You took a bit too much offense to my previous post on the transmission. That was just my opinion on the transmission. I am on your side and am more than happy to help you with your questions. I too am very picky about my purchases (not just cars). I researched the accord coupe for months before I bought it, and read countless messages, so I understand where you are coming from with your concerns.
I have read the accord problems message boards and many of the other ones. If you want my opinion (and feel free not to listen to it), I think you should get a warranty with whatever car you go with. A 7 yr/100k mile warrenty. It will cost you between $800-$1200, but in my opinion it is well worth it, especially with all of the electronics on today's car. Besides the potential savings on repairs, it gives you a HUGE piece of mind. On my wife's civic that now has 40,000 miles, I don't really worry about potential problem noises I hear, because I am covered. However if I did not have that warrenty, I would worry a lot more as a new noise could result in a repair of $300-$500 easily. I admit I do worry about Honda transmissions a bit, but again, I am covered so it is not a big deal.
Prior to the civic my wife had a Neon. I bought a warrenty on that, and sure enough at 38,000 miles (right after the manuf. warrenty expired) the transmission went. It cost me $100 (the deductible). Total cost of the repair was over $2,000.
...would have no problem dropping a few grand to replace last years model with the latest, greatest object of his desire. If 'inky4' was planning on a G35 or CTS, I wouldn't have thought twice about it.
What I don't understand is dropping $4500 to replace an '02 TL for and '03 Accord. For all intents and purposes, they are the same car.
Not really, fed, BUT, I do have some question as to whether inky is actually better off with the Accord in terms of power, equipment, styling, and more importantly, the car's perceived status. He's getting a different car, but is it better??! I'm not passing judgement on what he's doing, but that was my first impression when I read his post. If he had a 3 or 4-yr-old TL, then maybe it makes more sense.
My son had problems with his idle spot controller and thought the warranty he had purchased would cover the repair but he was told that emissions were not covered. How is the idle spot controller under emissions?
Does anyone know which key words (on a warranty)potential buyers should look for when purchasing a warranty? What should the warranty cover? The manufacturer's warranty seems to cover everything - It would seem that additional warranties would be the same but are they?
I thought the 2003 Accord redesign thread had been rolled into this one, but now I see a separate one on the redesign. So, if you're reading both, this is a repeat, but for what it's worth.....a salesperson at my local Honda dealership told me this evening they were expecting 2003 Accords by late August.
My son had problems with his idle spot controller and thought the warranty he had purchased would cover the repair but he was told that emissions were not covered. How is the idle spot controller under emissions?
Does anyone know which key words (on a warranty)potential buyers should look for when purchasing a warranty? What should the warranty cover? The manufacturer's warranty seems to cover everything - It would seem that additional warranties would be the same but are they?
LOL irish...maybe it's the cynic in me, but I sense some frustration in that post.
bunk- Edmunds is not the only place for answers. Go to google.com and just type in any specific keywords that you need more info on, and you should be able to locate many other Accord forums. And irish's idea is good if you're not lazy like me and can actually stand going to the library (I think my local library has like the most complacent librarians in the world - libraries are not supposed to be noisy!).
I like how the article quotes the guy as saying that Honda's ponies are healthier than Nissan's when explaining why the 4-cylinder won't match the Altima's. I think there's a ring of truth to that.
definitely, there might some other 4 cylinders that are more peppy or faster than honda's, but i can't find one that runs better than honda's, no matter what.
Hmmm....my reaction would be somewhat less enthusiastic than diploid's. It looks OK, but alot like a Civic overall. In comparison, I think the TL's front end is more aggressive and more upscale.
The article mentioned windows that open/close at the turn of the key. How does that work?
VW & Audi has been doing windows & sunroofs that work with a key for years. Put the key in the door, turn it and hold. After a couple of seconds, windows/sunroof open/close depending on direction you turn the key.
Especially handy when you get out of the car and realize you left the sunroof open. Let's you close it without having to get back in the car.
I'm currently experiencing problems with my 97 Accord. It wouldn't start this morning and when I turned the key, the sound that came from it was a clack,clack,clack that sounded like someone snapping at you. Any advice? I still got to work because we have another car- a recently purchased Honda Odyssey.
My 1999 Accord V6 EX needs new tires. I remember reading that a Dunlop tire was highly recommended for the car, but I am open for other opinions. Anyone have favorites that I should check into??
The V-6 6 speed manual is not going to be out until spring, but this is info that Honda only released this month. On the V-6 trans. there have been a few problems- I believe mostly a clunk - but I think not as many as the posts lead you to believe. You have to give Honda credit, though - has anyone said that Honda did not fix the problem promptly - either in or out of the warranty? This was usually done by just replacing the tranny, no questions asked. I have a friend that had the alternator fail about a month ago on her '98 Civic with 50k miles. She had it replaced by the corner service station with an aftermarket unit. She called Honda and they reimbursed her for the full amount! In summation, I think the trans problem is in the past, is not really that big of a deal, and if there is a problem, Honda will stand behind their car.
Thanks, I think the dealer that told me he was getting the 6 speed in in September was full of bologna. I hope you are right about the trans. I have always thought that if something goes wrong with a trans it is a very big deal and whether they will fix it or not it could be trouble. Do you think the paint problem is over blown too?
the front of the accord definitely looks interesting. one strange feature that i noticed was that the hood now does not actually intersect the headlamps.. hmm... i do not think i have ever seen a design where the hood basically runs parallel to the headlamps and the lamps are encased in the front fenders. this redesign of the hood resembles the hood accents that they use to have on the older hondas.. what does everyone think?
I drive a 1999 Accord LX I-4 automatic. My car's windows are constantly fogging when the defrosters are off, even with the windows down. Anyone else have that same experience and have any idea why? Am I to drive with the compressor constantly going to keep the windows clear?
My other question is related to the 2003 Accord. Are the window curtains (airbags) like the "sausage" used in the BMW 3 series or is it more like those used in the Mercedes. I can't see why BMW would tout these as being as safe because they are substantially smaller than those used in the Mercedes. Thx......
Maybe its just me, but the pics on www.auto.com do nothing for this car. I hope its better lookng in person. Coupled with the squished Buick [non-permissible content removed], the Civic front end and high belt like are not attractive. Im sure its going to be an awesome car... but its pretty ugly in these pictures.
Also- did anyone else notice Honda's pretty blantant PR rip-off: "... Honda says the all-new 2003 Accord is more sensual, less conservative"?
HELLO... thats practically the EXACT wording from the PR release for the 02 Camry last year: "All new 5th Gen Camry moves from sensible to sensual".... couldnt they have been a bit more original? ~alpha
ps-continued luck with your purchse, bunk. but if you miss your opportunity to get an 02 Accord EX V6 a a bargain basement price, it seems not many are going to be sympathetic.
We recently replaced the tires on our '99 Accord LX V6 with Yokohama AVS dBs. They are excellent -very quiet and smooth and grip fantastically in wet and dry conditions. They are V-rated, like the OEMs that came with the car. We paid $83/tire.
Go to tirerack.com and choose your car and then answer a few questions and it will come up with tires based on your answers and you can read specs and ratings on them. This is what led us to choosing the Yokohamas.
I'm glad I find someone who thinks that Honda went back to over a decade in some ways. Here is another car of interest. Some resemblance exists (including the lens).
I also see glimpses of my Prelude's front end with the new Accord, except that the Prelude had squarish theme, and the Accord has softer edges. The hood crease folds inside (as it is in S2000 and 1999 Prelude, and RSX) just like it did in Accord, Prelude and Civic (and NSX) of the late 80s.
At a glance, the front does resemble older Civics (and so does the rear... pre-96 sedan), except that the crease folds inside instead of bulging up. I like its sleek front end, and when the auto.com article mentions its styling inspiration being that of a Cheetah, I can see how (may be not if they didn't mention it). Slightly raised shoulders, low front profile, wide open eyes and wedgy stance, ready to bite.
Alpha, I noticed the "sensual" comment too. Typical Honda copying something from Toyota. At least this Accord, it's not the styling. All you Honda fanatics, please don't kill me.
...but Honda will kill Toyota in convenience features this time around. The car gets windows that can be lowered with a key in the door handle, tilt/telescoping steering, DVD and Mp3 audio systems, a voice activated Navi system, 48 more hp in the V6 models, dual climate control on the EXV6, STANDARD ABS according to the article. Now Toyota will have to play catch up. Similar to how the Civic has to play catch up to the new Corolla, because really the Corolla WHIPS the Civic in refinement and features for the price. I may be a Honda guy, but I am sure not a biased guy....Hey, aren't you and I the same age anyway?
Ha, I believe so. Honda has done well with this model. One of my future cars will be a used 2001+ CL but this new Accord coupe looks like a good alternative. The good thing about the new Accord is that when deciding between the Camry and the Accord you more than one choice in styling. Let's not hope all of this is too good to be true...that Honda has twenty recalls on the Accord month like the Focus. It will be a good car. But word up...Toyota has announced new 3.3L and 3.5L engines but specifications and additional info is yet to be seen. And let's all remember...Camry had the sales advantage for the last generation, Accord will probably get it this time around. Then it will flop back to Camry in 2007.
I'm not so sure that the Corolla whips the Civic in refinement or features. I had the misfortune of getting a loaner new Corolla when my new RAV4 had to be left at the dealer for the alarm installation. Parked it next to my 99 Civic, and it immediately dwarfed the Honda. Unfortunately, I couldn't feel the size difference when I sat on the inside of the Corolla. The all-black interior was not my cup of tea, either. And with a good 25 more horses than my Civic, the engine didn't have to work as hard in getting up to highway speed. However, it wasn't any faster...turns out the new Corolla is a bit heavy herself.
But getting back to the Accord - I just don't understand all the comments. Did we really think that Honda was consulting Pininfarina or some other world renowned design studio when it was redesigning the Accord? IMO, it's a very handsome car.
coolguy- Did you read the article from auto.com...the part where it said the Accord is the best seller for the past 9 out of 10 years if you don't factor in the fleet sales that helps Toyota claim the #1 best selling title?
Somebody over at TOV recommended : 205/60 VR-15 Yokohama AVS-dB's as replacement tires for Accord. They got them at the tire rack too. Could be the same person as Panola (above).
As for the new car, I'll wait to judge until I can see it in person. Some shots it looks pretty good, others it looks like an old Civic (as noted). I also want a look at these LED gauges. They're fine for a Lexus, but I prefer mechanical ones such as in the Passat or upcomming Mazda6.
One thing that does concern me is the lack of additional room in the passenger compartment and trunk (especially with those dumb gooseneck hinges!). The current car is on the small side of just right. I could have lived with a couple more inches of legroom between the front and rear and a couple more cubic feet of trunk space. The gas tank could also stand a slight increase in capacity, as long as we're being picky about such things.
I think that the Corolla whips the Civic in overall interior refinement, features, and price. I could get a Corolla LE in my area with everything including leather for the same price as an Civic EX. Also, the materials in the new Civic are way way too cheap compared to the new Corolla. The older Civic had better materials actually, IMO, than the newest Civic
What is Nissan going to do now? Really I LOVE the new Altima, I LOVE the design, the power and the features, but the interior is just not up to par. Last year around this time, we were all excited about the release of the new Altima. Nissan went on and on about being "The Cure for the Common Car." Now one of the most "Common Cars" in the class has just as much hp as the new Altima, but not as much torque. Also, it gets a 5spd automatic tranny that's standard on the V6, and optional on the I4's. I would love to have a V6/6spd manual sedan myself, but what about owners who want autos. Will Honda actually beat the new Altima at 0-60 with a V6 Accord with 5spd auto vs. a V6 Altima with a 4spd auto. Also, Nissan cannot use that lame excuse anymore about spending all of its money on the engine. The new Accord has 240 hp, and from the spy pic I saw of the interior, it's interior is much better than the Altimas. Altima's interior style may be nice to some, but the materials just don't cut it. Also the Altima, as well as the new Camry should soon find a way to obtain dual zone automatic climate control for their top-of-the-line models. XLE for the Camry, and SLE for the Altima, NOT the SE. Another one of Altima's problems is not offering a luxurious model. Notice I said Altima SLE and not SE. I am sure the Altima will get it's just due after the Max gets redesigned for 2004. I won't be in the market anyway until I graduate from HS, which will be in May of 2004! The way my Grades were looking before school ended in May, I won't have to pay for college, so I'll be able to afford a new Car for graduation.....Hmmmm...Accord EX with Leather.......Mazda 6.... or Altima 2.5S with dealer leather..... a tough decision! I don't want a 2.5SL because the Auto is now STANDARD! I HATE THAT!!!
I wouldn't count on grades to get you a scholarship. Other stuff is considered and besides, if you do that well don't want to go to a good school? The best schools are the ones that don't solicite your attendance. Back to the Accord!
Ok styling wise, it is sharp looking but the thing just REALLY reminds me of a civic(as posted earlier). I think the hood looks just slightly odd for some reason...probably because the end of the hood's width extends past the black grill's width, it just seems odd. Also, I was showing my cousin a pic of the front of the civic and new accord and he thought they were the same car
I count on being clever enough to inform colleges, find out about all incentives/scholarships, do well on the SAT, and maintain my GPA, which is WAY more important than the grades.
Like you said back to the Accord! I am dying to see more info on the new car as the delivery date becomes closer. I am sure that by the time my 1992 Accord gets ready to go into the shop, the Honda dealer we usually use will give us a loaner 2003 Accord LX. Heck, we received a loaner 2002 SE last year right before they came out. Hondas/Toyotas/Nissans and even Mazdas are good cars, but I can't wait until around January of next year, when some Magazine will get the Accord, 6, Altima, Camry, Passat and Galant together and have a comparison. Also, the new Malibu looks somewhat promising as well. Could this car finally be the worthy competitor to its Japanese competition. I hope so. I loved to love Chevys the way I love the new Camry, Accord and Altima.
so people who drive Toyotas don't like the styling of the new accord. as gomer pyle would say, SURPRISE SURPRISE SURPRISE.
has anybody noticed that the windshield wiper washer squirters are now underneath the hood as opposed to through the hood? i think it gives the hood a cleaner look. As far as the front end looking like a civic, just the "picture" from Auto.com does. actual photos of the front end don't look like the civic. overall, the car has a classy look to it. styling is subjective, but i just like it. i think the current sedan looks rather bland.
I find it very clean looking car. I remember many comments in these very same forums as to how Honda styled their cars so well an all, but back in the late 80s, they had similar theme going, and Accord/Civic had similarities in the front end (which only makes sense, since they have to have family resemblance, we're not talking Toyota here).
Comments
Pat
Sedans Host
I have read the accord problems message boards and many of the other ones. If you want my opinion (and feel free not to listen to it), I think you should get a warranty with whatever car you go with. A 7 yr/100k mile warrenty. It will cost you between $800-$1200, but in my opinion it is well worth it, especially with all of the electronics on today's car. Besides the potential savings on repairs, it gives you a HUGE piece of mind. On my wife's civic that now has 40,000 miles, I don't really worry about potential problem noises I hear, because I am covered. However if I did not have that warrenty, I would worry a lot more as a new noise could result in a repair of $300-$500 easily. I admit I do worry about Honda transmissions a bit, but again, I am covered so it is not a big deal.
Prior to the civic my wife had a Neon. I bought a warrenty on that, and sure enough at 38,000 miles (right after the manuf. warrenty expired) the transmission went. It cost me $100 (the deductible). Total cost of the repair was over $2,000.
What I don't understand is dropping $4500 to replace an '02 TL for and '03 Accord. For all intents and purposes, they are the same car.
I'm not passing judgement on what he's doing, but that was my first impression when I read his post.
If he had a 3 or 4-yr-old TL, then maybe it makes more sense.
Does anyone know which key words (on a warranty)potential buyers should look for when purchasing a warranty? What should the warranty cover? The manufacturer's warranty seems to cover everything - It would seem that additional warranties would be the same but are they?
Does anyone know which key words (on a warranty)potential buyers should look for when purchasing a warranty? What should the warranty cover? The manufacturer's warranty seems to cover everything - It would seem that additional warranties would be the same but are they?
bunk- Edmunds is not the only place for answers. Go to google.com and just type in any specific keywords that you need more info on, and you should be able to locate many other Accord forums. And irish's idea is good if you're not lazy like me and can actually stand going to the library (I think my local library has like the most complacent librarians in the world - libraries are not supposed to be noisy!).
www.auto.com
OMG it looks sharp!
http://community.webshots.com/album/44150265fKlFcS
Also, see the current news story at www.auto.com
The article mentioned windows that open/close at the turn of the key. How does that work?
Especially handy when you get out of the car and realize you left the sunroof open. Let's you close it without having to get back in the car.
If it's a '97 and it still has the original battery it's time for a replacement.
Thanks in advance.
The 2003 Accord looks really like a Civic, but I think this style looks only good on a slimmer body. It is ugly for a bigger car.
http://www.auto.com/art/2002/july/26/honda2003.jpg
On the V-6 trans. there have been a few problems- I believe mostly a clunk - but I think not as many as the posts lead you to believe. You have to give Honda credit, though - has anyone said that Honda did not fix the problem promptly - either in or out of the warranty? This was usually done by just replacing the tranny, no questions asked.
I have a friend that had the alternator fail about a month ago on her '98 Civic with 50k miles. She had it replaced by the corner service station with an aftermarket unit. She called Honda and they reimbursed her for the full amount!
In summation, I think the trans problem is in the past, is not really that big of a deal, and if there is a problem, Honda will stand behind their car.
I hope you are right about the trans. I have always thought that if something goes wrong with a trans it is a very big deal and whether they will fix it or not it could be trouble.
Do you think the paint problem is over blown too?
Thanks!
Pat
Sedans Host
Thanks
My other question is related to the 2003 Accord. Are the window curtains (airbags) like the "sausage" used in the BMW 3 series or is it more like those used in the Mercedes. I can't see why BMW would tout these as being as safe because they are substantially smaller than those used in the Mercedes. Thx......
Constantly fogging windows are ususally caused by a leak in the heater core. The moisture is blown inside the car and foggs the windows.
If you buy a V6 Automatic Honda He says:
Your transmission will fail at 17,437 miles. A horrible failure. It will lock up totally at highway speed and flip the car end for end down the road.
You will get 13 large paint chips on the front of the car in the first 3 months.
Now. You have been told. Do as you must do.
Also- did anyone else notice Honda's pretty blantant PR rip-off: "... Honda says the all-new 2003 Accord is more sensual, less conservative"?
HELLO... thats practically the EXACT wording from the PR release for the 02 Camry last year: "All new 5th Gen Camry moves from sensible to sensual".... couldnt they have been a bit more original?
~alpha
ps-continued luck with your purchse, bunk. but if you miss your opportunity to get an 02 Accord EX V6 a a bargain basement price, it seems not many are going to be sympathetic.
Go to tirerack.com and choose your car and then answer a few questions and it will come up with tires based on your answers and you can read specs and ratings on them. This is what led us to choosing the Yokohamas.
I also see glimpses of my Prelude's front end with the new Accord, except that the Prelude had squarish theme, and the Accord has softer edges. The hood crease folds inside (as it is in S2000 and 1999 Prelude, and RSX) just like it did in Accord, Prelude and Civic (and NSX) of the late 80s.
At a glance, the front does resemble older Civics (and so does the rear... pre-96 sedan), except that the crease folds inside instead of bulging up. I like its sleek front end, and when the auto.com article mentions its styling inspiration being that of a Cheetah, I can see how (may be not if they didn't mention it). Slightly raised shoulders, low front profile, wide open eyes and wedgy stance, ready to bite.
But getting back to the Accord - I just don't understand all the comments. Did we really think that Honda was consulting Pininfarina or some other world renowned design studio when it was redesigning the Accord? IMO, it's a very handsome car.
As for the new car, I'll wait to judge until I can see it in person. Some shots it looks pretty good, others it looks like an old Civic (as noted). I also want a look at these LED gauges. They're fine for a Lexus, but I prefer mechanical ones such as in the Passat or upcomming Mazda6.
One thing that does concern me is the lack of additional room in the passenger compartment and trunk (especially with those dumb gooseneck hinges!). The current car is on the small side of just right. I could have lived with a couple more inches of legroom between the front and rear and a couple more cubic feet of trunk space. The gas tank could also stand a slight increase in capacity, as long as we're being picky about such things.
What is Nissan going to do now? Really I LOVE the new Altima, I LOVE the design, the power and the features, but the interior is just not up to par. Last year around this time, we were all excited about the release of the new Altima. Nissan went on and on about being "The Cure for the Common Car." Now one of the most "Common Cars" in the class has just as much hp as the new Altima, but not as much torque. Also, it gets a 5spd automatic tranny that's standard on the V6, and optional on the I4's. I would love to have a V6/6spd manual sedan myself, but what about owners who want autos. Will Honda actually beat the new Altima at 0-60 with a V6 Accord with 5spd auto vs. a V6 Altima with a 4spd auto. Also, Nissan cannot use that lame excuse anymore about spending all of its money on the engine. The new Accord has 240 hp, and from the spy pic I saw of the interior, it's interior is much better than the Altimas. Altima's interior style may be nice to some, but the materials just don't cut it. Also the Altima, as well as the new Camry should soon find a way to obtain dual zone automatic climate control for their top-of-the-line models. XLE for the Camry, and SLE for the Altima, NOT the SE. Another one of Altima's problems is not offering a luxurious model. Notice I said Altima SLE and not SE. I am sure the Altima will get it's just due after the Max gets redesigned for 2004. I won't be in the market anyway until I graduate from HS, which will be in May of 2004! The way my Grades were looking before school ended in May, I won't have to pay for college, so I'll be able to afford a new Car for graduation.....Hmmmm...Accord EX with Leather.......Mazda 6.... or Altima 2.5S with dealer leather..... a tough decision! I don't want a 2.5SL because the Auto is now STANDARD! I HATE THAT!!!
Like you said back to the Accord! I am dying to see more info on the new car as the delivery date becomes closer. I am sure that by the time my 1992 Accord gets ready to go into the shop, the Honda dealer we usually use will give us a loaner 2003 Accord LX. Heck, we received a loaner 2002 SE last year right before they came out. Hondas/Toyotas/Nissans and even Mazdas are good cars, but I can't wait until around January of next year, when some Magazine will get the Accord, 6, Altima, Camry, Passat and Galant together and have a comparison. Also, the new Malibu looks somewhat promising as well. Could this car finally be the worthy competitor to its Japanese competition. I hope so. I loved to love Chevys the way I love the new Camry, Accord and Altima.
has anybody noticed that the windshield wiper washer squirters are now underneath the hood as opposed to through the hood? i think it gives the hood a cleaner look. As far as the front end looking like a civic, just the "picture" from Auto.com does. actual photos of the front end don't look like the civic. overall, the car has a classy look to it. styling is subjective, but i just like it. i think the current sedan looks rather bland.