[atomiclightbulb]

I'm looking at a couple used 7th Generation Accords of the LX, SE, and EX trim lines. I was wondering if the EX was worth the extra $800-$1000.

From what I understand, the SE adds alloy wheels and better brakes (rear disk + EBD) and a better audio system.

The EX adds a moonroof and nicer interior. Edit: I see that it also has a security system and heated side mirrors too.

Any thoughts?

 

[j-roc]

Definitely go for the EX, glad I did. My favorite part is probably the automatic climate control.

 

[atomiclightbulb]

I figure I'll start negotiating a price on an EX first. If I can't get something within my price range I'll move down to an SE and then an LX. Honestly I think I would be happy with any of these cars because they all use the same K24 iVTEC engine, which is a huge step up from the ancient F22B in my current vehicle.

Anyone know about any common issues I should be wary of when I inspect these cars? I am shopping mostly Honda Certified models in order to avoid cars with serious problems, but I am still being vigilant about potential problems.

 

[sodaks2k]

Anyone know about any common issues I should be wary of when I inspect these cars?

The search function is your friend... I'll help you out though.

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5095

I would not "settle" for an LX. I was leasing a 2005 LX and the decision came for me between buying out the lease and financing the 05, purchase a used 7th gen EX for a few $K more, or purchase a used 6th gen EX for half the price. I went with a used 6th gen. Financially it was a better choice and I knew I would be left wanting had I bought out my LX.

 

[hillstones]

All the Accords have the same audio system at 120-watts. Some may have a single CD (LX model), others a 6-CD stacker. Only the V6 6-speed manual offered the 180-watt Premium Audio System with a dedicated crossover for the front tweeters. The EX-V6 would be your best choice.

 

[nohopes]

I brought a LX and happy with it.

 

[GolftangoV2]

Depends on your budget. You can find great deals on LXs if you don't mind missing out on some options. The LX is sans 16" alloy wheels, 6 disc changer, rear disc brakes, illuminated window switches for the pass and rear doors, overhead ambient lamp, chrome accents on the vents and a different design on the cloth seats. Depending on the year, I believe that 04 is the exception, side airbags are standard on the EX vs optional on the LX. The one you want to avoid is the DX line. Two speakers, no power mirrors, no remote entry, no color keyed mirrors or door handles and no map light.

I got a LX for a few thousand less and found a wrecked EX and scavenged some parts. So I now have the illuminated switches, overhead ambient light w/ homelink and chrome vents for a $100 or so. I also swapped the black plastic center storage bin and shift surround with the brushed aluminum looking one. I then added an outside temp gauge and auto dimming rear view mirror w/ compass.

I can grab some EX wheels off of eBay or CL for a couple of hundred dollars, but the Honda alloys don't hold up too well. Better on going aftermarket. Also a 6-disc radio can be had off of eBay for a couple of hundred too. I don't listen to CDs too often, so it is not a priority. I just added the iPod / Aux adapter to the stock radio and use my iPhone.

 

[rszappa1]

SE would be fine...

 

[ezshift5]

All the Accords have the same audio system at 120-watts. Some may have a single CD (LX model), others a 6-CD stacker. Only the V6 6-speed manual offered the 180-watt Premium Audio System with a dedicated crossover for the front tweeters. The EX-V6 would be your best choice.

I'm polarized (4 years now) - yes, you get a more capable (power/6-disc CD et al) audio setup. If you get the 6M, acceleration (QM in about 14.5), fuel efficiency (I routinely get 36 - 37 on I-5) plus all the other Honda perks.

best, ez....

 

[lpaudio2]

My parents have a 07 SE v6, and compared to my 06 6MT EXL the fit and finish of interior materials is a lot better on mine. The se is still a great deal though for what it is.

 

[nolefan32]

I think it really just comes down to what your budget is. As you move up the food chain, I do believe that the cars get more bells and whistles proportionate to what Honda charges for them. That is, I think the EX is worth the extra money, if you've got it to spend. But for their respective pricetags, the LX and SE are nice cars as well.

Someone mentioned that the LX has a single-CD, vs the six-CD stacker in the higher grade models. Be aware, though, that the stackers don't shuffle between CDs. Which I am aware a lot of people don't like to shuffle muti-discs anyway, for a number of reasons, but to me, without that capability, there really isn't that much that a changer brings to the table that you aren't already getting from the single-disc player.

 

[ezshift5]

Be aware, though, that the stackers don't shuffle between CDs..

'fan, I'd sure appreciate clarification of your "shuffle between CDs" - - - -

best, ez....

 

[hillstones]

'fan, I'd sure appreciate clarification of your "shuffle between CDs" - - - -

best, ez....

The 6-CD "stacker" in-dash changer and the 8-CD External Magazine Changer will NOT shuffle songs (random play) between all discs. It will only shuffle play one CD, then go to the next CD.

My old Sony CDX-A15 10-Disc Magazine changer would shuffle songs from any of the 10 CD's loaded. It was a true shuffle play. The Honda External magazine changer does change discs faster than the in-dash 6 CD stacker, so it was upsetting to find out the Honda magazine changer wouldn't do a true shuffle play.

 

[hillstones]

there really isn't that much that a changer brings to the table that you aren't already getting from the single-disc player.

Except for the convenience and safety of not having to change CD's while driving.

 

[nolefan32]

Except for the convenience and safety of not having to change CD's while driving.

I'm impressed you need six hours (or more, based on the average CD length) of continuous music before you need to pull over for any reason (a stop that could include changing a CD).

Though I've personally never felt that changing a CD was all that much more distracting than changing a radio station, or talking on a cell phone.

 

[nolefan32]

The 6-CD "stacker" in-dash changer and the 8-CD External Magazine Changer will NOT shuffle songs (random play) between all discs. It will only shuffle play one CD, then go to the next CD.

My old Sony CDX-A15 10-Disc Magazine changer would shuffle songs from any of the 10 CD's loaded. It was a true shuffle play. The Honda External magazine changer does change discs faster than the in-dash 6 CD stacker, so it was upsetting to find out the Honda magazine changer wouldn't do a true shuffle play.

Actually, in my experience, it's not even a "shuffle" player - it's a random player, meaning that if you put it on shuffle, it will continuously play the same CD, in random order, until you manually tell it to go to the next one. But that's neither here nor there.

Hillstones description is correct, though. The Eclipse CD eight-disc player in my old Civic (trunk-mounted) would essentially mix all eight CDs together into one big playlist. Some people don't like that, I get it - and you could tell it to just mix up one CD at a time, play one CD over and over, or just play all eight straight through once each, one right after the other, whatever blew your skirt up. But at least you had the option.

To me, a multi-disc stacker that doesn't offer the option of mixing between CDs defeats the purpose, especially when the player is in-dash, right there in front of you, so it's not all that difficult to change out discs when they've played out. Whether it's in a single-disc player or a stacker, one disc at a time is still one disc at a time.

 

[hillstones]

I don't think I have listened to a CD long enough on random play to determine if it remains on the same disc, or changes to the next after playing all tracks on the disc. So I will take your word on it. I can understand why the stacker won't do a true shuffle play because it takes too long to change discs. I was hoping the Honda 8-CD External Magazine changer would do it, but it doesn't. Random play only randomizes the songs on the currently playing disc. (My in-dash stacker bit the dust, so I found the external changer on eBay for $49 brand-new).

 

[atomiclightbulb]

I test drove a couple 7G. Here are my impressions:

The EX has much nicer interior accents. The EX-L's fit and finish is absolutely superb, and much better than I expected. The brushed/lacquered metal on the door armrests and console compartments make the car feel a lot more expensive than it is. Didn't care too much for the wheels on the '04/'05 EX-L though. Not a dealbreaker, but not particularly good looking either.

LX and SE are not as nice inside, but I know I would be happy with either. Both are much nicer than my current car.

Driving notes:

The 7G corners much more securely than my 5G does. When going downhill into a somewhat tight turn, the 5G has noticeable body roll and one has to be very very careful to compensate for the understeer. The 7G takes the same slopes with ease. The 7G also has a much better rate of climb up hills. Steering feels about the same for both. I can feel the bumps and texture of the road through the hydraulic power steering system.

The 7G is quieter than the 5G, and soaks up bad pavement and bumps better.

On the other hand, the 5G has the edge in some areas. I think the 5G's manual transmission has a much better "feel". The shifts are more precise and solid feeling, even though the throw is longer. The 5G has a heavier and more exact clutch - I can feel the engagement point easily, while the 7G's clutch is a bit more vague. Same goes for the throttle - the 7G just felt a less precise than the 5G. The roar of the 5G's engine is also generally more exciting, although the 7G definitely has a nice note once you rev the engine past the VTEC changeover point.

There is no doubt in my mind that the 7G is a much more solid and better handling car than the 5G. But it loses some of that sports car feel that the 5G had... the roar of the engine and a transmission/clutch that you could know 100% what was going on.

I have driven the 3G and 5G back to back (a looooooong time ago), and the difference is not as clear as the 5G versus 7G. Things have really changed.

 

[A&Fbro28]

u confused me. If the 7th gen handled better than 5th, shouldnt the 7th gen have the edge on sportiness? If the 5th gen is more "raw" less isolated than the 7th, that i understand.

 

[atomiclightbulb]

u confused me. If the 7th gen handled better than 5th, shouldnt the 7th gen have the edge on sportiness? If the 5th gen is more "raw" less isolated than the 7th, that i understand.

You are right, it is more the subjective feel of the 5G. The 7G is faster and more secure in turns, but I feel much more "connected" to my 5G because the shifter, clutch pedal, and throttle feel much more precise. I can feel the engagement point of the clutch in the 5G, and there's some sort of buzz/surge in the gas pedal when I floor it. In the 7G, the throttle is responsive, but doesn't give any feedback through the pedal.

I would feel much safer driving a 7G, but getting back into my car and driving the 5G, the 5G is somehow more fun. Still, the 5G is long overdue for replacement, as the emissions system is failing, the windows leak, and the classic 'wheel well rust' is starting to make the rear look pretty bad with bubbling paint. Kind of a shame, as the engine and transmission are still in decent shape. The drivetrain has held up much better than the rest of the car. I got my money's worth out of it though. This car rolled off the Marysville assembly line in April 1994! It is a rolling anachronism. No ABS. No VTEC. No daytime running lights (though it does have side markers). No side airbags. Rear drum brakes. Analog trip meter. Maintenance "Reminder" w' 3 "codes": Green, Yellow, and Red. Tape deck.