i was out driving around in the rain today and turned on the rear defroster. in an hours worth of driving it never turned off. therefore i don't think there is a timer on the rear defroster...
Honda, as I can recall has never offered rebates. Want to know why, because they dont have to. The Max 03 is being rebated heavily because the dealerships realize that the new model year is cannabilizing the 03 sales. The accord will still sell sell sell without rebates, and the demand will always be there, and Honda is definitely aware of that.
The only Accords that you will find for sale in the U.S. are made in either Marysville, Ohio or in Japan (not Mexico). Your vehicle's VIN tells the insurance company the model and trim level of your vehicle. You should presume that the insurance company, as their risk is higher, will charge more for a more expensive trim level than for a lower one, as identified in the VIN.
Any one added the following accessories, and can you kindly share where you bought them, how much you paid for installation? Do you like them or just waste of money? Thanks.
2003 Accord -Deck Lid -Fog Lights
I for one got the -Half mask (I usually just use this for long travels to avoid insects and small stones) -All weather floor mat (I got this from the dealer when I bought the car with discount, but I guess there is a better price out there. It was just raining hard when I got the car that it was the first thing I wanted to buy!)
I can understand how Honda wants to run a good business and wants to push people into its higher priced cars for all the features and options. But I don't understand/agree with their decision to leave out side curtain airbags in the side impact airbags options. You can get side impact airbags in the LX trim as an option for a few hundred dollars more. While at it, Honda should have just added side curtain airbags along with this option for a couple hundred more (How many people are going to choose to get ONLY side airbags but NOT side curtain airbags for a few hundred less? Packaging these two together makes a lot of sense).
The only reason I can think of why they didn't do this is because it's such a new technology or supplier problems, but then if that's the case, I really hope that Honda will introduce it in the '04 model year Accords.
BTW, NHTSA just recently announced they'll report head injuries in side collision tests, which had been left out until now. Now it should be interesting to see how all those 4-5 star side impact cars will be affected by this new data.
I just took delivery on an 03 EX, Leather, Nav, 4 cyl, 5 spd stick. It took forever to get it (4 months), but it's a great car: luxurious, fun to drive, economical, and adequate power; i.e., my definition of high performance (I'm 60). Just curious how many other cars configured like this one are out there. Dealer sez mine might be the only one - hard to believe.
I just test drove 6-speed Accord Coupe this weekend. It was awesome. The pricing was great to $26,162 with Nav. The sixth gear is tall, about 30 miles per 1000 RPM so I don't doubt it will make it highway mileage.
Test drove a Mazda 6S; no comparison Honda is better by far. Also drove a auto-TSX very very nice fit and finish; not enough power.
I have 5 speed stick, LX, 4 cyl since last December. When I was buying mine, only two dealers had manual tranny out of 8 dealers I called ( Southern Calif). One dealer did have one in white. So far, no major complain, nice engine. I am in my mid 40's.
I agree with Utrecht (msg # 10288) about the seats in the Accord '03, they are hard and very uncomfortable. No matter how I adjust my driver's seat (I have the 8-way power adjustment), after just 15-20 minutes of driving I get noticeable pain in my back, seat and legs. This has never happened to me before, and definitely should not happen to me in a car that has so much leg room as the Accord. I've only put 500 miles in my new accord LX-V6 and unless I can find some after market-solution I'm going to have to get rid of the car.
Overall, the interior ergonomics of the new Accord do not work well at all. The arm rests on the doors and between the front seats are so far from the steering wheel that you cannot use them to rest your arms while still reaching the steering wheel.
I ordered an EX-L with leather and manual tranny but no nav in November and got the car only in march. It seems like the combo leather with manual transmission is rare. But it was worth the wait. As for the seats, personally I rent a lot of different cars for my jobs (GM's, Chrysler's, Volvo's etc.) and I think the Accord's seat are by far the best I've tried. Further proof that you can't build a car that will please everybody.
You could put in an aftermarket seat like a Recaro. That might be cheaper than the loss you would take by selling so soon. That way you can get just the seat you want. Save the old seat for when you sell the car and you can use the Recaro in your next car. One example is below. It is top of the line - there are cheaper ones.
I have the exact same car- A satin silver EX-L,NAVI 4Dr.. I ordered it in early October,and picked it up on Dec. 30th. (It was made in Japan in Nov.,and a month in shipment.). I also couldn't be happier with this car. The 5-Sp. Manual makes the car a Prelude with a back seat.I'll never know why so few people savor the joys of a Honda manual transmission model Accord.
I have the fog lights and the decklid spoiler (not the wing) on my 03. I purchased them online and installed them myself. I don't think they were a waste of money. However, half the people on this board would probably say otherwise. The bottom line is get what YOU want on YOUR car. If you like to see what my car looks like with the fog lights and spoiler, go to http://www.qnet.com/~donwill.
Do you find the NAVI worth the $2K extra? For that money, I can get a Garmin Street Pilot 3 Deluxe for $650 (Retail $1200, internet stores, after $100 rebate) and be left with quite a bit of cash to spare. It's portable, which is a plus and a minus. Unless you do some serious cross country travelling, the 128mb data card should be adequate. Of course no voice activated commands, though.
It is just cool to have. It is slicker than any add-on or portable GPS unit. Playing through the stereo, voice commands that include the navigation, a/c and stereo, bigger screen, more points of interest than a portable unit etc. all make it very nice. convenient and fun. It may not really be "worth" $2K though especially when you cannot expect it to add much more than about $500 to the resale value when you sell the car.
You mean Prelude with four doors. My old dark blue 86 Prelude did have back seat. Anyway, yes, my 5 speed manual is a fun to drive and been getting 31 plus mpg, great for car with 3000 plus pounds. Question is, should I continue to use 5w-20 oil?
Are they the same plugs? Same heat range? Same reach? Are they made of the same materials? Do they have the same resistor? There must be a difference! ($1.99 vs $16.00 each)? -----Greg
Considering that most engine wear occurs at start-up because of a "de-lubricated" cylinder head waiting for the oil to shoot up from the crankcase pan (sump), a high-flow/low viscosity index oil like 5w20 will minimize this wear rate.
The "20" part of the oil takes care of proper lubrication at normal operating temps, so there's no worry about the oil being "too thin" in this situation.
Simply put, the engine will last longer with the manufacturer's recommended lubricant grade.
The link is at the top - there is a row of blue buttons starting under the Edmunds.com logo on the upper left of this page. You'll see the button that says "Used" and from there you can find reviews, specs and pricing information for vehicles that aren't new anymore.
Navis is completely worth it....it might costs 2K more, but the functionality is much better than what you get with a handheld combo. The integration is nice; voice activation, trip computer, calendar, calculator, conversion tool...all these is just extras on top. This option pushes resale value much higher.
Having navigation does NOT push resale value "much higher." It depreciates much more than the rest of the car. If you lease the car with navi, it will jack up your monthly payment because it adds about $2K to the purchase price without adding much to the residual value. Look up the difference between the trade-in value of a 3 year old Acura TL with and without navigation and see.
My 99 accord V6 has 95K. Recently only in hot/warm weather, after driving the car for 45 min. or more, then letting the car sit for 30-45 min( remember the weather is warm), the car will not start. I turn the key, engine turns, lights come on, but immediately cuts out. It takes about 8-10 tries of cranking until the engine stays on, it will run rough ( low idle) for a few seconds then pick up and then idle smoothly, and then I can drive off. Or during the repeated cranks, it will idle rough for a few seconds then cut off, or if I apply throttle it immediatley cuts out. I've found that once I start it and I immediately give it hard throttle a few times to rew the engine, it will stay on. It only happens in warm temperatures ( even after driving a good while and I park it in an underground garage) never in cold temperatures. If I drive it for 15 min shut it off and start it 1-5 minutes later, it's fine, the problem doesn't happen. It only happens after being driven for awhile, allowed to sit for 30 min. But if it sits for 1 hour or more ( ie allowed to cool) I'm able to start it up. There are no codes. I've changed the main relay because Honda thought they were 90 % sure that was the cause. I've gone to two dealerships and they don't know. Any suggestions ??
The best way we can help you is to point you to the links I gave you. I'm not sure what you are asking (first you want to buy, then you want specs, then you want to buy again), but no one here can offer you one for sale and you can't ask someone to sell you one. That is specified in your Membership Agreement. You can follow the links from the Used Car button to find specs and to find vehicles for sale.
If you have other questions, please feel free to drop me an email.
By the way there is no such thing as a V-6 manual Accord (not before 2003 anyway). You can get a used V-6 manual Camry though (not available in the new models).
Quote regarding latest JD Powers ratings, and an overall decline for both Toyota and Honda:
J.D. Power's Brian Walters said both of the perennial quality leaders were distracted by model launches and added production lines. "We have seen this before. . . . When a line is added, quality slips," he said.
I'm fully confident that Honda will handle any issues that exist with the new Accord, and the overall rating will improve in 2004.
I dont puch much faith in this study. Initial problems, while certainly annoying, are fixed under warranty at no cost. Honda and Toyota consistently outperform domestics and Europeans on the JD Powers Vehicle Dependability Study. I'd be much more attuned to that, when it is released, if I planned on purchasing. Perhaps leasing might be different, but domestics have such terrible residuals, who would consider leasing them?
At a different chat discussion on another site someone told me about autotrader.com. So I guess there is a place that I can specify what I want in a car to buy. w/e
Regarding JD Power (this was taken from CarandDriver.com's Auto Insider)
"With regard to specific models, Power said that only the Honda Accord and Civic and Toyota Camry and Corolla are produced in both North American and Japanese plants. Honda Accords built in Japan have a nearly 25 PP100 advantage over those built in North American plants, while Civics built in North America have a nearly 15 PP100 advantage over their Japanese-built counterparts. Toyota Corollas built in both Japan and North America are almost identical in initial quality. There was insufficient sample to provide the same analysis for the Camry, Power said."
What is going on in Marysville? You're better off getting a Japanese Accord, but a North American Civic? weird.
Comments
$2000 off '03 Maxima
When is Honda going to step in and have a rebate? I'd prefer an Accord to either car, but the '03 Maxima for below invoice is tempting.
Danny
They wrote back with my quote (766.50 every six months), however they noted that this could change based on the the VIN number of the car i bought?
I'm guessing this may mean that the mexico built accord will cost more to insure than the US built ones??? Just a guess
Also, does this quote sound reasonable? I'm under 25.
The only Accords that you will find for sale in the U.S. are made in either Marysville, Ohio or in Japan (not Mexico). Your vehicle's VIN tells the insurance company the model and trim level of your vehicle. You should presume that the insurance company, as their risk is higher, will charge more for a more expensive trim level than for a lower one, as identified in the VIN.
2003 Accord
-Deck Lid
-Fog Lights
I for one got the
-Half mask (I usually just use this for long travels to avoid insects and small stones)
-All weather floor mat (I got this from the dealer when I bought the car with discount, but I guess there is a better price out there. It was just raining hard when I got the car that it was the first thing I wanted to buy!)
The only reason I can think of why they didn't do this is because it's such a new technology or supplier problems, but then if that's the case, I really hope that Honda will introduce it in the '04 model year Accords.
BTW, NHTSA just recently announced they'll report head injuries in side collision tests, which had been left out until now. Now it should be interesting to see how all those 4-5 star side impact cars will be affected by this new data.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/announce/press/pressdisplay.cfm?ye- ar=2003&filename=pr16-03.html
Test drove a Mazda 6S; no comparison Honda is better by far. Also drove a auto-TSX very very nice fit and finish; not enough power.
Thanks!
Overall, the interior ergonomics of the new Accord do not work well at all. The arm rests on the doors and between the front seats are so far from the steering wheel that you cannot use them to rest your arms while still reaching the steering wheel.
What's so special, was it just the Nav?
i presume you are talking about the rear wing spoiler and not a decklid. that would be something if a car come without the decklid!!!
anyway, i have the spoiler and absolutely love it. it adds some distinction, plus helps me figure out where the end of the car is while backing up...
http://www.recaro-seats.com/ergomed_ds.htm
Do you find the NAVI worth the $2K extra? For that money, I can get a Garmin Street Pilot 3 Deluxe for $650 (Retail $1200, internet stores, after $100 rebate) and be left with quite a bit of cash to spare. It's portable, which is a plus and a minus. Unless you do some serious cross country travelling, the 128mb data card should be adequate. Of course no voice activated commands, though.
Thanks,
Daniel
It may not really be "worth" $2K though especially when you cannot expect it to add much more than about $500 to the resale value when you sell the car.
Anyway, yes, my 5 speed manual is a fun to drive and been getting 31 plus mpg, great for car with 3000 plus pounds. Question is, should I continue to use 5w-20 oil?
I can get Bosch Platinums from Autozone for $1.99 each.
The "20" part of the oil takes care of proper lubrication at normal operating temps, so there's no worry about the oil being "too thin" in this situation.
Simply put, the engine will last longer with the manufacturer's recommended lubricant grade.
http://www.jdpower.com/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2003028
Hope this helps.
Try it, and you won't but one without it...
Look up the difference between the trade-in value of a 3 year old Acura TL with and without navigation and see.
Our host, Pat, gave you the information about used Accords in Posts #10328 and #10333. Why won't you follow the advice?
If you have other questions, please feel free to drop me an email.
Pat
J.D. Power's Brian Walters said both of the perennial quality leaders were distracted by model launches and added production lines. "We have seen this before. . . . When a line is added, quality slips," he said.
I'm fully confident that Honda will handle any issues that exist with the new Accord, and the overall rating will improve in 2004.
~alpha
I am considering this unit:
http://www.garmin.com/products/spIII/index.jsp
This unit is not a 'handheld' and is put on the dash. Other than voice activation and integration, I think it's got all else.
Danny
(this was taken from CarandDriver.com's Auto Insider)
"With regard to specific models, Power said that only the Honda Accord and Civic and Toyota Camry and Corolla are produced in both North American and Japanese plants. Honda Accords built in Japan have a nearly 25 PP100 advantage over those built in North American plants, while Civics built in North America have a nearly 15 PP100 advantage over their Japanese-built counterparts. Toyota Corollas built in both Japan and North America are almost identical in initial quality. There was insufficient sample to provide the same analysis for the Camry, Power said."
What is going on in Marysville? You're better off getting a Japanese Accord, but a North American Civic? weird.
~alpha