[Bella09]

Ok so from what I understand the "L" stands for leather, however the option name only applies after 2008 when Honda did away with the LX V6 and introduced the EX V6 with optional cloth interior. So for 7th gen Accords the EX-L doesn't apply, is this correct?
I know that both the EX and EX-L come equipped with dual climate control and there's also the upgraded stereo from 120 watts to 180 watts and the EX-L has premium wheels. I know that they both offered optional NAV. I'm just trying to understand this completely.
If anyone knows for sure, without a doubt, what year models were produced and sold with the EX-L package as well as definite distinguishable differences between the EX and EX-L during those years I would greatly appreciate the information.
I've been researching the 7th gen Accords for about the past month or so trying to get as knowledgable as possible to be a well informed buyer. The year models I'm mainly looking at are 2003-2006. I realize they are all 7th gen, but I'm not sure if that makes any difference. The problem I'm running into is sellers insisting that the Accord they are selling is an EX-L, but like someone else stated in another thread, I input VIN and it comes up as an EX, not EX-L. I know it's not a huge difference in price between the two, but it makes all the difference when negotiating price. So needless to say, I really need to be sure I have my facts straight before bringing a blue book value to the table to establish a starting point for negotiations.
If anyone is able to offer their input, personal experience regarding this or cold, hard facts, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you ASAP!!! Thank you!!!

 

[AMAN1]

Well I know my car is denominated as an EX-L, so it's been around since at least 2003. Not sure that the L has premium wheels, and the premium stereo only came on the 06-07 V6s with navigation. It might've even been only on the 6MT cars, I can't remember.

The only difference between the EXs and the EX-Ls, at least for 2003 to 2006, is leather.

As far as looking it up, some third-party places have EX, some have EX-L. I think my insurance covers a 2003 Accord EX, but the owner's manual says that it's definitely an EX-L.

I wouldn't worry about the fact that an EX-L's VIN comes back as an EX. If you're really worried, try to find a car that comes back as EX-L. Either way, it would be a nice negotiation tool to have. Props for doing your extensive research too. :thmbsup: Hope to see you around here as an owner soon!

 

[kingmoocow]

I was confused about this too when I bought my accord.

For all 7 gen years - 2003-07 - offered the EXL package. That is, EX trim, with leather.

EX-L trim level on the 4 cyl models - you could get your base (DX or VP), LX, EX, or EXL.

The v6 line has leather in all EX trims. So if they say EX or EX-L - it's the same. the 2007 sedan brochure, for example, calls it v6-exl. But, I believe the L may have been inconsistently carried across the sedan/coupe lines through the years. This, I'm not 100% sure about. The brochures call it an EX-L.

"Premium" 180w stereo was only put in the 6-speed v6's. All other models have the same 120w.

Navi is only an option in the models with leather. 4cyl EXL or V6 EX(L)

So - if you're in the market for a 4 cyl, the L is important. If in for a v6, then EX is all you need to find.

Don't forget the 2007's in your search, they shouldn't be too much more than an 06.

 

[Bella09]

Thank you both for responding so quickly! So I've mainly been looking at the V6 3.0 and from what I understand (please correct me if I'm wrong), the V6 3.0 models already come equipped with leather. So ultimately, the "L" is redundant in this case. Is this one of the inconsistencies you were referring to? There's about $1k price difference between the two so I need to be sure I don't offer more than blue book value simply because the seller was told they have an EX-L because their car has leather. Since I'm buying out right, I don't have a lender to come back and tell me sorry we can't approve this because the car isn't worth that much.
Also, if anyone knows of any issues to look for or beware of aside from the timing belt in models that were not equipped with a timing chain, please let me know. From what I've been told that is the only major issue to be careful of in both 6th & 7th generation Accords.
I'm going to check out one tonight so any additional information before then would be extremely helpful. Thanks again for being both helpful and welcoming to your forum. I'll be checking back periodically throughout the day. )

 

[kingmoocow]

If you're looking at v6's - they'll all be 3.0L. The differences will be in the trims. If you're looking at 2 v6's, and one's advertised as an EX and one as an EXL, they should be the same for features/leather. The only factory 'option' that isn't part of a standard trim is Navi. Aside from that, everything else is cosmetic dealer installed stuff - fog lights, spoilers, body trim/lips/side skirts. So - it's possible that someone would want a little more if they have the honda body kit items, but they really don't add any value to the car's book value.

As far as major issues. I wouldn't call the timing belt a major issue. It's a routine maintenance on the v6 due @ 85-105k miles. It's a /pricey/ maintenance, but it's not something I'd let sway me.

One thing you DO need to look out for is the Automatic Transmission - not for everyone, but this forum and other 6/7gen Accord forums are littered with many many tales of woe about the automatic transmission failing in the v6's. Most of these stories are around 100-120k, but some are earlier and some are later - there's lots of preventitive maintenance that's NOT in the Honda manuals that you can do to help keep it from happening, but since you're buying a used car that's several years old, you can probably count on the previous owner NOT doing these things. So -- that's an expensive rebuild that I would - if I had a V6-Auto - just count on doing at some point in time. Depending on where people have a rebuild done, it can cost ~$1500+.

 

[geoaccordzantac]

FYI and to confuse you even further,lol. I own a 2007 SE V6. I believe that was the only year for that specific model. It has basically all the features of an EX-L V6 but no leather, sunroof and navigation. Was the cheapest way I found to get into a V6 in the 7.5 gen. I wanted the V6 because the I4 did not have ESC (which Honda calls VSC) until the 8th Gen models. It was also the proverbial creampuff that I found on in a local Honda dealer’s used inventory (had just over 20 K mi on a 3 yr car, just came off lease, etc). Bought it as a Honda Certified Used Car.

 

[htekken]

One thing you DO need to look out for is the Automatic Transmission - not for everyone, but this forum and other 6/7gen Accord forums are littered with many many tales of woe about the automatic transmission failing in the v6's. Most of these stories are around 100-120k

Wow this problem STILL EXISTS with the V6's? i thought this issue was somewhat fixed in 03 or 04, or at least died with the 6th gen/ 2nd gen CL/TL.

i was closing in on an 07 V6 auto but now really have to 2nd guess. I dont mind doing the tranny flush every now and then but man, i really do want my car to last 200k+ miles.

 

[kingmoocow]

I believe it got /better/ after 04 or so, but I think it's far from bulletproof. That said, I haven't kept tabs on it, not having an AT.

I ended up paying a lot for a MT clutch - so I think either way at SOME point you'll end up spending a good deal on your transmission in these cars.

 

[geoaccordzantac]

I believe it got /better/ after 04 or so, but I think it's far from bulletproof. That said, I haven't kept tabs on it, not having an AT.

I ended up paying a lot for a MT clutch - so I think either way at SOME point you'll end up spending a good deal on your transmission in these cars.

I also own a 2008 Odyssey EX. The same issue (AT failures) came up with those vehicles and it appears that the worst year for trannies going out on those vehicles was 1999-2003 or so according to what I found out in my research on the issue. In 2007 the Ody got the same transmission as the Ridgeline. That is not to say that there are absolutely NO 07+ Odys with AT problems, just that the frequency of the problem and the total number of vehicles affected by it are lower than with the earlier model. So I believe that the same is true of the late 7th Gen V6 Accords wAT vs. the late 6th Gen V6s w/AT. Of course, being the owner of a 7.5 Gen V6 w/AT, I admit that am glad to have the HCUC Powertrain warranty coverage until 7 yrs/100K miles!

 

[AMAN1]

I would be comfortable buying a V6 auto Honda made after 2005, but definitely not before.

 

[BLCKFLSH]

My 03 EX V6 has leather, but because all V6 Accord Sedans had leather, they didn't add the -L. If it was an 03 EX V6, it automatically had leather. BTW My transmission is still going at 96k miles.

 

[htekken]

I admit that am glad to have the HCUC Powertrain warranty coverage until 7 yrs/100K miles!

whats this, HCUC? im thinkin if i do buy the 07 V6 auto, maybe i can buy an extended warranty somewhere related to Honda? ill have to research. although til 100k miles still doesnt make me feel easy.

 

[htekken]

My 03 EX V6 has leather, but because all V6 Accord Sedans had leather, they didn't add the -L. If it was an 03 EX V6, it automatically had leather. BTW My transmission is still going at 96k miles.

Do you do any particular preventative maintenance to the tranny? like tranny flush?

 

[Dusty]

FYI I own a 2006 SE V6 sedan Canadian. It has basically all the features of an EX-L V6 but no leather, navigation but it does come with the sunroof.

 

[hillstones]

In 2003, here are the Coupe Models that were available:
LX, EX (with available leather), LX-V6 (cloth only), EX-V6 (leather only), and EX-V6 6 Speed (leather only). During that model year for the coupe, the only trim designated as EX-L would have been the 4-banger EX with the leather option. The LX-V6 was not available in Leather. As stated earlier, the EX-V6 models came with leather standard, so an L designation was not necessary. In 1998-2002, leather was an option on the V6 models. The 2003 and up models made leather standard on the EX-V6 and 6-Speed.

 

[geoaccordzantac]

whats this, HCUC? im thinkin if i do buy the 07 V6 auto, maybe i can buy an extended warranty somewhere related to Honda? ill have to research. although til 100k miles still doesnt make me feel easy.

HCUC= Honda Certified Used Car. That is not something you can buy, it is up to a dealer to Certify a used Honda in conjunction with AHM (AHM= American Honda Motors, Inc. i.e. the US subsidiary of Honda Motors Ltd of Japan). The manufactuer warranty you are probably referring to is Honda Care and it may be too late to get it for an 07 model (must be purchased before orginal warranty expires). Go to here: automobiles.honda.com/information/honda-care.aspx
and see what they say. And believe you me, most reputable warranties will not go beyond 100 K, unless you want one from the companies that advertise on late-night TV and go bankrupt or at the very least never pay out any claims.

 

[BLCKFLSH]

Do you do any particular preventative maintenance to the tranny? like tranny flush?

I do one drain and fill every 15k miles, and also changed the filter at 60k miles. I'd say change the fluid as often as necessary, to keep it clean. I switched to the DW-1 fluid on the last drain and fill.

 

[MoroccanRed07EX]

I would be comfortable buying a V6 auto Honda made after 2005, but definitely not before.

Thought the same thing until my '07 trans failed with just 41K miles.

 

[rdreger485]

Do you do any particular preventative maintenance to the tranny? like tranny if you don't change your transmission oil regularly I wouldn't flush if you do you defi it'll will have problems