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Comments
ugh!
Ideal for black or graphite pearl Accord, where the mask's black color makes it virtually unnoticeable.
Definitely won't scratch paint.
I stopped using it because it is impossible to stop grime from getting beneath the fabric and scratching the paint. I've had the car over a year now and I guess I am just not as anal about its appearance. I barely notice tiny little blemishes now and when I do they don't really bother me.
It's not like it is a high end luxury or sports car - don't all you die-hards take this the wrong way, but it is just an Accord.
http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl441h.htm
Does anyone have any more info on removal of the corroded gold colored piece? Do I need to remove the whole system to get at the part? It is a fair amount of work to get inside to remove the motor assembly.
Thanks in advance!
Just an Accord? Yes, and the Mona Lisa is just a painting, Citizen Kane is just a movie, a Rolex is just a watch and the Big Mac is just a hamburger. Ooops, never mind about the last one.
Just kidding, of course!
Seriously, though, everyone has different standards for what to them would be a car worth handling with meticulous care. Even though it's "just an Accord" to you, on the other hand we have the lady whose 2004 Accord is her first new car, which makes it very important to her. And she's understandably very upset that someone keyed her car across the entire driver's side.
For me, my Accord EX is probably as close as I'll get to "high end luxury", unless I win the lottery. And as long as the Accord continues to offer the comparative level of quality and refinement that it does now, I doubt that I'll feel the need to "trade up".
And for the record, the 3/8 inch rock chip on the leading edge of the hood on my Noble Green Accord was a bit upsetting.
If somebody keyed my car aross the driver's side I would be jumping around and being very upset.
Obviously, we are all going to get upset when we notice an imperfection on our car. This varies depending on the size of the imperfection and the magnitude of our response. Almost everyone would justifiably be upset if the whole side of their car got keyed. For one thing, this is a deliberate act and it is very noticeable. Especially when this happens to a new car. I have an uncle who has a Jaguar XKR convertible. He had both sides of his car keyed and he blew it off and doesn't see the need to have it fixed. Like you said, cars have different value to different people.
As cars age, smaller imperfections (door dings, rock chips, etc.) become less important to most people.
My original comment was referring to the front end mask. When I first got my Accord I was obsessive about keeping the paint perfect. That is why I got the front end mask. In my opinion, the mask caused more scratches than it prevented. I still park away from other cars when I can but I don't agonize over every imperfection that I notice. That doesn't mean I wouldn't go ballistic if someone keyed the thing.
By "just an Accord", all I meant is that as a high volume, average price car that is everywhere, it holds no extra value above and beyond what it is - a relatively plain family car.
That last comment probably won't help things much. Oh well :^)
Is there a point at which a car has so many miles it is not "new"? I don't mind the car having 150 miles, but let's say it has 450. Would that be a source of concern to any of you? How would you handle this situation?
Thanks for your advice.
I live in the Akron area and am looking to buy a new Accord LX 2004. I need to decide whether to buy a V6 or 4-Cylinder. Given that it snows heavily in winter in the Akron area, does a V6 or 4-Cyl make a big difference when driving in snowy conditions?
And obviously, just because a particular car doesn't move your soul doesn't mean it doesn't move someone else's soul. I'm sure you'd agree with that.
We really should move on.
I have a suggestion for the nose mast/bra question. I buy quite a few new cars and usually have purchased a full bra for each car. I take very good care of my cars. I've found most full bra's are not worth the trouble. The paint has to be perfectly clean and dry, and they're a pain to attach and line up. I rarely used them. With the new Accord I ordered the half mask - goes on in a couple of minutes and protects the most vulnerable painted metal surfaces. The plastic bumper is more durable and if it is too chipped down the road it is easy to have just the bumper painted. Also, bra's should not be left on all the time. Dirt gets under the mask and scratches the paint and moisture gets trapped and can cause "clouding" of the paint.
BTW, at about 50 mph, the engine RPM will be about 1500 and should the need arise, you can probably pass 75% of the other cars on the road. If you have a lead foot, I'd stay away from the V6.
You really must drive both of them to see if you can't live without the extra power. The Accord's 4 cyl. engine is smoother and faster than some V6s--it will amaze you.......Richard
Look into Clear 3M Bras. I've had them for years on many different cars. Can't go wrong.
Just my biased opinion.
Test drive Accords with both engines and see if you really need the extra power. The 4 is so smooth and quick that you might be just as happy with 4 cylinders.......Richard
The V6 brings the Accord into "near luxury" car territory, in my opinion and that of many automotive experts. It's been recognized as one of the finest engines available in a production automobile, suitable for a much more expensive car... as you probably know, the considerably more expensive Acura TL uses a slightly larger variant of the same V6 engine. Class leading smoothness and effortless power are its claims to fame. And it rewards you with a satisfying induction growl when you really put your foot into it... auto enthusiasts use the term "ripping silk" to describe this, and it's an apt description. It's an exhilarating experience.
Yes, an Accord with the V6 is more expensive than one with the I4. If you look at things from a pure "dollars spent" perspective, that could be a deciding factor. But there are other perspectives... I look at my 2003 Accord EX V6 as providing a large measure of the features, performance and luxury of the new Acura TL, for significantly less money. If you look at it based on that perspective, the Accord V6 is a killer value among entry level luxury sedans.
I'm not trying to get into a debate about the relative merits of the Accord's engine choices, just trying to present a balanced picture. As shown by this and previous posts, both engines are outstanding in their own way. In the end, set aside the breathless accolades you've seen here and test them for yourself. You're the only person who can decide what "you much be just as happy with."
Correctamundo!
Also, if I understand correctly, the Gen 6 V6 units had "low speed" traction control that relied on brake control only. The Gen 7 units have "higher speed" traction control that relies on a combination of brake and throttle control.
you guys are saying that D2 means the car is actually locked in D2, from start to stop and stop to start? ditto for D3?
why the heck is Traction Control bothered with then?
You don't spend a couple thousand for a larger engine to get traction control. You spend a couple thousand to get the larger engine. The extra goodies, like traction control, are just that.
Apparently, Honda goes along with the mindset that traction control is the way to go... as of 2005 or 2006, all Honda cars sold in the US will have it. So they must think it has some value. And I agree wholeheartedly.
My Accord has always been great in snow... I've never even given a thought to the expense of snow tires and the hassle of switching back and forth. Isn't that pretty much the whole idea of all season tires?
Hey, if you don't find that the V6 offers good value to you, don't buy one. But don't imply that those of us who appreciate what it offers are somehow lacking in common sense. As much as I enjoy the V6, I'd never suggest that someone who went with the I4 should have gotten the V6. I have my reasons for going with the V6, just as I'm sure you have your reasons for going with the I4. You spend your money on what you like, and I'll spend my money on what I like. And we can show each other the courtesy of respecting each other's choices.
LOL!!! Nice way to put it all into perspective.
Together with Traction Control, it allows for a much more controlled start on slick surfaces.
You're absolutely right. It isn't "need" that leads one to get the V6. It's an indulgence, I'll admit, but one that makes me enjoy my Accord just that much more. IMO, the V6 transforms the Accord from competent family sedan into a "TL on a budget".
Hershey's or Nestle's chocolate may be all the chocolate you "need", but I'm sure glad they make Godiva for when what you "need" isn't quite enough.
Just my opinion...
Here's a video of the Inspire--note the chromed front and the horizontal bar across the upper part of the trunk lid.......Richard
http://www.honda.co.jp/INSPIRE/cm/cm03/index.html
Please provide some real data (not a personal anecdote) to support this statement. They all go down the same assembly line and use all common components except for the powertrain.
Actually, dear Gregory, you've got it backwards...
Based on currently available TSBs for '03 and/or '04 Accords:
The following affect L4's only:
Out of spec transmission case - L4 transmission problem
Engine vibrates while idling in gear - L4 noise/vibration problem
Evaporative canister drain joint malfunction
Multiplex Integrated Control Unit problem
No reverse condition - L4 transmission problem
Intake air breather pipe defect
The follow affect both L4's and V6's:
Creaking/popping when accelerating/decelerating - L4 interior noise problem
Wind noise - front window - L4 interior noise problem
Headliner sag - L4 headliner problem
Rotten egg smell
Rattle from rear shelf - L4 interior noise problem
ABS light comes on
Brake shudder
The following affect V6's only:
Long crank
PCM update
"There is a BIG difference in quality between the 4 cylinder and the 6 cylinder Accord!"
I'll say, but the truth of that statement seems to be quite the opposite of how you try to portray it. Looks like the L4 has many more problems than the V6, at least according to Honda. At the very least, the L4 certainly has no advantage over the V6 quality-wise, contrary to your assertions.
"The V6 Accord has the quality of a Hyundai! It is a joke!"
Good grief, I was just expressing an opinion. Is all this hysteria really necessary? Is the attempt at the cheap shot really called for? How about trying a little civil discourse for a change, instead of screaming your responses all the time?
What is the PCM Update? Does it only affect the 04's?
Thanks
However, some transmissions will allow the car to start in 2nd gear.
What should we be concerned in regards to our 04 V6 Accord. The only noise I hear is a whistling noise at around 40 - 50 MPH, noticeable after removing foot off of gas.
Thanks
Don't take our petty squabbling too seriously... sometimes it seems like we're just one big, mostly happy, occasionally dysfunctional family. Unfortunately, you're always going to find some people who can't resist the urge to try and beat others into submission with their choices... I'm guilty of this myself from time to time. Fortunately, this doesn't happen all that often.
In general, you'll find that most members on this forum respect the choices of others. Like other V6 owners, I like my V6 a lot. Most I4 owners like their cars as well and as a V6 owner, I say "Good for you! Enjoy the ride!", rather than "You should have gotten the V6". The I4 is an excellent choice... it just that my preferences and priorities lead me to choose the V6. However, I don't consider the fact that someone else chose the I4 to be a personal affront, or an insinuation that that person is criticizing my choice. For the most part, we treat each other like fellow Accord owners, and the distinction between DX/LX/EX and I4/V6 matters very little.
As for the TSBs, keep in mind that not all units are affected... they often represent problems that affect a small series of serial numbers. And even among units that are potentially affected, many never exhibit the problem covered by the TSB. For example, of the ones I listed that might affect the V6, I've only actually experienced 3 of them.
And regarding the reliability issue, I just checked the listings for the Camry on alldata... I figured that's the most likely comparison from a reliability standpoint. The Camry and Accord have almost exactly the same number of TSBs, and they're of roughly comparable severity.
The Accord in any form is still one of the most reliable cars out there, so don't be concerned.