At $2000 most consider the NAV system used by Honda to be a good value and one of the best in the business. Although we didn't opt for NAV (long-term cost and lack of availability being the reasons) were we not planning to keep this car for more than a few years and had we been able to find a 5-speed EX-L coupe with NAV, we probably would've bought it.
A 5-speed EX sedan was tested 0-60 in 7.5 seconds.
Here's the Car and Driver road test although they did not post any performance numbers on the website. But the actual magazine article from that month had all of the 0-60 and 1/4 mile times.
What powerfull car are you coming from? If it is a Denali XL the Accord 4- cyl will absolutely walk away from it, especially as the speed rises, and the SUV aerodynamics (or lack thereof) become a huge factor. FWIW the Accord will top out at around 140 mph.
I too like to use maps and atlases, or should I say I used to!! The Honda NAV system is awesome and well worth the $$. Beyond its obvious capabilities, there is a lot of peripheral value as well. For example, I have really lousy night vision. When the system is routing you to a destination it displays the names of upcoming streets several hundred feet before you get to them. Very helpful in not straining to see street signs, and helps you get in the correct lane well in advance of the street. Another example--yesterday I was heading to a location I'd never been to, about 40 miles from my home. Ran into a bad traffic jam on the interstate--the system was able to reroute my off the interstate and find a new route to where I was going. Very cool!! I'm finding new things every day.
I originally didn't want the Nav system when I bought my 2003 a couple of months ago. However, Honda bought my 2001 EX 5speed back due to a "major problem" and offered me an excellent deal on any 'O3. Because of this, I decided to go with a V6 with Navi and I'm glad I did! The voice activation and navigation features are awesome! Like gotribe, I'm finding new features and capabilities everyday. I suggest that you arrange a demo with a knowlegable salesperson.
MY previous car was a G35. Which was much more powerful than my 03 EX I4 5M (100 hp).
The G35, even with auto, was amazing at highway speeds...it would literally leap forward (guess not literally).
All that being said...I'm not at all disapointed with the performance of the I4. It has surprising power in the low to mid range and doesn't get harsh until red line.
We just signed the dotted line for our '03 Accord EX-L V6 sedan today. I'm just curious to know how many of you '03 owners opted for an extended warranty for your Accords. If so, did you go with the Honda warranty or a 3rd party warranty? We had a 1SourceWarranty on our previous car, but never had to use it. We got pricing for the Honda warranty today, which we've been told is non-negotiable here in FL. Any comments/recommendations?
I also think the navigation system is worth the price. Aside from it impressing everyone who sees my car, it is quite useful. I never realized how often I needed to find new places or know where the nearest 7-11 or some other store is. For me, it just makes my car that much more enjoyable. I still have a problem with a few of the voice commands, but I'm getting the hang of it. I guess after a few months (rather than a few weeks) I will be a pro at the navi since it's not like I'm using it every day. The one thing I have problems with is finding places by name. Every time I type in the name, inevitably I spell it wrong. Even something simple like McDonald's is difficult for me to find unless I search by category. But like I said, it just takes some getting used to.
I have every flavor of electronic toy/gadget/tool but the Nav Sys is not something I see as being valuable. I sell and travel a lot but my map pages in clear lam do the job for me. Will keep watching them though-hmm hows about voice activated and much larger screens.
Extended warranties: New cars are covered bumper-bumper typically ranging from 3/36 to 7/100; any other warranty during this time/mileage coverage is really unnecessary duplication.
One can also obtain an extended warranty just before the original runs out - dealers won't say this at new-car buying time.
Lastly, the realities of extended warranties include hefty deductibles, unreasonable documentation, etc. This website has info on this. And as Dindak pointed out - with a historically reliable car, one probably doesn't need it.
Navi Systems: anyone heard of car industry rumors that next-gen systems will be predominantly voice-interactive ? Takes into account that while driving, using the screen is neither safe nor practical. Presumably the screen will be mostly an input/editing tool.
Well. Good question. 1800 to add it by then figure get the lx then payments are too high. Will upgrade at a later date. And living here in the north-east, I'll just roll down the windows...
Would be a must in other parts of the country, but on balance considering environmental issues, total value of the base package, and geographical location, I thinnk I can do without. (hows that for excuses...)
Has anyone installed this in there vehicle? I know the part costs about $125 or so to buy, but it looks complicated to install. Has anyone installed it or even had the dealer install it? How much does it cost to install, and does it look okay when installed? Any info would be appreciated.
I have wonder for a long time. How does the dash look without the air, does the car still have heat?
Do you absolutely have to have a NEW Accord? I'd take a slightly used LX over a brand new DX without air, and and do you have to have the car right now? If not, I would wait, or at least get a loan or something so I could have air now. I know you live up north, but wait until the end of May or the early part of June! It will be HOT HOT HOT!!!
I have a 2003 Accord EX-L 5M with Navi. GREAT CAR! My concern is that if the car winds up in the wrong hands (possibly with my keys) that someone will be able to use the "Go Home" feature to have my car guide them back to my house. I just got the car a couple of weeks ago and am also still learning all the hundreds of features. Does anyone know if there is a way to lock this feature somehow?
Well, you could just not program the car to give you directions to your house. Unless there is some reason you wanted to be able to get directions to your house.
On thought about no a/c. I used to live in NY, back in those days a/c was rare. I used to ride with the windows down and believe the wind noise does have a negative effect on one's hearing. Exposing your ears to excessive noise could be harmful. Just a thought..
Do you mean a Hondacare warranty? Or another type? I would be interested in the other if thats what you mean. I am sure you know that the Hondacare warranty reduces your extended coverage by the length of time you own the car. So after three years of ownership if you purchase a 7year extended warranty you only have 4yrs of coverage.
If you are concerned about it, just put in a neighbor's address instead. That will be good enough for you to find your way back home. You will also have to be sure not to keep auto registration, service records, receipts or anything else with your address in the car.
My wife and I have two Honda Vehicles. (A 2000 leased Civic, and a 2003 purchased 4 cylinder Accord). We have a Honda extended warranty on both vehicles. The leased Civic has a 39 month lease and a four year extended warranty should we go over the alloted mileage. Remember, the manufacturer's warranty is only for 36 months or 36,000 miles. We do not want to be responsible for a major repair on the 39 month. On the Accord, we have a 7 year / 100,000 miles / 0 deductable warranty. This gives us 4 additional years after the original warranty expires. We do a lot of driving. We took delivery of the 2003 Accord on Feb. 10, and we already have 6,000 miles on the vehicle, and the dealer has performed the second oil and filter change. (We believe in 3,000 mile oil and filter changes. I also believe in using a "top cylinder lubricant" in the fuel, but that is another issue). The dealer performs all our preventive maintenance, and we selected a Honda Warranty because it is honored at all Honda dealers. If something happens on the road, a local Honda dealer can get all the service records form our dealer, and if warranty work is necessary, we have the Honda Warranty in place. It makes our life "stupid simple"! I guess purchasing an extended warranty is a personal choice. We might never uses these warranties, but if an engine, trans or a computer "goes south", we will be VERY happy that we have this coverage. ------Greg
Sockpuppet: You can setup the "Go Home" feature to use a 4 digit PIN before the home address is displayed. There are also 2 "User" categories to enter personal addresses which can be setup to use a PIN also. I have things like my parents' address and work address in the "USER1" category. The PINs are setup in the SETUP menu. When you get to the 'Input PIN' screen, you can even use the Voice Activation to enter the number, pretty neat. Hope this helps.
If you are leasing past the warranty, I would agree on getting one. That said, why did you get a 39 month lease? In any other case, I guess if you are really risk averse, it may make sense. In the long run on average though, the company offering the extended warranty always makes money which should tell you something.
Maybe I'm not understanding right, but isn't that kind of mean to input your neighbor's address in the Go Home category? So if someone steals your car, the thief heads for your neighbors instead of you? I hope my neighbors never do that to me!
It looks like you are trying to buy that Accord for the same price the dealer paid for it.
And someone else here called that a "fair" deal?
But, who knows...that is a VERY unpopular car that is near impossible to sell. If a dealer is sitting on one they just might want to dump it.
I agree with the poster who suggested you buy a slightly used LX instead. When you go to sell that 5 speed DX later down the road you'll find few takers.
emale...trust me on this one...DO NOT get greg started on Marvel Mystery Oil!
One final consideration. My first car was a 1994 Civic DX coupe that I purchased in 98 as a high school junior. That car did not have air. I drove it this way for 2 months, and found its defogging capabilities absolutely dreadful. At times, even with the windows down, I just couldnt see out of the darn thing. I finally got air. Must you absolutely have the Accord?
Both "Honda Care" and 3rd party-provided Warranties are obtainable "within the car's original warranty period" (see link below).
Caveat: even Honda Care's EW is not bumper-bumper; only powertrain & major accessories like HVAC and NAVI systems can be covered, with restrictions and only under certain plans.
Yes, if you took out a Honda Care or any other type of EW at purchase time, it takes over after the original warranty expires.
What's questionable about buying EW when the car is new:
1) Car is covered anyway by the manufacturer for the 3/36 perod in the Accord's case 2) If the EW is 3rd party-provided, there's the risk of that provider not being around when its turn comes 3) EW can be purchased before original warranty ends at almost the same, if not lower, cost. In my case, I was offered $700 to cover my previous car up to 7/70 when it was at 2/33. This was the same cost of 7/70 EW offered for my new 03 Accord in Nov 2002. One advantage of getting the EW at signing time is that the cost is rolled into a low APR car note if such was the case.
Parting words: 1) If car is not a "keeper," consider buying EW only before original one expires, 2) know the EW provider's track record, 3) know exactly what the EW's "plan benefits," restrictions and provisions are.
We're planning to leave after work and finalize the deal on a new white '03 4-cylinder Accord EX sedan (non-leather). They're adding in mud guards, rear wing spoiler, trunk mat, and moonroof air deflector, for what is supposed to be an "out the door" price of $21,495 (MSRP would be something like $23,655; not including the labor charge to install the options).
Looking for confirmation that this is as good a deal as I think it is, or if not, for someone to warn me now before we sign the papers!!!!
I've been dealing with this dealer primarily via the Internet (they're about 30 miles away in a bedroom community), but they swear the price quoted will be the final price, with no unexpected document fees or anything (excluding sales tax, of course). I'll try to post a follow up tomorrow, but would welcome any thoughts on this deal today.
You should compare your price to the cars direct web site (I cannot tell you the exact address per Edmunds's rule) for you zip code. For my zip code of 95054, the base car (EX sedan, auto, I4) is $20169 (include destination charge) without the additional options. $1300 seems high for those options, if labor charge not included.
If as you mentioned $21.5k excludes sales tax, you could still do better ("out-the-door" pricing includes sales tax).
If this forum is any indication, one could achieve below-invoice prices by as much as $600. Assuming this to be your case, here's an approximate price build-up of your car (w/auto trans) at 5% sales tax, which I think should be your target price as well:
If they have your car and they are driving around in it instead of taking it to a chop shop, more than likely this is because they got your keys somehow. The keys are not going to work in your neighbors house. It is a very unlikely scenario that they are going to go to anyones house anyway. You could also put in a business address and probably just an intersection also. Since you can use a PIN to lock the address, this doesn't matter, but it is should not be necessary to have your exact address in the navigation system because, once you get to the area near your house, you should be able to figure out how to get home without the navigation having to lead you exactly to your front door.
My point was that it didn't seem like a good idea to input your neighbor's address either, just in case the thief came after your neighbors. I did not jump to the assumption the thief had the house keys - maybe he breaks in some other way, who knows? I carry my house keys separate from my car keys, although I realize most people probably don't. But obviously this is getting away from the point...
alvon - I checked the site, and it lists a dealer invoice price of $20,619 (MSRP of $22,860) and a "target price" of $22,360 for a 4-cylinder automatic EX sedan.
atlantaberry - Taking the prices of the options/labor you provided (but excluding the "below invoice adjustment") puts me at a total of $21,360. My deal is $21,495, so we're only talking a difference of $135 (and well below the "target price" from the previously mentioned website for an unoptioned model; that site also doesn't have a "dealer partner" in our area, FWIW).
It's possible I could haggle with these guys and save another few hundred dollars, but they're offer is already some $500 less than what I could get from my nearest dealer. Plus, they're trying to get me a lower interest rate than what I'm already approved for (from an on-line auto financing company which I can't mention), which will ultimately save me over $400 - not a big deal, but it helps negate the difference.
I may not be getting the deal of the century, but as long as I'm not getting robbed, I'm okay with that.
True, at $21,495 before sales tax, you're almost at invoice including accessories.
However you might consider that an EX with leather (if that's a desirable feature, together with its dual climate control/external temp gauge/seat heater/8-way power driver seat) is at $21,788, invoice.
I got my wife's EX-L last Nov 02 at $21,788 with mudflaps, deflector and paint protection.
If your dealer has an EX-L that you like, a plausible scenario is to bargain $21k for your original car and $21.8k for the EX-L on top of the special APR.
Just food for thought (my role in life is to constantly stir the pot). Good luck.
It seems to me that the EX I4 auto is in higher demand in your area compared to mine (San Francisco / San Jose), hence much higher target price. If you like the car and fine with the price, then I say go with it.
It doesn't matter. I don't see any reason they would go to a specific persons house if they did not have the keys. Just because they stole that Honda Accord, doesn't give them any reason to break into that particular person's house UNLESS they also had the keys to that house. They could attempt to break into anyone's house they wanted to try. So what if they have the address? It is not as if they could not just pick any house at random in that area. I really don't think burgulars are going after Honda Accord's with the navigation system as a way to find the address of a house to burgularize.
With homelink, they could open my garage Of course, I have other info in the glove compartment which has my address...things like the car registration.
If they even knew about or noticed the Homelink, that still is no different than having your garage door opener remote and other remotes the car. You can also change the code on your garage door if your remotes or Homelink equipped car is stolen. You can always use the PIN to block your address in the navi or just input in the wrong address as I said earlier. Don't leave your registration in your glove compartment or just mark out the address.
It has an immobilizer. So the thief would have to have your keys to start the car. Assuming that, the way the thief got his/her hands on your keys may be of more concern.
Im in Southern Cali. I've been looking for a 4 door LX automatic. The lowest internet Quote I've got is $17,500 + tax+fees. Any input on the price from anyone who bougth one recently? Thanks.
Comments
A 5-speed EX sedan was tested 0-60 in 7.5 seconds.
Here's the Car and Driver road test although they did not post any performance numbers on the website. But the actual magazine article from that month had all of the 0-60 and 1/4 mile times.
http://caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/comparisontests/2003/febr- - uary/0302_comparo_mainstream.xml?&page=8
; ^ )
The G35, even with auto, was amazing at highway speeds...it would literally leap forward (guess not literally).
All that being said...I'm not at all disapointed with the performance of the I4. It has surprising power in the low to mid range and doesn't get harsh until red line.
Not a road burner, but not too bad.
Thanks,
KB
One can also obtain an extended warranty just before the original runs out - dealers won't say this at new-car buying time.
Lastly, the realities of extended warranties include hefty deductibles, unreasonable documentation, etc. This website has info on this. And as Dindak pointed out - with a historically reliable car, one probably doesn't need it.
Navi Systems: anyone heard of car industry rumors that next-gen systems will be predominantly voice-interactive ? Takes into account that while driving, using the screen is neither safe nor practical. Presumably the screen will be mostly an input/editing tool.
Have an 03 Accord . Can anyone tell me how long the rear defroster stays on?
Thanks!
destination charge $460
tax 5%
title
doc fee $219 u.s.
____________
= 15,500
I'm not cheap but don't give money away either.
Fair deal??
Thanks in advance....
~alpha
Would be a must in other parts of the country, but on balance considering environmental issues, total value of the base package, and geographical location, I thinnk I can do without. (hows that for excuses...)
Do you absolutely have to have a NEW Accord? I'd take a slightly used LX over a brand new DX without air, and and do you have to have the car right now? If not, I would wait, or at least get a loan or something so I could have air now. I know you live up north, but wait until the end of May or the early part of June! It will be HOT HOT HOT!!!
The above link has the Honda A/C for $822. If you, or a friend are handy it is not too hard to install. $1,000 for installation seems like a lot.
You will also have to be sure not to keep auto registration, service records, receipts or anything else with your address in the car.
what the heck is a "top cylinder lubricant"??
And someone else here called that a "fair" deal?
But, who knows...that is a VERY unpopular car that is near impossible to sell. If a dealer is sitting on one they just might want to dump it.
I agree with the poster who suggested you buy a slightly used LX instead. When you go to sell that 5 speed DX later down the road you'll find few takers.
emale...trust me on this one...DO NOT get greg started on Marvel Mystery Oil!
Let's talk about cars, please, and not each other.
Thanks.
~alpha
Caveat: even Honda Care's EW is not bumper-bumper; only powertrain & major accessories like HVAC and NAVI systems can be covered, with restrictions and only under certain plans.
Yes, if you took out a Honda Care or any other type of EW at purchase time, it takes over after the original warranty expires.
What's questionable about buying EW when the car is new:
1) Car is covered anyway by the manufacturer for the 3/36 perod in the Accord's case
2) If the EW is 3rd party-provided, there's the risk of that provider not being around when its turn comes
3) EW can be purchased before original warranty ends at almost the same, if not lower, cost. In my case, I was offered $700 to cover my previous car up to 7/70 when it was at 2/33. This was the same cost of 7/70 EW offered for my new 03 Accord in Nov 2002. One advantage of getting the EW at signing time is that the cost is rolled into a low APR car note if such was the case.
Parting words: 1) If car is not a "keeper," consider buying EW only before original one expires, 2) know the EW provider's track record, 3) know exactly what the EW's "plan benefits," restrictions and provisions are.
Reference on Honda Care: http://www.hondacars.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Acco- rd+Sedan&bhcp=1&BrowserDetected=True
Looking for confirmation that this is as good a deal as I think it is, or if not, for someone to warn me now before we sign the papers!!!!
I've been dealing with this dealer primarily via the Internet (they're about 30 miles away in a bedroom community), but they swear the price quoted will be the final price, with no unexpected document fees or anything (excluding sales tax, of course). I'll try to post a follow up tomorrow, but would welcome any thoughts on this deal today.
Just my 0.02.
If this forum is any indication, one could achieve below-invoice prices by as much as $600. Assuming this to be your case, here's an approximate price build-up of your car (w/auto trans) at 5% sales tax, which I think should be your target price as well:
Invoice & destination : $20,619
Mudflaps: $62
Spoiler: $374
Trunkmat: $75
Deflector: $80
Labor: $150
Less: $600 below-invoice price adjustment
Tax at 5%: $1038
Out-the-door: $21,798
Price source for accessories: http://www.collegehillshonda.com/parts/extension/accord/03accord.- htm
Hope this helps.
The keys are not going to work in your neighbors house. It is a very unlikely scenario that they are going to go to anyones house anyway.
You could also put in a business address and probably just an intersection also.
Since you can use a PIN to lock the address, this doesn't matter, but it is should not be necessary to have your exact address in the navigation system because, once you get to the area near your house, you should be able to figure out how to get home without the navigation having to lead you exactly to your front door.
atlantaberry - Taking the prices of the options/labor you provided (but excluding the "below invoice adjustment") puts me at a total of $21,360. My deal is $21,495, so we're only talking a difference of $135 (and well below the "target price" from the previously mentioned website for an unoptioned model; that site also doesn't have a "dealer partner" in our area, FWIW).
It's possible I could haggle with these guys and save another few hundred dollars, but they're offer is already some $500 less than what I could get from my nearest dealer. Plus, they're trying to get me a lower interest rate than what I'm already approved for (from an on-line auto financing company which I can't mention), which will ultimately save me over $400 - not a big deal, but it helps negate the difference.
I may not be getting the deal of the century, but as long as I'm not getting robbed, I'm okay with that.
However you might consider that an EX with leather (if that's a desirable feature, together with its dual climate control/external temp gauge/seat heater/8-way power driver seat) is at $21,788, invoice.
I got my wife's EX-L last Nov 02 at $21,788 with mudflaps, deflector and paint protection.
If your dealer has an EX-L that you like, a plausible scenario is to bargain $21k for your original car and $21.8k for the EX-L on top of the special APR.
Just food for thought (my role in life is to constantly stir the pot). Good luck.
Good luck.
They could attempt to break into anyone's house they wanted to try.
So what if they have the address? It is not as if they could not just pick any house at random in that area.
I really don't think burgulars are going after Honda Accord's with the navigation system as a way to find the address of a house to burgularize.
You can also change the code on your garage door if your remotes or Homelink equipped car is stolen. You can always use the PIN to block your address in the navi or just input in the wrong address as I said earlier. Don't leave your registration in your glove compartment or just mark out the address.
Thanks.
ultratech2@yahoo.com