[Dazment]

Pardon me if I'm in the wrong section, I didn't know where to post a thread about buying a 04 accord. I'm buying a 04 accord soon, with about 140k ish miles on it, V6 ex-l with a nav. My question is, what should I be looking for to make sure I don't get a lemon? Also, it already has a nav but I want a backup camera, is there any modules out there for installing a good backup camera onto the oem nav? Are there too many miles on the car? Its fully loaded, already has a separate stereo installed, and its in excellent condition. Asking price is 7980 but I'm hoping to work the dealership down to 7000. Thank you!

Also, I heard the trannies are bad in 04 accord v6's. What sounds should I look for when I test drive the vehicle and what should I do to make sure the tranny doesn't fail me later on? Thank you.

 

[atrax]

Look for maintenance records.

 

[carlson03]

The quick easy integration for backup cameras is only on the 06-07, but i think the nav2go (maybe not the name sorry) will allow it to work...think its posted on the forum somewhere

 

[mc1114]

The 03 and 04's seem to be more prevalent to transmission failures. I have read even proper maintenance sometimes didnt help. There's just no way to know how long it'll last

 

[Drew03Accord]

Pardon me if I'm in the wrong section, I didn't know where to post a thread about buying a 04 accord. I'm buying a 04 accord soon, with about 140k ish miles on it, V6 ex-l with a nav. My question is, what should I be looking for to make sure I don't get a lemon? Also, it already has a nav but I want a backup camera, is there any modules out there for installing a good backup camera onto the oem nav? Are there too many miles on the car? Its fully loaded, already has a separate stereo installed, and its in excellent condition. Asking price is 7980 but I'm hoping to work the dealership down to 7000. Thank you!

Also, I heard the trannies are bad in 04 accord v6's. What sounds should I look for when I test drive the vehicle and what should I do to make sure the tranny doesn't fail me later on? Thank you.

#1 - Read the stickes above!

You'll want to know if the timing belt was ever changed, otherwise that would be an instant expense. If not, that's a serious bargaining tool.

You also need records of transmission fluid changes. You know the story with the early V6. Close your eyes and slowly shift the tranny from park to reverse then neutral to drive... It should engage instantly and smoothly. If there is any kind of delay, bang, clunk or jerk...walk away. Same thing when out driving. The shifts should not jerk, feel delayed or forced.

Get under the car and check for leaks. Check for buildup under oil cap (lack of oil changes). Also check for glazing on the dipstick, a sure sign of oil not being checked. Check tranny fluid and smell the fluid on the stick. It should have a crisp bite and be pinkish in color if wiped on a white napkin. Have the seller gas the car and hold at a nice high RPM for about ten seconds. See what comes out the tailpipe.

Bring along a code reader and scan the car. Sellers will clear the check engine light for your test drives, only to have it return after the sale. A code reader will tell you if there is a pending code, etc. You don't want to get stuck with something like a CAT replacement.

Personally, I'd if it's 03-05, I'd look for an i4. They are not perfect either but the issues you may find are not so catastrophic as with the early V6.

...Drew...

 

[carguy1234]

Welcome to DA!

The 7th gen Accord is a great first car. My 7G is my first car as well, I've had it for about a year and it's been perfect so far. I agree with everyone's advice in this thread about what to look out for.

Also, I'd advise against getting a V6 auto. For your first car, I'd suggest looking for a 4 cylinder, plenty of power, better gas mileage, less transmission problems. And, if you can drive a manual, I'd suggest looking for a 4 cylinder manual. A manual trans. really wakes up the car IMO and is a blast to drive.

There is also no timing belt to worry about replacing (4 cylinder uses chain). With the V6 auto it is crucial that you do a 3x3 trans fluid drain and fill and there is much more maintenance and care required with the V6 auto.

Good luck, and post some pics if you end up getting the car !

 

[BLCKFLSH]

I have an 03 V6 auto, and it's a great car, but there was no previous owner. I don't know if I would buy one used, without a thorough examination, and test drive. Just like with any used car, it is a gamble, especially when you don't know what it's been through.

 

[Arkainzeye]

Take a look. http://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord/2004/

 

[david82282]

Agreed with above that a V6 auto with high miles is a risky bet. There are many 7th gen Accords for sale -- I'd keep looking. Private party sales will have the lowest prices, and often the best maintenance records.

For a first car, I'd avoid the top-of-the-line / loaded models. More to go wrong, and a relatively basic model is plenty of luxury at this stage. A backup camera is a helpful safety feature, but it can be added on later.

 

[carguy1234]

Agreed with above that a V6 auto with high miles is a risky bet. There are many 7th gen Accords for sale -- I'd keep looking. Private party sales will have the lowest prices, and often the best maintenance records.

For a first car, I'd avoid the top-of-the-line / loaded models. More to go wrong, and a relatively basic model is plenty of luxury at this stage. A backup camera is a helpful safety feature, but it can be added on later.

Having an EX-L with no Navi, I can say that there's nothing really wrong with going for an EX-L. Sure, there are extra things to break, but I haven't had any major issues yet. My heated seats, sunroof, dual zone climate still work perfectly. However....the navi may cause some problems. My friend has an 03 EX-L V6 with navi and their navigation stopped working right.

The LX isn't too bad though, if you find one that's been well-maintained and is in good shape, I wouldn't hesitate to get it.

 

[ChrisQ80]

The transmissions are luck of the draw. It may last you for as long as you own it, or it may fail. If it was already replaced after 2005 you have a better chance of it lasting. Find out the maint history on the car.

 

[Dazment]

Thank you all very much! I will put all of the advice into co sideration, even if i cant execute certian things, like checking for glazed oil slumps and stuff, i will still have a mechanic look at it for me. I was also considering a gen8 2008 accord 4 cyl because they are sexy! But i heard they have major brake and oil problems. Anybody have any experience with a gen8?

 

[fazio767]

When it comes to used cars, its always a crapshute. Some people will buy a used car and have nothing wrong with it, while others will buy a used car that is cursed with problem after problem. Definitely take the car to a mechanic BEFORE buying it (if possible). I bought a 7th gen Accord as my first car, and i've had problems with it.

 

[carguy1234]

Definitely take it to a trustworthy mechanic before you make an offer. I did so with mine and there were a couple of maintenance items needed that I used to knock down the original offer. If the car is in an unfamiliar area, ask any friends/family around if they recommend a mechanic. That's what I did and I got lucky.

Being an older used car, it's most likely going to have some quirks you'd expect. There's nothing you can do to guarantee you don't get a lemon, but there are many precautions you can take to reduce the risk :thmsup:.

 

[mobiless2]

Maintenance records are key to both Generations or any used car. Honda V6 Auto are notorious for transmission failure, 4 cyl Auto are rare at failure.

Early 8th Gen had issues with rear oem brake pads, a swap to aftermarket pads is the cure. Oil consumption has been mentioned, again I feel it's caused by lack of maintenance.

They are both Great Cars.

 

[WDMaccord]

Definitely find out if the tranny has ever been replaced. Mine failed at 88k. Have about 80k on the new one and so far so good.