considering a 9th gen to replace my 6th gen

[blyndgesser]

I currently have a 6th gen (2002) EX-VL with 130k on it, and I'm starting to think that now might be a good time to upgrade. A few thoughts so far:

1. The Sport seems pretty scarce on dealer lots in Georgia. Is it hard to find elsewhere too?

2. I've never owned a car with a CVT before. Everyone seems to think it's the hot ticket, especially the Sport version with paddle shifters. But most of the CVTs I've seen have been with much smaller engines. Has Honda been offering a CVT in other markets with an engine of this size?

3. Has anyone out there actually seen/driven a Sport 6MT? I've seen lots of published reviews of this combo, but I think I'd have better luck trying to find buried treasure.

4. Fuel economy. I know that my car is pretty much a global low point for mpg in the history of the Accord, but is the new car living up to its EPA estimates?

5. Perceived performance. My EX-VL is about 3300 lbs and 200 hp, so I'm guessing the overall capability of the four-cylinder 9th gen is pretty close to what I'm used to--plenty of overall muscle but definitely strongest at higher RPM. Has anyone here gone straight from 6th gen to 9th gen? Do you think I'd be surprised? Disappointed? What about noise level--will the four feel strained with the CVT? A V6 isn't in the budget this time, BTW.

I won't have time for a test drive for another couple of weeks due to work and family obligations, so I'm hoping some of you will offer comments that will help me figure out what to expect in advance.

[MikeySoft]

I went from a 7th gen (2003) I4 MT EX-L with Navi to the 2013 I4 CVT EX-L with Navi. It has only been less then a week but I'm very happy with it.

[blyndgesser]

Originally Posted by MikeySoft

I went from a 7th gen (2003) I4 MT EX-L with Navi to the 2013 I4 CVT EX-L with Navi. It has only been less then a week but I'm very happy with it.

Tell me more about the CVT. I have a friend who has a Subaru with the CVT and it has fake steps programmed into it so that it feels like a regular automatic. Does your car have that "feature" too?

[outersquare]

Just to point out that honda went to a revised SAE horsepower rating in 2006, which was more conservative.

The 190 HP 8th gen or 189 HP 9th gen would probably be equivalent to the 6th gen V6 in actual peak power.

[MikeySoft]

Originally Posted by blyndgesser

Tell me more about the CVT. I have a friend who has a Subaru with the CVT and it has fake steps programmed into it so that it feels like a regular automatic. Does your car have that "feature" too?

The CVT is very smooth but my Accord is only 4 days old today and had only 3 miles when I picked it up. So I have been easy with it and varying the speed as I drive for a good break-in, I know I piss off some people behind me because I often slowly slow down, then slowing speed up again.

From what I read, it shifts very slowly when you are easy with it, but will quickly down shift when you stomp on it. When I took a test drive in a different Accord before buying one, I floored it on a highway entry ramp. The car downshifted, and accelerated very quickly. A very smood and powerfull acceleration. I don't remember any fake gear shifts. Both were EX-L I4.

[python6mt]

Just made the decision today to upgrade our 06 v6-5at to a 13 ex-l cvt. Based on three test drives, two with the i4 and one v6, we came to the conclusion that the new i4/cvt combo has enough guts to obviate the v6 in 98% of realistic situations... that and with almost 26k/yr on the car, the improved mileage will be a big help. Of note, #2 applies here as well, but I was amazed at how smooth it pulled away and how well it accelerated. Comparatively, the v6 model is astoundingly quiet, and the 6AT feels much like the old 5AT, with the exception of it maybe being a bit quicker to kick down a gear. However, the i4 isn't intrusively loud, and it was still capable of accelerating uphill on a highway with 4 people in the car - from 70-75mph it was just over 3k and pulling nicely. There's no way it's going to run with a v6, 7th-9th gen, but you'd have to be pushing that v6 into vtec fury to run away from the 4. So, like I said, for 98% of all practical situations, it's more than enough.

Anyway, I'm really interested in the mileage numbers as well, but I would be very surprised if we don't see a nice improvement over the current average. Good luck finding an MT... buried treasure is exactly how I feel about my 6-6 Navi

[II Kings 9:20]

Originally Posted by python6mt

Just made the decision today to upgrade our 06 v6-5at to a 13 ex-l cvt. Based on three test drives, two with the i4 and one v6, we came to the conclusion that the new i4/cvt combo has enough guts to obviate the v6 in 98% of realistic situations... that and with almost 26k/yr on the car, the improved mileage will be a big help. Of note, #2 applies here as well, but I was amazed at how smooth it pulled away and how well it accelerated. Comparatively, the v6 model is astoundingly quiet, and the 6AT feels much like the old 5AT, with the exception of it maybe being a bit quicker to kick down a gear. However, the i4 isn't intrusively loud, and it was still capable of accelerating uphill on a highway with 4 people in the car - from 70-75mph it was just over 3k and pulling nicely. There's no way it's going to run with a v6, 7th-9th gen, but you'd have to be pushing that v6 into vtec fury to run away from the 4. So, like I said, for 98% of all practical situations, it's more than enough.

Anyway, I'm really interested in the mileage numbers as well, but I would be very surprised if we don't see a nice improvement over the current average. Good luck finding an MT... buried treasure is exactly how I feel about my 6-6 Navi

Well put re: power and performance of the I4. I'll add it simply drives beautifully with effortless ease. I now have 585 miles, first road trip in 4 days.

[blyndgesser]

Finally got some time to test drive a '13 Sport CVT. First impressions: the 4 cylinder with CVT has plenty of power, and feels about as quick as my '02 V6. It's noisier under acceleration, but the noise sounds sporty rather than annoying. he paddle shifters are nice--I didn't think I'd care for them, but they really work very nicely. I love Honda manual transmissions, but the CVT feels good enough that I don't feel inclined to wait for the three-pedal cars to hit the showroom.

Handling felt pretty good, but I didn't really get to wring it out. The seats feel better than the ones in my '02. Control layout is a little different, but pretty easy to get used to. Ten mile test drive in a variety of conditions yielded 28.7 mpg on the in-car readout. Stereo is not great, but at least it's easy to operate.

Probably going to buy one in the next week or so.

[Dreamacre]

If yours is running well, then why trade in?

In today's economy, I would love to not have any car payments. ( 4 to go for me)

[TopSniper69]

Originally Posted by blyndgesser

I currently have a 6th gen (2002) EX-VL with 130k on it, and I'm starting to think that now might be a good time to upgrade. A few thoughts so far:

1. The Sport seems pretty scarce on dealer lots in Georgia. Is it hard to find elsewhere too?

2. I've never owned a car with a CVT before. Everyone seems to think it's the hot ticket, especially the Sport version with paddle shifters. But most of the CVTs I've seen have been with much smaller engines. Has Honda been offering a CVT in other markets with an engine of this size?

3. Has anyone out there actually seen/driven a Sport 6MT? I've seen lots of published reviews of this combo, but I think I'd have better luck trying to find buried treasure.

4. Fuel economy. I know that my car is pretty much a global low point for mpg in the history of the Accord, but is the new car living up to its EPA estimates?

5. Perceived performance. My EX-VL is about 3300 lbs and 200 hp, so I'm guessing the overall capability of the four-cylinder 9th gen is pretty close to what I'm used to--plenty of overall muscle but definitely strongest at higher RPM. Has anyone here gone straight from 6th gen to 9th gen? Do you think I'd be surprised? Disappointed? What about noise level--will the four feel strained with the CVT? A V6 isn't in the budget this time, BTW.
I won't have time for a test drive for another couple of weeks due to work and family obligations, so I'm hoping some of you will offer comments that will help me figure out what to expect in advance.

130K on a honda is nothing. You can't afford the V6 but your purchasing a brand new car?
I drove my 94 civic till 220,000 miles when the water pump went. I wanted to swap the engine soon and basically was just waiting for something to break. Next I pulled the engine and dropped a GSR engine in there. I sold the engine making sure the guy knew it needed a water pump. He changed the water pump and last I checked it was still running.
If your accord doesn't have any major problems then keep it for now. If your are very intent on buying a newer car then grab a certified used. You'll get the same warranty as a new car but save alotta money. I purchased an 09 for around 16, and it was over 30k new. it had 51k on it and it covered for 60,000 miles or 5 years bumper to bumper so I'm good till 110,000 bumper to bumper! Might wanna weigh your options. If your set on the 9th gen, I feel you should drive your car a few more years and grab a 9th gen certified used cuz like I said earlier 130k isn't much at all for a honda.

[blyndgesser]

Originally Posted by TopSniper69

130K on a honda is nothing. You can't afford the V6 but your purchasing a brand new car?
I drove my 94 civic till 220,000 miles when the water pump went. I wanted to swap the engine soon and basically was just waiting for something to break. Next I pulled the engine and dropped a GSR engine in there. I sold the engine making sure the guy knew it needed a water pump. He changed the water pump and last I checked it was still running.
If your accord doesn't have any major problems then keep it for now. If your are very intent on buying a newer car then grab a certified used. You'll get the same warranty as a new car but save alotta money. I purchased an 09 for around 16, and it was over 30k new. it had 51k on it and it covered for 60,000 miles or 5 years bumper to bumper so I'm good till 110,000 bumper to bumper! Might wanna weigh your options. If your set on the 9th gen, I feel you should drive your car a few more years and grab a 9th gen certified used cuz like I said earlier 130k isn't much at all for a honda.

I like new cars. Is that OK with you?

[doublehh03]

Originally Posted by TopSniper69

130K on a honda is nothing. You can't afford the V6 but your purchasing a brand new car?
I drove my 94 civic till 220,000 miles when the water pump went. I wanted to swap the engine soon and basically was just waiting for something to break. Next I pulled the engine and dropped a GSR engine in there. I sold the engine making sure the guy knew it needed a water pump. He changed the water pump and last I checked it was still running.
If your accord doesn't have any major problems then keep it for now. If your are very intent on buying a newer car then grab a certified used. You'll get the same warranty as a new car but save alotta money. I purchased an 09 for around 16, and it was over 30k new. it had 51k on it and it covered for 60,000 miles or 5 years bumper to bumper so I'm good till 110,000 bumper to bumper! Might wanna weigh your options. If your set on the 9th gen, I feel you should drive your car a few more years and grab a 9th gen certified used cuz like I said earlier 130k isn't much at all for a honda.

A lot of people like the concept of buying "new" cars. There is a joy in that.

[grover432]

Originally Posted by blyndgesser

I like new cars. Is that OK with you?

Exactly. What is with the judgemental attitude (Sniper) anyway??

[newfmp3]

geesh, mine is a 09 with 30,000 kms on it. Bought in 2010. So I guess I am too early well? just kidding

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted by blyndgesser

I like new cars. Is that OK with you?

Originally Posted by grover432

Exactly. What is with the judgemental attitude (Sniper) anyway??

Sheeesh guys. Take it easy. Sniper was only offering his opinion. Yours may vary.