I want to buy a new car this fall (NOV 08). I am currently in Iraq and get back at the end of October. Originally I had my heart set on the Dodge Nitro. I think it is one sharp looking SUV. My price range is $30-$35K. With gas prices going out of control since I have left, getting an average of the mid to high teens for miles per gallon is not very attractive. I wanted the small SUV for the room. I asked myself how often would I use that extra room and the answer is rarely. My golf clubs and hockey gear should fit nicely in what I am looking at now. That being said, I switched gears and looked at cars. I do not want to go too small (Honda Civic) because of the chance of carrying four adults on occasion. My four finalist are the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Chevy Malibu. I have done a TON of research on these four vehicles and all have been rated rather well. One could make an argument for any of these fine vehicles. From the overall impressive track record of the Camry, to the new look Malibu and cheapest of all four, to the solid performing Altima and the new Accord. The Accord stands out in the crowd over most in reviews though so I am about 95% sure that I will pull the trigger on the Accord.

I am looking at the EX-L V6 AT with navigation system. Basically I want it loaded to the max with everything except the rear view camera.

I have read this forum and found out some interesting facts from REAL people that OWN the vehicle instead of some idiot that drives the car for a few days and then writes what he/she thinks. From what I have read, here is what I know to be true about the 2008 Accord:

1. Average gas mileage appears to in the middle 20's for a combination city and highway driving with the V6. The I4 gets a little better but not enough to warrant dropping two cylinders. In fact, most would rather have the V6 for the extra power. It appears to be worth the extra money and mile or two per gallon.

2. Some have commented that the V6 seems to "look" for ways to drop a cylinder thus causing interesting engine performance.

3. Some have commented that the air conditioner is not the greatest and that the rear window defogger does not work that great.

4. Many have stated the desire for better headlights.

These pretty much seem to be the biggest things that I have found wrong with the 2008 Accord in this forum. Professional reviewers don't like the fact that the rear seat does not fold 60/40. It is all or nothing. Some have commneted on the center console having too many buttons too. That seems to be it. I would prefer to get the 2009 version just to have the latest and greatest options and fixes (whatever they may be).

I guess what I am looking for here is this. Does anyone have any idea what will change for the 2009 Accord? Does anyone have any advice for me in my purchase this fall? If there happens to be a 2008 EX-L V6 in Silver with the navigations system in it, that would be awful hard for me to pass up since I could save a few dollars on it compared to the 2009. Any feedback here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to changing my signature to being a proud Honda Accord OWNER.

In fact, most would rather have the V6 for the extra power.

This might be true when reading "enthusiasts" sites and magazines, but certainly not true for "most." Honda is only planning a 25% take rate for the V6. In other words, 3 out of 4 get the I4.

I have what you want except the nav. system. This is one of the best cars I have ever had, which includes Acura's. The V6 is just a great engine and I get about 19mpg with 95% city driving.

Handling is very good for a car this size and weight.

Yes, HID would have been nice, but the lights are OK.

My AC pumps nothing but nice cold air and I have to lower the fan speed when driving on a long trip.

The center stack, you will get use to it in 2 days, not a big deal.

Rear window defogger works fine for me, don't know what other problems are.

When you get back, could get a great deal on a 08 if much has not changed for the 09. It will have to be your call on that, but a great car to own.

Best of luck and safe return home from a Nam vet.:)

Sorry to respond to myself, but I need to elaborate. I got the I4 -- money was certainly not an object, I had much more upscale and powerful cars in the past. My thinking was the resale value of the 4 vs. 6-cylinder engines. If gas prices should go up to levels where they are in Europe, for example, you won't be able to give away a V6. Even though the Accord V6 is very fuel efficient for a V6, it's the perception that matters most. What has happened with full size pick-ups will happen to mid-size non-luxury V6 cars. An Accord is not a Mercedes where a powerful engine is a must, and most buyers won't pay for it, especially if the gas prices keep going up. Just look at other parts of the world to see where we are heading.

I appreciate the feedback so fast. Let me add a few other things here. My car back home is a 2001 Chevy Cavalier which will go to the wife and I will drive the new car. She has a 1999 Chevy Malibu that we will trade in. So as you can see we are going from no frills to a major step up in luxary and comfort.

I read some folks posts about the V6 versus I4 and most everyone there stated that they would rather have the power of the V6. I would have to agree. The statement about 75% getting the I4 are interesting. If they have one on the lot with everything that I want and the I4, I will pull the trigger for sure. It would appear that both powerplants are good.

I looks as though I cannot go wrong with the Accord which will make me a happy camper.

Thanks again for your feedback.

Sorry to respond to myself, but I need to elaborate. I got the I4 -- money was certainly not an object, I had much more upscale and powerful cars in the past. My thinking was the resale value of the 4 vs. 6-cylinder engines. If gas prices should go up to levels where they are in Europe, for example, you won't be able to give away a V6. Even though the Accord V6 is very fuel efficient for a V6, it's the perception that matters most. What has happened with full size pick-ups will happen to mid-size non-luxury V6 cars. An Accord is not a Mercedes where a powerful engine is a must, and most buyers won't pay for it, especially if the gas prices keep going up. Just look at other parts of the world to see where we are heading.

That is a good point about the V6. I did not think about that part. I think that if there are two cars on the lot exactly the same with one with a V6 and the other with the I4, I personally would pick the V6 for the extra power. I will drive both and then pull the trigger.

I appreciate that perspective.

V6 vs I4 is an interesting dilemma. I also come from much more expensive and luxurious cars (V8s for the last 15 years), but times have changed.
One thing I can categorically tell you is if you buy the 'wrong' car, you'd be miserable, and probably would end up trading it in much sooner than expected (sounds familiar to some?), with a MUCH BIGGER financial hit than the 2 or 3 mpg difference. If you're truly happy with a 4 banger, then by all means, go for it. Just be honest with yourself, and think about the big picture (as explained above). Figure what you'd save with a 4 vs 6 in cost and gas, and make a realistic assessment if the savings are worth the sacrifices.

Finally, to me I had no choice but to go with the 6MT, which is a V6. To me, the #1 absolute must in my cars is a 6-sp manual. Not only because it has an extra cog, but the shifter itself is WAY better: much shorter throws, and that hard-to-describe sporty feel. That ruled out the I4 right off the bat. I tried to buy a new ('09) TSX, but no 6MTs available for months. Besides, I'd have had to pay THREE grand more for basically the same car as the Accord, but I4 instead. I'd never spend that in extra fuel on my Coupe with only 5K miles a year, so glad I didn't buy the TSX; I'd have regretted it. With that heft, the 4 banger is just inadequate and unsatisfying to drive IMO, especially coming from V8s. The I4 vs V6 is like day and night difference to me, while fuel mileage differences are really small by comparison. It was a no brainer to me right now. If in 5 years gas is $7 a gallon, my next car WILL be a 4 banger, but by that time hopefully there'll be much more 'enthusiast' choices, like Civis SIs with leather interior and full consoles, Accords with I4 and a short-throw 6-sp manual, etc. Good day folks.
JC

First, let me advise against the Dodge Nitro. I doubt it will hold its resale value well, and, further more, due to the terribly small windows. this SUV is plagued by visibility issues. Chrysler is slowly shedding larger vehicles from its product line, and I doubt there are many more model years in store for the Nitro.

Second, between the Honea I4 and V6, the difference in mpg is not that drastic, but, given the price of gas today (and expected in the future), points in this thread regarding resale are reasonably valid.

As for power, with the EX-L, I find the horse power (190) to be more than sufficient for my driving needs. I live outside of Boston, use the train to commute to work, and, due to traffic in/out of city, rarely have a need to open-up the engine. Horse-power is fine for passing on the highway. So, yes, I am pleased. I find the engine to be neither loud, nor "unrefined" as some have taken issue with. Also, with the V6, keep in mind that these engines generally do require a bit more attention as the miles accumulate. Either way, Honda makes excellent engines, and whichever motor you choose, will be ultimately making a better choice than the Dodge Nitro.

Good luck - Mike.

First, thanks for your service! Good luck. The 08 Accord V6 is the best car I've ever had. Over the last 25 years I've had 3 BMWs, VW Golf, and a Mazda Melinnia. I love my Honda. Love the styling, performance, and interior details. Do not get a SUV. SUVs are evil.
Ex-Army Ranger. Hooah.

I'd say go for the I4... the V6 is nice, very nice but if you travel alot like me you would wan t a little more gas than power... I travel from Pembroke, NC to Wash. DC frequently and I average about 35mpg(wit cruise)

I agree wholeheartedly with get the one you want because you'll have to live with it for many moons.

Watch your back and get home safely. Navy Vet.

My thoughts so far after one month of owning a NBP EX-L I4 5A sedan with my previous car being a '98 Tahoe LT 5.7 Auto4wd....

Headlights work great even though I don't drive at night very much. I do get the I4 slight dim of the headlights every once in awhile but not enough to be distracting.

As far as HVAC is concerned-I don't think I could ever get another car without climate control. I love it and it gets plenty cold when the A/C needs to come on.

Interior-top notch. Unless your totally void of any techno wizardry the dash layout will not be a problem.

Powertrain-The 5 speed Auto is smooth and having that extra gear over the usual 4 that I was used to is nice.

The motor is smooth and powerful but I am glad I didn't test drive a V6. Probably would have bought the extra cylinders.

I don't have any problems with the power of the I4. It has plenty of power for me and it will get up and go when needed. My only complaint is that the power is not linear. It's a higher revving motor than I am used to so it doesn't have the low end torque. It usually feels like the real power kicks in around 3k rpms and above.

When you get back home safely I would advise you to test drive all of the cars and find out what fits you the best.

Thank-you all for the help here. I will now be taking a serious look at the I4. I sort of had my mind set on the V6 but hearing everything said above has made me re-think a few things. I have not read anything negative yet about getting the Accord and I am now really looking forward to getting home in 124 days (but who is counting?) to buy the Accord.

Thanks again for the assistance.

Thanks again for the assistance.


Thank you for your service. :thmsup:

mike.

Thanks for your service. Please let us know when you get back and which car you end up getting.

I have an I4 and am very happy with it. Although I would like the extra power, the I4 is smooth and delivers more than enough for day-to-day driving. One thing to think about is that although the V6 and I4 don't have MUCH of a difference in mileage, you will likely see more difference since a V6 will tempt you to drive it fast all the time! Like others have said, get what you want, that's the only way you will truly be happy.

OP, i think i've made every complaint that you listed about this car, and it would still be my first choice if i had to do it all over again.