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Oh and yes my car has the powerhouse 800 cc diesel motor, I think your HP guess is a little high though, I am pretty sure that up here ( as opposed to Europe) they were tuned to 40 some odd HP due to the lower cetane of our fuel in North America. It takes around 20 sec 0-60 which sounds really bad, but in reality it keeps up with the flow of traffic fine, and most of the time I am out accelerating everyone at the stop lights, it is fine on the highway as well ( I tend to drive to work at around 120km/hr)., and the milage is extremely good ( 60-75 mpg US). There are new cars that are advertising milage that is getting close to what the smart gets ( like the gas smart the aerodynamics hurt it on the highway), and when it dies I may replace it with one of them ( of course the Matrix is getting very little milage on it so it should hopefully last a long time). It is also a convertible which adds fun to it, and yes it is fun to drive ( to me anyway).
Really? Are there lots of amish where you live?
As for the noise with window down, this is pretty common with a lot of cars, that said it normally happens with just one, or sometimes with just the front windows down, normally if you open the rear windows a bit too this stops the noise, hopefully that is the case with your car.
Try experimenting with different levels on the rear windows and opening the fronts too. As for the brakes, demand better.....
The brake rotors at 400 miles sounds like a problem...and the vibrating as well.
I've warped rotors on a very hot day driving through a puddle (central TX summer), but I imagine at this time of year in NY you wouldn't have this problem.
I drove a Focus SE (auto and manual) and I thought it was a great car for the price. To me it just seems like a brake issue that Ford should happily repair under warranty.
Are there any other issues or things you don't like about the car? It seems extreme to want to get rid of it; I think you'd take a huge loss.
Here's my list so far of why I should buy each of them, it might help anyone else looking between these two also.
Accord EX (Not standard with Camry): $23,600 TrueCar.com Price as of today
Turn signal indicator mirrors
Automatic temperature control
Power moonroof
Telescoping steering wheel
Fully automatic headlights
Rear camera
IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award
Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support
Nicer Rims
econ button
Passive keyless entry and push-button start
Camera mounted in passenger side-view mirror
Looks better
Better gas millage
Sporty drive
8in LCD display
Better horse power
Camry SE (Not standard on Accord): $20,800 TrueCar.com Price as of today
Reliable (Seems less issues with the Camry than Accord in general)
2 yr free maintenance
Quiet and Comfortable ride
not first year remodel
Leatherette with cloth inserts seats standard
Leather Wheel
Lower cost (buying and ownership)
No CVT or direct injection engine (could give me trouble down the road)
Most important to me:
1. Reliability- Camry
2. Int. look and feel.- Camry
3. Ext. Look- Accord
4. Stereo- Camry
5. How it drives- Accord
6. Cost- Camry
7. Gas mileage- Accord
8. Gadgets- Accord
9. Safety- Accord
10. Cost of ownership- Camry
It all comes down to what is the most important and what is a deal breaker I guess.
Anyone else with a list of things you like and don't like please share!
Furthermore, there are people that suffer from Raynaud's disease. It is more common than you might think. Since you don't have it, consider yourself fortunate.
Why a diesel Smart convertible in Canada? It sounds like the least likely car to see in the great white north!
Fast forward many years and I find even small SUV type body shapes, like Nissan X Trail, Rogue, Honda CRV etc...they all seem to do it but to a lesser degree than a sedan.
I agree, it was great in the snow. A very balanced car with its weight distribution. I think the very cantilevered trunk aft of the rear axle helped offset the heavy cast iron block of the (only) 4 cylinder up front. That car had great seats and a wonderful heater/defroster too. It was certainly no ball of fire, but did sound wonderful wound out in third gear. It only sounded like you were going fast though..
But not one of my life-time favourites as a car goes generally..
Among the many suggestions of trying different windows and measurements raised lowered and combos, try also different speeds in case you can find a sweet spot only a few mph away from your usual. Also try to put your HVAC system into the equation, by experimenting with the recirculate door closed or in fresh air mode. Probably you are finding this annoying sound with it in fresh air mode, but if you can get some relief with the recirculate door closed, it might help for awhile. The idea is that along with the windows and the flow-through rear vents that vent air outside of the car regardless of obvious openings, the HVAC system is instrumental in what controls and affects the interior air pressure once under way. The flow through vents I mentioned, you may not be aware of, but all cars have them since about the 80's. They are often in obscure locations that can vary from inside the rear door jams, to under the trunk floor in some cars (Altima for example).
Good luck...hope you can find a sweet spot with the suggestions which can allow you to drive with your window open a bit for fresh air but not torment the rest of your driving experience.
Car and Driver said this about the 2012 Camry SE: "Interior surfaces that are close to unacceptable. No steering feel, no braking feel". They said this about the exterior: "Your big chance to become invisible". The Camry placed 5th out of 6 competitors, and the 2012 Accord (the older model) beat it and came in 2nd. (May 2012 mid size sedan comparo)
They said very much better things about the Accord in this months issue. They said it drives great, they liked it inside and out, and the Accord has a lot more features. On the road I notice the new Accords. Very classy car. The Camry looks flimsy in comparison. All the lower panels/ground effects/rockers look very cheap. In particular the fake plasti-chrome around the fog lights looks dreadful.
Given the two choices I would say Accord. The ONLY reservation I have is the Accords CVT. I prefer a 6 speed automatic. You can get a 6 speed stick or a 6 speed automatic with the Accord V6. Just the fact that Honda doesn't offer the CVT with the V6 tells me something about the CVT's performance, and possibly that the CVT wont handle the V6 power reliably.
Good luck! Go drive a 2014 Mazda 6 Sport before you decide!
We love the Accord CVT. much smoother than Altima's. it feels no different than a regular automatic, but is quieter and works with the 4 cyl to give way more power than I remember 4 cyls of the past. Love the stereo and audio interface is wonderful. I have taken two long trips with it and the seats are very comfortable and steering and suspension are terrific. I feel a better sense of the road than with the Camry. Love the backup and right turn cameras.
It really comes down to the driving style and features that matter to you.
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
Not so Smart it if you have a problem it seems. I hope their newer designs, and the one that you own, fares better. Also, I found it funny that a ladies car trouble was in the news!!! I guess for folks that live ABOVE Maine, it's too cold for thieves and murderers! (jeez, I wanna kill this guy, but first I have to shovel 4 feet of snow, after which I am too tired and I've come to my senses)!
There have been well publicized problems initially with the Odyssey and TL, and anecdotal evidence with other vehicles. I'm not certain if these instances were caused by abuse/towing etc.
I'm not certain if the newer trannies have issues, but I'd stay away from a V6 with a CVT even if it was an option.
Of course, I could be wrong
seems odd that you could take it out to replace it but not take it out to repair it...
Odd little things...
Here it is! Recall Date:
APR 15, 2004
Model Affected:
2004 Honda Accord (it says Honda Accord but that is because I used it as search parameter. If you search for a 2004 TL, the same recall is displayed).
Summary:
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Consequences:
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Potential Units Affected:
1099796
Notes:
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2004/honda/accord/recalls/#ixzz2VHoa079R
It is important to know if this repair has been done BEFORE you consider buying a used one. If it doesn't shift right, don't buy it.
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
Also if I was a little snippy last night sorry, but I for some reason felt I was being attacked, I am sure today that wasn't your intention.
I am also sure that for some people it is a more desired feature than others.
Try experimenting with lowering various windows.
I have a sunroof and usually drive with it cracked open and the right rear window down.
The air gets sucked in the back window and swirls around to the left side and forward, then out the roof.
It provides a nice breeze.
The cars aren't bad at all once you are used to them ( and get it repaired by a non dealer or dyi).
As for why a convertible, it the spring summer and fall it is plenty hot enough to have the top down ( as a matter of fact here around Toronto it gets hot enough that you can't have the top down need to have the A/C on instead). So far this year I have had the top down about 20 times driving home from work ( since March).
1) They keep merging with European companies and then peddling whatever comes out of the merger, instead of designing their own. For those of us that remember Fiat, selling a Dodge and Fiat mix doesn't exactly inspire any reliability confidence with potential buyers
2) It is a great looking car, quite handsome and aggressive looking. It should be a hit, but Dodge decided to use a big flower in the instrument panel. Why????
3) there are 3 engine choices, none of which have 200hp. Sporty car buyers want 200hp!!!
So, Dodge... offer a 100k warranty, nix the flower, and add 25 hp!!! Easy to fix!
A 100k warranty and a different name would go a very long way.....most of the target market has no knowledge of the original Dart, so there's no equity or value in the name. It just sounds dumb without the background info....
Resurrecting names from historical models is rarely a wise idea, in my opinion. The Dodge Dart (and Plymouth Valiant) weren't all that great, they just didn't suck as much as their domestic competitors at the time. The Slant-Six engine used in most Darts and Valiants is responsible for most fond memories of the old compacts...
And resurrecting names from models that sucked in recent history is the kiss of death! (See 2010-present Ford Taurus for more info). Why not change the Focus to Pinto and Fusion to Granada while they're at it?
http://www.edmunds.com/photoflipper/?year=2013&make=Kia&model=Optima
Check out pictures starting at 29 and 30.
I know pretty much everything about every 2011- and up Optima made, but I was unaware about an Edmunds.com "Batman" trim package. I would of course like more information on this model. Is it bulletproof? Does it have an afterburner? Do I get a suit with it? The utility belt with the grappling hook would be nice!
And it's not OUR "Batman" trim package. If it were, I'd be asking for a ride in it, or at least a pic next to it, for sure.
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The pictures are on exactly these pages:
29, 30, 34, 45, 49, 50 and 51. I looked through all 167 so my information would be accurate. :P
There is a bat-wing embroidered in the seat back on 29, and then a grill shot on page 30, etc.
I'm a long time Accord owner, and I recommend that car. I've owned a 2002 LX, a 2008 EXL navi, and now a 2013 EXL navi. Wow I love the new car. Just great. CVT is excellent imho, and so I wouldn't have worries there.
The Accord got much higher safety ratings in the small offset collision test than the Camry, which did not pass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByPAhoeU6UQ
Check out at the 2 minute mark, when the Head of the Insurance Institute of America says: "Both of these Toyotas earned poor crash ratings. Toyota engineers have a lot of work to do to catch up with their competitors."
My final shopping was the Fusion SE, Camry SE and the Altima SV. In the end, I didn't like the Fusion enough--the Focus-like back end was the real deal breaker for me. The Camry wasn't bad. We have a 2012 Sienna and I like the service department at my dealer. At the end of the day, though, I wasn't excited about buying a Camry, so I moved on.
I went to the Nissan dealer with the intention of looking at an Altima 2.5S. The dealer was offering a Memorial Day deal of about $18k for the 2.5S. I really wanted the automatic climate control, alloy wheels and back up camera that the Accord LX has, though. I had to move over to the Altima 2.5SV. The SV has the features of the Accord--plus, it has satellite radio and Intelligent Key with remote start. The fit and finish of the new Altima is similar to the Maxima and the feel on the road is very solid. So far I am very happy with my purchase. I see why there are many new Altimas on the road.
My car passed, and here is the video if anyone out there is considering a 2012 Optima.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0I9WIAUktA
Oh, and congrats on the new Altima, and thanks for clearing up the Batman DC comics Optima!
Have a good weekend all!
Since I've never had a FWD car with traction control, I decided to see how my 2013 Fusion works.
Gave it enough of a goose to spin the tires in other vehicles I've owned, but after what seemed like a few inches of tire rotation, it just walked away from the rest of the cars.
No spin, no torque steer, no drama. Nice.
When mine activates is mostly off the line while making a right on red in wet conditions. Or, it will activate when there is tarmac damage/potholes that cause the wheel to momentarily break contact with the surface during heavy throttle conditions . Mine can be shut off, which is fun off the line sometimes like you said.
When this happens, I instinctively take my foot off of the gas pedal. The Traction Control system also kicks in and cuts the throttle. If you're pulling onto a highway and this happen, you become a 'sitting duck' for a few seconds until the Traction Control 'releases' the throttle. For those brief few seconds, if you press the gas pedal again, you will get very little power.
When I'm making a risky turn, such as turning left across a four-lane highway, I always turn it OFF. With it off, it will 'roast' the tires on dry pavement and even bark the tires during the 1-2 upshift! The massive, performance-oriented P245/50VR20 tires are also part of the problem. I plan to replace them with slightly less aggressive rubber. Other CX-9 owners have done so with good results.
If I had got the AWD model, this wouldn't be an issue. But it cost $2000 more, got 22mpg vs 24mpg on the highway and took over 0.5sec longer to hit 60mph. Also, AWD models are very hard to find here. Out of the 29 CX-9s my dealer had in stock, only 3 were AWD...
The Accord is a "hot" car, and is flying off most dealer lots as almost fast as they can make them, but they are making a lot of them, and so most people should be able to score a deal if they shop around at different Honda dealers....
This site helped me. You put in the car you want, and then different dealers within a 100 mile radius or so compete for your deal. Great discounts are available on the new Accord:
http://carwoo.com/
If anyone lives near Nashville, this Honda dealer there is offering c. $2500-$3000 off all Accords in stock, with no negotiation needed:
http://www.cresthonda.com/index.htm
Accord 33,218
Altima 31,940
Fusion 29,553
Sonata 20,194
Malibu 18,899