Someone above said that the best way to choose a car is to get a consensus from the car mags, CR, etc. So when CR says the BMW 530 is the best car they've ever tested, and all the car mags rate it first in numerous "comparos," you know it must be a fairly decent automobile.
Mr. Osler et al apparently has never heard of GATT. Honda knows that the majority Canadians don't have as much a dispensible income as Americans do, so that's why they price their cars cheaper for Canadians.
People like Mr. Osler are whining about the hidden recalls not because of safety, but because he wants to continue to buy a Honda for the price it's charged in Canada, even though his country of origin (the U.S.) can afford to pay more for a Honda.
Honda is hiding recalls to crack down on that illegal practice. If you bought a Honda in the country in which you reside, you shouldn't worry about Honda's new tactic.
Right on. If many say it's a good car, it almost certainly is. That said, it may not be best for you but at least it's worth putting on the shopping list.
03 Accord is almost certainly a good car. I just wish it wasn't so popular as I don't like to blend in with the crowd.
It is legal to import cars - but only if the proper paperworks are filed. People like Mr. Osler are whining because he does it the illegal way, which is why his warranty on a Canadian Honda would not be honored in the U.S., as well as recall notices not being sent to him. And thus, he's crying foul when Honda ceates a move that wouldn't tell him the safety of his illegal car - a move that would dissuade the illegal practice to continue.
"What's more, tens of thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands, of vehicles are being brought from Canada into the United States illegally as a result of a relatively loose border crossing. These vehicles are often stolen, were given salvage titles, had flood damage or have liens on them in Canada. In short, the investigators we interviewed both on and off the record indicated that the majority of vehicles coming across the border have some problem that makes their importation illegal -- and therefore subject to seizure from the current U.S. owner."
The Autoweek article has been discussed on this thread -I would call it informational and not really editorial, like, for example James Healy's glowing USA Today article. That link is available a few posts back, as is a link to the LA Times, if you'd like to check those out as well. ~alpha
Still waiting for the big guns: Car & Driver and Road and Track. They should be out any day. Rave reviews there will mean tremendous demand for the vehicle and dash everyone's hopes of prices much below sticker for months or possibly even years. Take, for example, the new Inifniti G35. RAve reviews, selling like mad, the vast majority at or close to sticker. Likewise Acura TL, as I noted earlier. I suspect that after the Accord debuts, however, Toyota will be giving Camrys away.
I am currently the owner of a 99 A6 Quattro which is due to be turned in November. I've got around 25000 mile and there is no way I'd want to buy it. Not because it hasn't been a good car, it has, but the maintenance is a killer after the warranty runs out.... i.e. replace timing belt $1,800-includes timing belt, water pump, and a major service at around 60K miles. Just one example! My daughters '93 Accord LX has gone 163,000 miles with a fraction of that maintenance cost. So my advice, buy an Audi if it's new and has the 4 year 50K warranty and free service or fuggedaboutit.
Hate to break it to you guys, but there is nothing illegal about importing car's into canada/usa. As long as the vehicle meet's emissions and safety standards, there is nothing they can do to stop it, oh and yes you also need to pay any tax on the vehicle when importing!!!! Why would honda punish a consumer for buying a car for a cheaper price!!!! They have a huge "grey market" in europe!!!!! The like's of VW, AUDI and MERCEDES BENZ have all been heavily fined for price fixing, and punishing dealers who sell their car's to cross border shoppers!!!! It is called an exchange rate, take advantage of it!!!! Right now it cost's me 1.54 to buy one American dollar!!!! It only benefit's the consumer guys, and the last time I checked we all fall into that category!!!!!
It's not that we're strapped for cash, but there will (obviously) be a significant difference in price (and incentives) between the '02 and '03. You really think it's worth passing up an '02 Ex V6 for around 21.5K to get an '03 for about 5 grand more? I don't necessarily need any of the "improvments" being made since the '02 seems to have what I need. And my wife is afraid she won't like the '03 at all, thus the decision needing to be made.
I know how difficult it is when one wants the car and the other wants to wait...I had quite the time w my husband who wanted me to buy a new 8,000 Mitsubushi Have you considered getting an LX 6? We got one of those...they supposedly are in shorter supply than the EX 6 but there seem to be plenty around at the bigger, but not smaller dealers...doesn't have climate control, sunroof or the 6CD thing but it will cut 2K off the price...i could have gotten an even better deal but my husband was going to start his foot tapping if it wasn't a one shot deal...what's the largest city close to you?? You might find others have gotten even a better deal...and if you find that to be the case...it might swing things back toward buying the car sooner...after all...you have to live w your wife and if the 02's are gone...the rest of the year is going to seem verrrrrry long...
I am starting to like this car more and more, and I cannot wait until all of them are compared together by one magazine. Mazda6i, Nissan Altima 2.5S, Honda Accord EX, Toyota Camry SEI4.
The Accord will do well, no doubt about that. I just hope they continue to do well with this redesign. There are certainly somethings I don't like about it, but I could live with it overall. I know that I wouldn't be able to afford the EXV6, but could proabably afford a EX with leather or LXV6 if I really pushed hard for one. Now that would be a tough decision, deciding between the luxurious EX with leather or the powerful LXV6. I noticed that with the leather interior you receive the dual-zone automatic climate control this time around. That should be sweet. I wish a power passenger's seat was included with the leather though...I guess I ask for too much.
The styling is no VW Passat, but to me it seems to be an improvement over the current model. I still think the new Camry looks somewhat better, but the Altima and the Mazda 6 seem to be the segment leaders, IMO.
The interior is very nicely done and well thought out. I only wish the Altima's interior was as nice. The tilt/telescoping steering wheel seems like a nice feature, but I wish Honda would have used RDS with their radio systems, and as old fashion as this sounds, I will definately miss the cassette player.
Regards everyone.....school started back here yesterday...and boy did I hate to go back! That's what happens when you get out in the middle of May.
I'm in the same boat and am leaning towards an 02 Accord SE (for about $17.8k). If I keep it about 18 months the trade-in value should be ~$14-15k which is good. Then I can trade up to a second year '04 Accord (with the bugs worked out, if any). IMO, '03 Accords will go for close to sticker for at least 6 months. Worse case is I keep the bargain SE and enjoy it for a long time. can't lose...
I see your point. An '02 EX V-6 for 21.5 is a great bargain, and it's a great car. I loved it when I drove it last year, but my wife wanted something else. And a comparable '03 will be going for sticker or close to it for a long, long time. So it's a tradeoff. You've seen the reviews, have an idea what the new one's going to be like, so you then decide between the bargain '02 or the full price '03. The biggest difference between the two is going to be engine power and the 5-speed transmission. If these aren't important to you, then that's an argument for the '02.
I would put my vote in that you go with the 02 Accord. I had a similar dilema and bought the 02. You basically have to decide if all the extras are worth another $4-$5,000. No doubt about it, the 03 will have a good amount more features. One big consideration for me, aside from price, is that I did not want to buy a car in its first model year, especially in the first few months it is out. Chances are there will be problems with it, especially since there are so many changes, even though it is a Honda. In contrast, if they ever will get all the kinks out of a car that you buy, it is the 02 since it has been out 5 years.
First of all, you guys all rock. The advice and input is incredibly useful!
Well, we've now gotten an offer for around 21K on the '02, and may even eek out 2.9% financing on it... dealer was supposed to call back tonight and didn't... I'll keep y'all posted, but right now we're definitely moving toward the '02 V6 EX, and just paying off (i.e. throwing away) the extra $900+ we owe on our current lease to take advantage of the deal.
Irish- I like your point about the potentially loooong year! Made me laugh - have you met my wife? Also, we like the extra perks of the EX - the sunroof, 6 cd, etc., so we'd prefer to stick with the ex.
Philly is closest and we've called all the dealers in the region, basically. I'm *fairly* certain we could get an '02 at the end of our lease. BUT, I'm not 100% certain, and I figure for all the pain and heartache, we're not going to get more than another $500 or so off the 21K price by December, IF there are even any '02s left by then.
So I guess we're reaching a decision. Good news is that there are two dealers close by, and we're taking each quote we get from one and giving the other a chance to beat it. Seems to be working to our advantage so far. Just waiting to hear back about the 2.9%... we'll see!
Thanks again for all the GREAT advice and info. Keep it comin'!!!
You are down to a price of $21k for an EX V6 Sedan? That is a great price! Can you tell me what 2 dealers in the philly area you are working with and what your tactic has been to get such a good price? I am in central NJ, for which Philly is not a far drive.
I want to get my wife an EX 4 dr 4 cylinder but want to hold out for the absolute best price. I bought my EX V6 about a month ago, and got a good deal, but not as good as you are getting. The thing was with that car, I wanted to get rid of my '94 Prelude before anything went wrong on it (not that there was any reason to think it would), and I did not want to settle at all for color. For my wifes car, I am only going to do the trade in of her 2000 civic if I can get an amazing deal, and there is absolutely no rush. I am just trying to figure out when is the best time to do it. I am watching some dealers inventory online to see if supplies are running out, and so far they don't appear to be. My target purchase date will probably be the end of this month, as that is usually the best time to get a deal. Unless there are still a lot of EX 4 cylinders left at that time, I may hold out a bit longer.
It is definitely a good idea to avoid American cars the first year, but Japanese cars are generally bug free as soon as they hit the ground. Look at the new Camry, first year production. I have heard virtually nothing negative about it. The one I rented last month and drove 2,000 miles was perfect. So I would not go for an '02 just to avoid the bugs in the '03. There probably won't be many.
To Audi looker. I would take the Audi since a great car and not mass produced-due to price and condition. That is a new car. good Luck
Several have asked about my preordering of a 2003 Accord. I got a great deal in writing of $316 over invoice ($2200+ discount based on 02 pricing--they have sold Accords for that price the past 5 or 6 years that I know of).From this Oklahoma dealer I have bought 3 cars in the past--they are ethical and forthright. Since I do not want to get beat up for selling or promoting a business here, you can email me at jcro3717@aol.com for details. My salesman told me that they would reevaluate pricing on September 8th once they see market demand upon actual release of the car or if they presell an extraordinary amount at this price. Personnally I would not sell the V-6 for this price so early but hey I got a 99 Odyssey for $316 over invoice before they went to MSRP in 2001. Many folks on the Edmunds forum flew over 1000 miles to nab those deals--not too good to be true. INKY
So not true. The Honda Oydessey had lots of bugs and the new Pilot and Civic have some also. In fact, I think the Civic was recalled. Nothing serious mind you, but if you believe any company (foreign or domestic) releases bug free new models, you are dreaming.
"The '03 Accord, coming early September, is remarkably sporty (Honda really emphasized that aspect in the redesign) and has a luxury-car feel. The V-6 is a rocket, but the base four-cylinder engine is quite satisfying rather than a wanna-be engine. In fact, that's the great thing about the Accord. A mid-level LX four-cylinder manual transmission is a very nice car. It's enough nicer than the '02 to wait, unless you have an urgent deadline.
Camry's nice, but not fun. Taurus isn't in the same game, nor are GM models."
Regardless of whether or not there would be serious problems, I think, if possible, it is always better to wait until at least the 2nd year. It is true that Hondas rarely have serious problems but you'd want to allow time for the service personnel to ramp up their knowledge and/or equipment to deal with any problem, big or small. For example, when we bought our '97 CR-V right when they came out, the car was delivered out of alignment. But they couldn't adjust it because the dealer had not yet received the full alignment specs for the CR-V. Even minor issues such as squeaks and rattles, I'd rather not have them "learn" how to deal with them on my car.
I would guess most of the bugs in new Japanese models are relatively minor. If you check CR reliability ratings for lst year model Japanese cars, all or most are rated excellent or way above average. I mentioned the new Camry as an example: seems to be bug-free since job 1. It's true, however, and surprisingly, that there have been many complaints about the new Lexus ES300 on that board, serious transmission problems, rattles, etc. And that's Lexus! Still, in general I would not hesitate to buy a Japanese car the first year of production because of what might be minor and correctable problems along the way. And I think the 400,000+ buyers of the new Accord, and a similar number of new Camry buyers, will pretty much agree with me and not be disappointed. Of course, if you're the cautious, conservative type, wait a year, or two or three.
Those of you who think that Japanese nameplates are somehow immune from the bugs that typically plague the 1st year of a new model cycle - did any of you read an article on this subject that appeared in the Wall Street Journal back in early June? The '02 Camry / ES 300 have been far from trouble-free, particularly when compared to their '01 counterparts. (Visit Edmund's ES 300 board & you'll read some loud complaints about the new 5-speed automatic transmission.) No less an authority than Honda's own chief engineer admitted to the Journal that buyers looking for the most reliable, trouble-free vehicle should wait until later in the model cycle.
So, tell me again - why I should pay a premium for an early '03?
I will never buy any car in the first year. I know the problems may be minor but why deal with them and pay more to be first, especially with a car as common as this? People rushing out to get a Mini I can somewhat understand as it's very unique, but not an Accord.
My mom got away with it (in spite of my warning) as she bought a 99 Alero 1st year. As of now she has had zero problems.
Funny how we go on but this is forum for fun and free thinking right. Reliability is a function of nothing but 1)Manufacturer accepted tolorances from suppliers (toyota relaxed those toloranes the past few years by design) 2)Quality of assembly work force and most importantly 3)the integrity of design. And all three items become a statistic we can associate with a manuafactorer. GM's 3.8 engine is example of great design. Not fancy but served them for years. Toyota has taken big hit with the sludge woes on its engines to include the highly refined and long produced 3.0 V-6. How did that happen? Design flaw. But only if owner maint. neglected from what I hear. We all know that buying an American car all new design is much more a gamble than buying an new Accord. We all know that in about 3 months we will see running fixes for irritating woes such as the noisy shock, the loose wire and the poor engine seal. It is inevitable. You can bank on it, but I have had first month of first month vehicles many times and have never been burnt. All performed well but then again they were all Toyotas or Honda products. I expect, based on stats, that a first year Honda purchase of the new Accord is not a big risk. INKY
at least it sounds that way...I had to laugh as I hardly rock....but seriously...if you got the EX 6 for 21 and 2.9% financing...I'd buy it then and there...even if the deals get better...you got a great price and your choice of car/color...then tell him you'll send some of your friends...on the site... it's good for them...it's good for us...everyone is happy....so hurry up and tell us when you complete the deal...
If I had to choose, I'd buy the cheaper proven 02 Accord over the 03. Not much big risk in almost any new car these days in my opinion. It's more the little annoying things that I like to avoid. Even a later 03 model would be a better bet than getting one of the first ones off the line.
Some people like to be first though, and that's fine with me. Some one has to bite.
I just received my new Sept. Car & Driver mag in today's mail. It has a preview article on the 03 Accord. Not a full road test, which will appear in another couple of months, but an informative article nonetheless.
Much of what's in the article has been speculated or reported elsewhere, but I still like to see it in C&D.
They've retained the control-arm front suspension and multilink rear suspension, and have not gone to struts. Both ends have different geometries, for better response and handling. Larger brake rotors up front, and wheels ranging from 15s on the base DX to 17s on the EX V6 coupes and 16s on the V6 sedans.
6-speed manual on the V6 coupe, providing 240 HP from 3.0 liters, up 40 HP from this year. The 4-cylinder develops 160 HP, up from 150. The automatic tranny is a 5-speed with both engines.
Quoted from the article:
>>"With plenty of grip from the 17-inch tires and excellent control of body motions, it all adds up to an exhilarating ride on a winding country road. You might even think of the two-door V-6 Accord as the reincarnation of the much-missed Prelude, althogh rear-seat room is far more spacious than the Prelude's ever was.
While driving sedately, we were awestruck by the silence, smoothness, and refinement that Honda has applied to this mass-market machine.
Overall, the 2003 Accord represents substantial progress on almost every front....this Accord promises to extend Honda's leadership in the family-sedan segment."<<
One final note from me. I've held off commenting on the style of the car because none of the web pictures I've seen have been clear or real enough. The photos in the magazine show the new design to be evolutionary and unmistakeably Honda. The sedan is good looking, if unremarkable - it is neither gracefully beautiful nor ugly. The coupe is attractive, but also in a middle-of-the-road kind of way that should neither offend nor inspire lust.
timadams- I completely agree.. I also "like to see it in C&D". As everyone has noted the far, the Accord will continue to offer great value, and an excellent ownership/driving experience. question to anyone who knows- will the EX 4cyl wear 15 or 16inch tires? Im still really interested to learn of pricing. that said, moving on to reliability of first year designs. my experience:
Our 02 Camry has had absolutely ZERO build quality/reliability issues. AND its a US built sample. Our 00 Camry (Japan), 4 MYs into the design cycle, on the other hand, has had many interior trim pieces loose, a majority of them since its early milage. My point- model specific, its luck of the draw anyway. I feel that across manufacturers (ex. Honda vs. Chrysler) there is FAR MORE varience in your liklihood of obtaining a less reliable sample than there is across model years (ex 03 Accord vs. 06 Accord). ~alpha
The EX-I4 and EX-V6 have 16" alloy wheels. The LX-V6 has 16" wheels with full covers. The DX and LX-I4 have 15" wheels with full covers. This is according to the specs at Hondanews.com.
Two wheel designs have been spotted for the sedan. A five-spoke brushed aluminum design and a seven-spoke painted wheel. No information is available to determine which wheel goes on which car. There are also two different cover designs (naturally given 15" and 16" wheel sizes). There are photos of the coupe with the seven-spoke wheels and a unique five-spoke 17" wheel.
If I were guessing, I'd bet the seven-spoke wheel goes on the EX-V6. That is the car MT was testing in its September issue against the Camry, which is wearing the seven spoke wheels. It seems somewhat illogical however, as the five-spoke design looks more expensive like it should be on the top car.
If you go to the Smart Shopper master topic, you'll see a Priceline topic or two, and there is also a user called "raybear" who works for Priceline. From my observations he seems to be a straight-up guy and someone who has given good advice in the past. Hope this helps.
I read that the new CD player will be able to read CDs with MP3 files ( finally I can use my MP3 CD with 149 songs ) and that there will be a DVD-based entertainment system ( called iVES ). Is that all true and will each front seat have a LCD display on the back to keep the "kids" entertained ? Thanks in advance.
Toyota tried to weasel out of responsibility for the sludge problem in their 3.0 V6 by blaming owners for not changing oil often enough, but it soon became clear that sludge was affecting cars whose oil was changed regularly every 3,000-5,000 miles. A hue and cry developed and Toyota was about to have a huge PR problem on its hands, so they wisely decided to offer a free fix for everybody with the problem for the next 8 years or so. It was clearly a design problem (though they still won't admit it).
I read a long article at a Jiffy Lube recently, on the problem affecting a variety of Toyota engines going as far back as 1997 (includes some of its four bangers too).
Apparently, Toyota tried to get cleaner emissions by employing a technique that ended up with this problem. I wonder why they didn't do it the way Honda does (VTEC).
I own a 98 Accord EX, now with 71K miles. Bought the car in October 1997 (VIN serial number suggests that it was one of the first 33K cars built. To date, besides regular maintenance, the following have been replaced, - Tires (at 52K miles) - Wiper blades (twice now) - Headlamp (1, ~60K miles) - Brake Lamp (1, 70K miles)
Only problem is that moonroof develops squeak if not lubricated regularly. I plan on getting the timing belt/water pump replaced at about 75-7K miles.
Just curious, I just got my accord 02' ex auto 4 door. I noticed that when i shift from park to reverse I hear one clicking noise when engaged. "normal"?
When I test drove the Accord DXVP I noticed that it had no power locks, I asked, and the salesman said it didn't come with them. I bought the car, now I notice that the Edmunds site indicates that it should have them. Do others here have power locks on their DX Value Package Accord (must be DX VP)?- Thanks,
Comments
That said, I drive cars for 7+ years so the re-sale factor is not a big one for me.
Also, unless you are strapped for cash, why would anyone buy an '02 when a much-improved '03 is just weeks away?
People like Mr. Osler are whining about the hidden recalls not because of safety, but because he wants to continue to buy a Honda for the price it's charged in Canada, even though his country of origin (the U.S.) can afford to pay more for a Honda.
Honda is hiding recalls to crack down on that illegal practice. If you bought a Honda in the country in which you reside, you shouldn't worry about Honda's new tactic.
03 Accord is almost certainly a good car. I just wish it wasn't so popular as I don't like to blend in with the crowd.
And thus, he's crying foul when Honda ceates a move that wouldn't tell him the safety of his illegal car - a move that would dissuade the illegal practice to continue.
"What's more, tens of thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands, of vehicles are being brought from Canada into the United States illegally as a result of a relatively loose border crossing. These vehicles are often stolen, were given salvage titles, had flood damage or have liens on them in Canada. In short, the investigators we interviewed both on and off the record indicated that the majority of vehicles coming across the border have some problem that makes their importation illegal -- and therefore subject to seizure from the current U.S. owner."
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/specialreports/articles/64615/article.html
~alpha
Still waiting for the big guns: Car & Driver and Road and Track. They should be out any day. Rave reviews there will mean tremendous demand for the vehicle and dash everyone's hopes of prices much below sticker for months or possibly even years. Take, for example, the new Inifniti G35. RAve reviews, selling like mad, the vast majority at or close to sticker. Likewise Acura TL, as I noted earlier. I suspect that after the Accord debuts, however, Toyota will be giving Camrys away.
Have you considered getting an LX 6? We got one of those...they supposedly are in shorter supply than the EX 6 but there seem to be plenty around at the bigger, but not smaller dealers...doesn't have climate control, sunroof or the 6CD thing but it will cut 2K off the price...i could have gotten an even better deal but my husband was going to start his foot tapping if it wasn't a one shot deal...what's the largest city close to you?? You might find others have gotten even a better deal...and if you find that to be the case...it might swing things back toward buying the car sooner...after all...you have to live w your wife and if the 02's are gone...the rest of the year is going to seem verrrrrry long...
The Accord will do well, no doubt about that. I just hope they continue to do well with this redesign. There are certainly somethings I don't like about it, but I could live with it overall. I know that I wouldn't be able to afford the EXV6, but could proabably afford a EX with leather or LXV6 if I really pushed hard for one. Now that would be a tough decision, deciding between the luxurious EX with leather or the powerful LXV6. I noticed that with the leather interior you receive the dual-zone automatic climate control this time around. That should be sweet. I wish a power passenger's seat was included with the leather though...I guess I ask for too much.
The styling is no VW Passat, but to me it seems to be an improvement over the current model. I still think the new Camry looks somewhat better, but the Altima and the Mazda 6 seem to be the segment leaders, IMO.
The interior is very nicely done and well thought out. I only wish the Altima's interior was as nice. The tilt/telescoping steering wheel seems like a nice feature, but I wish Honda would have used RDS with their radio systems, and as old fashion as this sounds, I will definately miss the cassette player.
Regards everyone.....school started back here yesterday...and boy did I hate to go back! That's what happens when you get out in the middle of May.
Well, we've now gotten an offer for around 21K on the '02, and may even eek out 2.9% financing on it... dealer was supposed to call back tonight and didn't... I'll keep y'all posted, but right now we're definitely moving toward the '02 V6 EX, and just paying off (i.e. throwing away) the extra $900+ we owe on our current lease to take advantage of the deal.
Irish- I like your point about the potentially loooong year! Made me laugh - have you met my wife?
Philly is closest and we've called all the dealers in the region, basically. I'm *fairly* certain we could get an '02 at the end of our lease. BUT, I'm not 100% certain, and I figure for all the pain and heartache, we're not going to get more than another $500 or so off the 21K price by December, IF there are even any '02s left by then.
So I guess we're reaching a decision. Good news is that there are two dealers close by, and we're taking each quote we get from one and giving the other a chance to beat it. Seems to be working to our advantage so far. Just waiting to hear back about the 2.9%... we'll see!
Thanks again for all the GREAT advice and info. Keep it comin'!!!
I want to get my wife an EX 4 dr 4 cylinder but want to hold out for the absolute best price. I bought my EX V6 about a month ago, and got a good deal, but not as good as you are getting. The thing was with that car, I wanted to get rid of my '94 Prelude before anything went wrong on it (not that there was any reason to think it would), and I did not want to settle at all for color. For my wifes car, I am only going to do the trade in of her 2000 civic if I can get an amazing deal, and there is absolutely no rush. I am just trying to figure out when is the best time to do it. I am watching some dealers inventory online to see if supplies are running out, and so far they don't appear to be. My target purchase date will probably be the end of this month, as that is usually the best time to get a deal. Unless there are still a lot of EX 4 cylinders left at that time, I may hold out a bit longer.
Several have asked about my preordering of a 2003 Accord. I got a great deal in writing of $316 over invoice ($2200+ discount based on 02 pricing--they have sold Accords for that price the past 5 or 6 years that I know of).From this Oklahoma dealer I have bought 3 cars in the past--they are ethical and forthright. Since I do not want to get beat up for selling or promoting a business here, you can email me at jcro3717@aol.com for details. My salesman told me that they would reevaluate pricing on September 8th once they see market demand upon actual release of the car or if they presell an extraordinary amount at this price. Personnally I would not sell the V-6 for this price so early but hey I got a 99 Odyssey for $316 over invoice before they went to MSRP in 2001. Many folks on the Edmunds forum flew over 1000 miles to nab those deals--not too good to be true.
INKY
"The '03 Accord, coming early September, is remarkably sporty (Honda really emphasized that aspect in the redesign) and has a luxury-car feel. The V-6 is a rocket, but the base four-cylinder engine is quite satisfying rather than a wanna-be engine. In fact, that's the great thing about the Accord. A mid-level LX four-cylinder manual transmission is a very nice car. It's enough nicer than the '02 to wait, unless you have an urgent deadline.
Camry's nice, but not fun. Taurus isn't in the same game, nor are GM models."
So, tell me again - why I should pay a premium for an early '03?
My mom got away with it (in spite of my warning) as she bought a 99 Alero 1st year. As of now she has had zero problems.
Design flaw. But only if owner maint. neglected from what I hear.
We all know that buying an American car all new design is much more a gamble than buying an new Accord. We all know that in about 3 months we will see running fixes for irritating woes such as the noisy shock, the loose wire and the poor engine seal. It is inevitable. You can bank on it, but I have had first month of first month vehicles many times and have never been burnt. All performed well but then again they were all Toyotas or Honda products. I expect, based on stats, that a first year Honda purchase of the new Accord is not a big risk.
INKY
Some people like to be first though, and that's fine with me. Some one has to bite.
Much of what's in the article has been speculated or reported elsewhere, but I still like to see it in C&D.
They've retained the control-arm front suspension and multilink rear suspension, and have not gone to struts. Both ends have different geometries, for better response and handling. Larger brake rotors up front, and wheels ranging from 15s on the base DX to 17s on the EX V6 coupes and 16s on the V6 sedans.
6-speed manual on the V6 coupe, providing 240 HP from 3.0 liters, up 40 HP from this year. The 4-cylinder develops 160 HP, up from 150. The automatic tranny is a 5-speed with both engines.
Quoted from the article:
>>"With plenty of grip from the 17-inch tires and excellent control of body motions, it all adds up to an exhilarating ride on a winding country road. You might even think of the two-door V-6 Accord as the reincarnation of the much-missed Prelude, althogh rear-seat room is far more spacious than the Prelude's ever was.
While driving sedately, we were awestruck by the silence, smoothness, and refinement that Honda has applied to this mass-market machine.
Overall, the 2003 Accord represents substantial progress on almost every front....this Accord promises to extend Honda's leadership in the family-sedan segment."<<
One final note from me. I've held off commenting on the style of the car because none of the web pictures I've seen have been clear or real enough. The photos in the magazine show the new design to be evolutionary and unmistakeably Honda. The sedan is good looking, if unremarkable - it is neither gracefully beautiful nor ugly. The coupe is attractive, but also in a middle-of-the-road kind of way that should neither offend nor inspire lust.
that said, moving on to reliability of first year designs. my experience:
Our 02 Camry has had absolutely ZERO build quality/reliability issues. AND its a US built sample. Our 00 Camry (Japan), 4 MYs into the design cycle, on the other hand, has had many interior trim pieces loose, a majority of them since its early milage. My point- model specific, its luck of the draw anyway. I feel that across manufacturers (ex. Honda vs. Chrysler) there is FAR MORE varience in your liklihood of obtaining a less reliable sample than there is across model years (ex 03 Accord vs. 06 Accord).
~alpha
Two wheel designs have been spotted for the sedan. A five-spoke brushed aluminum design and a seven-spoke painted wheel. No information is available to determine which wheel goes on which car. There are also two different cover designs (naturally given 15" and 16" wheel sizes). There are photos of the coupe with the seven-spoke wheels and a unique five-spoke 17" wheel.
If I were guessing, I'd bet the seven-spoke wheel goes on the EX-V6. That is the car MT was testing in its September issue against the Camry, which is wearing the seven spoke wheels. It seems somewhat illogical however, as the five-spoke design looks more expensive like it should be on the top car.
If its a GM/Ford/Chrysler, yeah, worry.
Look at how Ford points the finger at Firestone, and Firestone does the same thing back.
Apparently, Toyota tried to get cleaner emissions by employing a technique that ended up with this problem. I wonder why they didn't do it the way Honda does (VTEC).
I own a 98 Accord EX, now with 71K miles. Bought the car in October 1997 (VIN serial number suggests that it was one of the first 33K cars built. To date, besides regular maintenance, the following have been replaced,
- Tires (at 52K miles)
- Wiper blades (twice now)
- Headlamp (1, ~60K miles)
- Brake Lamp (1, 70K miles)
Only problem is that moonroof develops squeak if not lubricated regularly. I plan on getting the timing belt/water pump replaced at about 75-7K miles.
oops. that's redundant.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/020809-1.htm