Honda Accord Coupe

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Comments

  • snowfulsnowful Member Posts: 53
    I don't know what to do about the chronic dirt except clean them every week. I bought one of those wheel brushes which makes it a little easier, but I can't believe the amount of dirt and grease they collect.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Most of the dirt is from the brake pads. The typical German car is much worse than the Asian or American cars and the fronts are worse than the rears. I've heard that waxing the wheels makes them them much easier to clean.
  • larscalarsca Member Posts: 60
    Just looking at all the people posting in this forum about how much they love their 6 speeds, and considering that the coupe with the V6 is a fairly sporty car that "demands" a manual tranny, I don't think that for this particular configuration the resale value is going to be affected at all.

    And as far as colors go, unless it's a very unique color like bright orange, I doubt it will effect the resale value.

    In my experience, sales people don't even look at your car. They just follow the list price in their computer system, and then you'll have to fight them tooth and nail to get the value up while keeping the price on the new car down.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    It's probably not price as much as marketability that's a potential problem. The number of people willing to shift for themselves shrinks every year.
  • smith1smith1 Member Posts: 283
    I'm looking at a '99 LX 4-cyl. automatic coupe for my daughter. The car had its transmission rebuilt about a year ago, at around 50,000 miles. The $2400 rebuild was done by an independent shop that seems to have a good reputation. (The owner says Honda wanted $4000 for a replacement trans.) The car currently has 64,000 miles, the trans seems to work normally and the car is otherwise in excellent shape. How concerned should I be about this transmission going bad again? Would a properly done rebuild have corrected whatever the initial defect was?
    Thanks for any advice.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Did Honda's of that vintage have a lot of tranny problems? If so, I would avoid it. If not, then it's probably ok. I had a Plymouth minivan with the infamous A604 transmission. The rebuild lasted only 35,000 miles but those trannies had a well known design defect.
  • atlantabennyatlantabenny Member Posts: 735
    That Accord generation's 4 cyl models didn't have unusual transmission problems; it was the 6 cyl models that did, due to a widely held theory that the tranny couldn't handle the power (Honda extended the tranny warranty for 2000-2002 Accords, both 4 and 6 cyl, up to 7 years/100k miles as a pre-emptive marketing move).

    I'd advise against it for the following reasons:

    1) The previous owner possibly abused the car, consequently affecting the rest of the vehicle's integrity

    2) Honda trannies, for all their accumulated number over the years, appear to still be too tricky for the independent shop to fix. Not everyone knows, for example, that the original Honda ATF formulation is a must for these transmissions.
  • boognishboognish Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone have the Honda MP3 Player installed in their car? The one that you can order through the dealer? I am curious if it is any good, because it would be nice to just buy that with the car instead of getting some ultra-fancy one later.
  • 04accordcoupe04accordcoupe Member Posts: 9
    Picked up my new 04 Accord Coupe EX-L (4 cyl, 5 Man) yesterday. Graphite Pearl in color, and a wonderful overall feel and ride. I got a great deal by using the internet for my shopping & bargaining (full story on the Prices Paid board).

    Man, I love this car!
  • brentc1brentc1 Member Posts: 7
    I'm in the market for a new 4 cyl Accord coupe. I'm trying to make a decision whether to get a maual transmission or an automatic. Anyone with the manual have any comments?
    Thanks
  • 04accordcoupe04accordcoupe Member Posts: 9
    Manual versus auto is a pretty individual decision. Personally, I can't imagine driving an automatic except perhaps on a large van or truck, and every vehicle I've owned has been a manual. Most Americans seem to prefer automatics, though -- I had a heck of a time finding a manual 4-cylinder coupe in the color I wanted, though I did eventually.

    I really like the manual in the coupe -- smooth shifts with short throws, with the shifter at about the perfect location for the way I like to drive. I hear the 6-speed in the V6 coupe is even better. The question is: what do you like to drive?
  • well_informedwell_informed Member Posts: 34
    Just looking at all the people posting in this forum about how much they love their 6 speeds, and considering that the coupe with the V6 is a fairly sporty car that "demands" a manual tranny, I don't think that for this particular configuration the resale value is going to be affected at all.

    I've owned manual cars all my life, never an auto, and never wanted to.

    I've owned 5-speed Hondas from 92 until now, and they were the best cars I ever owned.

    My 5-speed Accord Coupe is a 1990 , with 125,500 miles, and still going strong, with 32-37 mpg Highway (would get 40 mpg if I drove 55 mph).

    My 5-speed Civic Hatch 92 is a lightweight, quick car with amazing MPG. Who needs an overpriced, complicated Hybrid. And it has a mere 40k miles.

    I wish I had a 6-speed on the Accord, since on the highway, I have to run it at 3,000-3,500 RPM at around 75 mph. A 6th gear is clearly needed, for lower RPM, lower wear and tear, and even better economy.

    In my experience, sales people don't even look at your car. They just follow the list price in their computer system, and then you'll have to fight them tooth and nail to get the value up while keeping the price on the new car down.

    If you need to buy a new car, NEVER give your old one as a trade in, no matter how sweet the deal looks like.

    Dealers make little $ from selling new cars, they make it from service and parts, and esp. from sellign used cars.

    Trade ins are a part of their used car racket.

    It is not a coincidence that used car salesmen are the most reviled professionals.

    Sell your car YOURSELF, to another private individual, not to a dealer.
  • lmaclmac Member Posts: 6
    I own a 4cyl Red LX Coupe. I have mostly owned 5 speeds cars and I love this one. It's very quite but when you get on it, it moves well for a 4cyl. Resale may be lower but if you like a 5 speed you will enjoy it and it's better pickup and millage.
  • jetdrivenjetdriven Member Posts: 18
    on the accord v6 its just not a quetion of 6-speed versus auto. the 6-speed car you also get perforated leather seats, a higher-watt stereo, special trim, and 17" wheels. plus a "performance suspension"

    the old way of manual shift cars bringing less at resale is beacuse a few years ago manual shift cars had crank windows, no carpet, AM radio only, etc. Not true anymore.

    There are fewer buyers for a manual car but the ones that want one WANT one and will pay top dollar for it.

    I test drove a 5-speed automatic car and i hated the way if shifted. At WOT the engine either pulls timing or snaps the throttle closed during the shift, the end result is the car "jerks" as the engine cuts when it shifts. Not to mention the massive recall of honda (and acura) 5-speed automatics. I;m not sure they are durable enough to last. A quick check at www.hondaautomotiveparts.com shows a brand new honda accord 6mt transmission at 1100$. much better than an auto that is 3-4K at best, with dubious rebuild reliability.
  • lawdawgfllawdawgfl Member Posts: 75
    I took my V-6 6 speed coupe in yesterday for the 3rd time for the headliner making a cracking, popping sound. I explained to the service rep what I thought the problem was, it seemed to me that the adhesive was not sticking like it should causing the headliner to make noise. I got a call today from Honda and they told me that there are strips of velcro that go across the roof and the headliner and these strips were not holding. The rep said that they were going to purchase better strips and add more so that the headliner should stay in place. I will let you all know how it works out. I still LOVE this car though, I have had it now for 5 months and I still smile getting into it.
  • dcbdcb Member Posts: 11
    I've had my 04 6 speed about 3 weeks and have about 900 miles on it. First manual I've had in nearly 15 years. Previous cars have had larger 3.8 litre v-6's. Acceleration is terrific in the coupe and transmission and shifter work great. However, its seems like when the air conditioner is on I can feel the compressor kicking on and off, which causes the engine to have subtle surges, etc. Is this normal for these smaller 3.0 liter engines? Seems like I can remember this problem on my last manual shift car, a little 2.2 litre from 15 years ago. Anyone else experiencing this?
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    it's not uncommon at all to feel a slight surge when the a/c kicks on/off...
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    My 04 EX-L sedan does the same thing when the AC is on.
  • dcbdcb Member Posts: 11
    thanks to posts 1105 and 1106. I drove it after my post and slowly increased the rpm's to 4000 in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears and there was quite a bit of surging. Funny it would take me three weeks to notice it. If I decide to seek service, I'll update the board.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    If it's very noticeable you may have problem. Especially while at speed. I have an 03 Civic Si and while I can feel the surge during idle and while in stop and go, I don't notice it as much whil cruising.
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    definitely let us know how the headliner fix works out for you. my '03 coupe headliner has been popping and cracking for some time now...just haven't taken the time to take it in yet...

    also the glove box door rattles on occasion...anyone else have this problem?
  • bman2bman2 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know when the 05 coupe is due out. Are they planning on making any design changes.
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    The latest info released just today:

    Illuminated steering wheel controls are the only change that we know of at this time. Silver Frost Metallic will be the only new color and available on the Hybrid.

    2005 Release Dates/Model Matrix
    August Release - 4cyl & V6 Sedan (Hybrid not applicable)

    Tranny options remain the same except for the Hybrid which is n/a at this time.
  • gunitgunit Member Posts: 469
    Manual shift cars do usually bring less resale at trade in or private sale unless its a Corvette, Camaro or some performance car which many people prefer to be manual. Manual shift cars are definitely harder to privately sell, I know first hand. Had a 1980's Camaro 5 spd manual V8, it took me a much longer time to sell it because it was manual. Many of the people would have bought it if it were automatic, LOL! Remember about 85% of Americans want a AUTOMATIC, not manual. I believe only 10-15% of all new cars in America are sold with manual shift.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    In fact the next Corvette will be the first one in years that has a manual as the standard build option. Hondas are known to have the best manuals in existence. It's not as big a penalty to pay since they aren't as bad as some others. The fact that Honda still builds them is a testament to there being SOME demand for them. As someone said before. Any depreciation should be made up for in the lower purchase price.
  • dcbdcb Member Posts: 11
    Thanks, I'm still trying to determine if its a problem or not. Its definitely there to some degree. I just haven't experienced this in 15 years and was not expecting it. This may just be normal for these smaller engines. I understand the drop in power, but mild surging is kind of disappointing.
  • rascalerascale Member Posts: 19
    Does anyone have experience with the Factory Performance Package available for the Accord V-6? I am looking to replace a BMW 325 and I want a bit more sport with my Accord. Thanks.
  • kapuskapus Member Posts: 11
    I am about to purchase an 04 EX-L Coupe in the next few days. I am still debating on the color between Sapphire Blue or Marino Red. The Blue has a nice look, but I think that black leather and interior will get extremely hot during the summer months. Also, I think the black will actually end up showing any dirt/grime more easily. Also, during my test drive the leather seats seemed nice enough, but how do they hold up after months of use. Any comments from current owners about the ivory or black interiors?
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    I'm extremely happy with my Ivory leather interior. Had it since December.

    Lighter colors are much more UP and inviting, in my estimation.
  • sockpuppet1969sockpuppet1969 Member Posts: 308
    One of the seat-back panels on my ivory leather '03 Accord sedan is starting to crack and fade. I have had the car for one year and use Armorall leather treatment. I live in NC.
  • whitecloud1whitecloud1 Member Posts: 268
    I simply don't trust the light colored leather in my car, with everyday use. My V6 Coupe with black is only a year old and is holding up well. I use something other than Armour All (twice since purchase and can't recall the name ), keep a sunshade in the windshield and the leather does not seem as hot as I expect after hours in the sun.

    The formulation I use for care has UV blockers in it and doesn't produce a gloss. The EX also has a feature that allows you to put the windows down before you reach the car.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    It does more damage than good. I've used nothing on our 04 Accord and it seems just fine in 8 months.
  • lawdawgfllawdawgfl Member Posts: 75
    I finally got my Accord back from the dealer. They had to order a part for the seat that moves under hard breaking. The good news is “so far” the headliner seems to be fixed. I have not noticed any cracking or popping like before. The fix was more double sided tape. They told me there wasn’t enough so they added more. As for the seat moving, they told me they all do it. I have not had a chance to sit in any other ones but they did tighten it up, it doesn’t move as much. If it continues to be a problem I will go to the lot and sit in them all if I have to, just to see if “they all do it”.
  • onechowonechow Member Posts: 13
    Want to buy an Accord LX Coupe 4 cyl. My guess is the new cars will be out in one month. So, to wait or not? I certainly could use the car now, but waiting is possible.

    My current deal is about 18k plus ttl for a 2004. So when you buy a 2005 at the start of the model year, what would you guess in terms of price increases and reduced discounting compared to buying a 2004 now, at the end of the model year.

    Then how do you factor decreased resale value from having a car that's a year older (although I usually just keep my car until it doesn't drive anymore).

    Thanks very much.
  • sockpuppet1969sockpuppet1969 Member Posts: 308
    If you drive your cars into the ground and there are no significant differences between the two model years (I don't know if there are) then you are better off buying the 2004 model.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Only confirmed difference between a 04 and a 05 is that the 05 Accords will have standard side curtain airbags in all trim lines.
  • sockpuppet1969sockpuppet1969 Member Posts: 308
    are worth waiting for in my opinion. I have a '03 EX-L (without side curtain airbags). They added them to the '04 EX-L's - oh well. If I had known I might have waited. They do significantly decrease head injury in side impact collisions.
  • rhard49rhard49 Member Posts: 226
    I just picked up my 04 accord coupe 6 speed and had the wing spoiler installed. I'm not sure they put the heavier duty springs for the trunk lid cause it will only stay up in the full up position. If its at any angle toward being closed it slams shut. has anyone had the wing spoiler put on and can tell me if this is normal?

    Thanks

    Rich
  • wgretzkywgretzky Member Posts: 10
    Im looking at buying either a 04 Accord coupe EX with leather 4 cylinder, . MSRP - $28,800 CAD

    OR

    Toyota Solara SE V6 which is going for MSRP - $30,900.

    If i went for a V6 Accord, the price jumps to $34000, which is over budget for me.

    I test drove them both yesterday, and both drove really well. What are your opinions? (I know i posted on the honda board, so some of the posts may be biased :)

    Thanks!

    wayne
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    But I just can't get with the exterior. I'd have to go with the Accord. We owned a 03 coupe EX-L 5 speed for a while. Loved it.
  • rhard49rhard49 Member Posts: 226
    I've had my coupe 2 days and its got a shxx load of rattles. anyone else had this problem? A pillars seem to creak every time I hit a bump trunk has a thump sound when you hit a bump. I love the looks and the 6 speeds power but quality seems pretty poor.
  • biomanbioman Member Posts: 172
    Listen closely, the rattles are probably coming from the headliner. I thought that I had fixed the problem in our coupe, but my solution was not successful. Will get the headliner repaired when I bring the car in for its first oil change. Honda will secure the headliner with double faced tape and that should be the end of the rattles. The thump in your trunk might be a loose spare tire, license plate bracket or misaligned trunk lock.
  • fezguy4fezguy4 Member Posts: 1
    Is it me or do not many people buy the LX-V6 models? I went to a dealership and out of easily 100 accord coupes, only 1 was a V6 coupe. I plan on buying one soon because it is the best available in my price range and was wondering maybe if somebody knows something about that model that i dont.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I don't think many people buy the V6 model period so the ones that do tend to go for the EX to get all the bells and whistles. That's my guess.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    fezguy: I think most people buying the V6 and coupe models in general probably want the sunroof and other goodies that comes with the EX model. There is nothing wrong with the LX if it has the options you want. Resale will probably not be as high with a LX but if the car is what you want and you plan to drive it a few years it shouldn't matter.
  • atlantabennyatlantabenny Member Posts: 735
    I ran 2 quick scenarios for you, with these results:

    1) Of the $2700 TMV difference between the 2004 EX-V6 and LX-V6, you'll probably have $1500 of that difference 5 years/80k miles from now (basis: Edmunds 2004 TMVs and Edmunds used car appraiser for the 99 Accord).

    2) Ultimately, you're paying a premium of only about $1200 for owning the EX within a 5-year ownership period.

    3) $1200 buys you: alloys, leather w/seat heaters, moonroof, homelink, auto climate control w/dual zone temp control, metallic/wood accents, leather steering wheel, ambient console lighting, driver's seat lumbar support, and exterior temp gauge. Not sure if side airbags, which were only on the 03 EX, are on the 04 LX.

    4) Come selling time, almost surely the EX will move faster.

    All things considered, the EX's price premium looks highly justifiable.

    Hope this helps.
  • banditcosmobanditcosmo Member Posts: 6
    I was looking at both myself and I went with the Honda. I felt like the Accord handled much better than the Solara. The Solara felt too big compared to the Accord. Also driving with the Solara's window down at 65mpg the seat belt would vibrate pretty hard which I didn't like at all. I also wanted leather and the Solara sport did not come with leather.
  • banditcosmobanditcosmo Member Posts: 6
    I'm glad you got the headliner fixed. I'm having the same problem and I was waiting until my first oil change to get it fixed. I seems like such a small thing but it really does bother me.
  • plethysmoplethysmo Member Posts: 42
    The li'l fella from Atlanta forgot to notice that the $1200 also buys you 2.3 inches less headroom with the EX coupe.
  • scipioscipio Member Posts: 5
    Love it. It had all the bells and whistles the 2000 model came with, including side air bags. My problem is that the previous owner had wretched taste in rubber, equipping Mean Joe Green with Goodyear LSs. Anyone know what the factory tire was?

    I'm thinking of going with Kumho Ecsta 716s, which were dynamite on my Eagle Vision TSi.
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