Older Honda Accords

isellhondas · July 2003

You wouldn't have paid more than invoice ?

Really...?

Suppose no dealer would have done this. Would you have bought something else instead?

Just curious...

gee35coupe · July 2003

To be honest, that's why we bought an Accord. The Mazda folks at that time thought they were selling gold in the new Mazda6, so we left there and bought the Accord coupe. So in essence, yes no deal the way I want it, and I walk. Like Anony said, we've left several dealerships so far looking for a 4wd Element 5 speed. With 3 cars in the garage, there's always tomorrow.

dindak · July 2003

Give them a call on the toll free then. That's what it's there for.

Sorry, I though the 04 stuff might be there now.

lichtronimo · July 2003

It seems they are in shorter supply this generation. I know when we bought our '01, there were at least four in the area to choose from. I'm buying a new Accord in Oct '04 and will need to plan ahead to get the EX-L 5spd. with some choice of color.

maxamillion1 · July 2003

A fully loaded 5spd Manual Accord sedan with leather AND NAVI.

It's Taffeta white with Ivory Leather interior. Now if the Accord EX-L with 5spd manual is rare, I can only imagine how rare the EX-L with Manual and Navi is.

Also, that same dealer was giving away XM radios with the purchase of ANY new Accord or Civic. That deal ended yesterday.

aggie1995 · July 2003

Yes and No.

On such a high volume vehicle like Accord/Camry/Altima/Passat/Civic etc..... I would never pay more than invoice (+/- $200, depending on availablity of options that I wanted). I wouldn't pay it because I don't have to in that scenario. So yes if Honda dealers in my area had not been willing to deal, I probably would have looked at MZ6 or Passat. If no one was willing to sell to me at the price I wanted I would have waited.

Of course if I was in the market for a Mini or Beetle (not that I like those cars) when they first came out I would never have expected them to sell for invoice. This time because they don't have to sell at/near invoice to make a sale. When the CR-V (2002) first came out it was nearly 1 year before dealers in my area would sell for less than MSRP. That was understandable since they were so popular and people were willing to buy at that price. So i went to the next state and bought one for $300 over invoice.

I'm not looking to cheat a dealer out of anything, I just don't want to pay more than the lowest going rate for a product. if he will sell a car to my neighbor for $20,000 why should I pay $20,100 for the same vehicle? I do the same thing when buying smaller purchases, I shop around locally and on the WWW till i find one for the price that I'm looking to pay.

blackexv6 · July 2003

I have an '03 EXV6 purchased last October. My side curtain airbags make a "wrinkling" noise when riding over bumps. Sounds like a plastic grocery bags crumbling in your hands. Is anyone experiencing this noise with their V6? Please let me know. Thanks in advance.

bburton3 · July 2003

Last accord I bought was for dealer cost minus the 3.5% holdback. Holdback is the kickback the dealer gets. Smaller dealers trying to get their allotment up at the end of the model are a lot more likely to deal. Buy in August if you are going to keep the car and drive it till it drops. Also sales people at smaller dealers tend in my opinion to have a better attitude-some of the sales people at atlanta honda dealers were way beyond jerks. One guy got real combative when he found I went to SC to get a deal on mine. At that time they were getting invoice +1,500 for a whole load of worthless dealer added options that maybe cost them $100.

Dealers in Mpls were getting people to put deposits down to "hold" their rare accords-one started this line with me and I almost choked with laughter. When the people who put the deposits down found out how badly they were getting had, they lost their deposit if they walked out of the deal.

Be careful out there.

sinjin_dog · July 2003

Yes, finding 5 speed manual LX sedan was not easy. When I got mine last December, I called five dealers in So California and one dealer had it. My Accord sat in the car lot for 5 month and they were happy to get rid of it at $17200 plus tax. Of course I was to happy to buy it also.
So far, real niece car and that engine really rocks.

indydriver · July 2003

This community makes buying an Accord easy. One more observation. When the salesman figured out he didn't have what I wanted on the lot, he had me try on a 6 sp coupe (I only sat, didn't drive). I was surprised to find the lack of headroom. My head hit the headliner in the coupe whereas I had about 1.5" of clearance in the sedan. So, I didn't ask to drive it. I wonder if they beefed up the suspension in the coupe to compensate for the heavier front end-which Honda apparently did not do in the sedan.

indydriver · July 2003

Kelley Blue Book rates the Accord as only a 2 out of 5 for mechanical quality and interior/exterior quality. What gives with that?

usmc · July 2003

Has anyone noticed that when they use the keyless entry to unlock the door...then you open the door...that a chime is going off inside the car for about two seconds? Is this happening to everyone or is my car just special??? ;^) It is the exact same sound that my 94 Accord Coupe would make when I forgot to turn off the headlights. I am just wondering if it means anything.

Also...when should the gas mileage start to improve? I have a 03' auto 4 cylinder with 2K on it. I am still in the low to mid 20s.

My old 94 Accord coupe had very heavy doors...I did not have to push the door hard to shut it...its weight would do most of the work. I guess old habits die hard. I have noticed lately that sometimes I am not pushing hard enough to close the drivers door. I hear a closing sound...but it is not completely shut. I was probably doing this alot and leaving the car door slightly ajar...but only noticed this problem when I would try to turn on the alarm and it would not arm. I was wondering if there was something wrong with my door jam. I am surprised that I have to slam it to ensure that it will close all the way.

I am starting to notice some squeaks but nothing to get too upset about. I do have the warm key issue...can't keep windows down in the rain since it pours down the door...but no vibrations or warped rotors yet (was a bad problem with my old coupe).

Have noticed that you don't want to have the a/c on when you need to accelerate quickly. It seems to sap out at least half of the HP...and with only 160 horses...you don't need that when trying to merge onto a highway in D.C.

Any commments?

dindak · July 2003

Toyota#2, Honda is #3, GM now above average

http://money.cnn.com/2003/07/08/pf/autos/bc.autos.durability/inde- x.htm?cnn=yes

anonymousposts · July 2003

usmc: If you are leaving the lights on then it will do that. Because when you hit unlock your lights flash to let you know it is working so when you open the door you are getting the same effect as if your lights were on.

My gas mileage steadily improved. I am now getting 32MPG during my daily commute in my 5-speed manual EX.

"can't keep windows down in the rain" Why would you want to? I usually try to keep mine up while it is raining.

My 5-speed has no problem merging even with the AC on. Sure the AC will cause some loss of power but I haven't noticed it to be enough to make merging on Atlanta freeways an issue.

ian2 · July 2003

How meaningful are these numbers anyway? There is no differentiation made between serious mechanical failure and minor problems such as wind noise. Same thing with the quality survey where high fuel consumption counts as a flaw. Are we supposed to believe GM cars are almost as mechanically sound as the Japanese years down the road?

lichtronimo · July 2003

was the JD Power Initial Quality Survey where the Hummer H2 finished last. A poor showing wasn't necessarily surprising given the crappy interior and cheaper than $60,000 underpinnings, but the main complaint from owners was POOR GAS MILEAGE.

bburton3 · July 2003

Their mission is to do research that will help their clients sell cars. Do they cook the numbers-no but having spent too many years in research I can tell you it is all in the design of the research. THey are bright people who help manufacturer's sell cars. That's the American way ain't it-if you want the real skinny, check out CR auto repair history profiles. Some sort of survey in today's NYT-GM and Buick in particular are doing much better. The japanese as a group are ahead of the european and Ami made vehicles. Korean made came in last. Seems to track with common sense.

lichtronimo · July 2003

had a comment from a Lexus executive that said they specifically target their quality control program to the JD Power survey.

robertsmx · July 2003

JD Power Surveys tell little to me. To put my point in perspective, if Buicks do so well, shouldn't their Pontiac and Chevrolet counterparts be as close? Or is it that older buyers care less about some issues compared to younger buyers? The rating should be even closer between Ford and Mercury (nearly every Mercury is offered as a Ford, except Cougar at this time). Or is it that the Fords that aren't offered as Mercury push the numbers down?

I would be interested in average age of the buyer surveyed as well. I'm that number for Lexus and Buick is way up there (55+) compared to most others. And there in lies another problem, it is just a survey, not an accurate statistic.

dindak · July 2003

No statistic is perfect, it's just one of many indicators one should look at. Having owned both GMs and Hondas in the past, I will say neither was bad and neither was better than the other.

talon95 · July 2003

I've also noticed the chime thing, and it's not when I have the lights on. About a second or two. I haven't worried about it, but it is there.

As for the A/C, I don't really notice any problem with power when it's on, but then I have a V6.

lichtronimo · July 2003

I've noticed the same thing on my '97 SE, which does not occur on our '01 EX. Last night when I went to put the '97 in the garage and hit the I noticed that the chime matches the flashing of the turnsignal lights.

03lxv6 · July 2003

Called the dealer for an oil change, but was told by one advisor that with only 2500 miles, I don't need to have it changed at this time. Any input?

robertsmx · July 2003

Statistics are helpful only if they are comprehensive enough. I'm sure we can dig up some real statistics using a basic search on the web, and I actually have seen one (Reliability Index for all automakers). Unfortunately, that chart is about 3-4 years old, so I'll try to find something that is newer.
Surveys like this are extremely dependent on the sampling. Correct me if I am wrong, but these numbers (JD Power) are not based on factual data. Can you give me a reason why Mercury and Ford should be that far apart in the ratings?

robertsmx · July 2003

For 1998 Accord, Honda recommended 5000 miles (severe conditions)/ 7500 miles (normal conditions) between oil changes. Not sure about the new Accord. With our 2000 Civic also, I noticed the same instructions (dealership also pointed it out: 7500 mile for first oil change). We did not change oil (first time) in our Civic for 7500 mile, and now both cars follow a 3750 mile routine.

dindak · July 2003

Yes, pretty much all surveys are based on sampling of some kind and I don't share your view that people who buy certain cars answer questions in different ways than people who buy other cars. I have received a JD Power sample in the mail before and I think the questions they ask are fair and straight forward.

Statistics are statistics, nothing more. There is no source that is completely comprehensive. If you don't want to believe them that's your parogative. I'm certainly not telling you they are the holly grail, just that they generally jive with my personal experience and what I have seen and read elsewhere.

gee35coupe · July 2003

For the 4 cylinder engine is 10,000 mile interval under normal condition. The owners manual expressly states that unless you regularly drive under severe service conditions you should use the normal schedule.

nosaj13 · July 2003

i bought a 2003 accord exl 2 days ago and just noticed that the interior moonroof sliding visor appears to have rust streaks on it. took it to a dealership and was told it is just the way the material is made and that it is common. anyone else have this problem?

returned to the dealership where i purchased the vehicle and was told they would need to replace it. i am worried that there might be a leak.

03honda · July 2003

The chime you hear when you use your keyless entry is the reminder chime from your headlights. Since your headlights (parking lights) blink 2-4 times (if you open only the driver's door or all doors) you will hear 2-4 chimes depending on how quickly you open your door. If you press unlock far away from your car, by the time you open the door, you shouldn't hear any chimes.

emale · July 2003

the one thing i don't like is how the car automatically re-locks if you don't open the door within like 30 seconds of activating unlock on the key fob...that i've found to be irritating!

talon95 · July 2003

So this has changed since the previous generation Accord? I didn't hear any chimes with my 2000 under the same conditions.

maxhonda99 · July 2003

I got a question. What model Bridgestone tire comes on 2003 Accord Coupe EX-V6 automatics in size 205/60-16?

I can get a set of brand new 16" wheels with the Bridgestone tires from a Honda dealer for $350. Just want to know what tires come with them first.

emale · July 2003

maxhonda99,

my '03 ex v6 coupe has TURANZA EL41 tires on it...

robr2 · July 2003

IMHO, that's a great feature usually. That ensures that if I accidentally unlock my vehicle while putting my keys in my briefcase et al, it will lock itself without my intervention.

Now if I unlock the car from inside in order to go grab something quickly and I leave the keys inside, yes it's a pain.

venus537 · July 2003

"Having owned both GMs and Hondas in the past, I will say neither was bad and neither was better than the other"

having driven both (my father's car is a buick regal), i will say Hondas are much better. is this news? an accord against any gm midsize (excluding cadillac) car is a no contest.

gm is doing well in problems per car right now, but most of their cars deliver an under whelming driving experience.

dindak · July 2003

This is a problems per car stat, nothing else.

That said, the Intrigue I drive now is pretty close to even the new Accord. Of course GM killed the car so... I hear the new Grand Prix GTP will out perform a V6 Accord though. Better interior on the Accord however.

robertsmx · July 2003

Now if I unlock the car from inside in order to go grab something quickly and I leave the keys inside, yes it's a pain.

If you unlock the doors using the fob and then open and shut the door again, the auto-lock feature is disabled.

Somewhere I read that the auto-lock feature was designed to lock the doors if the person accidentally unlocked it (after locking the doors), or if the person unlocks the door from a distance and then either takes too much time to get in (especially important from safety point of view in dark parking areas where additional time could give car-jackers an opportunity to get in before the driver does), or the person changes the mind to go back without opening the doors.

robertsmx · July 2003

Oldsmobile fared below average in the reliability ratings. I would believe Intrigue would be a part of the issue.

As far as my choices are concerned, after driving cars from the big three and then comparing them to 'import brands', I don't see my money going to GM, Ford or Chrysler anytime soon.

dindak · July 2003

Fair enough. I know other people who had bad experiences and won't ever go back to domestic brands. Maybe if I did, I would feel the same way. Our Intrigue has been steler with 60K + on the dial now. Not sure what's next but I do like the Accord (aside from the rear), Mazda 6 and the 04 Grand Prix.

nfjimc · July 2003

I agree with most of what you have found so far, including the rain dripping in. I'm thinking of getting the side window rain guards installed. Regarding the mileage, I have over 12k on my '03 4 cylinder and have never dropped below 26mpg. It normally hovers around 32 or 33 and on some longer trips has even hit 36mpg!

talon95 · July 2003

"As far as my choices are concerned, after driving cars from the big three and then comparing them to 'import brands', I don't see my money going to GM, Ford or Chrysler anytime soon."

Agreed. After years of driving German and Japanese imports, I swallowed the "Camry/Accord" fighter line from GM about the Malibu and Cutlass and bought a 1997 Cutlass. Ownership of the Cutlass was a terrible experience, and I couldn't wait to get rid of it. When I got my 2000 Accord V6, the difference in quality was so dramatic that it was a clear indication of how far GM hadn't come.

What I've seen so far of the 2004 Malibu, their latest attempt to compete in the Camry/Accord space, is less than impressive. Still looks like they're getting their interior materials at the dollar store.

dindak · July 2003

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/030710-3.htm

Yes, but 1997 was 6-7 years ago. Things do change over time and Honda seems to have stalled in terms of quality improvement (vs last year).

emale · July 2003

the introduction of so many new models is what's hammering honda more than anything...

aggie1995 · July 2003

"Honda seems to have stalled in terms of quality improvement (vs last year)"

Why do you say that? Do you have Emperical evidence supporting that? Or is that merely based on the posts that you find on these boards?

gee35coupe · July 2003

still putting out great cars? Everything looked like it alway has to me. Toyota and Honda battling out for number one and everyone else playing catchup.

emale · July 2003

altho i don't particularly believe in it, i'll use it anyway....didn't honda and toyota slip a little in the latest jd power 90 day ownership/quality rankings?

aggie1995 · July 2003

Well those are initial quality surveys which could be indicitve of future problems but don't really mean that much to me. The vast majority of Honda/Toy buyers when they say that their vehicle is has high quality or reliability they are referring to long term quality or reliability. When Honda starts building cars that fall apart the way some Big 3 vehicles do after 4 years and 80,000 miles I'll worry about JD Power.

like someone posted before. The Hummer ranked low on the survey. But their number one problem reported was poor gas mileage!! Is that a quality issue or idiocy? Or when someone reports an uncomfortable drivers seat as a quality problem, isn't that just a failure to check things out before you bought it?

dindak · July 2003

My comment was based on # of problems per 100 cars both initial and LT. Honda and Toyota have both stalled. I read an article the other day in the local paper where the writer thought maybe this is as good as it gets for car makers and that improvement in quality had hit a wall. I'm not saying Honda has bad quality (quite the opposite in reality), just that it's not really getting any better anymore while some rivals are getting closer.

aggie1995 · July 2003

Well I guess it's all relative, and you're probably right that there is some catching up going on.

anonymousposts · July 2003

Based on our 1 GM product (2000 Silverado) we probably won't buy GM again. Too many trips to the dealer in such a short time. The truck is probably doing fine now we just didn't have the patience to wait and see what was going to go wrong next or again. Traded a 2000 Silverado with 7,000 miles for a 1994 LS400 with 113,000 miles and in 2 years of having the Lexus it has yet to go to the dealer for repairs (knock on wood) while our truck spent 2 weeks out of it's first month in the shop.

One good indicator of the difference in quality is how a manufacturer takes care of problems. The frame around our rear sliding window cracked on our Silverado. Did GM design a new one that wouldn't crack and install it? No. We got an aftermarket sliding window on a brand new truck. we haven't really had to test Honda on this but I know when we had issues with the paint on our 4 month old Civic, Honda gave us a 99 Accord at invoice along with $1000 rebate.

Older Honda Accords

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