Older Honda Accords

samv3

I've been putting off buying but it seems i need to buy now. I thought of waiting for the 03 accord but i've been spending a lot in my old corolla and don't wish to spend a dime more. So pls give some suggestions. I'm looking to buy an accord in the next two weeks

Is there any difference in the price between a red or silver accord?
Is the SE advisable or better to give more 3000-4000 and buy an EX-V6??
My plan is to keep the new accord for about 4 years and @20K is affordable but i could stretch a little bit if EX-V6 is real good.(Ps. i'm not looking at the new altima or camry - my wife doesn't vote for it)

Thanks

Sam
arlington,va

frag235

frag235

(Oops, hit the enter key too fast :P)

I've got a Y2K Accord SE with the I-4 and it's got plenty of power and room for what I use it for plus I get 28-33 mpg! You should be able to get one now no problem for around 20K and there is no price difference between colors that I know of so take that extra 3-4K and save it for a rainy day .

Gerald

dudleyr

The 4-cyl has plenty of power especially w/ the manual trans (just about as fast as the v-6 w/ auto trans), it also is more nimble due to lighter weight. It is less expensive and gets better gas mileage. Win win situation in my opinion. Some people are used to v-6 engines and feel they still need one. If you want the v-6 because it is smoother and quieter you should probably be looking at a Camry.

Remember the Honda 4 has 150hp. Just a couple of years ago the Taurus v-6 only had 140 hp.

Sure you can't wait a few months? If your Corolla is paid for (must be if it is old enough to be about to die) you could put $300 or more into it every month and still be paying less than your new car payments. The new Accord looks really promising.

venanzik

does anyone know if there are aftermarket chrome (or brushed alluminum) surounds for the tac, speed, and fuel guages? 98-02 models?

robertsmx

Jfunk:
Rumors are that Honda will import Japanese/European Accord (slightly smaller than American Accord) as an Acura. As a matter of fact, current Acura TL (96.5 cu. ft) is slightly smaller on the inside than American Accord (98.5 to 101 cu. ft depending on moonroof availability). If this happens, it will likely carry a lower price tag than TL, more like a parallel Accord V6 but based on European theme (smaller on the outside), lighter and stiffer suspension than the domestically produced Accord. CL may go smaller and become a coupe version of this car. Add ATTS, 6-speed manual, sport suspension and a powerful V6, and it could effectively be the true Prelude replacement, priced under $30K, fully loaded.

Samv3:
There should be no difference in price between red or silver Accord. I have seen color based pricing only in some cases (mostly in Europe) where metallic paint costs a little extra.
Between SE, EX and V6, it really depends on what you want in your car. I have owned 98 Accord EX-L (auto/67K miles now), and never felt the lack of power from the four cylinder engine. Almost 4.5 years ago, I paid $21.2K for the car (plus TTL etc.). With 2001 changes, there are a lot more features in all Accords, but I don't think pricing has increased much. You could also look at LXV6 which was a little less than EX-L (less features but V6 engine).

At invoice and low rate financing, any of the Accord model would be an unbeatable choice. Good luck.

noflakjacket

If this has been previously posted, my apologies. It comes from the website of a Honda dealer in Ohio:

Honda Accord
Pre-Production Confirmation - All new for 2003 inside and out. Available with Navigation System. Inside information is confirming an available 6-spd manual for the V-6 Coupe.
Rumors - More interior room, increased horsepower (170hp 2.4L in 4cyl, 3.0L V-6 remaining unchanged at 200hp). Honda is saying this will be the most radical Accord model change in its' history.
2003 Accord Model Matrix
Pre-Production
Trim Level 2dr. 4cyl 2dr. V-6 4dr. 4cyl 4dr. V-6
DX *
LX * * * *
EX * * *
EX-L * * * *
EX-L NAVI * * * *

NOTE: Honda has yet to release pictures or specifications for the 2003 model. Most artist sketches and renderings to this point have been inaccurate or are for other overseas markets according to sources. Don't expect actual "production" information and pictures from American Honda Motor Company until mid summer.

Accessories - There are new and "extremely" exciting accessories for the all new 2003 Accord Coupe and Sedan. Keep watch for a listing.

sobers

Hi, SE invoice is non-side-airbag, 19204, so I think 21 out the door seems less than $200 over invoice which is very good deal given the options on the car & financing. You could get another $100 off of the price but not sure whether you should try too hard for it. Better salesperson/dealer is as good to ownershiup experience as the better product is!

inkie

This may help, I had a 87 olds cutlass ciera that had a check engine light problem after 50,000 I changed the o2 sensor and it helped for a while. Went through the fuel cleaner bit it also helped for a while... Changed gas engine light went out! I switched to Amoco Silver on a six cyl. After a while I was able to use Amoco reg and Exxon without problems as soon as I went back to the gas I used previously the check engine light went on. Drove it for 116,000 until I sold it. Hope this helps.

samv3

Frag235 and dudleyr thanks for your replies, i appreciate it.

I saw an advt for Accord SE for 16495(dealer in dc metro area). When i called them up guess what. 1100$ protection package + 500$ appearance package + tax, tags,title, processing fee(289), dest(440) and handling fee(100)etc. So altogether it comes to around 21000 for an SE out of the door. Is this too high?? I understand $16945 is way too low but i was expecting that all inclusive with rear spoiler it would be 19000 deliverd price(inclusive of 3.2% va tax,tag,title,processing, destination and rearsopiler). Am i being too greedy. Pls enlighten me. I'm looking forward to buy it within a week.

thanks,

Sam

fredvh

Is there any truth to this reported fact: Honda automobiles, including the Acura, have panels and sheet metal that are "thinner" than most other manufacturers? This also results in the side panels of these vehicles being more dent sensitive. I cannot verify if this is true. Can anyone help me here?

blane

fredvh:

This rumor about Honda seems to have taken a life of its own. Yes, sheet metal is thinner than it was in the past. BUT, this is true of ALL automobile manufacturers. The quality of the steel and of corrosion protection has increased over the past couple of decades, obviating the need for excess metal. The thrust of ALL MANUFACTURERS is to try to remove excess weight in the interest of increased fuel economy and reduced cost.

jrct9454

...applies pretty much across the board. Honda's specs in this regard are no different than most Toyotas, Nissans, VW, or BMW, for that matter. Where and how this stuff gets started is always a mystery, but this particular piece of folk wisdom has taken on a life of its own, as noted above. This question must come up at least once a month...

fredvh

First of all, thanks for responding. I do realize that some metals have become thinner on some cars but my question is this? Do Honda and Acura use "thinner" metal on the side panels than other vehicles' side panels (Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima, Lexus ES300, Mazda Millenia, and Infiniti I30? Is there any way to find this out other than contacting the various manufacturers?

darthvapour

Thanks for all your previous information on the Accord SE I-4 pricing. I'm back from Toronto now, so my quest for a new car is about to resume.

Previously you mentioned a $500 dealer incentive that was available until the end of March. Do you know if this has been extended into April?

Appreciate any info you can provide.

Happy motoring,

Norm

blane

fredvh:

The point is, that sheet metal has become very slightly thinner on ALL, not "some" brands of cars. If you are concerned that a manufacturer is using sheet steel that is one or two ten-thousandths of an inch thicker or thinner than the next manufacturer, your time might be better spent comparing the overall reliability and driveability of the vehicles or their prices.

If you absolutely must know the exact thickness of different manufacturers' body panels, you might want to bring your own micrometer to a few local body shops and ask the proprietors to allow you to do your own thickness measurements of the replacement parts before they are installed on cars being repaired.

We are anxiously awaiting your detailed report.

postoak

I just recently had a ding removed from our Accord by a Paintless Dent Remover specialist and he said that the Accords had thinner metal than most cars -- but weren't the thinnest.

sobers

except for Mercedes Benz ALL other companies have started using thinner sheetmetals for whatever reasons. Toyota/Honda are about same as far as sheetmetal goes. BMW sheetmetal is also inferior to Benz if 'only' sheetmetal thickness is to be compared. I had gone to an Auto show recently & could compare sheetmetals of various cars. New Altima seems to have a resp sheetmetal. BUT when I checked Benz, my God!! They has atleast twice or may be more thicker sheetmetal than any other brand. EVERY BENZ kept there had a royal sheetmetal (& am not talking just about the paint job here, you could easily feel the sheetmetal on Benzes)

canadiancl

To the best of my knowledge, the $500 dealer cash has NOT been extended beyond April 1.

jfunk

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll be waiting a year for my new Acura-Accord-Prelude-Type R-SH, or should I say "AAPT", sheesh, what the heck are they gonna call that thing?
Is it still planning to be FWD? (I recall reading that it was)
Will this be your next VOC (Vehicle of choice) Robert? If not what else are you considering?
Thanks.

samv3

samv3

Thanks for everyone's inputs and i went up and down this board for three months. I need to thank the Host for having these message boards and all the people who contribute wonderful replies.

I still have the rear spoiler to be installed some time next week. Will post my dealer experiences in a week.

Sam

fxashun

Benz sheetmetal is in a class by itself. But so is the general solidity of the cars.

scorpio007

Sorry for the cross-post gang, but I thought I would try here and get some help.. Thanks !!

Hello Everyone !!

Just a quick Question: My Accord is 9 Months new.
Unfortunately, I am not very happy with it. Various reasons. 13K or 8,125 Miles to date.

Has anyone had ANY experience with breaking a lease midway?

There are 27 months left on it.

All ideas will be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Robert.
P.S. Car has NOT been involved in any accidents and have NOT had any mechanical problems.

darthvapour

Thanks for the info, appreciate it!

Norm

bigzheng17

hi all
just want to hear your opinion on this question. i'm having trouble to decide if it is worth it to spend 2k more for a v6 engine. i drove about 40%local, 60%highway, sometimes (actually can say rarely) drive in the mountain area and make long trips.
thanks!

banddexpress

I need to get a 4 door sedan accord or camry. I was just wondering they both are around the same price think they are both reliable I was just wondering though is one of them funner to drive then the other one I know its still a sedan but wanted something that had the sportier feel. Thanks for the info

qwalls

The V6 certainly isn't necessary. It's really a matter of preference. I've had three Accords (currently a '93), and their 4 cyl engines are adequate, but it's nice every once in a while to have the extra power for passing, etc. Our other cars have a V6 and a V8. I drive the Accord probably 60% of the time. I enjoy the extra power when I drive the other cars, but it doesn't bother me at all to go back to the Accord. If your Camry is a 4 cyl, and you're happy with the performance, you should be fine with a 4 cyl Accord. The majority of Accords and Camrys sold are the 4 cyls. Drive one and see!

subzero206

wait until the 03 accord comes out before you make a decision

bigzheng17

fredvh

I think most people would agree that the Accord is a little more "sportier" than the Camry. Of course, you need to drive both of them to see the difference. Both cars are at the top of the list of excellent vehicles. The new style 2003 Accord comes out in the fall of this year. It is hard to say whether it will be a substantial improvement or not. If you can find the January '2002 issue of "Consumer Reports" magazine you can compare the two vehicles as they report on them. They rate the Camry slightly higher overall than the Accord. I hope this helps. I am also contemplating a new car and would like to see the new Accord. I am always leary of first-year models though as it seems like there always have a few bugs to work out. Let us know of your decision.

dudleyr

The protection and appearance packages are a scam, as are undercoating, pinstripes etc. All of these items cost the dealers a few bucks, but they charge hundreds or even thousands. The destination charge that is listed on the sticker from Honda is legit, but if they have a second destination or handling change that is also a scam.

dudleyr

MB sheetmetal twice as thick as others? Was that a measurement, or was it determined by knocking on a fender like a watermelon? ; ^ )

Mercedes may or may not have the thickest metal out there, but twice as thick is a little far fetched. I would be happy to look any link or data that illustrates this extra thinkness - please enlighten me!

dunning2

Hello - I have a 2001 Honda Accord V6 that I purchased in August. It has 9000 miles on it. I am having a periodic problem with a hesitation when I push on the accelerator after stopping. It hesitates for anywhere from 2 to 10 seconds before it starts to roll. I have called the Honda dealer and they said that they would just have to keep it until it does it. It is very periodic, so I do not want them to keep it forever. Has anyone else had a problem with this and do you have any ideas on what it can be?

darthvapour

can't vouch for them, but they're not just drawings.

http://thehollywoodextra.com/accord/accord.html

thoughts?

fredvh

Thanks for the pictures. If I was a betting man I would bet on those pictures being real. I figured it would look like the new Camry in some respects.

swsms

You may not want to bet on these pics. These pics were discussed in this townhall about 8 months ago and were never given any credence because this site is known for providing inacurate information (i.e. the 2002 CRV pics).

IMHO, I am more willing to trust Motor Trend (see the latest issue) than hollywoodextra.com. You'll find that many on this board agree. Sorry to bust your bubble....we've all been there.

Canyoncrest

If the pictures are real, what a disappointment! I like the Motor Trend version way way better.

canadiancl

I think the Motor Trend drawings have some basis to them, but the actual car will be taller, narrower than what the pictures depict. Also, the actual car wouldn't have those oversized wheels and low-profile tires.

alpha01

All pics not be the most reliable, but for the 02 Camry and 03 Corolla, they were dead-on.
~alpha

maxamillion1

Every picture that is found on the Hollywoodextra was a pic from another website, he just photoshopped it. All those pics are FAKE!!

porknbeans

I'll agree with your assessment of the MT drawings. However, the trend in redesigns lately has been to make the vehicle wider to increase interior room. Most people don't want the vehicle to be longer but don't have much opinion on the width (within reason). In other words, I would not be surprised to see the new Accord being wider.

One thing we need to keep in mind when looking at these drawings is that they are hand drawings. That means that what is being drawn is open to the interpretation of the artist. I think that the MT drawings are pretty accurate but you need to simplify some of the artists style (like low profile tires, colors, "edgy" details).

canadiancl

It may be marginally wider, but I'm betting on it being significantly taller, a la Camry, Corolla. Personally I'm not sure I like the current trend of tall sedans. It make them look stodgy.

porknbeans

Come on, you don't think the Toyota Prius is a nice looking car? Looks like a Buick Rendevous that was left in the drier too long.

Canyoncrest

I don't like the curreent trend of tall sedans. They just look ugly. I'd rather have an SUV than a tall sedan.

swsms

Even if the '03 Accord is wider and slightly taller, based on the MT pics, this car will actually be attractive. I don't see Honda wanting to lose any beauty points to the new Camry. The new Camry is appealing physically, but it is a sleeper in terms of handling (including the SE). I love Hondas for having that tight, predictable handling with excellent road feel.

BTW, has anyone heard if the new Accord will have a 5-speed auto or the sportshift tranny from the RSX? Are my prayers in vain?!?

canadiancl

5-speed auto would be sweet, but I hope they won't have the sportshift (gimmick) and the gated shifter (awkward to use).

mjb56

I've got the same car (2001 EX-V6) and I've had the same hesitation since new. I just thought it was a characteristic of this tranny. It does take some getting used to, though.

canadiancl

That can't be normal. The other poster said it hesitates anywhere from 2 to 10 seconds. I would think anything more than a split second would not be normal.

accordboiv6

I have a 01' Accord Coupe EX-V6 and I love her to death. But I have noticed that the car does not seem to have the same pick up all the time. Sometimes when I take off, it seems fast, sometimes it does not, even in passing, 30-50mph, she takes off like a bolt of lighting, but then again, sometimes she does not. Why? Is the VTEC not kicking in like it should? I have heard some ppl say the car does not have enough Torque and the tranny is no good once you get into fourth gear. I think it is just the way The Accords Trannys are geared...but I could be wrong.