Older Honda Accords

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Comments

  • willybombawillybomba Member Posts: 2
    Hey folks. I need some help. I have a really nice 04 sedan exl-navi. Paid cash rather than buying over my head to keep up appearances. Now to my question. I want to replace all speakers and add a little amplification. I keep on getting the runaround regarding what can be done with the replacement of the tweeters on the dash next to the windshield. The 2 stories are; 1. you just pop the cover and replace just like all the other speakers, add the amp and done; great new sound. 2. You cannot just remove the tweeter cover, you have to take the dash out and then remove them. I would not even consider removing the dash. I would just stop using the tweeters on the dash and put some on the door or whatever. Now, I know some of you know what the truth is, please help. Also, it is necessary to switch all of the cabling for the speakers? That would entail a bunch of disasembly, etc. I am not an audiophile, just want a little more power. Thanks in advance for your comments and help.
  • jebinc1jebinc1 Member Posts: 198
    2004 EX-V6 Sedan w/Navi
    -----------------------------

    When tuning to XM bands, I notice that the volume (signal strength) is much lower than on the other bands. One must turn up the volume much more on the XM band than on the FM band, for example. And the sound isn't quite as good either (save for the normal FM static). Also, when you switch from XM to FM you have to quickly turn down the volume because the difference is that noticeable. I realize that I can add an amp to the overall system but I was wondering if there was a way to boost the XM signal (between the ant. and the receiver) other than just adding an amp to the speaker output. Your thoughts are appreciated.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    I never switch out of XM. In fact I don"t have a need for any other in car entertainment.
  • jumpnjoejumpnjoe Member Posts: 34
    I agree jebinc. It is annoying.
  • jebinc1jebinc1 Member Posts: 198
    ..but does anyone have a solution to offer? :)
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    We have an 04 EX V6 Accord with about 3,000 miles on the ODO. I have noticed while accelerating the vehicle shifts normally, engine sounds the same as from day one. Recently, I have noticed while accelerating and letting my foot of the gas and allow the vehicle to coast there is a whistling noise. One of my mechanics that I know for many years stated that it sounds like it is coming from the injectors. and that the sound will go away after the engine/injectors. build up slight carbon. He also noted that this is normal for some new cars, because everything is in perfect tune. Has anyone ever heard of this?
  • zhelderzhelder Member Posts: 42
    I meant to create a post on this topic a while ago. Thanks for reminding me about it. The power fluctuates quite a bit from station to station on XM. The dance stations seem to have almost as much power as the FM stations, the pop/Top 40 stations come somewhat close, and the rock stations seem to have significantly less volume. Radio Disney (I admit it, I like it sometimes) is the worst station of the bunch. I didn't have this problem with my Delphi Skyfi in my Taurus, so I'm wondering if it's a defect with the Accord receiver. The XM is still great, but it is a bit inconvenient having to switch volume when going from one station to another. Thank goodness for the steering wheel controls.
       Speaking of XM, one feature I miss terribly from my Skyfi is the ability to scroll through all the stations on the display to see what's playing on all stations at any particular time. I doubt it will happen, but I'm curious: could the features of the XM/Audio/Navigation system be easily updated if Honda wanted to do this? Any other thoughts on the possibility of this happening?
  • austinman7austinman7 Member Posts: 313
    I put a post over on the "Problems and solutions" thread about a whirring noise my 04 LX 4cyl. has started to make, most noticable at about 45 mph. Like you, I can make it more audible by gently easing off on the gas pedal. I'm taking it in for its first service in a few weeks and be looking for an answer. Don't know if it's what you're hearing, but it seems similar.

    Are you going to take yours in to the Honda dealer you bought it from for an inspection? I would be interested to hear your results.
  • briansbluetoybriansbluetoy Member Posts: 50
    I heard this noise when I purchased my exv6 in Mar 03. I took it to the dealer and they reported that was coming from the wheel well. They moved one tire and determined that it followed the tire. I thought this was a load of crap but just coincidently the noise was less noticable after a tire rotation.

    The thing that does not make sense is that the noise is directly tied to the throttle. Throttle pressed=noise, release throttle noise stops. It happens around 42-50mph.

    I have not pursued the tire problem yet since I am not yet convinced it is a tire.
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    austinman7 and briansbluetoy,

        Can you guys tell me what brand and grade of gas you are putting in your Accords? Also, the noise does seem to be around the 45 MPH mark, but I have also noticed it at higher speeds when I release my foot off the gas. Can you guys tell me what are the mileage on your vehicles and if the noise has gotten worse or stayed the same with time?
  • austinman7austinman7 Member Posts: 313
    I bought my 04 LX 4 cyl. in January. It now has about 3,800 miles on it. I've used Shell 87 octane. For the first few months I had literally nothing to complain about. I would say I first noticed this whirring noise sometime in May, for the past several weeks now. It's gotten a litte more noticable, but not radically so. But it has become consistent -- always there at 45 mph. I can't hear it at lower or higher speeds.

    briansbluetoy -- The wheel well thing sounds like a stretch to me. My noise is definitely throttle-sensitive, but we're talking about an extremely gentle movement of the pedal. Can't imagine that could be linked to the wheel well, but that's just a guess.

    I will be going in for my service in a few weeks and will let you all know what they tell me about this noise.
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    austinman7,

        We pretty much have the same situation. The vehicle runs great, no major complaints. I probably started noticing the noise around 2000 miles, we have about 3000 miles now. We utilize premium fuel, so I know it's not the fuel. I remember when I had a previous vehicle and had the 60,000 miles service done on it, (my mechanic changed almost everything imaginable, from timing to water pump, other belts, wires, plugs, etc.) After this was done I noticed a whistling noise coming from the engine compartment. It did however went away by itself, I assume after the new parts broke in. However, please keep us informed as to what the dealer claims to be the cause.
  • sandhurst1sandhurst1 Member Posts: 2
    Does the unit that receives XM satellite radio allow you to have station presets? If so, how many?

    I am trying to decide between the V6 and 4 cylinder EX. The V6 has traction control. Is that a significant safety advantage? Apart from the fun of a V6 is there a serious reason for choosing that over the 4?

    Thanks for your advice.
  • acuramdx01acuramdx01 Member Posts: 3
    I also noticed speed sensitive noise on my 03 LX after the first tire rotation. I think it is caused by the tires because I do not hear anything when I park my car and run the engine to 2500 rpm. My car has 35000 miles now. The noise seems not getting any worse fortunately. There is another noise coming from the center-bottom of the wind shield. You can hear it if you lean forward towards the location.

    It is well known that Hondas are not quiet and quite bumpy. So I prepared a set of ear plugs. The 3 dollar investment turned my Accord into a Lexus in terms of interior noise level.
  • htthtt Member Posts: 75
    I test drove both I4 EX and V6 EX before I decided on the V6 EX. I chose the V6 because it had more power, 7-spoke alloy wheels which I prefered over the 5-spoke ones, traction control, home link transmitter, power passenger seat. I sometimes saw the traction control kicked in automatically when the road was wet. It could make the car safer. I really liked the home link feature because I wanted to keep my car in my garage. My wife wanted the power passenger seat. However, the power of the V6 was really what made me chose the V6 EX. The I4 had some advantages too. It was about $2000 less expensive and more balance due to lighter engine.
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    The 4 cyl. Accord with AT is very smooth and fast at about 9 seconds 0-60 MPH according to Consumer Reports. This is an engine that will change anyone's mind about noisy, rough, sluggish fours--the Honda Accord 4 cyl. engine is smoother than many lesser V6s. The V6 Accord probably runs 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds which is faster, of course.

    Gas mileage is very good for both engines, but you can expect perhaps 10 per cent more miles per gallon with the 4 cyl. which is worth considering if you drive enough. Also, the 4 cyl. engine has a timing chain that lasts the life of the engine. The V6 uses a timing belt that must be replaced after a certain number of miles or years.

    Traction control is not really an issue with the 4 because the 4 cyl. doesn't generate the torque that will slip the wheels as much as the V6. There's a position in the AT to make second gear starts that help prevent wheel spinning on snow and ice.

    If you often carry a full load of passengers and fill the trunk, or if you frequently must VERY quickly pass trucks on 2 lane roads, you might want the fastest car you can afford.

    Be sure to test both before making your choice--don't just buy the V6 because you think you might need it--the 4 might be a better choice......Richard
  • dhoffdhoff Member Posts: 282
    Anyone with a new 4 cylinder Accord (AT) know what the rated towing capacity is? I looked at Honda's website but couldn't find it mentioned anywhere. Thanks.

    Dave
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    i must say, it kills me when people think a timing chain is somehow more desirable than a timing belt. a timing belt is quiet and is on a timed replacement interval. meaning, you don't get stranded. a timing chain still breaks/snaps! only you can't/aren't supposed to do any preventative maintenance on it. people are left with a false sense of security with timing chains, in my opinion.

    it wouldn't STOP be from buying the 4 cyl Accord if that is what i wanted, but i would be replacing the timing chain just like i would be replacing the timing belt to be safe.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...only if you intend to keep the car past 150k miles or so - anything past that, and I might start thinking about the chain, but nothing before that.

    Your point's well taken, though - for Hondas and their 105k replacement recommendation on the belt, the differences are not as dramatic as many people think. In either case, most people will sell the car before the cam drive needs any servicing at all...
  • 04accordcoupe04accordcoupe Member Posts: 9
    The EX radio has 12 XM radio presets.

    I chose the 4-cyl myself; given the way I drive (fairly conservatively) I don't need the extra power, and I enjoy the better gas mileage as well as the lower up-front cost.
  • mburlesnmburlesn Member Posts: 9
    I am choosing between a Honda Accord EX V6 with Navi and an Acura TL with Navi. The dealer let me take the Honda for the day and while driving around I noticed some things that left a little to be desired from a Honda product.

    The car I am driving has the rear-view mirror upgrade and I noticed that the driver side visor makes contact with the mirror when placed in the down position. This happened several times this afternoon and is quite annoying since I have to reset the mirror everytime. Does this only happen with the mirror upgrade or does standard mirror do this???

    I also noticed that in order to adjust the AC fan you have to choose the AC button and switch to that screen on the navigation display and select your fan speed instead of having a simple switch on the dashboard. This may not seem like a big deal but when you first get into the car the navigation product can take up to a minute or so to get past all the legal disclaimers which leaves you sitting there with no airflow until it finishes. FYI, I live in Texas and it is already HOT here.

    Are there other little issues hiding out there that I am not yet aware of? Please let me add that the missing key cylinder on the passenger side is of no consequence to me but these other items leave me with the feeling that there are some things Honda did not consider while designing. So far, I do not find these kinds of negative perks with the Acura but I am sure it has it's share.

    Any thoughts and comments are appreciated.

    PS If anyone is interested, I have worked the following deals after much deliberation over the past month or so (both are Automatic Transmission):

    2004 Accord EX-V6 with Navi - $26,000 (includes very good money for my trade)

    2004 Acura TL with Navi - $33,700 and OK money for my trade
  • rcc8179rcc8179 Member Posts: 131
    I don't know anything about the navigation unit, but I can offer a little info on the mirror. The mirror can physically be moved up/down/right/left/any combination. It is possible that the car you test drove had the mirror angled toward the left (the "stem", not the mirror itself). I have a 4-cylinder EX and the (standard) mirror does not contact either sunvisor.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...the mirror is on an articulated post, and was simply out of position on the example you drove. I've seen other cars where the mirror interfered with the visor - it just takes a minute to fix. [Both ends of the mirror post are on ball-joints.]
  • zhelderzhelder Member Posts: 42
    In the Accord with the Navigation system, driver and passenger temperatures as well as fan speed can be adjusted through the voice activation system. I think that these commands can be activated regardless of the screen on the navi. I agree that it's a bit unusual not to have mechanical fan speed keys, but it's easy enough to adjust to. Also, you'll probably use the automatic climate system most of the time, making fan speed adjustments unnecessary most of the time. The car will adjust the fan when the desired temperature is reached. The Accord is a quality car. It makes my '96 Taurus (which I always considered a good car) look like a '74 Pinto. It is an amazing car. The TL looks incredible, but it's a big price jump from the Accord. There's no way I could have afforded it, but if I had the money, I might have taken the plunge on the TL, although it doesn't look like the car gives $8000 in upgrades over the Accord. In fact, deep down, the two cars seem pretty similar to me. But the blue dashboard, the DVD audio, and the sporty shifter in the TL look very cool. You can't go wrong with either car.
  • rhard49rhard49 Member Posts: 226
    I'm considering buying a 2004 ex v6 and wondering if the 2004 has brake warpped rotor issues like I see talked about on the 2003's
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    Honda's position is that they've resolved this problem with a brake pad redesign. The redesigned brake pads are standard on the 2004's. From what I've seen, most owners with 2003's who experienced the problem reported that the new brake pads, along with refinishing the front discs, resolved the problem.

    One member, who will probably weigh in on this himself when he sees your post, reports that the "fix" didn't resolve the problem for him. I'm not aware of any other similar reports on Edmunds, but he may be.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    I never had a problem with the brakes on our 2003 4 cylinder accord. The vehicle now has 27,000 + miles on the clock!
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...to prevent this happening at all [and I've had lots of experience with this problem outside of the Honda world], try to do the following:

    -Never drive the car away from the dealership [including the first drive after purchase] without retorquing all 20 wheel bolts with a decent torque wrench [Craftsman makes several at reasonable prices - pick one]. Use whatever the book says - typically 76-80 ft-lbs - but the real key is to MAKE THEM ALL EVEN. It's uneven torquing that it the culprit 50% of the time or more.

    -Avoid hitting the brake discs with a stream of cold water right after getting off the road or using the brakes hard [freeway offramp, etc.]. Let them cool down before doing a car wash.

    -And yes, sometimes pad materials and lousy rotors will still do you in - ONE use of the brakes in 100F degree weather on a freeway was enough to warp the rotors on our '92 Sable; after being replaced, they warped again within 5000 miles, even with my pampering.

    It's a common problem these days across many brands. Honda is by no means alone. But there are defensive measures you can take, and the most important of these is to get a good torque wrench and socket and use it religiously. I'm driving my 14th Mercedes at the moment, and I don't trust their dealers any more than I do Honda's, always doing my own retorquing if the wheels have been pulled for any reason.
  • johnnypicjohnnypic Member Posts: 11
    I just filled up the tank on my new accord. Is it normal to be avering about 16 mpg on the first tank. I was doing mostly city driving stop and go traffic and being very carefull with acceleratrion because I'm still in the break in period.

    13 gallons average 16mpg and 31 bucks to fill up the tank. OUCH! Also driving with autoclimate set to 70 degrees.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    my 2003 EX-V6 still has crappy brakes. with redesigned parts on it. not gonna lose sleep over it. have a feeling the car won't last through the end of summer :) i got rid of VW's to get the Honda because i got tired of VW problems. but at least VW problems were fixable. busted coil? put new one in. all done. this Honda is too much car for the brakes in my opinion. might look into after market pads/rotors if i decide to keep giving Honda my money every month. don't know if i can do that - its like rewarding them for subpar product production. we shall see.

    as far as MPG's, i have never even been close to 16 mpg. maybe once your car breaks in you will get better numbers. i have never been below 23 mpg on my 03 V6. i think the 03 V6 is the same as the 04 V6.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Honda already has your money. They got their money from the dealer when you bought the car. It's almost like buying a Sony stereo from Best Buy and then returning it to Best Buy so Sony won't get your money. Best Buy already bought the merchandise from Sony. You are giving your money to Best Buy and in this case, the dealership.

    If the Accord is so bad that you want to trade it .. what will be better? I am all for someone dumping a car if they aren't happy. I would rather someone trade their car than post endless posts about how unhappy they are. But I am curious as to what you think will be better than the Accord?
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    right. sure, the dealer paid Honda for the car, and i gave the dealer money. so Honda was paid in full at invoice price at the front end. however, Honda is getting my 2.9% every month on the car payment. sure, it goes to Honda Finance instead of Honda Motor, but it all helps "HONDA" in the end....and since they won't help me, why should i help them? and besides, i have quite a few family members and friends that rely on me to help them decide on and buy cars/go through the dealer BS. if Honda can't be bothered to return phone calls, let alone make a safe car, i really can't be writing "HONDA" in my checkbook register anymore. makes you (or me in this case) feel like a fool.

    "I would rather someone trade their car than post endless posts about how unhappy they are." someone asked about my experience, and i replied. nothing "endless" about it.

    i think you should try your best to lighten up just a bit :) its a car. i am unhappy with a portion of my car. it doesn't detract from you and your families amazing good luck with Honda products.

    personally, for me, the Honda experience this time around reminds of my VW experience. EXCEPT, with the VW, i enjoyed driving the car more. i will most likely be rid of the Accord soon. no idea where to go next though. not Toyota. at the feature/price point that i am looking at, it will probably be VW. i guess, if all cars have problems (which they all do), i would rather buy the one that treats me like a person (Honda as AWFUL customer service). VW appearsto be concentrating on quality again these days, per all the trade mags i have read in the past few months.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    even with the concentration, they haven't quite gotten it. They have lost a lot of marketshare in Europe because of problems with the Golf. The Passat is about to be all new. Take your chances.
  • stewartcstewartc Member Posts: 3
    I find the Paint on Accord sedans is quite dull, i.e., not shiny, compared to Nissan Altima and Mazda 3 and 6 and other European cars.

    Is it just me or the paint job on Accords is really inferior?
  • jfzjfz Member Posts: 45
    The new finish is greatly effected by the rail dust and dirt that it is exposed to while being transported from the factory. That is why many premier brands transport their cars in enclosed trucks.

    The best way to remove these contaminants is with a clay bar, followed by waxing/polishing. Several brands are available, Mothers Gold, Clay Magic, and Zaino.

    I used the Zaino process of Dawn wash, Clay, and ZFT/Z1 on our 2004 silver Honda. The touch of the finish and the shine are great.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    the paint on my 03 Accord is great on the metal panels. the bumpers don't really match the rest of the car, but that is a widespread Honda problem (on Civics too). i think metal parts are painted at different times than plastic parts along the assembly lines. the paint on the Accord is perfection compared to my 01 Civic. on the Accord, I can't really tell unless the car is freshly washed and waxed. no biggie. i haven't had any rock chips yet in about 12k miles, so the hood seems fairly durable in that regard.
  • bijubiju Member Posts: 5
    I just bought an Accord LX 4-door, 4-cyl, automatic with side airbags last week for $1800 under Edmunds TMV in New Jersey. Back in January, I got an Acura MDX '04 for $800 under Edmunds TMV. Is it me or is this TMV quite worthless? I would even go as far as saying that it can cost people a lot of money if they use it to base their negotiations on. What's your opinion?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    The TMV is an average of what people have paid in your area. So by definition, some pay less, some pay more. Certainly good negotiators can do better.

    Obviously you are a good negotiator - congrats!! :)
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...it to start with two sources: the local newspaper ads and CarsDirect.com. CarsDirect imposes a small commission [a couple of hundred $] on top of what is otherwise likely to be the very lowest price to be had in any given area. They're "off" occasionally, too, but not very far, and are a good place to find a starting point for negotiations.

    You might go to their site, plug in your NJ Zip code, and see what they say compared with what you paid. I'd be curious about the result...
  • bijubiju Member Posts: 5
    I just checked the CarsDirect.com price, and it's $907 more than what I paid.
  • rampedramped Member Posts: 358
    CarsDirect does seem to leave a lot of money on the table with Accords. I checked Wednesday and its best price was about $700 more than I could have paid earlier this month for an EX sedan with side/curtains.

    On the other hand, its price was pretty much spot on with what I negotiated for a Camry SE a couple of weeks ago.
  • briansbluetoybriansbluetoy Member Posts: 50
    I have a 03 exv6. I drove it very gently during the breakin period but dont remember getting that low mileage. Mine has always been in the low-mid 20s even from day one. Specifically, I have gotten 19mpg once, 26mpg once and the majority is in the 21,22, 23 range. I tracked my mileage for 5 months before I stopped taking data. The majority of the 5 months was in the hot houston summer.

    Under normal driving I get a little over 300 miles on a tank...driving like I stole it w/AC on most of the time. There is still some in reserve but I pushed too far once and ran out at 341mi. I have gotten as high as 402 on a (250 miles HWY 152 city). Not been on a full tank road trip yet.
  • johnnypicjohnnypic Member Posts: 11
    Im ready to go for my second fill up. Im filling from half a tank. I'm taking a trip out to riverhead Long Island. About 70 miles on the L.I.E. Finaly going to put some decent highway miles on the car. I'll see what happens with the milage.

    The trip computer is now saying im getting 13 mpg
    /grumble
  • slorenzenslorenzen Member Posts: 694
    I called the dealer looking for a "bra" for the front of my 2004 EX sedan, and they want 139.00 for it. There's another company (LeBra) offering their own bra for 92.50

    Anyone had experience with LeBra merchandise? Should I buy the Honda product or will the cheaper one be just as good?
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I had a Lebra many years ago and it was great. Back then they were the only brand that said it was OK to leave it on the car when it was wet as it allowed the water to evaporate.

    You still need to take it off regularly to clean under it as anything that gets in there will scratch the paint. I really never had an issue with scratching.

    Good luck.
  • slorenzenslorenzen Member Posts: 694
    Thanks for the feedback. The guy on the phone said to apply wax to the area under the bra material, and leave it on to prevent discoloration. The color on my(wife's) car is "Eternal Blue Pearl", so it's dark to begin with.

    Thanks again...
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    Slorenzen,

        You can get an original Full Bra from Honda for about $100.00. Go to hondacuraworld.com. If you live outside of NY you don't pay taxes and shipping is free, but you do have to pay for handling, which is about $3.00. We have the full nose mask (bra) on our Accord now for about two months and it makes the vehicle look so much sharper and besides that, it protects the paint and fits like a glove. My brother has a LeBra brand on his vehicle, but it doesn't come close to the way Honda had the bra custom cut, to fit perfect. We don't drive too much, so I take it completely off once a month, and polish/wax the entire vehicle. Good Luck
  • slorenzenslorenzen Member Posts: 694
    I did as you said and went to their site. Total was $104.03. In the past I've had better luck with the Manufacturer's products when it comes to proper fit, and it was only a few dollars more, so...

    The nose of the Accord has a lot of exposure to chipping, so I wanted to protect it, especially here in the Northwest, where logging trucks seem to throw all sorts of nastys at you.

    Thanks for all the feedback!
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Do you have to take them off in the winter?
  • jmessjmess Member Posts: 677
    If you read the directions/instructions that come with the bra you will probably see they recommend that you take the bra off anytime it gets wet or you wash the car. After a while don't be surprised if you will start to see fine scratches in the paint where road grit has worked its way under the bra.

    Going with a clear bra like Expel, StoneGuard, and etc is a far better solution.
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