9G purchase dilemma: color combinations, manual tranny, and CVT

[atomiclightbulb]

I'm pretty much sold on upgrading my 7G Accord to a 9G Accord at some point, but I'm struggling a bit with whether to stay with a manual tranny, or move over to the CVT.

There are two new factors at play for me here: color combinations, and fuel economy. I have driven an Accord with a manual for a long time.

My Accord SE has a silver exterior, and I want something different next time, maybe Basque Red or the new Champagne Frost. Unfortunately, the 9G Accord Sedan is only available with the 6MT in two colors: Alabaster Silver, and Modern Steel (evolved Polished Metal?), both of which have a black interior. I don't want silver again, and I think that Modern Steel with a black interior is a bit too drab, and also too hot in the summer season. The color chart was posted in this thread at vtec.net: http://vtec.net/forums/one-message?m...tem_id=1091517

Also, the fuel economy for the 6MT models is noticeably lower than the CVT models: 24 city 34 highway 28 combined for the 6MT, compared to 27 city 36 highway 30 combined for the CVT. Fuel economy is important to me, and has been a secondary reason that I've drive manual for most of my life. Historically, the manuals beat the automatics in fuel economy, but I'm not so sure this will be the case going forward.

So it comes down to this: I like rowing my own gears. But I can't row my own gears and have a good choice of color combinations. And I want to take advantage of more efficient technology, but only the CVT offers big rather than incremental gains over my current vehicle (which rates 23 city, 31 highway, and 26 combined -- I4+5MT model).

Either way I choose I will be mildly dissatisfied.

For practical reasons I cannot buy the coupe, and I don't want the expense of the V6 model either.

For those of you who plan on buying a 9G, what are your thoughts?

The only way I see out of this is to go CVT on the Accord, which will be my daily driver, and buy a Subaru BR-Z for fun. The wife is sure to veto the second part of this plan, however

[Rattmann]

KEEP AWAY FROM CVT.
Honda did not design a dependable CVT, but borrowed a lower quality grade from Nissan!!

Dont be a test dummy for the 1st model year CVT

[namegoeshere]

Where are you getting info that CVT in the Accord is a "lower quality grade" CVT borrowed from Nissan?

The CVT should be Honda's own design.

- http://world.honda.com/news/2012/412...les/print.html
- http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012...201200405.html
- http://world.honda.com/automobile-te...gy/CVT/detail/

[Mechanic]

ALB, as I read the color chart, the 6-spd. MT Sport is will only available in Crystal Black and Modern Steel. I happen to like the latter, but Honda's decision to limit the color choice in this manner almost ensures the take rate for the MT will be next to nothing. Really strange. In a perfect world, the Sport model would be available in Modena Red/black interior, come standard with the HFP suspension package, have an LSD and decent rubber, and very different gear ratios in the 6-spd MT. Not gonna happen.

And, I was on the verge of taking you to task for even considering the CVT -- i.e., any automatic transmission -- with the Sport model, but given the gargantuan spread between the 2nd and 3rd gear ratios in the MT, the CVT may actually be more satisfying to drive in a daily driver.

Finally, if you're asking for opinions WRT colors, I'd avoid Champagne Frost.

[plunk10]

Just remember, it's a lot easier to reach the EPA estimates with a manual, than with an automatic.

In my experiences of driving, I can usually match the EPA numbers driving normally with a manual. To even come close to EPA with a CVT or any automatic, one must truly drive like grandma.

The only '13 Accord I've seen in person was the red color, which is a beautiful color in my opinion.

[namegoeshere]

^ Not anymore. The CVT should give you better MPG now.

[kvndoom]

I seriously see a 2016 or 2017 Blue 6/6 coupe in my future...

[Amperex]

I owned a Nissan Maxima with CVT- never again a CVT.

I own a 6CYL Accord VCM that drones annoyingly in 3CYL mode- never again VCM.

Your choice is obvious.

[atomiclightbulb]

Originally Posted by Mechanic

ALB, as I read the color chart, the 6-spd. MT Sport is will only available in Crystal Black and Modern Steel. I happen to like the latter, but Honda's decision to limit the color choice in this manner almost ensures the take rate for the MT will be next to nothing.

Ah yes, you are correct about the Sport trim colors. Black exterior + black interior is also unfortunately a no go for me. Way too hot in the summertime.

And, I was on the verge of taking you to task for even considering the CVT -- i.e., any automatic transmission -- with the Sport model, but given the gargantuan spread between the 2nd and 3rd gear ratios in the MT, the CVT may actually be more satisfying to drive in a daily driver.

Yeah. I guess I'd have to test drive to know for sure.

Originally Posted by Amperex

I owned a Nissan Maxima with CVT- never again a CVT.

I own a 6CYL Accord VCM that drones annoyingly in 3CYL mode- never again VCM.

Your choice is obvious.

The Honda CVT feels nothing like the Nissan CVT, by the account of pretty much every website and magazine that has driven the '13 Accord. My only question is long term reliability.

The new V6 has pretty much transparent VCM, and it also has real VTEC back, with the hi/lo cam profiles that were absent from the 8th Gen sedan's V6. However, the V6 is also pretty much out of the question for me -- too nose heavy. I don't need the straight line power.

I don't plan on replacing my 7G Accord for at least another 2 years, so I'm in no rush. I just like to see what my options are for the future. So far I like the 9G Accord much better than the Altima, and I don't particularly care for the styling of the new Fusion.

[fastball]

Originally Posted by Rattmann

KEEP AWAY FROM CVT.
Honda did not design a dependable CVT, but borrowed a lower quality grade from Nissan!!

Dont be a test dummy for the 1st model year CVT

While I cannot attest to it's performance or how reliable it will be, the fact is the CVT in the Accord is built by Honda.

The CVT in the Accord is of Honda's own design, and it is built in their Anna, Ohio drive train plant. As a lifelong Ohio resident and long time Honda owner and enthusiast I can assure you I follow the company's projects in Marysville, Anna, and East Liberty Ohio.

I've noticed you tend to post a lot of "information" on this forum which you pull from left field and claim to be fact. Moderators need to watch you.

[Amperex]

Accelerating aggressively while getting on the highway, the Honda CVT will behave like a CVT. The engine will rev annoyingly high and you will tire of this type of driving experience rather quickly. Stay away-far far away from any car with a CVT.

[CFaccord45]

Originally Posted by Amperex

Accelerating aggressively while getting on the highway, the Honda CVT will behave like a CVT. The engine will rev annoyingly high and you will tire of this type of driving experience rather quickly. Stay away-far far away from any car with a CVT.

But if you're like a regular person that doesn't always hits the pedal to the metal when entering a highway, instead of slowly accelerating you will probaly barely notice the rpms go high, besides the new 2.4 has peak torque at lows rpms (approx 3k) so it should acquire good speed with light press on the gas

[ssmtsx]

Originally Posted by kvndoom

I seriously see a 2016 or 2017 Blue 6/6 coupe in my future...

it looks like the american 6/6 coupe is only going to come in black red or gray.

[jshaw]

I typed a much longer post, but long story short:


The easiest way would be to convince Honda to add a manual special order option to the range topper. An Accord i4 EX-L is already running 30k today, a V6 is not much over that.



*BUT*, RWD options are aplenty with more power and less cost (coupes) and a bit more cost (though not as well equipped at that price, sedans).

[h2pvnus]

Originally Posted by Rattmann

KEEP AWAY FROM CVT.
Honda did not design a dependable CVT, but borrowed a lower quality grade from Nissan!!

Dont be a test dummy for the 1st model year CVT

There are some video review said that honda new CVT is way better than any competitor CVT