Looking to purchase a 7th gen - I4 vs V6?

[chp5]

Hi - my first post. I am in the market for a 7th gen coupe. I'm open to both the I4 and the v6 and am looking for more info on the plus/minuses of each engine. My purchase will likely have between 60-90k miles.

I understand that the I4 has a timing chain that does not to be replaced as schedule maintenance - which is good!

I also know that the v6 has a timing belt that should be replaced around 100k miles. What is the cost range for that (I will pay a mechanic to do it not DIY) and should you also replace the water pump at the same time?

Does the V6 have a good reputation for reliability like the I4?

Other than decreased MPG and the cost of replacing the timing belt, is there any other negative to the v6 as compared to the I4?

Thanks for helping out a newbe!

[golftango]

Manual or Auto?

The consensus is that the auto trans will fail eventually when paired to the V6. The I4 has a better reliability track regarding transmission longevity.

[rszappa1]

I second the above post...........

[chp5]

Originally Posted by golftango

Manual or Auto?

The consensus is that the auto trans will fail eventually when paired to the V6. The I4 has a better reliability track regarding transmission longevity.

I did that info out - auto trany only. I live in a city with bad traffic and don't want a stick.

So the auto/V6 is not a great combo? What's the mileage estimate for potential failure? Thanks again.

[Rush 2112]

There's not an exact mileage for "it going out", but rest assured, many many V6 auto owners have had transmissions go. The inline 4 would be a good bet for you if you live in a big city. You don't need extra power, and you'll get much better mileage. I found the inline 4 7th gen powerful enough for daily driving. The V6 is almost overkill

[RinconVTR]

With more power (V6) comes more wear and tear. The 6 tranny is exactly ac bullet proof as the 4, but its close. But right down to the tires, the V6 costs more to maintain all around and has more upfront (purchase cost) too.

The 4 banger gets good milage but you have to rev it hard to go fast. Besides slightly less power, what you get is serious die hard car.

The 6 is really nice though. And if you test drive it, it will be hard to go back.

[dmo069]

Originally Posted by chp5

I did that info out - auto trany only. I live in a city with bad traffic and don't want a stick.

What does having a stick have to do with traffic?

[chp5]

Originally Posted by dmo069

What does having a stick have to do with traffic?

I hate a stick in stop-and-go highway traffic. YMMV of course . . .

Thanks for the responses.

Any thoughts on the approx cost to have the timing belt changes?

[slotlessman]

Originally Posted by Rush 2112

The V6 is almost overkill

Really? I don't think they are even close to that.

[golftango]

Originally Posted by chp5

I hate a stick in stop-and-go highway traffic. YMMV of course . . .

Thanks for the responses.

Any thoughts on the approx cost to have the timing belt changes?

Depends. Dealer, upwards of $1K, local mechanic, $500-800.

In your situation, I'd go for the I4. Cheaper insurance rates too.

[BLCKFLSH]

I have an 03 V6, which is supposedly the worst for transmission problems. In spite of this, I haven't had any trouble with it, at 90,500 miles. I like the silence, the passing power (which I use on a regular basis), and smoothness of the V6 engine. I think I would have a hard time going back to a 4 cylinder at this point. The Accord just seems like a higher class of car, with the V6, and I get 23 mpg in mixed driving, so I'm not complaining. Of course, the V6 will usually cost a little more, at purchase, and to maintain.

[Rush 2112]

Originally Posted by dmo069

What does having a stick have to do with traffic?

You don't drive in bad bad traffic, do you? Rush hour hits the interstate, and you need to stay on for several more miles. And traffic just keeps inching up. In an automatic, you just let you foot off the brake to keep inching up. In a manual, you either need to keep shifting from 1st and neutral, or just stay in first constantly riding your clutch. Automatic is, well, easier.

[SPHAccordHoe]

i drive my i4 5mt in new york city and it does get annoying [in stop and go traffic] i try to keep my distance and stay in 2nd gear if possible...as far as power goes i feel like i have to get really high in rpms for real power, but as far as a daily driver goes its a smooth car and theres very little road noise all in all im happy with the i4

+ i got a pretty good deal at paragon honda because nobody seems to want to purchase manuals anymore..

[e1beatsdotcom]

I have an auto V6. The power WILL throw you back in your seat if you floor it. For casual driving, it is nice to give a little push the gas and be able to move anytime, anywhere. This engine makes my full size sedan feel light.

[andres0603]

I had an I4 and now a V6. the mpg difference is almost nothing
get the V6 you wont regret it