Midsize Sedans 2.0

benjaminh · August 2017

The 2018 Accord Hybrid only has a 12.8 gallon gas tank, but since it should get about 50 mpg, it will actually have the longest range of any of the models. That might be the one I'm most interested in now, esp. since they've relocated the batteries so that the trunk space is the same as the regular models at 16.7.

ab348 · August 2017

benjaminh said:
A bit ot, I know, but the compact to midsize luxury market was tough for most in July....Lexus ES is now the bestselling midsize luxury car by far. BMW 3 series off 40%, ATS down 63% (is that model being cut?).

No, it's scheduled to live on for another couple of years, but they can't seem to give them away. Up here in Canada, GM is offering huge incentives right now, to the tune of $8K or more on them, which is unheard of in this market. I love mine, but it is an expensive, limited-market vehicle with a backseat only useful for kids and not much trunk space. A blast to drive though.

benjaminh · August 2017

ab348 said:

benjaminh said:
A bit ot, I know, but the compact to midsize luxury market was tough for most in July....Lexus ES is now the bestselling midsize luxury car by far. BMW 3 series off 40%, ATS down 63% (is that model being cut?).
No, it's scheduled to live on for another couple of years, but they can't seem to give them away. Up here in Canada, GM is offering huge incentives right now, to the tune of $8K or more on them, which is unheard of in this market. I love mine, but it is an expensive, limited-market vehicle with a backseat only useful for kids and not much trunk space. A blast to drive though.

The ATS is nice looking too imho. And having a rare car is fun.

suydam · August 2017

benjaminh said:

Michaell said:

benjaminh said:

Michaell said:
@benjaminh - the 2016 Jetta SE I leased a year ago is equipped with CarPlay.
Nice. I didn't know VW was doing its cars with that now, or I'd forgotten. Thanks. Jetta then is probably about the least expensive car available with that feature.
Was certainly one of the reasons why I chose it. Nice functionality, even if I have to settle for Apple Maps.
Are apple maps really that bad?? Doesn't seem possible. They must be almost as good as google's, right?

Apple maps was way behind Google a few years ago but has since caught up. I use either interchangeably.

Michaell · August 2017

benjaminh said:
Continuing on with my out-of-class comparison with the A6

Audi A6 length 194.2 inches, width 73.8, height 57.8, base curb weight FWD 3803, interior volume 97.2 cubic feet, 14.1 trunk, 19.8 gallon gas tank, 28 mpg combined, msrp with a few options. c. $56,000 (this is the A6 with the lowest msrp in my area).

2018 Accord Touring 192.1, 73.2, 57.1, curb weight for the Touring 2.0 c. 3450? 102.7 cu foot interior, 16.7, trunk, 14.8 gas tank, c. 29 mpg combined, msrp c. $36,000.

Yeah, they are different classes of car. I know. But close in some areas. I'm sure the Audi is nicer in a few areas, but not 20k nicer. And I think the Accord is likely to be more reliable out of warranty. Still, far short of the double that I was first guessing. And the weight difference isn't quite as big as I was guessing. It's closer to 350 pounds rather than 500. The 2018 Accord is going to have c. 40.4" rear leg room, compared to 37.4 for the A6. That's a significant difference for those rear seat people. The A6 will certainly be comfortable, but if the numbers are to be believed the new Accord is going to seem almost like a Lincoln Continental in the back seat.

Interesting observation - comparing the A6 FWD to the Accord.

I've always perceived the A6 to be a bigger car, but with the 2018 Accord specs laid out, I see that isn't the case.

I'm sure there are lots of folks who will continue to lease the A6 at $600+ per month, compared to the (assumed) $400/mo for the Accord Touring.

andres3 · August 2017

A6 vs. Accord:

Interesting to compare. Should also post 0-60 and slalom times though; not that those things are a priority for all buyers.

Also, I think when someone wants something "nicer" than a Camcord, they want something nicer, and it being $20,000 less won't matter. What will matter, is if the Acura is nicer enough and far enough below the higher priced Audi.

For me, the '14 S4 vs. '14 TL SH-AWD (as much as $15K savings) balance came out in favor of the Audi; no hesitation. For others, they'll pocket the $15K.

andres3 · August 2017

I'm okay with FWD A3's and A4's, but even I draw the line at A6. All A6's should be quattro AWD.

Getting a FWD A6 is like buying a hamburger at Mortons.

sda · August 2017

ab348 said:

benjaminh said:
A bit ot, I know, but the compact to midsize luxury market was tough for most in July....Lexus ES is now the bestselling midsize luxury car by far. BMW 3 series off 40%, ATS down 63% (is that model being cut?).
No, it's scheduled to live on for another couple of years, but they can't seem to give them away. Up here in Canada, GM is offering huge incentives right now, to the tune of $8K or more on them, which is unheard of in this market. I love mine, but it is an expensive, limited-market vehicle with a backseat only useful for kids and not much trunk space. A blast to drive though.

The ATS is a sharp car. Only wish the back seat room was bigger. Seems all the publications badly pan the CUE system across most Cadillacs. Wonder if that has had an impact on sales. What is your experience?

ab348 · August 2017

I barely use CUE for much since I don't have nav. It's basically a fancy radio and cell phone interface. It works fine for what it is. I've used the newer GM Intellilink in rental cars and it does more things like giving you text messages that come in and offering some canned responses, but I can't say it is any easier to use - I find none of this stuff is. I suspect a lot if it is auto writers piling on.

backy · August 2017

I got a shock (but a good one) this week when I rented an almost-midsized Elantra for a trip from ORD to Milwaukee. It was an SE with 7k miles on it. For this ~100 mile trip, which included some congested traffic near Chicago and in Milwaukee (rush hour) and some around-town driving in Milwaukee, the car averaged 51.1 mpg by the trip computer. (I can't rely on the pump numbers because I'm sure the tank was low when I picked up the car.) I drove with traffic the whole time. Even if the trip computer was optimistic, it was a great showing for a non-hybrid compact. I think my Forte5 with a more powerful engine would have done well to average 40 mpg on that trip, so I was quite impressed by the Elantra. But I probably wouldn't get one, as it seemed "thin" compared to Elantras of the past--probably for better FE, but also to cut costs.

With gas still near $2 a gallon in many places in the USA, SUVs will continue to rule, but anyone who doesn't need an SUV or big car can save a lot of gas money with one of the new compacts. If the Elantra can get over 50 mpg on a trip like that, I wonder what a Prius or Ioniq could do?

Michaell · August 2017

backy said:
I got a shock (but a good one) this week when I rented an almost-midsized Elantra for a trip from ORD to Milwaukee. It was an SE with 7k miles on it. For this ~100 mile trip, which included some congested traffic near Chicago and in Milwaukee (rush hour) and some around-town driving in Milwaukee, the car averaged 51.1 mpg by the trip computer. (I can't rely on the pump numbers because I'm sure the tank was low when I picked up the car.) I drove with traffic the whole time. Even if the trip computer was optimistic, it was a great showing for a non-hybrid compact. I think my Forte5 with a more powerful engine would have done well to average 40 mpg on that trip, so I was quite impressed by the Elantra. But I probably wouldn't get one, as it seemed "thin" compared to Elantras of the past--probably for better FE, but also to cut costs.

With gas still near $2 a gallon in many places in the USA, SUVs will continue to rule, but anyone who doesn't need an SUV or big car can save a lot of gas money with one of the new compacts. If the Elantra can get over 50 mpg on a trip like that, I wonder what a Prius or Ioniq could do?

I doubt that I'll ever get an SUV as my DD - I like the idea of a car too much.

Granted, the wife has an Outback, so we do have a family truckster in the fleet.

With the improvements in FE in the mid-size sedan category (along with HP), it's looking more and more likely that one may be might next lease target.

[Deleted User] · August 2017

andres3 said:

akirby said:
It's not a scheme to avoid warranty repairs. It's a safeguard against folks who thrash and abuse their vehicle on the track way beyond the design limits and then want Ford to fix it under warranty.

Almost every mfr has this type of disclaimer.

"However, a Ford representative sent us this clarification: "Ford vehicles such as Mustang, GT350, Focus RS, Focus & Fiesta ST and Raptor are designed for spirited driving and will be covered by warranty if the vehicle is operated within the limits and guidelines outlined in the vehicle's owner's guide and warranty manual, including when the vehicle is driven in 'track mode,' a feature that is contained on some vehicles, if it is driven on a track in a manner that is consistent with the guidelines. Ford does not recommend racing these vehicles in timed competitions or sanctioned race events, as they are designed and built to be driven as delivered from the factory, and the vehicle warranty does not cover mechanical failure or damage caused when a vehicle is used for racing."
Ahhh, OK, so racing would not include HPDE weekend events. Those are driver training; not racing. So it isn't track use per say that is banned. Seems like a fair policy. Racing would be more like "commercial use." Of course, I've known companies that ignore their own written rules and have imbeciles misinterpret the companies own rules. Happened to me with American Airlines on checked baggage weight and size limits and fees.

The clarification is just a CYA measure, of which we can all understand. These cars do not have racing basics, such as a safety cage, fire extinguisher or fire suppression system. It is meant for spirited driving maybe 20% of the time and the other 80% like any other car. As a mechanic, if I saw Focus RS'sssss all day long and then one ti me a week a car comes in with a roasted clutch, trashed tires, and excessive brake wear

[Deleted User] · August 2017

benjaminh said:
cski: How many miles now on your Optima? Have you replaces the tires, or not yet? What did you originally pay for it, and what was the msrp?

It was $24,260 on the sticker. I paid $21,800, as long as I paid $950 to extend the warranty to 10/100 B2B. So 22,750 for the 2012 Optima EX 2.4 liter, purchased December 23, 2011. 200 SAE cert Bhp and 186 lb-ft. I felt like it far exceeded what I paid for it.Dark cherry red, tan leather seats, 8 way power drivers seat, bluetooth, USB and Aux inputs/outputs, and I use the USB for a 16gb thumb drive with 1100 songs. It was gorgeous.

Stereo:
I have Sirius, but not willing to pay for songs I already have. I added a kicker 2x10" sub box with Kicker subs (slotted perfectly between the rear shock towers), Kicker Mono-block 400W RMS amp, another 4 Kicker door speakers (60 watt rms) and a 4 channel amp (60w rms x 4) mounted under passenger seat. I have a sub volume knob mounted on the fuse panel cover that I can reach w/o looking. Some songs have too much or too little bass, depending on recording variables.

Problems:
Center console latch broke twice. Both times repaired under warranty. A/C high pressure hose blew 3 times. I think I drive it way too hard and it puts a lot of pressure on the system. Perhaps the A/C clutch is not disengaging fast enough under heavy load. (all cars have a/c clutches. When full power is called upon by the throttle position sensor, it cuts some of the drag on the serpentine belt by ditching the A/C compressor, among other systems determined by your specific model) . A/C takes about 15% of you available power.

Prognosis:
It has 59,600k on it. I am halfway through my 2nd set of tires. (I am very throttle heavy and stability control keeps me on the road no matter how hard I throw it into a corner)....like reducing radius on and off ramps...one of which curls through the Springfield interchange (Southbound) and it is a true test of tires, suspension, and electronic nannies. I did order a brake upgrade from A-1 Auto, and it was $140 for all 4 wheels. I already had the new pads. They are zinc infused, slotted, cross-drilled, and front wheel rotors are also vented...so there are two rotors with vanes sandwiched between for added cooling in the front. Almost all if not all cars have vented front rotors and non-vented rear. My brakes are finally great. Even pedal modulation with smooth engagement and savage stopping power is now the norm. I am done with her. I am going to pass it down to the kids, and the replacement is the subject of great debate. i no longer need cavernous rear seats. I want power. I want rear drive. I just don't know yet.

Overall:
IT NEVER LEFT ME STRANDED. I added a pre-painted OEM rear spoiler, and 35% tints, and lastly a K&N drop in filter. That's it. Sounds like a lot added when you consider the stereo system upgrade, but over 5 years I may have invested $1,200.00. It looks fantastic still, except for front hood valance clear coat problem it still looks more or less just like I bought it. Clear coat was dinged by rocks and debris over 5 years.

[Deleted User] · August 2017

benjaminh said:

stickguy said:
I am hoping September, but could easily be October. Good thing is, I am not in a hurry. Though if I found a deal too good to pass up now (probably should have talked numbers about the 2017 TLX before they were all gone) I would consider trading in the Sonata to make it go away a few months early.
Even though it would have been a good deal on a good car, my guess is that you were wise to pass up the 2017 TLX. For one, the older TLXs didn't have AndroidAuto/AppleCarPlay. As I've mentioned several times here, I think this is a very useful feature, and should be considered for every new car buyer. Just as a refresher, previously in my cars programming the navi when you were going someplace new was somewhat annoying and even time-consuming. With Android Auto you press the mic icon, say, "Petsmart" or whatever, and it comes right up. I think your daughter might want to consider this for her car as well. Many cars do have it now, but I don't think VWs do.

On Honda's website it says vaguely that the new Accord will arrive in "Fall." My guess is that it'll be October. If it was next month, I think we'd already have details on trim levels, msrps, etc.

Given that I felt that my 2016 Accord was fairly state-of-the-art for midsize cars when I got it a little more than a year ago, I'm impressed with how many changes there are going to be with the 2018 Accord. Most of these changes are for the better, but a few are not imho.

I like the new styling of the 2018 Accord, and have warmed up to the "blunt front" and "coupe-like" back. But it still seems like rear visibility behind the driver has been compromised for this. I would like to sit in one to see for myself. Blind spot monitoring will be important imho.

So, that's one possible big minus for me for the 2018 Accord, while two other small minuses are that they are eliminating at least two things: no CD player for the 2018 Accord, as far as I can see, and no side view camera "LaneWatch." But, it's true that I rarely use my CD player on my 2016 Accord now, preferring XM, FM, or audio books through AndroidAuto.

Other changes for the 2018 Accord compared to my 2016 Accord all seem positive. Overall, the new dash design seems more elegant and more ergonomically efficient. I like the return of the knobs. Also, although I didn't have a problem with Honda's controversial two-screen set up, probably one screen will end up being better (and more cost efficient for Honda. My 2016 Accord seems plenty fast, and is significantly more powerful and faster than my 2008 Accord, but the 2018 Accords with standard turbo power should be faster even with the 1.5. I'm also guessing we'll have a 10% improvement in mpg over the current Accord, to 33 mpg combined. This will mean that a 2018 Accord is going to get 2 more mpg than a 2012 Civic, which is a nice improvement.

I am just utterly dissatisfied with the looks over at Acura. They have not come up with any new styling for years and years. They make GREAT cars.....but I am not dropping $40k on one you can't distinguish from a 2009. $40k buys me many many great cars with better styling. BMW...in an effort to fill every niche, has indeed confused and lost some of its customer base. They have unnecessarily long names. "BMW 328is Sport M X-drive"? Huh? Of course I KNOW what it means.....but many more do not. Car guys buy BMW's, but we only make up 10% of their base.

andres3 · August 2017

cski said:

andres3 said:

akirby said:
It's not a scheme to avoid warranty repairs. It's a safeguard against folks who thrash and abuse their vehicle on the track way beyond the design limits and then want Ford to fix it under warranty.

Almost every mfr has this type of disclaimer.

"However, a Ford representative sent us this clarification: "Ford vehicles such as Mustang, GT350, Focus RS, Focus & Fiesta ST and Raptor are designed for spirited driving and will be covered by warranty if the vehicle is operated within the limits and guidelines outlined in the vehicle's owner's guide and warranty manual, including when the vehicle is driven in 'track mode,' a feature that is contained on some vehicles, if it is driven on a track in a manner that is consistent with the guidelines. Ford does not recommend racing these vehicles in timed competitions or sanctioned race events, as they are designed and built to be driven as delivered from the factory, and the vehicle warranty does not cover mechanical failure or damage caused when a vehicle is used for racing."
Ahhh, OK, so racing would not include HPDE weekend events. Those are driver training; not racing. So it isn't track use per say that is banned. Seems like a fair policy. Racing would be more like "commercial use." Of course, I've known companies that ignore their own written rules and have imbeciles misinterpret the companies own rules. Happened to me with American Airlines on checked baggage weight and size limits and fees.
The clarification is just a CYA measure, of which we can all understand. These cars do not have racing basics, such as a safety cage, fire extinguisher or fire suppression system. It is meant for spirited driving maybe 20% of the time and the other 80% like any other car. As a mechanic, if I saw Focus RS'sssss all day long and then one ti me a week a car comes in with a roasted clutch, trashed tires, and excessive brake wear

However, clutches, tires, and brake wear are all considered wear items. Some people will argue about the clutch though @driver100 for example.

I've never tried to make a warranty claim on "excessive" tire or brake wear (pads or rotors). I don't consider wear to be excessive unless it is. For example, if I track it, I expect wear. However, if I never tracked a car, and it needed new rotors at 15,000 miles, I might make a claim on that.

Focus seems to do poorly on reliability surveys of all types.

stickguy · August 2017

well, a clutch in 20K miles or less, that is way out of any reasonable consideration of normal wear. Has to be a reason for that. Either a defect, or seriously bad driver riding the heck out of it.

and I actually like the styling on the TLX. one of the nicer designs floating around IMO.

andres3 · August 2017

stickguy said:
well, a clutch in 20K miles or less, that is way out of any reasonable consideration of normal wear. Has to be a reason for that. Either a defect, or seriously bad driver riding the heck out of it.

and I actually like the styling on the TLX. one of the nicer designs floating around IMO.

I like the TLX in A-Spec trimmings. Without the A-Spec upgrades, it seems a bit plain Jane to me.

stickguy · August 2017

some people like classy and understated styling. that is why they make different versions I guess.

andres3 · August 2017

stickguy said:
some people like classy and understated styling. that is why they make different versions I guess.

I don't mind classy and understated, but isn't Acura supposed to be a "sporty" brand? Does Acura conjure up images of "classy & understated" to you? The shiny beaks on recent TL's was neither.

roadburner · August 2017

Mazda and BMW have never given me an issue over track use; the only failure that might have been track related was a front strut that went south on the MS3. No issues otherwise for any car I've tracked. Contrast that with the Giulia Quadrifoglio that a friend tested; it couldn't complete one lap of Gingerman without going into limp mode. I even took an Alpina B7 press loaner to Motorsport Ranch and spent a couple of days flogging it. The only thing that brought a stop to the fun was wear on the tires...

pensfan83 · August 2017

andres3 said:
I like the TLX in A-Spec trimmings. Without the A-Spec upgrades, it seems a bit plain Jane to me.

Agree

The restyle and the whole package is what is winning me over. I have yet to test drive one but the reviews seem to be pretty good overall and I'm not sure the premium required for a comparably equipped BMW or Audi is worth it, at least to me.

pensfan83 · August 2017

andres3 said:
I like the TLX in A-Spec trimmings. Without the A-Spec upgrades, it seems a bit plain Jane to me.

Agree

The restyle and the whole package is what is winning me over. I have yet to test drive one but the reviews seem to be pretty good overall and I'm not sure the premium required for a comparably equipped BMW or Audi is worth it, at least to me.

pensfan83 · August 2017

andres3 said:
I like the TLX in A-Spec trimmings. Without the A-Spec upgrades, it seems a bit plain Jane to me.

Agree

The restyle and the whole package is what is winning me over. I have yet to test drive one but the reviews seem to be pretty good overall and I'm not sure the premium required for a comparably equipped BMW or Audi is worth it, at least to me.

pensfan83 · August 2017

andres3 said:
I like the TLX in A-Spec trimmings. Without the A-Spec upgrades, it seems a bit plain Jane to me.

Agree

The restyle and the whole package is what is winning me over. I have yet to test drive one but the reviews seem to be pretty good overall and I'm not sure the premium required for a comparably equipped BMW or Audi is worth it, at least to me.

rg_1148 · August 2017

Do you guys know what make/model this car is? It looks like it could be a mid-size.

stickguy · August 2017

Is it disguised? Next Jetta?

stickguy · August 2017

Pens, the TLX has a good interior, great seats, ands drives nicely. Very good overall package. And quite quick with the V6

andres3 · August 2017

pensfan83 said:

andres3 said:
I like the TLX in A-Spec trimmings. Without the A-Spec upgrades, it seems a bit plain Jane to me.
Agree

The restyle and the whole package is what is winning me over. I have yet to test drive one but the reviews seem to be pretty good overall and I'm not sure the premium required for a comparably equipped BMW or Audi is worth it, at least to me.

What kind of price premiums are you assuming? I know a FWD A4 can be had for under $40K out the door well equipped.

pensfan83 · August 2017

andres3 said:
What kind of price premiums are you assuming? I know a FWD A4 can be had for under $40K out the door well equipped.

If I want the options to match between an A4 and TLX A Spec I would be looking at the Prestige trim for the Audi which is roughly $6,500-$7,000 higher (less than I thought) but with a lower RV it won't lease as well as the Acura. Living in the Northeast I also want AWD so I would go with a Quattro model.

Don't get me wrong I love my A4 but the value of the Acura is hard to beat IMO.

pensfan83 · August 2017

stickguy said:
Pens, the TLX has a good interior, great seats, ands drives nicely. Very good overall package. And quite quick with the V6

I never gave it much thought at all until I saw the restyled version and the A Spec offering and then they had my attention. I'm anxious to test drive it within the next few weeks.

explorerx4 · August 2017

One of my kids is a huge Pens fan, well mostly Syd.
For her 18th birthday, she asked to go to a Bruins/Pens game(Boston closer for us).
We went and she saw Syd's first fight. For her last birthday she went to a game in Pittsburgh.

ab348 · August 2017

explorerx4 said:
One of my kids is a huge Pens fan, well mostly Syd.
For her 18th birthday, she asked to go to a Bruins/Pens game(Boston closer for us).
We went and she saw Syd's first fight. For her last birthday she went to a game in Pittsburgh.

Sid is from here and is back in town for a while. Celebrated his 30th birthday at home this week with his friends. One of them got him a 3-liter bottle of local rum as a gift. Fortunately, Sid brought something along to drink it out of...

The Stanley Cup was in town so he could lead the parade across the bridge over Halifax Harbour for our annual municipal holiday, Natal Day.

He's been all over town with the Cup in tow the last few days, having great fun showing it off. He is absolutely beloved here.

berri · August 2017

I've actually run into pens fans rather frequently it seems...and Pittsburgh isn't a huge city, while PA has for more population in the east. of course the Flyers...

pensfan83 · August 2017

explorerx4 said:
One of my kids is a huge Pens fan, well mostly Syd.
For her 18th birthday, she asked to go to a Bruins/Pens game(Boston closer for us).
We went and she saw Syd's first fight. For her last birthday she went to a game in Pittsburgh.

Those are great birthday presents

@ab348 - He is a civic treasure in Pittsburgh, the city reveres him on a level that approaches Mario Lemieux levels at times. The Steelers will always be the kings of town when it comes to sports franchises but Crosby has elevated the Pens to a level few thought possible after the early 2000s.

benjaminh · August 2017

"Honda Rick" says that the 1.5 turbo versions of the all new 2018 Accord are projected to go on sale on October 18th. The 2.0 turbo versions of the 2018 Accord aren't expected until November 20th.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4101gTtXfo&feature=youtu.be

benjaminh · August 2017

Cars.com has a preview of the 2018 Accord. Looks good imho. But I still worry about the rear visibility with the new design.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyxlZDzgGyI

explorerx4 · August 2017

I see a lot of Fusion and Malibu in the exterior design of the new Accord.
Not a big fan of the tablet style screen or the shift.
I wonder how the rear seat headroom is compared to replaced model?
That one was really good.

ab348 · August 2017

I saw a couple of reviews of the new GMC Terrain this week and it has auto transmission shift buttons on the low part of the center stack. My initial reaction was that it looked like a very bad idea and would be hard to use, but I know one of the reviewers who drove it and he insists that it worked quite well and was an easy transition. I am still not sure it is a good idea.

stickguy · August 2017

Oct 18? Was hoping sooner. Does not bode well for my timing unless I delay getting a replacement. Probably best the small motor comes out first. If that seems like plenty of power, I won't get seduced by more!

Michaell · August 2017

stickguy said:
Oct 18? Was hoping sooner. Does not bode well for my timing unless I delay getting a replacement. Probably best the small motor comes out first. If that seems like plenty of power, I won't get seduced by more!

Your Sonata has, what, 185HP? The 1.5T in the Accord is rated for 192 - but, likely to have more oomph due to the turbo.

berri · August 2017

Personally, I don't think I'd be an early buyer of the new Accord. Honda new models like Civic have had I believe more teething problems than expected. Having said that, I'm sure in the longer run it will be an excellent vehicle.

benjaminh · August 2017

berri said:
Personally, I don't think I'd be an early buyer of the new Accord. Honda new models like Civic have had I believe more teething problems than expected. Having said that, I'm sure in the longer run it will be an excellent vehicle.

Maybe. But I got an all-new 2008 Accord just a few months after it came out and didn't have any problems. And my wife got an all-new 2013 Accord a few months after it came out, and she also didn't have any problems either. There's always some risk with an all-new model, even a Honda, but if I really needed a new car it wouldn't stop me from getting the all-new 2018 Accord. You're always covered by the warranty if something happens.

benjaminh · August 2017

stickguy said:
Oct 18? Was hoping sooner. Does not bode well for my timing unless I delay getting a replacement. Probably best the small motor comes out first. If that seems like plenty of power, I won't get seduced by more!

Given that they've cut the weight by about 100 pounds on the 2018 Accord, and the turbo has significantly more torque than the already good previous engine, I think the 1.5T is going to give nice performance and excellent mpg for this car. If it weren't for the darn rear visibility thing I'd say this car is going be a home run.

stickguy · August 2017

Ben and his rear visibility obsession! Everyone has their hot button I guess. I will wait to see in person before deciding, but I expect all cars now to have crappy rear view these days.

Michael, the Civic was like the Jetta. Great pull off the line. The Sonata is a lot softer until you get it booted along. Though it did move out nicely once when I had to go 50-70 on a 2 lane to pass a dawdler. Surprised me.

but I think that the Accord is going to feel even quicker than it is. Opposite of the Sonata. Of course, the 2.0T will be even nicer, but probably overkill.

benjaminh · August 2017

At my local VW dealer there's a 2017 Passat being offered for just $17,000. For 2k less than the price of a base Civic, you can get a brand new Passat. Plus they'll throw in 1.9 financing. Quite a deal....

STOCK177554VIN1VWAT7A3XHC055897
GET E-PRICE
Pricing information for 08/27/2017

MSRP $23,630
Savings $6,631
Bachman Sale Price $18,499
$500 Off August Bonus
$1000 Off Model Year End Bonus
Bonus Sale Price $16,999

http://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2017-volkswagen-passat-1-8t-s-fwd-4dr-car-1vwat7a3xhc055897

Talk about a lot of car for the money.

benjaminh · August 2017

Alex on Autos likes the Passat....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfowGLxo2rs

stickguy · August 2017

I had a loaner a few months ago for 3 days. It was very nice. an SE, so had moonroof, power seat, and BLIS. One like this, still quite a good deal for brand new. Add another grand or so for the tech package (lousy navi).

http://www.bachmanvolkswagen.com/inventory/new-2017-volkswagen-passat-1-8t-se-fwd-4dr-car-1vwbt7a34hc064180

ab348 · August 2017

I like the Passat also. Those are great buys. The dealer seems to think Passats only come in black, gray or silver and most are with black interiors unfortunately. There are a few there with gray or beige inside though. I think it would be worth coughing up a bit more cash to get one of the R-line versions they have at very good prices.

stickguy · August 2017

if you don't need/want a moonroof, the R lines for 19.3Kish are a really good deal. even have LED lights.

sda · August 2017

stickguy said:
if you don't need/want a moonroof, the R lines for 19.3Kish are a really good deal. even have LED lights.

Isn't that what Henryn bought about 6 months ago. It looked sharp. IIRC he is in the Houston area, hope he is ok.

Midsize Sedans 2.0

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