Midsize Sedans 2.0

benjaminh

For 30+ years the Accord was Honda's best-selling vehicle in the USA. But in the last year the Accord has slipped to 3rd place in the Honda lineup. Here are the sales figures for Feb:

CR-V: 31,898 (26% increase over Feb. 2016)

Civic: 27,038 (2% decline compared to Feb. 2016)

Accord: 23,455 (9% decline compared to Feb. 2016)

stickguy

Pretty sure that is the order I would buy in too!

roadburner

benjaminh said:

Hang in there cski!

Ditto!

nyccarguy

I have no interest in a CRV. There are a few Accord and Civic Models that tickle my fancy:

Accord Sport SE - I dig the dual exhaust, the 19" wheels, leather seats, the heated seats, the fact that you can still get a 6-Speed manual transmission to make the most out of it's 189 horepower. The San Marino Red paint looks sweet too.

Accord EXL-V6 - It is hard to say no to a 278 hp V6 under the hood mated to a tried and true 6 Speed Automatic Transmission. Lots of creature features: Hot Seats, Sunroof, Lane Watch, Leather. I'm not particularly in love with the wheels, but they look good on a Black Accord.

Civic Sport Hatchback - Lightweight, Available 6-Speed Stick, 1.5L Turbo motor, bluetooth, 0-60 mph in the mid 6 second range & backup camera all for a $21K sticker price.

Also notable is the base model Acura TLX. Built on the Accord's platform & Priced very close to an EXL V6 Accord, but you get a 205 hp 4cyl engine mated to an 8 Speed DSG Transmission, & rear wheel steering. Leatherette instead of leather. The major difference between the TLX & The Accord would be the suspension tuning. The Accord's Front & Rear Sway Bars are 19 mm in the front & 15 mm in the rear. The Acura's Front Sway Bar measures 26 mm while the rear measures 24.7 mm. If you give any sort of a damn about handling, thicker anti-roll bars make a huge difference. The TSX weighs 60 lbs less than the Accord. You also get a 4 year/50K warranty with the Acura.

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

I have no interest in a CRV. There are a few Accord and Civic Models that tickle my fancy:

Accord Sport SE - I dig the dual exhaust, the 19" wheels, leather seats, the heated seats, the fact that you can still get a 6-Speed manual transmission to make the most out of it's 189 horepower. The San Marino Red paint looks sweet too.

Accord EXL-V6 - It is hard to say no to a 278 hp V6 under the hood mated to a tried and true 6 Speed Automatic Transmission. Lots of creature features: Hot Seats, Sunroof, Lane Watch, Leather. I'm not particularly in love with the wheels, but they look good on a Black Accord.

Civic Sport Hatchback - Lightweight, Available 6-Speed Stick, 1.5L Turbo motor, bluetooth, 0-60 mph in the mid 6 second range & backup camera all for a $21K sticker price.

Also notable is the base model Acura TLX. Built on the Accord's platform & Priced very close to an EXL V6 Accord, but you get a 205 hp 4cyl engine mated to an 8 Speed DSG Transmission, & rear wheel steering. Leatherette instead of leather. The major difference between the TLX & The Accord would be the suspension tuning. The Accord's Front & Rear Sway Bars are 19 mm in the front & 15 mm in the rear. The Acura's Front Sway Bar measures 26 mm while the rear measures 24.7 mm. If you give any sort of a damn about handling, thicker anti-roll bars make a huge difference. The TSX weighs 60 lbs less than the Accord. You also get a 4 year/50K warranty with the Acura.

Can you bolt on bigger sway bars to the Accord, like you did with the Legacy?

I'm liking the Civic less and less.

Does the Sport SE offer Sirius/XM and Bluetooth?

nyccarguy

The Sport definitely does have Bluetooth. I'm not sure about Sirius/XM. I'm sure the thicker, Acura Sway bars will bolt right on. The cars are built on the same chassis.

I've also got aftermarket Front & Rear Anti-Roll Bars on my Prelude.

andres3

nyccarguy said:

The Sport definitely does have Bluetooth. I'm not sure about Sirius/XM. I'm sure the thicker, Acura Sway bars will bolt right on. The cars are built on the same chassis.

I've also got aftermarket Front & Rear Anti-Roll Bars on my Prelude.

How did you find out about the Honda Accords Sway Bar sizes? That's not usually published on your typical car spec sheets.

nyccarguy

It is right on the Honda website under specs.

benjaminh

from goodcarbadcar.net the top 20 selling cars for Feb:

http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2017/03/february-2017-usa-best-selling-cars-in-america-sales-figures.html#more

Toyota Camry 27,498 -15.1%

Toyota Corolla 27,161 -11.4%

Honda Civic 27,039 -2.4%

Nissan Altima 26,543 -6.3%

Honda Accord 23,455 -9.0%

Ford Fusion 16,512 -35.1%

Nissan Sentra 16,010 -22.3%

Hyundai Elantra 15,954 33.2%

Chevrolet Cruze 15,367 18.2%

Hyundai Sonata 14,618 -16.3%

Ford Focus 12,691 -31.8%

Chevrolet Malibu 12,406 -42.1%

Nissan Versa 9869 -19.4%

Kia Optima 8892 -7.7%

Kia Forte 8506 3.9%

Subaru Impreza 8324 22.2%

Ford Mustang 8298 -17.0%

Volkswagen Jetta 8017 -14.5%

Kia Soul 7702 -35.0%

Chevrolet Impala 7165 -21.7%

benjaminh

Top 7 SUVs in Feb:

Nissan Rogue 33,149 53.7%

Honda CR-V 31,898 26.3%

Ford Escape 27,637 15.9%

Toyota RAV4 26,351 3.2%

Chevrolet Equinox 22,464 13.3%

Ford Explorer 21,696 -3.1%

Jeep Grand Cherokee 18,925 11.4%

benjaminh

I've now owned my 2016 Accord EX for about 6 months, and so far I really like it. It has more power and is faster than my 2008 Accord, and yet gets significantly better mpg. It handles better and has less tire squeal when taking corners, and it's also quieter.

The most important feature upgrade is AndroidAuto/AppleCarPlay. This not only gives better navigation and maps than the built-in system on my 2008 (since it's always updated, accounts for traffic, etc), but is much easier to use. You just press the microphone icon and say the address or name of your location.

In general, my EX from 2016 has more features than my EXL-Navi from 08, including, in addition to AndroidAuto, LED fog lights, tail lights, and running lights, built-in garage door opener, next gen XM including rewind and FF, LaneWatch, smart entry/pushbutton start, rear seat AC vents, phone charger, etc.

In some ways the Acura TLX is an impressive package, but right now it doesn't have AndroidAuto/CarPlay. I personally wouldn't buy a new car without that. The TLX is expected to get it in a major update/restyle in a few months.

One advantage that the current Accord has over the Civic and the CR-V is that the Accord has much better rear visibility.

In terms of msrp, as we've talked about, the Accord and CR-V are pretty close for comparable models. But in real-world pricing a comparable Accord is going to cost c. 3-5,000 less.

brian125

2017 Kia Optima's are starting to hit dealer lots. Some decent cash incentives to buy ( $1500 ). I was in a Nissan dealership yesterday I'm told the Rogue's are flying of there lots. I actually like the looks of the Rogue better than the CRV. Have to agree with NYC on Accords and CRV rims..... not to appealing .

My son said if he considered a Accord he wants a Red 17 / 18 Accord Sport manual with black rims. Probably a fun ride.
I had the 13 Accord EXL V-6 . Best all around midsize car IMO out of the rest .

[Deleted User]

benjaminh said:

For 30+ years the Accord was Honda's best-selling vehicle in the USA. But in the last year the Accord has slipped to 3rd place in the Honda lineup. Here are the sales figures for Feb:

CR-V: 31,898 (26% increase over Feb. 2016)

Civic: 27,038 (2% decline compared to Feb. 2016)

Accord: 23,455 (9% decline compared to Feb. 2016)

Gosh, in the lineup of small, mid size-chassis Crossovers, the Honda is the ugliest,IMO.

It uses 65% of the Accord and Civic's chassis, engine, interior bits,etc. So, it is a tall mid-size crossover.I don't see anything about it that makes me say "god...I gotta have one.

The 2017 Civic is the most modern and actually "cool" looking.

The Accord has fake chrome plastic tacked on the front end which I dislike but the rst is non-offensive but is neither impressive. Honestly, the 2012 to 2014 models where the most honest looking Accords, with the Sport being very honestly sporty with the stick hift, but the lack of available options and colors put A LOT of people off. However, lower resale values with a stick and potentially higher maintenance costs + leg cramps here in the DMV and other congested cities (are there any un-congested cities?) make me understand why few stick shifts are offered in the Accord.

stickguy

practical, roomy, flexible, economical, well equipped, and a good choice for a family truckster that is shorter than a Civic. Styling, will always be subjective, but it is hard to really make a box like this too "stylish", especially and still avoiding compromising utility (like a Murano)

andres3

stickguy said:

practical, roomy, flexible, economical, well equipped, and a good choice for a family truckster that is shorter than a Civic. Styling, will always be subjective, but it is hard to really make a box like this too "stylish", especially and still avoiding compromising utility (like a Murano)

I had a Murano rental a long time ago when they were relatively new to the market I think, and I do remember it handling really well for an SUV. Better than my 2014 Maxima rental experience, which was handling more like a Buick to be honest.

[Deleted User]

Oh, BTW... Benjamin said "I don't believe anything has come of it" (meaning privatizing toll roads). Unfortunately it already has, and it is expanding. Here is one article about it..then I will limit my posts to mid size topics. Already, this privatization has gone bad in Ohio.
Now the "Hot Lanes" in Northern VA follow the privatization model, but VDOT and other Virginia companies keep 100% of the money, where I don't mind paying a 10c to 50c toll to use the road based on congestion. Here , lanes are being built at a furious rate, and traffic at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge has decreased by almost 50%.

So, privatization is just fine, when the funds remain in the road system...especially in states with lots of snow, then thawing to a land of potholes. Now the tie in to mid size sedan. Do you want your brand new top-end sedan's suspension ruined by a Michigan pothole? Or PA and above roads having a big pothole that turns you car into the other lane and kills either you or another family?

Alright..I am done and will no longer post o n this topic..but I will leave you with a link showingtolls roads have already been sold. https://www.thetruckersreport.com/foreign-company-now-owns-six-major-us-tolls-roads/

stickguy

Don't get me started on potholes. and related to midsize sedans, drives me nuts how many of them come with skinny little sidewalls. All for styling purposes, because no Camry or Accord type car needs 19" wheels or 40 series tires. Even skinny 45s are crazy. Because they are still so skinny you get next to no sidewall. And especially in the NE, where the potholes have taken over (and roads never seem to get fixed) it can be a real problem.

[Deleted User]

Last post: I had to change out my brake pads (to pass inspection and GOOD RIDDANCE). I made sure to get ceramic pads. Why? Because I ordered drilled, slotted, and vented (in the front)rotors. The rears are just slotted and drilled. They came in today. I made sure to pay extra for the zinc infused stainless steel rotors so they are quiet and rust free...and there is a 100% guarantee that the rotors will not tear up my pads.

Anyone have any first-hand experience? The brand I bought was Nakamoto, which is OEM on many performance Kia/Hyundai's.

andres3

stickguy said:

Don't get me started on potholes. and related to midsize sedans, drives me nuts how many of them come with skinny little sidewalls. All for styling purposes, because no Camry or Accord type car needs 19" wheels or 40 series tires. Even skinny 45s are crazy. Because they are still so skinny you get next to no sidewall. And especially in the NE, where the potholes have taken over (and roads never seem to get fixed) it can be a real problem.

Sounds like you need a Monster Truck Tire then.....

[Deleted User]

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

Don't get me started on potholes. and related to midsize sedans, drives me nuts how many of them come with skinny little sidewalls. All for styling purposes, because no Camry or Accord type car needs 19" wheels or 40 series tires. Even skinny 45s are crazy. Because they are still so skinny you get next to no sidewall. And especially in the NE, where the potholes have taken over (and roads never seem to get fixed) it can be a real problem.

Sounds like you need a Monster Truck Tire then.....

Monster truck tires (500lbs each more or less) on Optima with stock engine= 0 to 40 in 25 seconds and new trans in 5 mins. LOL.

On a serious note, C/D and I agree with you. They all said that a 17"to 18" wheel/tire was right size for our size sedans. If you have a powerful turbo 4 or V6 and your car came with a performance suspension, you get 18's stock with 45 sidewalls. Have fun with the pot hole punctures, and frequent, expensive, tire replacement costs.

I have 17" rims with 55 series sidewalls. The sidewalls look a lot smaller when they are clean, treated with tire shine, and the`car is`waxed.

stickguy

I have 215/55 17s on my car. That seems like plenty of sidewall without being a a truck tire. That would be the same diameter as a 235/50. I would consider that as a replacement (if I was going to be keeping the car) to get the extra tread width without giving up sidewall, or having to get bigger wheels.

the 215/45 on a Camry SE was just silly.

ab348

Last summer my brother bought a Kia Rondo, a CUV not sold in the US to replace his Focus wagon. This week driving home in the rain at about 30mph he hit what the city government person he spoke to later described as a "sinkhole", but which most people would simply call a deep pothole. He said the impact was so hard that the wipers turned themselves on and a turn signal started flashing on its own. It took out a steel wheel, both denting it and peeling back the edge of the rim, and shattered the hubcap into bits. Amazingly the 50 aspect ratio tire still held air and was deemed undamaged. He replaced the rim, ordered the hubcap, and is waiting to see if the city will go good for the cost.

[Deleted User]

stickguy said:

I have 215/55 17s on my car. That seems like plenty of sidewall without being a a truck tire. That would be the same diameter as a 235/50. I would consider that as a replacement (if I was going to be keeping the car) to get the extra tread width without giving up sidewall, or having to get bigger wheels.

the 215/45 on a Camry SE was just silly.

SE V6 or SE 4 cyl? If it is the 6 cyl then the lower profile tires make sense. If it is just for show on a 4 banger, then you're right that makes no sense.

stickguy

4 cyl had the same. Even the V6 had no need for them. If you were worried about getting power down, they should have made them wider.

benjaminh

Malibu sales were down a massive 42% last month. They seemingly can't give them away. My local dealer has one for less than $17k after various "offers":

2017 Chevrolet Malibu LS w/1LS (Retail only) Sedan

MSRP:$24,100
Wyler Discount :$4,146
Wyler Price:$19,954
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Final Price:$18,954
Conquest Offer:$1,500
Financing Offer:$1,000
Trade Group Offer:$500
Conditional Final Price:$15,954

Michaell

benjaminh said:

Malibu sales were down a massive 42% last month. They seemingly can't give them away. My local dealer has one for less than $17k after various "offers":

2017 Chevrolet Malibu LS w/1LS (Retail only) Sedan

MSRP:$24,100
Wyler Discount :$4,146
Wyler Price:$19,954
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Final Price:$18,954
Conquest Offer:$1,500
Financing Offer:$1,000
Trade Group Offer:$500
Conditional Final Price:$15,954

Yeah, but the LS is pretty plain Jane.

And, you gotta qualify for all the incentives.

"Left Handed Offer", "Violet Eyes Offer" (only Elizabeth Taylor would qualify), etc.

That said, I did buy a '92 Accord LX using the "one only at this price" ad. Happened to be in the color my (first) wife wanted - navy blue. I want to say it was under $14K for what was normally a $17K sticker price.

benjaminh

Michaell said:

benjaminh said:

Malibu sales were down a massive 42% last month. They seemingly can't give them away. My local dealer has one for less than $17k after various "offers":

2017 Chevrolet Malibu LS w/1LS (Retail only) Sedan

MSRP:$24,100
Wyler Discount :$4,146
Wyler Price:$19,954
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Final Price:$18,954
Conquest Offer:$1,500
Financing Offer:$1,000
Trade Group Offer:$500
Conditional Final Price:$15,954

Yeah, but the LS is pretty plain Jane.

And, you gotta qualify for all the incentives.

"Left Handed Offer", "Violet Eyes Offer" (only Elizabeth Taylor would qualify), etc.

That said, I did buy a '92 Accord LX using the "one only at this price" ad. Happened to be in the color my (first) wife wanted - navy blue. I want to say it was under $14K for what was normally a $17K sticker price.

Even if you didn't qualify for everything, and paid 17k or so, that's still less than you paid for your Accord 25 years ago, once you adjust for inflation. Lotta car for the money, and many more features than most cars had even a dozen years ago....The LS isn't even the bottom of the line, which is the L. The LS has a built-in 4G wifi hotspot, 10 airbags, 7" touchscreen, etc., etc.

ab348

I looked at GM Canada's site just now in response to your post and up here all they are admitting to offering is $1000 credit on Malibus, though I'm sure there are many other incentives a dealer can trot out if you're sniffing around.

Michaell

benjaminh said:

Michaell said:

benjaminh said:

Malibu sales were down a massive 42% last month. They seemingly can't give them away. My local dealer has one for less than $17k after various "offers":

2017 Chevrolet Malibu LS w/1LS (Retail only) Sedan

MSRP:$24,100
Wyler Discount :$4,146
Wyler Price:$19,954
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Final Price:$18,954
Conquest Offer:$1,500
Financing Offer:$1,000
Trade Group Offer:$500
Conditional Final Price:$15,954

Yeah, but the LS is pretty plain Jane.

And, you gotta qualify for all the incentives.

"Left Handed Offer", "Violet Eyes Offer" (only Elizabeth Taylor would qualify), etc.

That said, I did buy a '92 Accord LX using the "one only at this price" ad. Happened to be in the color my (first) wife wanted - navy blue. I want to say it was under $14K for what was normally a $17K sticker price.

Even if you didn't qualify for everything, and paid 17k or so, that's still less than you paid for your Accord 25 years ago, once you adjust for inflation. Lotta car for the money, and many more features than most cars had even a dozen years ago....The LS isn't even the bottom of the line, which is the L. The LS has a built-in 4G wifi hotspot, 10 airbags, 7" touchscreen, etc., etc.

Absolutely true. I haven't looked at the 2017 Malibus, admittedly. I did consider leasing a 2016 Malibu about a year ago - was looking at the LT trim, which was pretty sparse, compared to the Hyundai I was driving at the time (no heated seats, for one).

stickguy

I'll look at them when the time comes. Unless the lease deal if the decade is presented, doubt I would get one.

Maybe the Honda dealer will offer me an Si civic for $185/month again? That deal pained me to pass up. Just right car at wrong time.

andres3

stickguy said:

I have 215/55 17s on my car. That seems like plenty of sidewall without being a a truck tire. That would be the same diameter as a 235/50. I would consider that as a replacement (if I was going to be keeping the car) to get the extra tread width without giving up sidewall, or having to get bigger wheels.

the 215/45 on a Camry SE was just silly.

My '03 Accord Coupe V6 had 205/60R16 tires! Probably would have handled better with a 215/55 or 225/50.

To put that in perspective, the '07 Civic EX came standard with 205/55R16.

My '06 Audi A3 (sport package and suspension) had what seemed like skinny 225/45R17 sidewalls back in 2006 to me (based on the Accord above having skinny truck tire).

Nowadays, I consider the 225/45R17 size the '15 Sportwagen had to be a good compromise and middle ground with enough sidewall to withstand normal road hazards.

andres3

stickguy said:

4 cyl had the same. Even the V6 had no need for them. If you were worried about getting power down, they should have made them wider.

Yeah, sounds like a cost cut. I know I saw an approximately '07-'08 era Camry SE with the upgraded Toyota OEM 18" wheels having 225/45R18's way back then! NO reason it should be 215/45 anything on an SE in 2017.

andres3

benjaminh said:

Malibu sales were down a massive 42% last month. They seemingly can't give them away. My local dealer has one for less than $17k after various "offers":

2017 Chevrolet Malibu LS w/1LS (Retail only) Sedan

MSRP:$24,100
Wyler Discount :$4,146
Wyler Price:$19,954
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Final Price:$18,954
Conquest Offer:$1,500
Financing Offer:$1,000
Trade Group Offer:$500
Conditional Final Price:$15,954

Shoot! I'd be interested in one at that price. What's the residual for a lease though? It's easier for me to try a new manufacturer on a lease than a more trust-requiring buy.

Also, what kind of HP is in that version of the Malibu? I think there are people that don't want underpowered versions.

Michaell

andres3 said:

benjaminh said:

Malibu sales were down a massive 42% last month. They seemingly can't give them away. My local dealer has one for less than $17k after various "offers":

2017 Chevrolet Malibu LS w/1LS (Retail only) Sedan

MSRP:$24,100
Wyler Discount :$4,146
Wyler Price:$19,954
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Chevrolet Offer:$500
Final Price:$18,954
Conquest Offer:$1,500
Financing Offer:$1,000
Trade Group Offer:$500
Conditional Final Price:$15,954

Shoot! I'd be interested in one at that price. What's the residual for a lease though? It's easier for me to try a new manufacturer on a lease than a more trust-requiring buy.

Also, what kind of HP is in that version of the Malibu? I think there are people that don't want underpowered versions.

If it's the base 2.5L, I think around 190HP or so

36/15 residual on the Malibu is 56%, so not all that bad. No lease cash on the LS, and the MF is .00072

One last thing - it's possible that price, and those incentives, aren't available for a lease. Very common with GM vehicles.

ab348

Malibus come with a 1.5L Turbo standard these days. 163HP/184 torque.

andres3

ab348 said:

Malibus come with a 1.5L Turbo standard these days. 163HP/184 torque.

Yeah, 163 ponies ain't gonna do it for a lot of people in a mid-size sedan. That's TDI diesel-like horsepower, and people choosing that are also getting way better miles per gallon, not to mention more torque.

ab348

Malibu only weighs 3150lbs so it's not a porker like a Fusion. But I wouldn't expect it to be fast. The one I had as a loaner was adequate and I never noticed a lack of punch. The bigger problem was the coal mine black interior.

akirby

The newer turbo 4 cylinders pack a lot of torque at low rpm. My 2.0EB Fusion is faster than my V8 Lincoln LS.

explorerx4

We've several vehicles with 19 and 20 inch wheels and never had a problem with bent rims or flat tires.
Once my wife hit a huge pothole with her Escape(19 inchers). Rim size would not have mattered. The tire was toast and the rim kind of folded at the lip on the back side.
They just straightened it with a mallet, put a new tire on and we never had any problem with it.
My Current Fusion has 18's and it definitely rides smoother than my prior Fusion that had 19's.
Could be suspension tuning.

PF_Flyer

Are you someone who's trying to find a basic car without all of the complicated new technology? Or maybe you know (or are!) someone who just bought a car that's loaded with apps and technology and you have a funny story about figuring out how to use it?
We have a reporter who would love to talk to you. Please send a note with details and your contact information to PR@Edmunds.com by Monday, March 13, 2017.

ab348

PF_Flyer said:

Are you someone who's trying to find a basic car without all of the complicated new technology? Or maybe you know (or are!) someone who just bought a car that's loaded with apps and technology and you have a funny story about figuring out how to use it?
We have a reporter who would love to talk to you. Please send a note with details and your contact information to PR@Edmunds.com by Monday, March 13, 2017.

Didn't buy a car like that, but was given a new Cadillac XT5 as a loaner and I thought it was trying to kill me at first. I got in and buckled up no problem. Started it and the seats began moving forward (due to memory that must have been set for someone petite) and I almost got strangled. Then I tried to figure out the electronic shifter and got it into manual mode inadvertently and couldn't get out of first gear for a while. Never did get used to that shifter. And when I went to make the first lane change, the mirrors I thought were set for me had also reset themselves to the memory settings. Not a good introduction!

Sandman6472

My Golf, and the wife's A3, has 225/45/17 rubber and the ride is pretty acceptable but, I prefer a larger sidewall like Stick. Put on run flats last month in the same size but wondering, could I have gone to a 215/50/17 or even a 205/55/17? Would've gotten the larger sidewall I prefer but not sure if it would still be the proper fitment. Know it's silly to inquire now since I've already gone and put new sneakers on the Golf, but just for my peace of mind, are my figures correct? And would these both be considered a Plus 0?? Now, I've confused myself even more!!!

The Confused Sandman

stickguy

there is a calculator you can use, but generally, if you keep the same wheel and want a taller sidewall, you are going to screw up your speedo calibration if nothing else. So if you want to keep that the same, you are going to have the same size sidewall, making it a true +zero.

my car has 215/55-17s on it. the closest fit to that (wider but lower aspect ratio) to keep the RPMs the same for me is a 235/50-17. exactly the same amount of sidewall, just a wider tread.

play with this if you want.

https://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

berri

Sadly, in today's world swapping tire sizes like that bring up a few concerns. If anything even remotely related to it happens, it can be an excuse to void warranty coverage. If you are in an accident, it may open you to litigation and your insurance company may try to wiggle itself out of the situation.

[Deleted User]

stickguy said:

4 cyl had the same. Even the V6 had no need for them. If you were worried about getting power down, they should have made them wider.

I get what you are saying, and you are right. I remember clearly that my 1987 Chevy Z24 (V6.. Multi-Port-Fuel Injected engine had 152 HP/179 lb ft . It had 215/60/14 tires and was governed to 115 MPH. You could also make 225 cross section tires fit the stock rims, which my best friend had (Falcon Tire 225/60/14). I installed the same when my tires wore out. These were the good old days when you could turn your rotors.....but that was because they were not vented in the front or rear like we enjoy...which cools them quickly enough to avoid warping from over heating. This is why my Optima non vented rear disk brakes are heavily warped and the fronts less so, but they are all warped after 56,800 miles. The Cavalier Z24 was known for brake issues

I have all of my brake kit in stock (well..sitting in the corner of my dining room). They are cross drilled, slotted, and the fronts are vented. The rears are "just" drilled and slotted. I already have ceramic pads installed last month, so I HAVE to get these rotors on ASAP. The dealer is installing them on the 14th since they are OEM on their performance (turbo) cars like the Veloster Turbo, and Nakamoto are Japanese rotors so I am taking a shot in the dark and installing them.
Feedback from anyone with slotted and cross drilled brakes on your midsize now or in the past would be great.

explorerx4

How much do your new brake components weigh compared to your oem brake parts?

[Deleted User]

Only about 10% lighter on these particular rotors. They will definitely stop the car faster, but you don't want to tear chunks out of your pads in the process.

I am having them installed on the 25th!!!! , and he is coming here to do the job. My friend Scott hooked me up with a master mechanic that was let go because of issues between him and the new owners. I spoke to him for a half hour, and I have the word of my best friend as well that he does top notch work. $225 to install!!!! That is half what shops charge. Also, I have done brake jobs many times before, so I will be watching to make sure he has too. If I start heaaring Ummmm???? or aaaaaaahhhh??? coming out his mouth he is done for.

backy

I made my annual pilgrimage to the Greater Twin Cities Auto Show yesterday. For the first time in many years, I spent almost no time looking at mid-sized sedans, because there's very little new in that realm. I went to check out the new Camry, but all they had was a sports model on a tilted, rotating platform (read: can't get inside) that was absolutely hideous, IMO. It was white with black roof and black trim and wheels. My oldest son was put off by the looks also, and I told him the lower trims might look better. He noted it looked "angry" in front, and in fact a lot of cars including most Toyotas seem to have that "angry" nose these days.

I spent most of my time looking at new small cars like the Hyundai Ioniq (my younger son's favorite car from the show, and one of my favorites also), the Kia Niro (another favorite of mine), the Toyota iA (the only Toyota I'd consider buying except the 86), the Mazda3, the Civic hatchback (I like the old style Civic hatches better), and the Impreza ($27k and no rear center armrest??), and small SUVs like the new CR-V (nicely done inside and out), Tucson, Sportage, CX-5, HR-V (love the magic seats!), and Rogue Sport (like a Rogue but with a cramped rear seat).

I won't need to get a new car for myself or my wife for at least 3 years, but if I had to get one today (e.g. car is totaled in an accident) I'd probably get an Ioniq or Niro or slightly used Mazda3 for myself and a slightly used CX-5 or HR-V for my wife (she needs the higher seating position of an SUV and doesn't like driving a brand new vehicle).

sda

I wonder when Honda will show off the new '18 Accord?

Michaell

sda said:

I wonder when Honda will show off the new '18 Accord?

This fall, I believe.