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Comments
Maybe you should have researched a little on Toyota's 6 speed transmissions before just assuming they were bullet proof. :sick:
Mine was easily fixed by the dealer. They added more insulation under the headliner. I realize that yours is no longer under warranty though. Too bad they didn't figure that out back in 05 for you.
No wonder nearly a third of Toyota dealers are still using old EPA ratings. :P (this is based on a news item recently posted on Leftlane news).
Beginning with MY2008, automakers are required to use ratings based on new EPA standards. The new system has reduced ratings on every car when compared to old standards by at least 10%. Here is how the new/old EPA ratings would stack up for the 2008 Accord (with automatic transmission)...
2.4/I-4
New: 21/31 mpg
Old: 24/34 mpg
3.5/V6
New: 19/29 mpg
Old: 22/32 mpg
So, if you were able to meet or beat the old rating (I do), you will be able to beat the new rating easily. For example, my 1998 Accord was originally rated 23/30 mpg (overall 26 mpg). Under the new system, it is rated 20/27 mpg (overall 23 mpg). I get 26 mpg in mixed driving, inline with the old standard and much better than the new.
The old 4-speed (I have it) has sufficient difference in ratios to account for those additional 1500 rpm in third compared to fourth at 60-65 mph. And that is how most transmission will work (the point to having a tall cruising gear at the top and considerably overtaking gears in second and third). Isn’t the point to selecting a shorter gear to rev up the engine for more power?
Why not do what toyota did - use a 6 speed transmission.
Camry’s 6AT is pointless exercise in the same vain that Mercedes’ 7AT is, compared to competing 6ATs in the market. While I feel Honda should have used slightly different ratios in the Accord (more like Acura RL’s, which is better geared than the Toyota/Lexus front-drive 6AT).
And while I don’t like to point at issues posted on the internet (only bad ones make the cut), Toyota’s 6AT is far from being perfect. I wonder why Lexus continues to use 5AT on RX350. BTW, Toyota has recently suspended sales of a car in Australian market which is based on Camry and uses the same engine/transmission combination. (Link)
Honda’s approach to improving fuel economy is logical. I can imagine it to be more promising in real life than in EPA rating system. My TL already gets me 26 mpg in mixed driving and 32 mpg with average speed in 70-75 mph range. I can expect Accord V6 to do even better with VCM and that will be beyond what most I-4 powered cars can get. Eventually Honda could add 6AT to further improve upon it, but I certainly don’t want the 6AT to be like Toyota’s.
“If you're buying a car for it's performance, then why would you want VCM kicking in?”
The point of VCM is to maximize fuel efficiency. And while 18/27 mpg may not be any different from 22/32 mpg to you (the way VCM equipped Accord V6 would have been rated with old standard), for a typical buyer, that can be seen as a huge difference. People are already complaining about the new Accord I-4 being rated 21/31 when the old was at 24/34.
I won’t be surprised to know if sales are being lost for that reason as many people aren’t aware of changes in EPA standards. But, if 4 mpg doesn’t mean anything, 3 mpg shouldn’t either, right? I won’t be surprised at all that you are able to do a lot better than 17/25 mpg in reality. I know that from Acura TSX experience. That car doesn’t do so well in EPA rating system, but does surprise in real life. Same case can be made for S2000.
You seem to be missing the point of VCM, and that is why I stepped in. I do understand that Honda went all-performance with V6/6MT and that is the right thing to do. I also think that Honda should have made VCM available as a separate trim or available only on EX-LV6 so it helps the less aware people greater confidence and a choice to follow convention.
VCM kicks in when you don’t redline. And you don’t redline for most of your driving. In fact, you don’t need 268 HP for most of your driving. And that is exactly when VCM is supposed to help. In cruising situations, you can expect VCM to be engaged at least 99% of the time. I won’t be surprised at people getting 35-36 mpg around 70 mph in Accord V6/VCM, while my 1998 Accord I-4 has never done better than 33 mpg (usually 32 mpg at those speeds).
- Steering wheel's smaller but thicker like the new Civic's one. It looks very sharp and compact. One said he held the '08 Accord steering wheel in his hands and felt like he held his own "wiener". I love it 101%.
- Smaller, shorter transmission handle, compact-looking transmission box looking from outside.
- Handles for headlights (left) and winshield wiper (right) look shorter, thicker, very sharp.
- Third head/neck rest in rear for the 3rd middle passenger in rear. Marvelous !
- V6 engine (SOHC), transmission, assembly in OHIO. The I4 Accord (DOHC) assembly, engine, transmission from Japan.
- V6 MSRP is $28,095, NO NAVI. This "idiotic" dealer in Northern California adds the mark-up of almost $5,000. Final asking price is $33K. STUPID ! I did not bother to talk to some arrogant salemen who walked in and out the show room. I pay most respect to Honda engineers/ management, not to these salepersons.
I 101% felt in love with '08 Accord V6 EX-L immediately.
this is the greatest post to ever grace the carspace forums!
thats one hell of a steering wheel.
Has anyone noticed any difference in road noise (not engine noise) between the 4cylinder and V6 models?
That said, EX/EX-L and V6 models may be quieter than LX/LX-P with ANC (which is designed to eliminate certain noise frequencies).
The dealer adds more money for splash guards ($160)
Is there any anything else I should ask for in my upcoming negotiations?
Please let me know what you guys think.
:surprise:
Otherwise, I think the deal sounds reasonable for now.
Any suggestions would be very appreciated.
Is this your first new car purchase? Next weekend will be the best time to do it (sales people are more desperate before month end). Better, if you go with a checkbook/pre-approved loan. The timing and promise ($$$) will give you an upper hand during negotiations. If you feel $1.5K off is worth it, tell them you're ready to write a check.
The 2008 Accord Coupe, on the other hand is a major advance over the 2007.
The dealers make the most money when they markup the interest rates higher than the base rate.
Thanks.
I will ask for 1.5K and a rate below 5%
Thanks
I live in MA and am also interested in 07 SE. The best quote I have received so far is 18600. Can you tell me the name of the MA dealer that you bought your car from. Thanks alot.
This forum was supposed to be more about the car itself, wasn't it? Features, capabilities, personal impressions, etc..?
There are way too many threads spread around. I prefer a central place to discuss things about a car, in this case, a new car. So, prices, features, specs, driving impressions could all be discussed in one place. Maintenance is another issue, however.
If a person test drives and discusses the car on this thread, and has a one liner about pricing, that one liner doesn't need to go in a separate forum.
You can always re-fi with your bank after the purchase also. It is extra work but gets you best of all worlds.
I must add, I really liked the black interior with the aluminum trim. It gives it more of a sporty and new look.
I never saw the tan interior with wood trim. The salesperson said it is an extra option and has to be ordered. Either way, I really like the car.
I was going to get the Aura, but I was turned off by the cheap interior.
Your goal is to get the dealership to offer a better interest rate. That discussion should come after the price is agreed on.
In fairness to Grad, you will get better and more complete advice on one the buying forums. Good luck!
I guess I am done for now. will be posting back about my new car experience.
Thanks,
I used to have it tracked but removed it because every time I logged in, there would be dozens and dozens of posts to go through there, easily outnumbering all my other tracks combined (and I have probably 20 tracks).
Wonder why it died?
About leasing, you are better off asking in the Lease Questions discussion because several people there know all about the leases and they probably do not follow this discussion.
You can name dealers, no problem.
You can also go to the Dealer Ratings & Reviews page to let others in your vicinity know of your experience(s) with the dealerships. It would be super if you'd do that, as well.
PS. to gncrrr, please check your mailbox. Many thanks!!
I am shopping the sedan, and had my second test drive, this time on the interstate. I think I've made my choice -- EX-L V6, either the silver or royal blue, with gray leather interior. Very classy. I drove a silver one. But I believe I'll wait to trade in my '04 Accord to see the experiences of some of you early buyers, which I really appreciate you all posting for us. And probably to get a better deal, maybe around Christmastime.
But this second drive convinced me. Set it on cruise control at 70 and it's very sweet, and plenty quiet enough for me. The VCM still seems seamless. Still has enough driver feedback to beat the Camry as a driver's car, though more of a sedan feel now. Driving position is ideal for me. I like this car a lot -- can you tell?