bought a 1999 Accord 4-cyl EX, but came to realize the clutch was pretty hard to push in. It was significantly harder than our 1997 Accord.
I complained to Honda about it, so they rented a little device to measure the pressure required to push in the clutch. As I recall, we found the 1997 models needed about 23 pounds, but the 1999 cars required about 28, more than a 20% increase. We tested several cars from both model years, and the results were the same.
The Honda representative said something about the newer cars using a plastic master cylinder for the clutch, whereas the older cars had a metal one.
Our clutch pedal started to squeak a little a few weeks ago, so I took it into the dealer to have it fixed. Surprisingly, they replaced the whole master cylinder, and now the car is much, much more enjoyable to drive. I think the pedal pressure has even decreased.
I don't know how the clutch feels on the newer cars, but if you are thinking about buying one, I suggest you pay close attention to it. As I mentioned before, the pedal pressure increased over 20% from 1997 to 1999, which is not too good. Based on what my car feels like after the repairs, maybe Honda has fixed the problem. Maybe not.
Bob
Emails welcome -- gotta decide soon! Thanks!
And finally, while the resale on the civic is probably very good, the Accord resale was awesome! I got 90% of the original MSRP after owning it for 14-15 months.
I booked a HONDA ACCORD SE last weekend for 17500! The dealer promised me that I will get 4.9%apr from American Honda Finance Corp(AHFC). Now he gets back to me and says that Iam not eligible bcoz i have no credit history.
Interestingly, I was ***approved*** by AHFC 2 months back for 4.9%APR for the same car. But, I walked out of the deal then.
I have, however, faxed the dealer the docs that were given to me last time from AHFC. IS this going to help?
Could anyone let me know whats the next course of action I should take?
Thanks,
Dealer Incentive: $750 i.e their invoice has gone down by 750, If u don't get 4.9APR.
If you get 4.9APR then delear will add $750 to your final deal. Anyway the price u r getting is too good.don't let it pass by....
I got an offer which was at invoice WITH 4.9APR.
I had a cosigner..If you can arrange for a co-signer u will get this special rate.
Get that deal Chandrak....
~Milind
Calculate the *difference* between the two APRs.You can use any online calculators for quick help (eg. on fool.com).
Also, if you have a plan to repay the loan in advance, the difference will be even lower.
AHFC has said no to the 4.9% and offering me 10.7%. I am back to square1. DCU is offering me 9.4%. Shd I go ahead or go for a 01model an Accord LX?
Where do i get the latest pricing info for the 01 models.
they might help u in finding financing as well.
I guess somebody decides what the "value" of a car is and than posts that as gospel.
Here in the NorCal market of SF and Sacto, MY2000 ExV6s were routinely trading at well under $23k, and more recently [at year end] at well under $22k. With the new MSRP at $25.5, I think anything like the price being quoted sounds like a good deal. But who knows? In SoCal, Honda dealers duke it out in the streets...anything goes there. I thought I'd wait until October 1 and then pick up an LA Times and see what their "market" is. But a nationwide "average"??? A useless number, if there ever was...
Ho Ho Ho, just in one of those moods, I guess
Bob
Zippy
fit in Accord. As far as I can see from the stats
Camry's leg room is at least 1.5" more than Accord.
Any other tall Accord drivers out there with
comments?
Mortan Community bank is giving 8.0/8.2 to many of newcomers here. I lost the numbers of local branch here....
Otherwise go with DCU & re-finance it after a year or so. If you are not getting 4.9APR then getting a 2001 model would be better.
The offer you are getting for SE is too good to be passed...get it as such u r saving 1000 bucks which would justify paying greater APR....
Right now, 2001 Accord: Best deal should be 500 or more over invoice. After 2 months they may negotiate a bit more...
(See http://www.vtec.net/news/items/437.html for changes in 2001 Accord)
hope this helps...
my mail id is milindc@iname.com/milindc@yahoo.com
(Office/Home)
~Milind
High power sterio(?)
You won't get such packaging on 2001 model.
~Milind
Thanks a lot for your valuable inputs.
Iam picking my car in another hour or so, wine red, ah! cant wait to get behind the wheel.
So long guys.
other than that, i'm very happy with the car.
shall@mail.vt.edu
CAn u tell me the dealer???/
You can get ABS on the LX-4 sedan for 2001 [option, not std], and it was part of the 2000 Special Edition pkg.
re: what you're experiencing: i sat in a friend's 2000 EX v-6 coupe, and the seating position was significantly different (and better) than in my '00 LX sedan. the seats that you have in your car are quite a bit different than what's in mine. for some reason, the power control on yours allows the seat bottom to be lowered much closer to the floor than does than manual adjustment in my LX. i could get VERY comfortable in his EX V-6. too bad i didn't have the extra $6000! (i paid $16400 for mine new, and i think yours would be around $22500, right?)
Btw, I'm 6'6" and there's plenty of room. Although my other car is a Suburban.
Thanks in advance
I am not a big fan of spoilers and stripes.
The car is pretty loaded as is.
This gave them about 3.5%.
I feel pretty good, considering the cars are just hitting the streets.
(I got 4.9APR)
Chandrak hasgot that deal 17500.
He is in MA.
~Milind
I bought a 2001 ex - v6.
Now it's not even on 4 Cyl
Anyway, enjoy your car, I am mine.
Thanks,
~Milind
This site has been great for information and I want to thank all of you for providing helpful inputs.
Please mention BEFORE tax title license deal only.
It's very unnecessary to mention out the door price.
thanks
Oh well, either way I will be driving it in a few days.
- The TL has side airbags, and had them for yr2000 as well.
-While requiring premium fuel, the 5-spd automatic has gearing that results in real-world trip mileage that, for the average owner, results in the actual cost being about a wash: total fuel costs will be about the same, assuming a 10% difference in price for regular vs premium.
That said, there is one advantage to the Accord that you didn't mention: it is marginally roomier in both the cabin and the trunk than the TL..."swoopy" styling results in less room from the same basic platform.
I too feel that the general tradeoffs, even allowing for the longer warranty, xenon lights, 5-spd automatic, and extra hp, tilt the field strongly in the direction of the EX. The new features for 2001 pretty much make it a very easy decision to make...
As far as the car price, I really think everyone should stay with one baseline which is the cost of car including destination and excluding tax, title and options. Options price may vary. In my case, I got options at invoice. I can pass them on if anyone needs them.