Hello:

After nearly 20 years of happily driving trucks and SUVs, a new job (and much longer commute) is forcing me to consider something a little more efficient. I'm looking at getting into a certified used 03-05 Accord. I test drove a 2003 2.4 auto sedan today - not impressed. It just seemed like a boring rental sled or a mommy's car; couldn't really see myself driving it. Then I drove a 2003 3.0 auto coupe. It was a completely different animal. Seemed to handle better, and the V6 was light-years ahead of the 4-banger, which just didn't seem as sophisticated and refined as I was led to believe. I'm looking at a few other choices, but I may very well opt for the 3.0 coupe. Any suggestions as I continue to shop around?

decide if you want a coupe or sedan
buy a 6 either way
keep it light on the gas and a 6 approches the same efficency as a 4 for HWY MPG
but oh that available factory power.... :cool:

Hi there Gobycat! Welcome to DriveAccord. this place will change your life I tell ya, so stick around. :)

I do have some advice for you, and I hope you find it helpful in your shopping process.

First, the feeling you get of the 2.4 are very dependant IMO on what you currently drive, would you mind telling us what that is? Also, if you're interested in an MT Accord, the 2.4 + MT is a very nice package.

Second, the 2003 V6 Accords, have had some transmisson issues on the Automatics, but if the car has had the 'oil jet' kit installed (It was a Recall, or TSB, one of the two) at an early stage in life, and has been properly maintained as far as fluid changes go, you should be just fine. We see very few failures on the Accords after that.

Overall, if you can, I'd shoot for a 2004-2005 model, but if you find a well kept 2003 with good reccords, or a dealer that will confirm the services have been done to it, you'll be fine! One of our most resourceful members, Princess, should be able to shed some light on the transmission issue once she see's this, she has access to many great information sources such as the Service News that is sent to the Dealers, through Honda. Very useful info!

The only other 2 thing's I can think of, is a power seat track that sometimes slides (there is a bulletin on this to have it fixed free of charge) back a bit, and the 6CD in dash changer models have ahd the displays fail, but Honda has extended the warranty on this part of the vehicle.

Overall, you can't go wrong with a Honda! Best of luck to you with your search.
Tyler

Hi there Gobycat! Welcome to DriveAccord. this place will change your life I tell ya, so stick around. :)

I do have some advice for you, and I hope you find it helpful in your shopping process.

First, the feeling you get of the 2.4 are very dependant IMO on what you currently drive, would you mind telling us what that is? Also, if you're interested in an MT Accord, the 2.4 + MT is a very nice package.

Currently driving two Jeeps, a 2001 Grand Cherokee 4.7 (Flowmaster/Carsound exhaust, SuperChips tune, Airaid intake); a 1994 Grand Cherokee 5.2 (FM/Carsound exhaust, Mopar Performance computer, FastMan throttle body, K&N intake). Both run low 15s@88-89 in the 1/4 mi. Oh and a 1989 Jeep Comanche 4.0 pickup, mostly used to transport my HONDA Recon (ATV). I didn't find the 2.4 to be lacking in power overall, but it wasn't nearly as smooth as the 3.0 and it had a bit of a shake at idle. Like I said, once I drove the 3.0 there was no going back. MTs seems rare as hen's teeth in this area (southern NY), and I've never really gotten too excited about MTs for a commuter car.

Second, the 2003 V6 Accords, have had some transmisson issues on the Automatics, but if the car has had the 'oil jet' kit installed (It was a Recall, or TSB, one of the two) at an early stage in life, and has been properly maintained as far as fluid changes go, you should be just fine. We see very few failures on the Accords after that.

Good to know; I'll search for "oil jet" and get up to speed on that. What's the recommended interval on tranny fluid changes? I'm likely going to end up with a car with 30,000 - 40,000 miles, so I'm thinking most would still be running the factory fill?

Overall, if you can, I'd shoot for a 2004-2005 model, but if you find a well kept 2003 with good reccords, or a dealer that will confirm the services have been done to it, you'll be fine! One of our most resourceful members, Princess, should be able to shed some light on the transmission issue once she see's this, she has access to many great information sources such as the Service News that is sent to the Dealers, through Honda. Very useful info!.

I'm only going to consider "certified" examples. The local dealer I visited today had several nice 03-04 3.0 coupes on the lot. An 05 is probably a little more than I want to spend.

The only other 2 thing's I can think of, is a power seat track that sometimes slides (there is a bulletin on this to have it fixed free of charge) back a bit, and the 6CD in dash changer models have ahd the displays fail, but Honda has extended the warranty on this part of the vehicle.

The seat in the 2.4 sedan I drove today kept doing that! I'll almost certainly upgrade the factory audio system, and I'll be needing Satellite radio.

Overall, you can't go wrong with a Honda! Best of luck to you with your search.
Tyler

I beat the hell out of my Honda ATV and it just keeps coming back for more abuse - thanks!

Glad to see the info was helpful! Yeah, now that I know where you're coming from, I see why the V6 is a must. :naughty:

My uncle has a mid 90's Recon ES, it's fun to drive! The paint didn't hold up so well though.

My uncle has a mid 90's Recon ES, it's fun to drive! The paint didn't hold up so well though.

kinda funny that the paint issue transfers (disappears???) on their ATVs too....:lmao:

i wonder if the same thing happens with their lawnmowers and generators???? :lmao: :scratch:

honda paint + age = :wavebye:

Not sure Josh, the fiberglass body could be part of it, and Texas sun and heat! It's garaged though, so I'm still suprised, but I doubt he ever washed or waxed it.

Actually, the paint on their lawnmowers doesnt hold up that well either, lol

Welcome and enjoy it here. I'm sure you will enjoy whichever version of the Accord you pick up.

Well, try and find a 6MT to test drive. You may (I hope) find that you really enjoy it. I'm assuming that when you say you're going to be having a longer commute that you're probably not going to doing a huge amount of city driving. If it's mostly going to be highway driving, I'd suggest going with a 6MT. You can just let a dealership know what you're looking for and they'll find one for you.

When I started looking for my car, back in January 2006, I told them that I was looking for a 7th gen Accord coupe EX V6 6MT in Sapphire Blue Pearl, certified pre-owned, not from California. April 2006 they get a 2003 Accord coupe EX V6 6MT in Sapphire Blue Pearl with navigation, 34k miles, from Denver, CO certified pre-owned. I bet, if you're not too picky about the color, like I was, they'll be able to find one for you within a month. I'd almost suggest asking for one with navigation, too, that way you don't have to deal with having the screen going out.

I don't care much for MTs (although the crispest, easist shifting one I ever drove happened to be in an Accord, some years ago). Definitely not seeing any on the lots around here, either. Most of my driving is highway, but sometimes I have to drive to/through NYC (like today), which truly sucks.

Anyway, I finally drove a V6 sedan yesterday, and I liked it a lot. Fit me better than the coupe. It was a 2003, silver, base model. No leather, sunroof, alloys or other fancy garbage. Fairly unusual car, as all of the other V6s I have seen were loaded with options, and pricey. Fit and finish was impeccable. It had 50,000 mi. but you would never know it. They were asking $14,995, but I got them down to $13,800 just by seeming disinterested. If I don't see anything I like this weekend, I'll probably pick it up on Monday am.

One dumb question - 3.0 V6 uses 87 octane, correct?

One dumb question - 3.0 V6 uses 87 octane, correct?

Yes, you are correct.