Older Honda Accords

robertsmx · October 2001

I've a feeling that Honda will put five speed auto on its V6 (atleast). It is possible that five speed will also make it to the four cylinder engine, if not immediately. In fact, the current Accord V6 also powers Avancier V6 (Japan, 215 HP) and transmit the power via five speed auto (not sure if it has SportShift feature). RSX (base) has 5-speed auto (w/SS), so does the Odyssey now, quite likely the next Accord would.

diploid · October 2001

http://www.vtec.net/news/items/879.html

canadiancl · October 2001

Some chrome on the front grille would look nice. I just don't care for the rubbermaid look of the front end of the current Accord.

jrct9454 · October 2001

Just to clarify, the Vtec-net item on the wagon was a wistful, wishful, hope on the part of the writer that they would include a wagon in the next-gen lineup. Again, as long as the minivan is a success, and as long as Camry and Altima do not offer direct competitive wagons [at least in our market], don't hold your breath.

gupta3 · October 2001

I have a 1999 LX V6 Honda Accord (cloth seats, power driver's seat). While mechanically it is a great car, both I and my wife develop a backache after driving it for a few days. I took it to the dealer, who inspected it and said that there was nothing wrong with the seat and that he could not do anything about it, since it was engineered that way! I am managing now with the help of additional cushions placed on the seat and the lower backrest, since a lumbar support did not help much. Anyone else having similar problems?

fxashun · October 2001

Is a hint at the next Accord, sign me up now. I like that.

tcpip1 · October 2001

The vtec.net page has the following link:

http://www.mag-x.com/scoop/accordwagon0110/index.html

It reads credible to me.

rls9 · October 2001

I just got my car back from the dealer when I found a chip in the driver's side door. It's not huge but it's the first thing I saw when I walked up to my car. So I immediately went back inside to bring this to their attention. So one of the guys behind the service counter came out and said that it's the kind of thing that could have happened anywhere and that it just so happened that it took place at their dealership. The only thing he offered me was to split the cost of the repair.
Has anyone had this happen before? Any thoughts as to how to approach this? Should I take it to my insurance and have the dealership pay my deductible?
How much is this going to cost? It's only about a quarter inch long, but the primer is what sticks out.

Thanks for your help!

diploid · October 2001

The wagon would still be in the next gen. lineup, it just won't appear here in the U.S.

Although I wish they would...

jwankel · October 2001

I agree. We bought a 2001 EX V6 last november. I can't seem to get comfortable driving it. In my case, the seat doesn't go back far enough and the seat cushions are too short and lacking in thigh support. And it takes lot's of fiddling to get a semi-comfortable position after my wife drives it. My wife loves driving it, though.

I'm ready to ditch it and move on to something else - Maxima, Passat, maybe a 3.2TL (or Type-S), I35. This time, I'll definately be taking longer than a 15 minute ride on a cold Chicago night.

Jeff

jrct9454 · October 2001

I'm 6' and 175, and my wife is 5'2" and 110, and we both fit fine and feel fine no matter how long the drive goes.

On the other hand, I have a friend who cannot get comfortable in a Mercedes ML because of a perceived lack of lumbar support, so the only conclusion I draw from this is that there are too many variations on human stature for one manufacturer to please everyone.

I prefer the Accord seats to anything I encountered at Toyota or Nissan; the Germans generally feel better still to me, but not by a huge amount. This is easily the most personal aspect of buying a car - only you know what works for you...

bd21 · October 2001

I commenting on a few earlier posts, I'm behind on the board. A 2001 4 cyl Accord requires 5W-20 motor oil, which is not always easy to find. I had to search a few stores before I finally found it for $1.50 a quart. The Honda dealer sells it for $2.60 (Honda brand), claiming it is a synthetic blend. I'm a mechanic and I read the label. It is clearly not any type of a synthetic,so I chewed out both of the service managers for misleading their customers. It is just a normal motor oil made at the required grade. If you are taking your car for service make sure they are using the required grade of oil.

And yes you can wait up to 7,500 miles between oil changes, if you driving is not considered severe. If you know that you will not be keeping your car for at least 120,000 plus miles you could save the cost of a lot of oil changes. It will last that long with minimal servicing. But if you are like me and want drive a car for 12 to 15 years, I recommend you change you oil every 3000 and definetly not longer than 5000 miles no matter what your driving habits are.

There was also a question about where to buy an extended warranty. My question is why do you think you need one? Honda is a well made car and unless you have had many problems already with yours, save your money. It rarely pays for its cost, which is over $1000 for the coverage you were talking about. Yes there are a few people who have actually been saved by having one, but they are by far the exception. If you do all of the required service on your car, you should easily get at least 8 trouble free years and 100,000 miles of driving before something significant costs you any money.

black01coupev6 · October 2001

My fiance is 6'6 about 200lbs and I am 5'3 100lbs and we were both able to get comfortable in the seats of both the 99 sedan and the 01 Coupe ... although the 01 was a little better because of the power seats.

robertsmx · October 2001

My Accord has leather seating, and find it very comfortable even for long drives. I have a friend who complains that he finds the Accord seats a little firm. He drives a Camry. On the other hand, I love the slightly firmer feel of the Accord. And we find the lumbar support extremely useful too! I've taken my Accord on 1000+ mile trip, and can't think of any time I've been uncomfortable. BTW, I'm 6', 175 lb. with 32 inseam (to give an idea of legs). My wife is 5'2" tall.

rtfmdude · October 2001

I have a 2001 4cyl Accord. It is still using a distributor system instead of distributorless like the one in the new V6. The distributor cap and rotor will need to be replaced as a maintenance.

My question is why I can't find anything in the owner's manual regarding replacing the cap and rotor. Even in the schedule maintenance table section.

jrct9454 · October 2001

...these engines have used electronic ignition for years...more than a decade??

mirth · October 2001

I had a long scratch (Down to the metal) repainted and it cost about $400. Not cheap.

bhall29 · October 2001

Any comments on need or value of the abouve ...guards?? Also what is a reasonable price for the HondaCare 7 year 100K. Was quoted $1300+. Finally is there a search function for this board?
Thanks. Live in Western Washington state. Will give report of price paid for 02 EX V6 when I get it.

rtfmdude · October 2001

jrct9454
Electronic ignition does not mean no distributor!!! It just mean that there are no breaker points (prior to electronic ignition) in the distributor.

Early electronic ignition have distributor. Some late models use distributorless (direct ignition) where each sparkplug has its own coil sitting right above it.

My 2001 4cyl accord has a distributor. I haven't look inside to see if there is a rotor to be replaced. That is why I ask the question in post 2417.

auburn63 · October 2001

For what ever reason Honda seems to think they last forever. We still recomend changing them at 60k.

black01coupev6 · October 2001

bhall: Back in 99 I paid $800 for a 6 yr/100,000 mile Hondacare with no deductible.

mirror · October 2001

I have Accord LX V6 98 with 60K miles. When I was buying it last month it had $13,650 retail price according to CarQuotes. Right now I get $12,750 from the same site. The milage didn't change, and it is only one month time difference, so neither time or miles should not be the factors. So what is it, US economy conditions?

canadiancl · October 2001

Could it be that the price now reflects the fact that your car is now one MODEL YEAR older? So if you check again in 6 months, it may then not show much of a decrease.

robertsmx · October 2001

One could expect the value of a car to fall by 40% in five years, and that is for cars that hold their value pretty well.

My neighbour has a '97 Intrepid, which he is trying to sell for $6K (negotiable, about 73K miles).

thorn · October 2001

The fifth gen Accord had been the best-looking "Aerodeck" wagon:

http://www.honda-touch.de/Accord/Aerodeck/AccordAerodeck03.jpg

thorn · October 2001

There's a glut. I'd expect that if Hondas are falling, most of the rest are falling faster:

...No-interest financing worsened an already troubled used car market that has been hurt by a flood of 2- and 3-year-old vehicles coming off leases. And rental car companies have been dumping some of their 1-year-old fleet into the market because of a falloff in business since Sept. 11.

For new car buyers, the glut is costly. Consumers are fuming over how little cash they're getting for trade-ins.

"Some people are losing $2,000 on trades compared to what they could have gotten several months ago," says Randall McCathren, president of Bank Lease Consultants, a research and consulting firm....

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2001-10-23-used-cars.htm

Honda isn't offering "free" financing, so cheaper new cars shouldn't devalue used Hondas as much. Ford, GM and Chrysler probably can't say that - zero financing and rental car glut.

olivher · October 2001

With all this debate about Japan vs. Ohio assembled Accords, I wonder if I'm the only owner of an Accord assembled in Mexico. I have a 2001 LX 4cyl automatic. Anyone here also have an Accord assembled in Mexico?

robertsmx · October 2001

Almost 85% of Accords are made in Ohio, and the remaining 15% are imported from Japan. I don't think Honda has a facility in Mexico to build Accords (or any other automobile for that matter). Am I wrong in assuming that? I have read about the possibilities of Honda opening up a facility in Mexico though.

jrct9454 · October 2001

...they do make Accords in Mexico. At this point in the game, the number imported here is a miniscule percentage of the overall total. But I have to observe, Honda and Toyota are NOT the Germans. H & T have repeatedly demonstrated all over the world that they can open new assembly plants and produce quality products. Close your eyes and pretend not to notice...

Over at the Mercedes C-Class board, the group has convinced itself, with no data and no experiences worth talking about, that MB's decision to make some Cs in Brazil from German knock-down kits is a sign that the world as they know it is about to come to an end. Woe is us, etc.

Please let us avoid the same arm-waving here...I hope...

mbt1 · October 2001

At the earliest, when will we see pictures of the 2003 Accord?

jrct9454 · October 2001

Maybe tomorrow...

More likely sometime after the first of the year, when the undisguised prototypes start surfacing for final testing. Sooner or later, someone gets a camera facing the right way at the right time...

diploid · October 2001

Probably 2 months before the Accord's release, as was the case with the new CR-V.

basset3 · October 2001

Lately I've noticed some Accord station wagon photos surfacing...hinting that Honda may again start selling these fine cars in the US again.

I currently have a '92 LX wagon with 176,000 miles and I wouldn't get rid of it....except for a new one.

Does anyone have confirmation that Honda will be resurrecting the wagon soon...say like for 2002?

eran1 · October 2001

The prices for the warranties are not set in stone. I was quoted $945 for 6/100 with $50 per visit deductible. Way too much as far as I'm concerned. BTW, this was July 2000. Hope this 'input' helps.

usfbull · October 2001

I'm trying to sell my 97 Accord EX Coupe with 58,000 miles for the Edmunds private sale price of $10,700 through the local newspaper but have had zero responses. Any suggestions? I'd drive it another six years but I have two small children and had to get a four door.

mikefm58 · October 2001

I've never had much luck using the Edmunds prices, even for my trade-in. I know there's a glut of used cars out there so it's a buyers market. The best place I've advertised when selling is Autotrader.com, it even beat my local newspaper.

jrct9454 · October 2001

If you really want to sell the car, and are actually ready to settle for the real market price, get bids from all of the Honda dealers in your area. Otherwise, take a long drink from the Patience Glass...sooner or later, someone will want the car at your price, but that could take a very long time. Always depends on how much you want to sell it and move on...if you absolutely have the get $x for it, that's one thing...if you want to get the money, wholesale it to the highest bidding dealer.

I've never had anything but fair bids using this approach, and I have a cashable check in my hands inside of 24 hours.

usfbull · October 2001

Thanks for the advice. I'll try autotrader.com and another newspaper add. If nothing happens I'll try the two local Honda dealers. Maybe I should have just traded in the darn car.

claywaterfill · October 2001

You probably should have just traded it. People love to say you should sell them yourself to get more money--but who has time for that? When you factor expenses and inconvenience (waiting for the person who called to come see the car only to have him not show) you're much better trading, IMO. Is there any news on the 2003 Accord? I'm looking for a new sedan, possibly in the spring, and I'm curious about the new Honda. My brother has a '99 or 2000 Accord EX that he loves, but I'm not crazy about buying a car that everyone and their brother drives. I know I will get blasted with "Accord is better for the sole reason that it's a Honda" for this, but I'll probably go with a 2002 Sonata unless the 2003 Accord gives me a reason to wait. For the price of a DX with Value Package, I can get a Sonata equipped like an LX. For the price of an LX, I can get a Sonata equipped like an EX with V6 and leather. Not to mention the 100,000 mile warranty and 5 year roadside assistance which Honda can't touch without buying anything extra. I'm not here to praise Sonata over Accord, I just wonder if there will be a good reason other than "it's a Honda" to wait for the 2003 Accord? Also, please don't tout the resale claim, as it's worthless to me. I keep cars for 4-6 years, do I couldn't care less about resale value. Besides, I would hope Hondas are worth more 4 years down the road because they were a lot more expensive to begin with. Thanks.

robertsmx · October 2001

Hyundai is doing a good job at trying to make a place in the market. They have refreshed Sonata almost every other year, to a point now, that the rear could easily be confused with Jaguar S-type.

claywaterfill:
What do you consider the strenghths of these two cars? Really, not just a statement that it is a Honda or Hyundai. That should help you get to the right car far more easily than comparing these cars on paper. For example, I would pay more for an Accord because it just feels like a better car to me. Sonata is too soft, and feels mushy to me. I would not buy a Camry for similar reasons. It feels like a bouncing ball.

maxamillion1 · October 2001

... I just turned 16 last week, and I have finally saved up enough money to put a good enough down payment on my next car, I am choosing between the current Accord, new Camry SE and the Altima SL and SE, I am going to wait a while because I want to see what this next Accord will look like. I here it's going to be more refined, better noise-wise, etc.

As far as the Honda vs. Hyundai comments, I'd say if you have to choose right now, go for the Honda, even if it cost more. The Honda will be more reliable, is made of better quality, has much higher resale value, and is and all around better car than the Hyundai in many ways. I am not trying to hate on the Hyundai or anything, it's just that, for the money, I'd go with the Honda. Just my opinion though.

diploid · October 2001

Get a used car, not because it's cheaper, but because you're most likely going to bang it up, anyway. At least I did with my first car...

canadiancl · October 2001

I couldn't think of a 16-year-old who's actually considering spending his own money on an Accord or a Camry. I would expect you to be eyeing the RSX or Celica.

alpha01 · October 2001

I think alot of people would be surprised to know just how many young people are acutally interested in functionality and fun rather than just flashy looks and speed- I'm a 20 year old college student who will soon be looking for a new car, within expected budget constraints- for my 17K, its going to be a sporty four door (room for friends, gear, not a cop target, lower insurance, etc., decent milage) instead of an SUV or sports coupe. It just makes more sense. Although I won't be looking at Camrys or Accords, you can bet I'm going to be checking out the Sentra SE-R models, the Proteges, et al.
~alpha

fxashun · October 2001

The front is cribbed from Benz. When they design cars they must be looking out the window into a parking lot or something.

oac3 · November 2001

just wanted to start a discussion on the '03 Accord, asking anyone with information to post here. I am in the market for a replacement of my sedan and have the Honda on my list but would want to wait and see the new design.

any one have pictures or insights into what Honda is planning for the new design ?

maxamillion1 · November 2001

All I know is that it's getting redesigned for 2003, which you already know. It will not grow much larger on the outside, but the inteior will grow some to compete with the new Camry and very larger Nissan Altima. Prices are said to rise from the 2002 Model. The independent front and rear suspensions are said to stay the same, a 3.2 liter V6 (probably from the Acura TL will be used in the V6 models. The new Coupe is said to be much sportier this time around because it replaces the old Prelude. Expect a manual transmission for the I4 models, I doubt if the V6 will get one. My aunt works for a Ford Dealership that is connected to a Honda dealership, when any info is available from the Honda dealership, she'll pass it on to me, and I'll pass it on to you guys and gals.

speedeemon76 · November 2001

The full article can be viewed

here

claywaterfill · November 2001

I think the rear of the new Sonata looks a lot like an Oldsmobile Intrigue. Who knows what it looks like--it's different to everyone. I hear a lot about the front looking like an MB, but I don't really think anyone will confuse a Hyundai for a Mercedes-Benz. I was just wondering if there were any arguments beyond resale and there don't seem to be. The better quality is really just an individual opinion, I think. I also think people are going to be more critical of Hyundai than Honda. I think if the light in the glove box went out on the Sonata in a week, people would say "See, shouldn't have bought the Hyundai crap." If the light went out on the Accord in a week people would dismiss it as minor and not indicative of the car's quality. I'm not trashing the Accord by any means. It's a well made reliable car that has set the benchmark by which all other mid size sedans are now measured. I'm just saying that for $13,900 (which is what they sell for in Atlanta) it's pretty hard for Honda to beat a Sonata with auto, air, pwr w/l/m, tilt, cruise, keyless, side airbags, fog lights, CD, Michelins and a 100,000 mile warranty to ease your mind if quality is your main concern. All the Honda has for it over this is resale. A comparably euipped Accord would be over $20k, so of course it will be worth a heck of a lot more in 3 years. Thanks for the input, though, and continue to enjoy your Acords!To the 16 year old, buy a cheaper new car or used. I wrecked my first car, and so did a bunch of people I knew. If you have to get new, get a Sentra SE-R and blow the doors off all the Civics the other kids in school have!

jfavour · November 2001

I have a 2000 LX-V6 Accord sedan and I love it, but I like the new restyle that the Sonata has received this year. According to all of the recent reviews of Hyundai products that I have read, it seems they are producing very good cars. Edmunds is continually gushing about the new Elantra. The Sonata has many positive qualities, starting with increased HP fro the V6 this year. I think the quality gap has been significantly reduced in recent years between the top Japanese brands and Hyundai. If you like the Sonata as well as or better than the current Accord, you should get it. I am sure the 2003 Accord will have many of the same qualities and reasons for buying that the current Accord has, plus in time "everyone will be driving one." That said, I love all of the Honda and Acura products I have owned and wouldn't buy anything else.

Note about resale value; If you only keep your car 4-6 years, you should care about resale value. Yes, Honda's are more expensive, but retain more value within that time frame as a percentage of initial cost. If you said you kept your cars for 8-10 years, then the difference would be more negligible. I'll give you an example. I have a '95 Acura Integra which cost me about 18k new. Now 6-1/2 years later it is worth approximately 7-8k. Thats about 38% of its initial value. Now when I do get a new car, I have that extra value to put into the deal, thus reducing the cost of the next vehicle. No matter what you think, higher resale value = more money for you. This is especially true if you are going to spend a set amount on the car (as you indicated, when you said you could get a loaded Sonata for the cost of of an average Accord). If you want to negate some of the resale difference, then compare equivalently equipped vehicles and save yourself 3-4k with a new Sonata. Then invest the 3-4k in a sensible investment and your covered.

Don't buy a car solely based on resale value, though. Get the car that overall fits you and is the best value. Good Luck.

Older Honda Accords

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