Older Honda Accords

scooter71 · July 2003

Apparently this was indeed the wrong thread.

pat · July 2003

scooter71 Jul 12, 2003 10:55pm

And scooter, you might try to find auburn63 on the M&R board. He used to hang out in the Accord Problems discussion. I'm not sure if he still does or not, but he is a great resource.

I know you posted there already, but contrary to your recent comment there, it is indeed the right one, but it is indeed. Sometimes messages get overlooked or missed by the folks that can help - please don't take it personally. There is nothing wrong with asking again.

We'll try again here, and you can try again over there.

Then again, we don't always have ALL the answers. But we try. Good luck.

berbel · July 2003

Indy:

Would you know offhand if the Turanza you referenced in post 11221 is available with
a "V" speed rating? I am reluctant to replace
an OEM tire with a "downgraded" tire. My EX V-6
has "V" rated tires and it appears that the
Turanza you mentioned above is an "H" rated
tire. Also, the tire web site you mentioned....
would that happen to be Tirerack?

Thanks/berbel

talon95 · July 2003

The bulk of the posts to this forum seem to be on the topic of new Accords... not because that's the limit of the topic, just because that's what's posted most often. But questions like yours are not uncommon, either... they're fully on-topic and are most certainly welcomed.

Wish I could help you, but I don't have experience with your model of Accord. Hopefully someone who does will respond. But please don't feel that you should leave the forum!! There's lots of very useful info to be found here, and as an experienced Accord owner, you can add to and benefit from that info.

gee35coupe · July 2003

Do seem to start abruptly. I've owned a couple and they both sprang to life very roughly.

indydriver · July 2003

Yes. V rated is available for $15 more. BTW, H tires are rated up to 130 mph. The tire in question is categorized as a "grand touring" tire, which generally means it has more performance features than a "touring" tire, but still tries to maintain ride comfort and low noise, all-season capability and good wear. A unique feature of this tire is compounding that ensures its excellent wet roadholding (rated AA) is maintained as the tread wears down. This is not the ultimate performance tire but it sounds like it fits my driving needs: lots of highway miles, driving in snow and rain, occasional joyrides through the twisties.
Yes.

dindak · July 2003

I hope you can delete the spoiler, it looks bad.

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat- - - _code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=03338949

03accordman · July 2003

I was comparing the Turanza LSH and the RE950 (Bridgestone) on the popular tyre website, and found that the RE 950 was better. Since you too have done some research, what are your thoughts on this?

fritz1224 · July 2003

I tried the 950's before I went with the Turanza LS V and they were a lot noisier and being a directional tire can only be rotated front to back. I didn't like them. The turanza is a much better tire (IMO) but also more expensive. I have a 2k lx v6 accord and the handling and wet weather performance is very good.

camphor · July 2003

What's a good Honda dealership around the Toronto area for servicing?

patentman1 · July 2003

I have a 98 exv6 and currently have 10K on my turanzas. I really like them compared to OEM and the dunlop products. They ride ok, handle well, and are really quiet. Not a racing tire, but the accord is not a sports car.

03accordman · July 2003

Thanks a lot for the info. Are the Turanza's better than the RE 950 in the wet? These are for the wife's car, a 2000 Altima. Currently it has General tires so I guess the noise part wouldn't worry me much. I don't mind paying a bit more for the Turanza's if they are decidedly better.

Also, the other day I had a panic brake situation in my 03 Accord, and I must say I was shocked at the sub par performance of the Michelin Energys. Really shook me up. If I like the Turanza more, I might replace the Michelins too. Scary.

berbel · July 2003

indy: thanks for the follow-up info on the Turanza
rubber. I have just added that tire to my very
"short list."

dindak: you are right...that is one UGLY spoiler.
Got to wonder why the "company" seems to forget that they sell a lot more sedans than they do
coupes and some of us sedan owners might like
to "dress up the sheetmetal" and add some per-
formance "perks" as well. In many respects, they
are very shortsighted.

'03accordman: The Energy MXV4's have taken a lot
of hits not only on this board but in SEVERAL
road test evaluations by people who test cars for
a living. I spent a LOT of time reading before I
recently purchased my EX V-6 so it appears these
criticisms have validity. Frankly, the thought of
having to shell out hundreds of my green to replace
the OEM tires on my new car is a subject of con-
siderable consternation for me but I won't hesitate
to do it for all the reasons cited above as well
as the observations you made in your post.

berbel

berbel · July 2003

To Any Poster:

Is anyone here aware of a "high performance" oil
filter, e.g., Mobil 1, that is available for the
'03 version of the V-6 engine.

And before anyone says anything............
YES, I am anal about the care of my cars and I
freely admit that. Always have been and always will be. And yes.....I will be converting to synthetic
oil after 5000 miles as soon as I can find someone
who makes it in 5W-20 weight. Thanks to all!

berbel

pat · July 2003

berbel, you may want to check out the various discussions about oil that are occurring over on our Maintenance & Repair board. There is lots of information to be had and lots of opinions to check out. ;-)

bburton3 · July 2003

Just replaced a set of Michelin X-One's with another set of X-One's. Got 84K out of them-were still good for at least another 5-10K but they had some cracks on the sidewalls-didn't keep enough air in them.

Bought the X-One's from tirerack.com-delivered in 2 days for just over $20. Got them mounted for $13/tire. Almost went for BS Turanza-but got 84K out of X-One's and never had to have them balanced and were very stable for their whole life. Suspect the Turanza's would have been just as good and also I suspect the Turanza's are quieter and have equivalent wet/snow traction. The Turanza's are also about $20/tire cheaper.

So when replacing tires, don't overlook buying from tirerack and getting a local tire store to mount them-shop around for prices and make certain they know what they are doing. I took my Billie Jean King/Snap On Tool torque wrench to make certain they torqued the lug nuts to 80 foot pounds.

03accordman · July 2003

How does tirerack handle warranty issues? What happens if a tire is defective?

You seem to be very happy with the X-ones so that's one positive review. Lot of people complain about tire wear on RE 950s. I wonder if anyone has info on wear on both RE 950 and Turanza LS -H. Would be a great help

fritz1224 · July 2003

I only had the 950's for about 3 weeks, but they seemed to do well in the rain. Some wear in is needed to really find out how they will perform, since there is some type of coating on them when new.(helps the rubber release from the mold I think). Bridgestone has a 30 day ride guarantee, so if you tried them and didn't like them you could move to the Turanza. Both the 950 and the Turanza have the newest technology incorporated in their design and materials.

marcnyc · July 2003

Hi--I purchased my first Honda Accord from Martin Honda 18 years ago, and I don't really recall any negative experiences with them, primarily because my car has been so reliable and not needing much service from them. I don't recall the buying process although I don't recall any problems in that regard either. But, that was 18 years ago and I'd like to know of anyone's more recent experiences with Martin Honda. THanks

jebinc1 · July 2003

True releative to rust prevention. There is a small value associated to undercoating which is the reduction of some road noise.

bburton3 · July 2003

Suggest you check their site but have not had any warranty issues with Michelin tires over many years. Only tire warranty problem I have ever had was with Dunlop-made wrong-had a belt (nylon) folded over and made a lump and bump-Dunlop said TS and I told them where to go and what to do when they got there.

Some chain tire stores will come close to matching tirerack-worth trying-mine would not cause they quit carrying Michelin for some reason-had to special order-cost of $150+/tire.

kdawg79 · July 2003

I have 950's on my car but it is not an accord. I have had them on for about 10k miles and they are okay. I don't like them as well as I did the Yokohama Avid's I had on the car before. If I was putting new shoes on an Accord, I would be really tempted to put Yokohama Avid H4's on it.

berbel · July 2003

Hey Pat......

Thanx for the suggestion......I'll do that.

By the way....just curious........

Is this just a job for you or are you a "car nut"
like the rest of us?

berbel

03accordman · July 2003

Thanks for all the info on the tires, its been very helpful.

The Turanza LS T is much cheaper than a LS V. Is speed rating the only difference, or is there something else too?

Also, kdawg79, the Yoko's are really cheap, please let me know what you like in them. I could really save myself a packet with the Yokos.

tblazer503 · July 2003

have been running Mobil1 0-20 Synthetic oil in my '03 Accord since 5k. at 8800 I think the engine is starting to get used to it.

BTW, Mobil1 0-20 is "specifically designed for Ford and Honda 5-20 oil changes" according to the box. Amsoil also makes a 5-20. I have been using PurOne for my filter.

pat · July 2003

some of both :-) I have a great time here!

ian2 · July 2003

I had Avid T4 on my Civic before. They were pretty good on dry and wet pavement, but if there's even a bit of snow, the tire lose almost all traction. I had a few close calls where when the ABS kicks, there's no stopping the car. I think the continous tread in the middle of the tire has something to do with it. Now I have X-Ones on the car and they're much better in snow. I know a set of snow tire would do wonders, but I only drive once a week in the winter and it's mostly on the highway.

bburton3 · July 2003

Just got a letter from tirerack-almost threw it till saw $50 rebate. Tirerack even sent a receipt and all I have to do for the $50 is fill out Michelin's form and mail it in with the receipt provided by tirerack. Did not know about this rebate when purchasing tire-nice surprise-form sez it applies to purchase of any 4 new Michelin tires. pennies from Michelin

kareshi · July 2003

my honda logo at the front on my '03 accord sedan got stolen.. anyone knows where can i replace with a new one? or i shouldn't bother? btw, i leased the car..

emale · July 2003

r u sure it just didn't fall off?? just go steal one off another accord...!

rapatel · July 2003

Just had some comments on the car after 6K miles.
My other cars are Fords [1990 Taurus SHO and 1996 Sable Wagon). Most of these are minor issues, but
it would make a great car nearly perfect if they addressed many of these. Of course there are also a bunch of nice features in the car, but these cover the basic "oops" IMO.

Tires - Needs better tires -I think it needs better tires to match the exceptional chassis and suspension.

Transmission lock - it only locks in Park and moves easily in gear!?!?!? Is this normal? [My right hand likes to sit there from my SHO days.]

Window lock button - Locks out driver controls - in my Ford cars, the driver can control all windows while locking out the rest [kids]. Sort of cheap to just cut the switches totally.

Single visors - I'm used to having a 2nd mini-visor in the Fords that can allow side and front coverage. Seems silly/cheap to leave it out given how important that can be with winding roads where the sun can come on sides and front.

Glovebox light stays on - I forgot to tell the dealer. I noticed the same thing on a friends 2nd generation legend as well.

ABS noise - My SHO did its ABS test at startup - a little disconcerting to have the noise happen a few seconds after the vehicle is in drive. Seems odd given the self-test is done at start up.

Needs sport buckets as an option - the lack of adjustable side bolsters to hold you in is disconcerting at times taking sharp turns.

Still think the steering effort could be higher at speed, but it isn't that bad.

Not sure if it is a good idea, but on the Fords, I am used to being able to get out without unlocking the door [front doors only], so I don't need to unlock all the doors to get out. [Yes, can use the manual method, but haven't done that in years].

Stereo is ok, but I'm spoiled in that area and now upgrading is a problem like on the Sable Wagon, where standard units can't be used. [My SHO had an awesome stereo - stock JBL + top of line 1991 Alpine CD dash unit + alpine amps + trunk 6-disc changer].

Mileage - great milage - the lowest was 22.5 when we had 2+ hours idling on the NJ turnpike. 31 was highest, but 27-28 is normal - mostly highway.

Great car for the price (23K and change - 25K out the door).

talon95 · July 2003

"Tires - Needs better tires -I think it needs better tires to match the exceptional chassis and suspension."

Agreed... my 2000 EX V6 had Michelin Energy Plus tires, which are much more performance oriented than the standard Michelin Energy tires. Wish they had stuck with the Energy Plus.

Single visors - I'm used to having a 2nd mini-visor in the Fords that can allow side and front coverage. Seems silly/cheap to leave it out given how important that can be with winding roads where the sun can come on sides and front.

I believe the other Accord models have the additional mini-visors... my 2000 had them. The issue apparently is that the extension would somehow interfere with the side curtain airbags... don't know exactly how.

kareshi · July 2003

emale, i dun think it fell off. the '03 accord's honda logo is big. i think that's why it got stolen.

arr.. car makes must think of some ways to solve this prob

rapatel · July 2003

Thanks for the information on the visors. I guess given that the regular visor swings into the area of the side airbags already, having a 2nd mini-visor wouldn't be an issue since it would stay in front. Maybe they don't want us to keep the visor on the side permanently? Sounds like they might have been better off making it not be able to swing it over. Odd.

I forgot two more items:

The paint scratches way too easily. Absoultely gorgeous paint though - I have the Eternel Blue, which looks great. Shouldn't scratch so easily.

I got used to automatic lights on my Fords. Yeah - silly, but I've been used to it for 12+ years now. A sensor turns them on/off and a delay timer is used for shutting them off when you turn off the car, which I always set to the smallest delay setting.

venus537 · July 2003

the Eternel Blue looks sharp, but i would never get that color because every little scratch is easy to see.

fryingbologna · July 2003

Yup, bought it early and have been driving it constantly. Paid approx. $32500 Canadian. Wife's car, I get to drive on weekends and long road trips ('my' car is a 96 Sentra). We test drove the 03 Altima (second choice), 02 Accord, 02 Passat and 02 Camry.

Comments on the car: We are quite pleased - my wife moreso than I - with the overall experience with the car so far. Unpleasant dealership experience followed by unpleasant service at the same dealership attempting to fix rattles, lifting rubber mat in the center cubby and a side-view mirror defroster with no heating element! New dealership appears to be much better, although I am concerned that volume of customers is outstripping ability to provide personalized care.

Power and handling are very nice, but the brakes do not match the rest of the package. Fronts are down to 50% already, and throw off dust like crazy (I've heard waxing the rims helps this? - from an appearance perspective, anyway...). Mileage on today's 3 hour highway drive, AC on into a headwind was 21.2 MPG (11.1 L/KM) with the cruise set at 80 MPH most of the way. Tires seem OK, with most interior noise coming from them running over the changing road conditions.

Great use of space inside, quiet and comfortable, nice stereo (runs hot, though!), gauges easy to read, spacious rear seats, trunk size OK. Leather quality seems good so far, and sun roof is easy to operate and quiet (I hated where the sunroof controls were located at first, but now it seems to make more sense). Cold weather package - standard on the EX in Canada I believe - is awesome! Still a rattle or two to track down on the passenger side of the dash.

I am currently shopping around for a replacement for the Sentra, and to be honest I am getting frustrated because I cannot find a comparable vehicle to the Accord for price, resale, power, mileage and luxury, especially in the small-to-mid sized SUV class!

AND, I think it is a pretty good looking vehicle as well! The Camry would be a logical second choice in this category, but Toyota's prices in western Canada are 5-10% higher for a similarly equipped Camry, with NO ability to haggle with the salespeople! (something called "Toyota Access Pricing").

indydriver · July 2003

Something to check if you don't like brake dust: Raybestos makes a series of ceramic pads. I use them on my 300M. They put off zero dust and last forever (and they stop good too). About a $50 (US) premium at my favorite brake and tire store over standard pads. Obviously less if you DIY.

As far as another vehicle for the value (especially this summer), take a look at the 300M. Yes, it will be discontinued (more buyer leverage) but I still think its an attractive car, comes loaded, 250 hp V-6 with autostick, more space, decent mileage (27-30 hwy) and, as they clear out the lots for the LX's, huge discounts and rebates. You can buy this vehicle for no more than invoice less rebate. I believe the current rebates are $3K on '03's and $2K on '04's (US). A plus for you, made right there in Can-a-da.

BTW, thanks for the report. Its very helpful for someone like me going through the buying decision process.

imidazol97 · July 2003

Don't the companies give extra discount to dealers through the summer to help move out 2003 models as 2004 models start to come in? So the prices should be even less than invoice minus the rebates; they should be lower by the amount of the extra push discount.

Does Honda give extra discount money to the dealer to move out 2003 models??

indydriver · July 2003

Like I said, "pay no more than". I am not familiar with Honda's dealer practices but with high volume cars like Accord, its hard to believe they don't provide dealer incentives. In my preliminary dealer visits (no serious haggling yet), I'm being told, "We can get you close to invoice". The largest dealer here in Indy, who claims to be the largest in a five state area, has 300 '03 Accords on the lot and is moving 400-500 cars per month.

Does anyone know when Honda stops building '03's and starts delivering '04's?

bburton3 · July 2003

Dealers get something called the "holdback" and I think it is about 3.5%-sometimes you can get part of that if u buy at model change in August-try dealers in small towns trying to get their allotment up-at least that was the story I got when i got most of the holdback in form of price reduction off dealer invoice-course do not have a clue as to what Honda was doing then. I get the feeling honda manages their car inventory very well and there are no big year end pushes to get rid of cars like the us makers have to do on occasion.

carguy58 · July 2003

Honda really doesn't offer any cash back. They do have special financing on the Civic at 1.9 APR but thats about it. Honda did have 2.9 APR on leftover 02 Accords in the summer time last year but that was the last year of that body style. As we all know this is the first year of a new bodystyle for the Accord. Honda has really never discounted Accord(cash back.) The Accord's good resale value can be traced back to no discounting or cash back.

tdub45 · July 2003

Is the only way to control the "fan speed" of the air conditioner, by the navigation touch screen or voice commands? Is there a way to do this manually? Thanks.

w5kap · July 2003

Picked up our V6 with Nav Friday night in Redondo Red. Have been playing with the Nav system and noticed you can only change the fan speed via the Nav (voice command) or when displaying the screen, there is a set of touch panels on the lower left side which allows fan speed change. No other way that I no of (yet). Still reading the books. The nav system alone will take some time that's for sure. Got the Gold package put on and a spoiler so we really like it's looks! Had a great Dealer as well.

Cheers

indydriver · July 2003

I am only familiar with domestic dealers and yes, holdback for them is 3%. Generally, on domestics, the dealers will go down to invoice and live off the holdback and whatever dealer incentives we don't see. But if you do the math, its a pathetic return. 3% on a $30,000 vehicle is only $900 bucks which ain't much. So, my general buying policy is you have to let them make something (after all, its not charity work), so if you buy at invoice, you're getting a very fair deal.

ppnff · July 2003

We picked up a Redondo Red Ex V6 (no navigation). The suspension is definitely more sophisticated than our old 1996 Accord LX plus the V6 is amazing. I had a G35 loaner the previous week and the acceleration is comparable, but the Accord is quieter. I have not noticed the performance issues with the tires yet, but I am not that aggressive yet.

Our purchase price was 3% over invoice which is high for Chicago, but our trade-in value was substantially higher than other car dealers, Carmax, etc. We also obtained the 2.9% over 60 months. In total, I am satisfied with the deal.

snowful · July 2003

Is there a way to turn the navigation system off? When the car is first started and the screen is not touched for several minutes, it goes completely blank, but once you start using it, it stays on. Is there a way to turn it off again? It would be nice to have that option, especially at night when that screen can appear very bright and I'm not using it. Aside from adjusting the brightness level, what can I do?

seaf · July 2003

Don't feel sorry for dealers, their businesses do not depend on pushing accords and civics out the door. Sometimes they may take a small loss to get the business and then recoup the costs in service and parts. Also they earn a nice profit margin in the SUVs and other lower-volume cars. Honda cars are usually higher priced than the competition, some attribute this to the quality and resale value, personally I'm ready to move on to another make after owning two hondas. But I think the recent civic redesign and better deals in other makers with just as good quality is tempting me away from Honda.

lichtronimo · July 2003

Are you trolling for an angry response from isellhondas or what!

sockpuppet1969 · July 2003

You can turn the navigation screen off by pressing the "off" button from the setup screen. Make sure you have the screen on night mode when driving at night, it makes the background black instead of white. Much easier on the eyes when it is dark outside.

I have my backlight set to "auto" which means the system switches to night mode when I turn my headlights on. If I want to have the day mode on with the headlights (rain or twilight) I turn the dash light control all the way to the right (full brightness) and that locks it in daytime mode.

Does anyone know if it is possible to get daytime running lights installed on the '03 accords?

blackexv6 · July 2003

I was wondering if the two EXV6 owners had any problems with their side curtain air bags? My airbags make a plastic bag noise over bounces. Also, does it drive anyone crazy that the doors won't open from inside unless the unlock button is pressed? I never owned a car that wouldn't unlock by simply pulling on the door lever from inside. Is this a safety feature or an annoying flaw? It would make more sense to have the locks automatically close when the ignition is turned (with a manual overide of course).

Also, to fryingbologna...don't sell your Nissan for something without resale value. I have a '95 Ford Contour SEV6 that I can't give away. I just bought a '94 Camry with 140k from a friend and drives like new and could easily sell it for $3995 in my area.

Older Honda Accords

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