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Comments
"The cd player with the radio does not have the counter, random mode. But the bass is the best. You already know the radio is from Alpine." Are you talking about another year model radio? What is the counter random mode?
Aren't they the same car?
Did Honda really make some improvements or is it some testing anomoly or "adjustment".
I try to change oil and filters in all of my cars between 3500-4000 miles. Oil changes aren't expensive and the car will last longer.
I was talking about the honda cd player for your current radio.
I change mine every 4k miles, which happens about every 3 to 4 months. I have a Ford van which doesn't get driven much and I have the oil changed twice a year.
I would definitely follow the owners manual as a guide line, but to be on the safe side maybe change the oil more frequently. After all, it doesn't cost that much. However I know that Honda does not use the Toyota engine, so hopefully will not have this problem now or in the future with Honda's!
I have owned my '86 Accord since new and change the oil myself once per year - each 10,000 miles - using Mobil 1 10W-30. After 160,000, I have to add a little oil (~half qt) once per year between changes. I'll tell you if my procedure is still working okay in another 10 years. This engine is so well balanced at high speed (80). I test drove an '01 Accord LX 5-speed last summer and it seemed similar - smooth and balanced. You can't beat Honda engines and std trans (well, Getrag, maybe). BTW, I would change the std trans fluid by 50,000 miles and replace it with a synthetic like Mobil 1 15W-50. Just personal experience that has worked so far.
The EX only has steering mounted radio controls on the V-6 model. Our 2001 EX 5-spd w/ cloth seats doesn't. Not that you really need it because of the excellent dash design (although it would be nice for turning up the stero unoticed!)
The dash is one thing I have high hopes for on the new'03. The current one is among the best and seems to have started the high-forward "pod" design that is showing up in other makers. I really hope they keep the vent buttons versus dials. They are real quality pieces.
If I am not mistaken, the EX comes standard with a manual transmission with the 4 cylinder engine. You may have to look far and wide for a manual transmission equipped EX, but it does exist. For the V6 equipped LX and EX models, though, an automatic is the only choice in transmissions.
The value package does have power locks, but your point is well taken.
I will keep an eye on the LX prices....my lease runs out at the end of May, so maybe the market will soften a little by then.
I agree that the 150hp engine is a big plus. I am hauling a family of 4 in the car.
One thing that really bothers me about the Accord is the lack of lateral leg room for the driver.
My leg hits the center console that jets out into the front area....very poor design !
Sure wish Honda would upgrade it's warranty to 4 yr/50k miles like Volkswagen did.
WOW-
Tons of room !!!
Very comfy for me ( 6'3" )
Lots of room in the back seat.
The Altima S version was loaded and the 4 cylinder engine rips 175 horsepower....25 more than the Accord LX engine.
The only thing the car did not have for that price was ABS, which was in an option package for about $800 & included side impact airbags.
The car looks much more sporty than the Accord, has bigger tires, more trunk space & ler room, etc. The trunk has those goose-neck hinges that sink down into the cargo area.
I also checked out the Accord LX vx. the DX value package....I just can't see spending the extra $1,800 for power windows & a few other options.
I am not located near a big city...only 3 Honda dealers in town. When I asked how much over invoice they sell the car for, the salesman told me the discount was already taken on the sticker.
I spoke with the sales manager of the Nissan Dealer../he can get 5.5% bank financing. He did come down of the Altima sticker price & was willing to negotiate. However, there aree no rebates scheduled for the Altima right now.
First time. They said that they did work on the spark plug, changed oil, replaced some oil washer. I noticed that they did some gas cap troubleshooting too.
Second time. I brought it in right back two days later and changing the solenoid fixed the problem.
If I pick again, LX will do but with ABS. I found ABS reduces my stopping distance in most situations in a straight line.
Is that true? How about Havoline?
I know that it's better than Penzoil.
Also, if the current Accord is too boring for you, that's fine. You won't be the first person to say that. But, the $1800 for the LX is NOT spent on power windows and mirrors. True, you do get those things-as well as cruise control, rear seat armrest, rear cup holders, trunk pass through, and height adjustable seating. The biggest thing you get, IMO is the VTEC engine with 150 hp instead of the non VTEC engine with 135 hp. The LX also gives you 15" wheels instead of the DXVP's 14". There are more things, but you get the idea. Again, if you don't want the Accord, fine. I don't sell Hondas, work for Honda, or even drive a Honda, so it's no skin off my nose. What the Accord can give you, though, is a fine, reliable automobile that sets the benchmark that all other mid size sedans are measured against. The Accord has made more Car & Driver 10Best lists than any other car on the planet for a reason. But, please don't say the extra $1800 is not worth it because all you get is power windows. Thanks. Good luck on your choice, I know it is tough.
The biggest advantage of ABS to me is not reducing stopping distance but maintaining steering control when braking. So I can hit the brakes AND steer the car around an obstacle without worrying about skidding sideways, which would otherwise occur and which I don't have the skills to control.
Automatic trannys: what did you hear about them that's unfavorable? I just bought an LX-V6 auto, and I like the way I can shift it with the gas pedal, it's quite responsive, just could be a little smoother when it downshifts.
--Bart
Also, 412,000 owners do not think that Accord's auto is not good ! :-))
I hear the Accord is getting re designed later this year...hopefully the 2002 models will be "bargain" priced this summer ( as much as Honda will "bargain price anything" ).
I need to look at the LX again...I have the Accord catalogue.
I want a car that will hold some resale value...Accord should do it.
I am not bothered by what some perceive as "ho-hum" looks of the Accord.
The wife wants power windows & locks.....I pretty much get to pick the rest.
The 5.5% financing was through a local bank I guess...my credit is in good shape.
Since Honda is not offering any rebates or low financing on the Accords, there is no harm in waiting until my Buick lease runs out at the end of May.
My biggest [non-permissible content removed] about the Accord is my leg hitting the center console that sticks out too far.
My 98 Civic runs well...only put brakes and tires on it so far. That too was a DX that I added A/C, an armrest and cassette tape player to. Looking back on it now, I should have bought the LX model. I will keep that in mind if I buy an Accord this time.
Thanks for your posts.
This procedure is mentioned somewhere in the owners manual.
If this does not work I guess it is something else like the solenoid, perhaps. But give the gas cap procedure a shot. Good luck!
But on the performance side, LX-V6 and EX-V6 are the same - same brakes, tires, engines, etc. Steel vs. alloy wheels shouldn't make much difference.
And of course quality is superlative in any Accord.
So I got the LX and saved a couple grand. The two models are identical except for some luxury and appearance features (moonroof, leather, alloys, etc.) which to many people are worth the money.
--Bart
Secondly, there are only a couple of hundred reasons why the light may come on that have nothing to do with the gas cap. That's why the dealer should plug his computer into the OBD socket on the car and READ THE RESULTS. It shouldn't be a matter of guessing or trial and error. 90% of the time, it is the cap problem - but the other 10% can be a gazillion other possible emissions-related problems.
LXV6 may offer value to them who do not want most of the extras that EXV6 offers. Back in Fall 1997, I bought EX-L over LXV6, because I wanted those extras, although it cost me about $700 more.
Anyway, when we wanted the V6 we went with a very early model year 2001 EX, and while I consider the sunroof a useless device, the rest of the difference between the two seemed worthwhile to me - and yes, bargains are to be had on this model, as well.
As far as LX V-6 Accords. Like all Hondas, they are great cars. They just aren't very popular and sell very slowly.
Personally, although I own an EX V-6 coupe, I think the 4 cylinders are more than adequate.
On the issue of automatic transmission and Accords, I don't know the history. Are there 2 issues? I know some people have complained that the shifting of the transmission is too "sporty", that is, it shifts later than they want and there is a perceptible jerk. On this, I can believe the poster who said they have been redesigned, because our new Accord shifts smoothly -- it's a non-issue. The 2nd issue, though, is reliability. I did talk to one Accord owner who had to have their auto transmission replaced (or rebuilt, I forget which) at 90,000 miles. That was a '96 or '97, I believe. Is there a history of auto transmission problems on the Accords?
As Isell said, you can't get the V6 with a standard transmission.
If you need a nice smooth quiet place to relax there are better choices than a car - buy a big fat leather arm chair and ottoman, a nice stereo receiver, some awesome headphones, and a fridge full of your favorite beverage with the money you save. You'll still have money leftover, plus the money you save every month on gas.
thanks again for your commnets.