Older Honda Accords

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Comments

  • mv10smv10s Member Posts: 5
    car is on its first week of commuting, 35 miles each way (moreno valley to temecula, ca). is anyone using vinyl bra or clear paint protector? if so, would you recommend it, how much, and where to buy? thanks.
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    Priceless...I've had 5 vehicles done, including my two current. Don't pay more than $550 or so. That should include hood, front bumper, mirrors, rear bumper by trunk at minimum.

    Here's a pic I took in lighting such that the material can actually be seen. Again, priceless. You should see my Trailblazer after 3 years. The new owners can't believe it's in such perfect condition.

    3M on Front:
    http://www.pbase.com/image/23116785

    On Black...very invisible
    http://www.pbase.com/image/7000702

    Best on Silver:
    http://www.pbase.com/image/19545251

    I can get close up pics if you need them.
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    Want to add some fun...upgrade the suspension with 04 TL front and rear sway bars and then the 6 speed accords strut tower brace and you'll have a whole new Accord that can actually corner!

    tim
    2003 Taffeta White & Ivory AV6 EX Sedan w/Navi

    My list of Modifications thus far:
    3M Clear Protection Bra on all sides
    17" Honda Rims / Michellin Pilots / Locking Lugs
    Injen CAI
    Greddy E-Manage Fuel/VTEC Control
    04 TL Sway Bars, Front & Rear
    6spd Strut Tower Brade (Just added!)
    Catz Rising White 4300k HID's
    OEM Rear Wing
    Shaved Emblems but with Gold H's
    Door Visors, Moonroof Visor and Mud Gaurds
    Black Diamond Shaped Grille-Tech
    Viper Remote Starter / Alarm w/ Batt. Backup
    Eclipse Components & amp; 6x9's w/Eclipse Amp; Kicker 10" Solo-Baric Sub w/Kicker Amp
  • kenm8kenm8 Member Posts: 71
    Does that stuff really work? Will it protect paint nicks and chips from gravel pieces falling from following or opposing traffic gravel trucks?
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Other than the downward curve of taillamp in the sedan (Coupe is beautiful), I think the Accord sedan is one of the better looking cars on the road.

    Besides, it has one of the best interiors to go with it. And as does it engines, features, and ofcourse the kind of ride I prefer. Not too harsh, just a fine balance of sporty and comfortable.
  • jmessjmess Member Posts: 677
    Yes the clear bra really works. I had my Lexus done 2 years ago and the Accord done 9 months ago. I am going to replace my 95 civic with a van sometime in the next 3 months and I will have Xpel installed right away.

    The sooner you install it the better. I waited too long on my Lexus and got some avoidable paint chips.

    I had the hood, fenders, and side mirrors done on the Accord. My installer recommended not going with a hood kit because he felt the kits don't provide enough coverage. Instead I bought a sheet of material from Xpel and he cut it to fit. The Accord hood is a fairly easy install compared to my IS300. After watching the installer, I could have done it myself.

    I have been really happy with the stuff. If you plan on keeping your cars for a while it is worth the investment. If you lease your cars then rock chips are normal wear and tear and paying for a clear bra may not be worth it.
  • nowakj66nowakj66 Member Posts: 709
    What does the clear bra typically cost installed?
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    The 3M material works perfectly. If a large enough object hits your car, it could still ding it, but overall, you'll not have to worry about the sandblasting effect that takes place on every car durin highway driving.
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    Costs of the Material will vary, but I wouldn't advise paying any more than $550 for a full kit. Again, Custom cuts are nice to have done. I did along my lower rocker panels across the sides...just under the doors. Also along the back bumper by the trunk so that if I set a package on the bumper, it won't scratch the paint.
  • jmessjmess Member Posts: 677
    I think I spent something like $250-300 for the installer to cut out the hood and fenders. My Lexus was $525, the front bumper cover wasn't cheap. In hindsight I would probably pass on bumper cover unless I knew the car was really going to get really beat up. I didn't do the bumper cover for the accord.

    It appears the Xpel has an extended coverage kit for the accord that wasn't available when I had the accord done.

    http://www.xpel.com/products/default.asp
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    The clear bra is a great idea, but these are vehicles and that is a bit much to spend on something that depreciates every day. I can see that some want to preserve their vehicle's looks as it came from the dealership. Normal chips in the paint is part of life, and I don't see any dealership penalizing anyone for having chips in the paint due to normal conditions. We plan to have our vehicle for at least 10 years and or about 250K - 300K miles on it. If a chips come on, that's life, I can't put a mesh or a barrier over the entire vehicle. When we go to the mall or public areas I am not going to sit in my car 24/7, of course someone is going to ding the doors, smash my bumpers, etc. Just my two cents.
  • cgeorgecgeorge Member Posts: 5
    I agree with nw1997. Is this only I who feel some of the posters here sound obsessed with their car?
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    cgeorge,

       When we had our RX300 and my son ran his bike into our bumpers doors, etc. What were we going to to do, punish a 4 year-old who didn't know any better? Some are very obsessed with their vehicles, but there's got to be a limit. I don't "love" my car, I like it. The only things we love is people, my family, etc. That's the difference.
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    I wouldn't call it an obsession or love that some folks spend a few extra bucks on the 3M product. To me, it's the difference between having a nice car after a few years or one that is really nice and looks brand new. $500 isn't much to spend on an item that costs so much.

    When I sold my Black Trailblazer w/20k on the clock, I got top dollar for it because it was in such perfect shape paint wise and the new owner....gladly spent every bit of the extra money he did to have such a nice vehicle which was every bit as nice as a brand new one for far less money. Besides, that extra little edge made me feel good every time I saw someone with a nice clean car that had pimples all over the front :)

    It's also really nice because if and when you do scuff, scratch or even if you don't want it on any longer, it comes offer with ease.
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    Sorry for the double post... but...

    Is anyone having a problem with their 2004 overhead sunglass holder/bin dropping open by itself? Mine just started to do so a day or two ago. I believe it to be temperature related.
  • billyperksbillyperks Member Posts: 449
    Where did you purchase the light bulbs(catz rising white)?
  • lelandhendrixlelandhendrix Member Posts: 240
    I'm not obsessed, but I do my best to take care of my car. Maybe it's because it's the first new car I've had in a long time, and I like the feeling I get when I see it in my driveway or parking lot.

    Some of my friends think I'm a bit obsessive, but I do choose to park in places where I won't get hit by shopping carts and the sloppy behavior of others. I'm not talking two blocks away, but in an area of less traffic.
  • musicboymusicboy Member Posts: 66
    blane> Is anyone having a problem with their
    blane> 2004 overhead sunglass holder/bin
    blane> dropping open by itself? Mine just
    blane> started to do so a day or two ago. I
    blane> believe it to be temperature related.

    Yes, the exact same thing begun happening to me about a two weeks ago. It is intermittant. I thought it might be related to the temperature warming up.

    I live near Washington, DC and bought the car in January. It's been cold the last week or so and I had no problem with it until just yesterday as it has begun to warm up again.

    Anyone else experiencing this too?
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    It's getting warmer.
    The sun is getting higher in the sky and brighter.

    The 'Auto Sunglass Deploy' feature registers the above factors and hands you the sunglasses.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
  • tlaurotlauro Member Posts: 504
    got the Catz from Mobile Electronics here in Columbus, OH. Catz US HQ is here too. Given the Aug 13/03 Law, you may not be able to find them in the states, but I'm not sure.....just order them from Japan or Canada if there are any local law issues regarding aftermarket HID's.
  • ponyrider2ponyrider2 Member Posts: 29
    Hi
    I just purchased a 02 Accord EX v6. I am disappointed in the mpg's. I am getting 26-27 with mostly highway miles.
    I would like to know what others are getting for mpg's with this car
    and ALSO mpg's with the new Accord 04 EX 4 cyl.
    I may just trade in my 02 for the 04 if mpg's are much better
    Thanks, Susie
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    26-27 mpg on the highway with the old 4-spd automatic is well within the normal envelope. Our '01 was certainly within that range. Given the EPA ratings, and CU's test results on the previous-gen V6, I'm not sure why you would expect dramatically better results. As always, a lot depends on how you drive, but our averages on long highway trips were in the 75-80 mph range, and your results are very consistent with ours at those speeds.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    I used to average between 25-29 MPG with my 01 V6 coupe. Depended on how heavy my foot was that day.
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    it would be far from cost effective to trade your car in for the 04 accord. the money saved in gas mileage would be insignificant compare to your depreciation loss from the 02 and the premium you pay for a new car.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Ours gets 26-27 on the highway at 70-75.
  • ponyrider2ponyrider2 Member Posts: 29
    Thanks all of you for your input. you are correct about not being cost effective for trading back in, but since I just bought the car I was thinking about going back to the dealer for a new trade.
    But, maybe I'll wait a few years to see what comes up, this really is a nice car. I was just hoping for more mpg's since the reason I traded my Subaru Outback in was for better mileage. I was getting 24-25 all the time with that. The salesman told me I would for sure get 29-30 maybe more. I should've known..
    Any input from 04 Accords EX 4 cyl on mpg's you are getting?
    Have a super day, Susie
  • zitchzitch Member Posts: 55
    I was getting around 25 with 80% highway and right around 29 MPG all highway driving with my old 94 Accord LX (4 Cyl auto). My 03 Accord LX (4-Cyl auto) got around 25-29 with 80% highway and I've gotten anywhere from 29-34 on all highway driving. It really depends on how heavy my foot is that day. Even the 4-Cyl wants to go... :)
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    I have a 2004 4 cylinder auto and get 30 MPG in day-to-day driving which included some stop-and-go but not much. Haven't taken it on a road trip yet but hope to do so soon.
  • md_rocksmd_rocks Member Posts: 41
    I am now driving a 1999 LX-V6 automatic coupe. Might be my lead foot talking here, but I've never even come close to 27 mpg except on road trips at constant 70-75 mph.

    Real world for me is closer to 22 mpg with 40% city (lots of stop and go in LA so that's lumped into 'city'), 60% actual highway speeds.
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    My 2004 Accord EX-L 4 cyl. AT averages 33.2 MPG on the highway and 22.6 MPG in city driving. That seems quite good for a 3200 pound car that still has plenty of power.......Richard
  • rcc8179rcc8179 Member Posts: 131
    I have a 2003 Accord EX 4-cyl sedan with about 32k miles. I get 31-35 mpg on the highway and have averaged about 29 mpg overall since new. I usually drive about 60% city driving and 40% higway driving.
  • 1997montez341997montez34 Member Posts: 202
    I just returned from a 1000 mile trip and got 34-35 mpg on the highway. I am so delighted with this car I can't even believe it. Excellent roadtrip vehicle!
  • aggie1995aggie1995 Member Posts: 318
    Day in and Day out I get 30 mpg on my 2003 Accord 4 cyl with the manual. that is about 60% hwy, 40% city.

    I've never gotten better than 32 nor have I gotten worse than 28. I'll take it.
  • bamacarbamacar Member Posts: 749
    I have a 2003 Accord 4 cylinder- manual Transmission. I get 28-30 with about a 50% Hwy/City mix. Yesterday on a 100% Hwy trip at 65-75 mph, I got a record tying tank mpg of 36. I am extremely happy with my mileage.
  • abpelch1abpelch1 Member Posts: 48
    I have 3k miles on my 04 EX 4cyl auto, and was reading the owners manual regarding oil changes. I plan on keeping this car for 8-10 years, so I want to take good care of it. I have some questions for you all:

    1. What do you think about the 10k mile oil filter change interval, even for the severe schedule? Do you think this will hurt the engine, or just a marketing ploy for less maintenance? I think I'd rather change it every 5k with the oil.

    2. Should I use Honda OEM filters (oil & air)? Are they much better than, say, FRAM?

    3. The owner’s manual states: "It is highly recommended that you use Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle for optimum engine protection." What's so special about Honda Motor Oil? I'm sure 5W-20 Valvoline, Havoline, etc. would be just as good & probably cheaper.

    Thanks in advance for your comments.
  • zakimanzakiman Member Posts: 71
    I have a 02 Accord EX CP 5 Speed and I drive 95% highway. How do I accuratelly calculate how many miles per gallon I am getting,. what is the procedure or the formula ? Also does it matter between putting unleaded vs. Plus gasoline in a 02 Honda.
    Many Thanks.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Fill your tank. Set your trip odometer to zero. Drive as you normally would and run the tank more down to under 1/4 tank at least. Fill up and do not top off after the pump shuts down. Take the miles on your trip odometer and divide it by the number of gallons you just pumped. That'll give you a basic idea.

    I'd do the above 5 or 6 times in a row to give you an average. Some folks go as far as using the same pump every time.

    As an aside, my 98 EX-L 4/auto gets about 25 in combined highway/suburban driving. On my recent trip from Boston to Daytona and back, I averaged about 32 mpg running 70-75 mph the whole way.
  • reidjreidj Member Posts: 5
    Has anyone with the navigation system taken the time to see how accurate the average mileage reported by the navigation system is?

    I keep on forgetting to test it out myself. I hope mine is running low, but probably not, considering how much of a leadfoot I am ;-)
  • emaleemale Member Posts: 1,380
    hey gang,

    just read that honda is recalling a bunch (600,000) of 5 speed automatics in the pilot...mdx and ody. does anyone think the accord might become involved since i can't imagine it's tranny is significantly different vs those others. anyone experienced any problems with '03 or '04 accord slushboxes...?
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    I suggest that you do a "search" on this subject. It has been discussd in "great length" and everyone has their own opinion. After reading the postings on this subject, you can make up your own mind with regards to this service. My Honda dealer recommends 3,750 miles intervals for this service. I change the oil and filter at 3,000 miles. With a "dealer service coupon" this service it costs me $18.99 plus N.J. Tax. Some people would consider this to be a waste of natural resources, I consider it to be "cheap maintenance". (Uses oil is recycled)
  • snarkssnarks Member Posts: 207
    I belive that the severe service schedule is 5000 miles, more people fall into this category then the latter 10k. There is nothing too special about Honda oil any that is 5W20 will do as they are really just produced in the US to meet Honda and Ford specs. I am willing to bet your dealer does not even use Honda oil when they perform oil changes, they will buy bulk oil from typically the cheapest supplier.

    On filters any will do for a 5k oil change interval. You need Honda OEM or a quality filter ie Mobil 1, Amsoil, Mann, Wix/Napa Gold to go the 10k.

    Many competent mechanics are upping the oil change interval to 5k miles now from the previous 3k, oil is better than even just a few years ago and engines run much cleaner and don't contaminate the oil.

    Lastly, some quality dino oils are Pennzoil, Chevron Supreme, Havoline, Castrol GTX. Valvoline is okay but not the greatest. This is info based on Used Oil Analysis from postings on another forum concentric to oil.

    I currently drive an over 200k Honda 9 years old that received 4-5k oil changes its whole life never once with Honda oil except from factory. I have never had any issues related to the motor.
  • garygary Member Posts: 39
    I have a 1998 Accord EXV6 sedan and was looking for suggestions on upgrading my headlights. The stock bulbs don't have much power and wanted to replace them with PIAA Super White Xtreme's or some equivalent. Anything brighter that will work with my stock wiring and headlight housings and definitely nothing that is too blue in color.

    Are these bulbs worth the money?

    Is the difference that noticeable?

    I read online that PIAA's seem to only last less than one year. Any truth to that?

    Any input is greatly appreciated!!
  • 1997montez341997montez34 Member Posts: 202
    Gregoryc1, who's your honda dealer in NJ? I'd like to get serviced there adn get the coupon. I'm in Freehold. Thanks!
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    Mahwah Honda, Mahwah, N.J.
  • rleongrleong Member Posts: 41
    About 6 years ago, I tried a set on my 98 Civic. I thought they were bit expensive. I don't know if they are worth the money. There is a slight difference. And "yes" they will last less than a year.

    If they were 1/2 the price it might be worth it.

    Good Luck.
  • slawendaslawenda Member Posts: 101
    I am debating buying a V6 (vs I4) and am wondering how common (and/or how annoying) the problems reported on this board with the V6 are. The problems I am specifically referring to are: 1) Ignition key needs to be turned for long time before car starts or car fails to start, and 2) Bad sulfur smell during acceleration. If there are any other problems that are COMMON with regard to the V6, please let me know. I am not interested as much in one person's unique lemon experience, although I feel for you! Thank you.

    Besides these problems, it seems that overall you are giving up a couple thousand dollars, as well as about 3 miles per gallon in fuel economy, for better acceleration and an electrically powered passenger seat (more or less). Any other comments are welcome. Thank you.
  • briansbluetoybriansbluetoy Member Posts: 50
    I have 16k miles on my 03 exv6. No problems, certainly not like the ones you've mentioned.

    The 240 hp speaks(no smell) for itself.
  • atlantabennyatlantabenny Member Posts: 735
    On top of the power passenger seat, the v6 has the homelink and the TCS (traction control system).

    What the v6 doesn't have is the a/c air filtration system of the i4.

    Quick conclusion is that if you're a solo driver 90% of the time, don't need a garage door/house light opener, and have no urge to unconsciously out-accelerate 95% of vehicles on the road, the i4 is virtually perfect (on the v6's TCS, this is probably more safety-related than anything else. The i4's lower power doesn't require the TCS imo).

    Not to mention that the i4 will be kinder to your sinuses if you're pollen and smog sensitive.

    My only resevation about the i4 is that it's a bit non-engaging to drive.

    On common or unique problems between the two, can't comment much because we have a coupe and a 4-door that prevents 100% apples-to-apples. But on "crank duration," the v6 doesn't take significantly longer to start than the i4 (after all, the v6 has more rotating mass).

    I drive both cars on a regular basis (wife has the i4 and I have the v6 coupe).
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    the only problems i have had with my 03 V6 (approaching 10k miles) have been the front brake pads (replaced), and what i thought was a loose front seat. everything else is fine. no rattles, no smells (use 87 octane)), no tranny problems.

    yes, the car takes like half-a-second longer to start, but again, ALL OF MY HONDAS/ACURAS have been like that. not sure why, but it is nothing to worry about.
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