Older Honda Accords

had_enuff_ford

You got a good deal, even if you paid the inventory tax (assuming it wasn't too much). I didn't have to pay the inventory tax up here in Dallas (on 12/29), but got stuck with a $180 fee (they wanted $280) for registering the car's etched windows to a national database, but it also included a nice coupon book for 3 free oil changes at the dealer and discounts on major service intervals.

Seems like almost all dealers are gonna try to stick you with some extra charge like that, whether it's "advertising fees" or "inventory tax" or whatever.

raychuang00

Someone a few months ago guessed what the 2003 Accord will be like.

My guess is the following:

1. Think of it as a "2001 Honda Civic writ large." That's been the general trend at Honda ever since the first-generation Accord way back in 1976 (remember that car? It looked like a larger version of the Civic hatchback).

2. It will likely have i-VTEC engines across the range. The 2.2-liter L-4 engine will sport around 165-170 bhp, and the 3.0-liter V-6 will sport around 220-230 bhp. The drivetrain will either be six-speed manual on the lower-end models or five-speed automatic on the higher-end models. Expect fuel mileage to be the same or even slightly better. All engines will be ULEV certified, and very likely Honda may try for SULEV certification for the 2.2-liter L4 engine.

3. The suspension system will be something akin to the current Civic (Macpherson struts on all four wheels) for more interior space, but will likely have changed spring rates, shocks and rollbars front and back for good handling, borrowing a lot from what was done to the Acura RSX sports hatchback.

4. You will see both two-door coupe and four-door sedan models. A station wagon is unlikely due to the possibility of cannibalizing CR-V sales.

postoak

This tax was $48.65. Since I was dealing with a drive-out figure, this wasn't a way of getting an extra $48.65 from me -- I only looked at the breakdown to compute back to how much under invoice I was paying to post that information here.

Over the phone the dealer quoted me a total drive out figure and stuck to that once I got onsite.

had_enuff_ford - I notice you bought on 12/29. I would be curious if anyone who buys after the 1st in Texas had such a tax listed.

zops

or for over 5 or 6 hours in both hot and cold conditions.
After I start the car I notice the accelerator pedal is always stuck and i need to give it a quick depress to fix.
Happens everytime the car sits off overnight or for a long period of time.
Soemone said could be the throttle is dirty or soemrthing. ANy comments.

postoak

Okay, now that I own one, can someone please explain to me what a VTEC engine IS?

carguy62

Doesn't the Civic still use a modified double wishbone on the rear?

Also has a 6 speed MT with the I4 been mentioned? I have heard about the 6 speed being coupled with the V6. I would think the lower model will get 5 speed MT.

If they do have a 5 speed AT I would like it to be the Sequential Sport Shift, but then they would be encroaching on Acura...so that one is a toss-up.

It's fun to speculate.

hoxendine

Postoak or anyone else, how did you get the e-mail addresses of all the dealers in your area?

raybear

I get them from Honda's website.

postoak

hoxendine - to get email addresses, just call each dealer and ask for their "Internet Sales Department" -- the personnel in that department will be only too glad to give you their email addresses. To get the names and phone numbers of dealers, just use an internet search engine and search on, for example, "honda auto dealers houston".

Regarding the "Dealer Inventory Tax" in Texas, I spoke with 2 other dealerships and it is legitimate. According to them it goes to the local county.

raybear

To go to the Honda website.

nofeer

Found a cruise control for my 96 dx
audiovox 250-1198 is for honda's as per audiovox customer service, problem is not many carry it. so i had to go to nexxon on the internet and order it. $223 and i found an installer hope all goes well

thanks for all the insight as to my cherry used honda will get the 30k service and ask if any trans adjustments can be made. it's 5-6 years old and no wear in the interior this little ol' lady probably drove to the store and church.

canadiancl

dcwong: All those lights and mods you see on Honda/Acura are for show only. IMO, most of those mods are tacky-looking and ruin what was a perfectly good car to begin with. The mods are popular with a certain demographic segment but our friendly hosts wouldn't allow us to post the term for it.
(starts and ends with "r", rhymes with "nicer")

venus537

you may need to make better guesses.

displacement of the 2.3L will most likely increase to 2.4L (the engine that's in the new CR-V). it sure won't go back to a displacement of 2.2L. I also feel honda will stay with the double wishbone suspension.

vinney

Again,this tax is legite in the state of Texas and everyone pays it. I am from the Dallas Ft.worth area and this tax went into effect maybe 5 or 6yrs ago maybe more or less can't remember exactly but I know it's been there a while.

timadams

VTEC explained:

 

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/at_010529.htm

The VTEC changes the cam lobes at around 4000 to 4200 RPM on the V6 Accord engine. You can feel and hear the difference under hard acceleration once the engine speed increases above that point.

dcwong1

About those blue lights, I saw a group of these Honda/Acuras and I had to wonder how they have destroyed a perfectly beautiful car and made it into a joke. Everything was modified - even the windshield washer was lit up. I have never or will never drive a car with blue lights just for show. If there was a benefit in brighter lighting, then maybe I would. Currently, I drive with real HIDs (on a German car) and if they're side by side with the Honda Accords/Civics/Integras, there is no comparison. The mods can even have their fog lights on and I'm pretty sure that my lights will still outshine them.

had_enuff_ford

My bad! I missed that line item for the inventory tax - it was $51.54 on my car. Probably saw the "Tax" part and breezed right by it.

VTEC - The part of the engine that makes you smile when the Tachometer blows past 4000rpm!

postoak

Thanks! I'll read that doc on the VTEC this weekend -- sounds interesting.

jcowan1

I was experiencing transmission problems including my D4 light blinking and the Check Engine light coming on. Returned to the dealer 3 times in 10 days with hesitation or transmission not shifting into gear. When warm, the car would perform but if the D4 light and check engine light appears it will not.

The dealership replaced the cellinoid which did not correct the problem.

I was informed at the dealership that the transmissions are defective and I'm now awaiting a new one. There is a 5 week backorder. The dealerships are aware of of this problem. I was given a loaner for the duration of the wait.

pat

Edmunds.com's Editor-in-Chief discusses VTEC in Valve Timing is Everything. Hope this is helpful!

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

piceno

LOOK UP this WEBSITE:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question229.htm

piceno

LOOK UP this WEBSITE:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question229.htm

sam775

I have a 02 VP and I got a radio code at delivery. I have the single cd/cassette combo. If you have this head unit you should've gotten a code.

ghomaz

Hi Sam775.

Does your unit have a flashing light and/or "anti-theft" written on the face plate? I ask, because I have been told that only units with these things have a security code.

My 2001 LXV6 came with just a single CD player and radio and I had to buy the tape player as an accessory. My radio does not have a flashing light on the head unit nor does it have "anti-theft" written anywhere. So I am pretty sure now that I do not have a code.

Thanks for your help.

richardn1

I'm interested in th 03 Accord but with the recent Honda deployments. CR-V, Civic, Civic SI and even Pilot look, boring, cheap or both. The interior of the new CR-V really disgusts me and I hope the engineering of the Pilot was concentrated on more to compensate for the boring design. It will be interesting to see what the 03 Accord will develop into. With the Altima having 240hp and all and Honda challenging them it will be interesting to see what happens. The Oddy has 240hp too so it's possible. Wonder which will be faster?

diploid

Horsepower numbers aren't everything. Ever wondered how the last generation Civic Si with a 4-cylinder engine could run just as fast as a V-6 Mustang?

iggycat

Hi All,

Has anyone recently purchased an EX V6 sedan? How much above invoice did you pay? (or did you get it for under invoice??) I am planning to buy one in the next month. Just got back from trying to make a deal with one local dealer... they got the price down to $150 over invoice for me, but insisted that I pay $55 for their wheel locks, when the wheel locks from my current Accord (99 EX V6 coupe) will work just fine. I walked after that... hate trying to play their stupid games.

Thanks for any info.

Cyndi

canadiancl

It's ridiculous for them to insist on you buying something you don't even need, let alone want. You were right to walk out on those idiots.

stevem327

Cyndi:

Scroll up and read post #2900 from the guy who just bought an LX V6 (I know you're shopping for an EX V6). He was able to email all of the dealers in his immediate area and got a response from all but two of them in just a few hours. He actually got an offer UNDER invoice from one dealer. Seems like an easier way to do it rather than driving to each and every one of them and having to put up with all of their games.

Another option would be to use an auto buying service that will do all of the legwork for you, although they usually charge between $200 and $400 for this service.

Good luck with your new car!

onebuc

I own a 1996 Accord 4cyl v-tec. Yesterday had a sudden unexpected oil leak. My wife backed out of the garage put the car in park waiting for the car to heat up. At that point it began, no noises or anything. The leak is coming from somewhere between the oil pan and the lowest belt on the drivers side. The leak is almost a full stream and begins shortly after the car is started and stops once turned off. The area where the leak is, is extremely tight and looks like a job for a professional. Just wondering if anyone has seen or heard of this before? Or what could be the possible cause? Want to know as much as possible before dropping the car off. Thanks Terry

iggycat

Hi SteveM, CanadianCL... Thanks for the response. I ended up sending out requests for quotes on the internet and got one back for $22759, $450 below invoice! Amazing! I called another dealer who replied to my request to see what they could do, and their advice was to get it as soon as I could at that price. Feels good to have saved $600 today.

Cyndi

cynic

Hi guys,

This question is for Isell and other Honda dealers.
I went to a dealer today and everything went smoothly until I was told about the 'assignment fee' (?) Here is the situation : I want to lease Honda Accord Ex V6 3years/45k miles. I am told that besides the security deposit (which I don't object to Honda also charges the assignment fee of $550 on leases. Is it legitimate?

Thank you in advance!

mikefm58

I had the exact same problem with my 2001 Accord LX. I changed the oil around Xmas time, drove the car for 2 weeks, then all of a sudden the oil started pouring out in a pretty powerful steady stream. After having the vehicle towed to the dealer, we found out that the gasket from the old oil filter came off and was stuck to the engine. So when the new oil filter was put on, there were now 2 gaskets, eventually it came loose and thus the oil leak. I have no idea how it ran fine for 2 weeks.

When was your oil last changed? It's pretty cheap and simple to do the oil & filter change yourself and double check to see if there's another gasket stuck to the engine.

Good luck, let me know how you make out.

stevem327

Wow, I'm jealous

Sounds like you got an EXCELLENT deal. I was able to get a 2001 Accord last November AT invoice, but not below, so it sounds like you really made out.

Hope you enjoy it

onebuc

Crazy, I just changed the oil 2 weeks ago, I will pull it and check. The oil filter is completely clean, which made me look elsewhere. Thanks Terry

fritz1224

There's been a recall on some model 4 cyl accords due to the need to replace the balance shaft seal, which can cause drastic loss of oil if it fails. This may be your cause and would be covered under the recall I think.
I wouldn't drive it until this is ruled out because of the immediate loss of most of the oil that can occur and the driver won't have a clue before the engine is ruined.

silvercoupe

As fritz says, it may well be the balance shaft seal. If it is leaking as bad as you say, have it towed to the nearest Honda dealer. They should replace the seal and install a retainer free of charge. Ask for a free timing belt and balance shaft belt too, because they are probably oil soaked.

Did you get a service bulletin from Honda about this? I did on my 97 and they just installed a seal retainer.

canadiancl

Congrats on the great deal.

BTW, are you Todd or Cyndi?

onebuc

the balance shaft seal really sounds like it is the problem. I don't remember receiving any recall notice, But it's my wifes car and would have been sent to her, Therefore who knows. If it is the problem, do you think that Honda would still fix it? Is there a way to tell if it is this seal for sure? Thanks again

iggycat

I'm Cyndi, Todd is my husband... I'm using his computer, which automatically logs him into Edmunds. He drives a Jeep Liberty, I'm getting the Accord.

silvercoupe

If it is leaking as you describe it is most likely the balance shaft seal. No way to tell for sure without pulling the timing belt cover, which is quite a job. I'd have someone check it out as soon as possible.

Honda should pay for the repair.

Don't drive it without oil!!!!!

currygoat11

Just purchased this car last week. On my 1st tank of fuel and it's at a half-tank and I've only driven about 130 miles. Driving has been in-town driving in 45degree weather on average, conservative driving.

At this rate, since the tank holds 17 gallons, this would equate to only 15 or 16 MPG! Not very good..

Any ideas here? Is MPG supposed to improve after several tank refills, or after the 1st oil change?

thanks!
currygoat11

hbund216

currygoat11,

Once the engine fully breaks in MPG will get better. It took mine about 5,000 mile to get to what it is now.

currygoat11

hbund216: thanks for the info!
currygoat11

stevem327

I don't know what I was thinking today, but I managed to drive away from a shopping mall with my parking brake still applied. I drove for maybe 600 feet at the most, at speeds no greater than 30 mph before I realized it was on.

After realizing what I did, I decided to drive for about 10 miles to see if I noticed any type of damage. I drove at highway speeds (65-70) and through neighborhoods at 25 mph, made three u-turns, and braked at varying speeds and didn't notice anything unusual. There's no vibration during braking (like you get with warped rotors), the car doesn't pull to one side, and there are no strange noises anywhere. The car only has 1,900 miles on it.

The owner's manual says driving with the parking brake applied can damage the rear brakes and rear axles. My guess is that no damage has been done, but I'd be interested in getting any feedback from anyone who knows more than I do. Thanks.

venus537

you can't caculate a very accurate gas mileage by just using a half tank of gas. first of all the tank probably didn't have 17 gallons of gas in it.

postoak

Be careful! That figure you mentioned means the dealer is giving you a "net" figure, rather than out the door price. He may very well attempt to add some questionable fees on top of that when you go in to do the deal. When comparing dealer quotes you really need to work with drive out figures only. Then, when you go in to pick up the car, you know there will be NO additional charges. Still, there is a $772 dealer holdback on the EX V6, so even $450 below invoice allows the dealer $322 above true dealer cost.

iggycat

Hi postoak, Thanks for the info, but no worries... we just went to pick up the car this morning (firepepper red EX V6 sedan), and the dealer was outstanding. Didn't even put a hard sell on extended warranty and other extras. We paid exactly what they quoted us, 22,759 plus $50 for the cargo net (a must have), 7.75% CA tax, $45 doc fee (not worth arguing about, since they already gave us a great price and didn't push any other ridiculous fees on us), $199 title/license, total was just under $25,000 drive out. We financed with Honda's 4.9% 60 month plan but had our own financing lined up as well, in case they tried to pull a fast one with the monthly payment (we had a calculator with us to figure it out on our own, we also added up the numbers before going to the dealer and came within $2/month by estimating TT&L fees).

All in all, I think we got a fabulous deal, and were in and out of the dealer in an hour and a half. It was by far the best car buying experience I've ever had. We were expecting them to try to add some extra fees or other charges, and were prepared to leave without buying the car if that happened, but all went well and now I've got an awesome new car at a price that seemed too good to be true (but wasn't)! My only real complaint was that the salesman was pretty pushy about having us give him all '5's on the customer survey... he fed us a real sob story about it, it was pretty funny actually. I rarely give 5's on those surveys, unless I received exceptional service. In this case, I had a terrific experience and it will probably be reflected on the survey, but I don't like someone telling me what they deserve to have as a score.

stevem327

Hey, it sounds like you got a great deal on your new car...congratulations!

The reason they like to get all 5's on those dealer surveys is because anything less is considered a failure since it drags down the overall survey percentages for that month. Corporate Honda also considers anything less than 5's in EVERY CATEGORY to be a failure for that particular dealer. I don't think the dealer gets in trouble for it, but the bottom line seems to be that if everything is not 100% completely and totally perfect with the customer, then the dealer has failed.

That's what they told me when I bought a Ford last April, and a Nissan in July, and my Accord in November. And that's why your salesman was more or less begging you for all 5's...even though it sounds like he didn't approach it in the correct manner. Heck, I had a salesman one time who more or less paid me to give him all 5's by throwing in three free oil changes as part of the deal. I was going to give him all 5's in the first place, but I figured why not take the oil changes as well.

Anyway, enjoy your new car!!

postoak

been monitoring this board. But, to be comparing apples-to-apples you've got to count the $45 dollar doc fee as part of the vehicle price -- so you only (!) got $405 below invoice. Still beats the heck out of my $185 below!