[Accordable]

I'm looking for a 2000-ish car, 2000 or a couple of years older. I'm looking at Accords, Camrys and possibly, Maximas. I have looked at some Acuras, mostly TL and RL. I like the Acura but with them all AT, I am concerned about the infamous AT issues!

The most serious problem is my budget. Not much more than $3K. Also, with Honda, many 'cheap' ones are high mileage and some sort of defect, rust, dents, an accident or whatever. Of course, I'll get a mechanic to check it out.

So, any advice or recommendations? Anyone want to convince me to continue shopping Honda? I also like the smoothness of a V6 engine but the 6th gen. Accord has the AT problem with that model. So, what option should I go with? I could search for a manual shift Accord but those are hard to come by. The choices are slimmer. Also, I'm not sure I want to go with a 5spd manual although I can drive stick.

I like the power and smoothness of the V6 like previously stated but maybe the 2.3L I4 is sufficient and at least, it will be more economical/cheaper on gas. But, I've always been pleased with V6 cars! I looked at Acura RL/TL cars for the V6 and luxury since it's still Honda but ensures the more upscale, smoother running 'Honda' until you get the AT problems?!?

I've read the reviews, carfax, msn auto and other review sites. I checked lemon aid and other sources to learn of the recalls, issues and problem areas on Accords. I guess I am just wondering whether the potential AT issue is worth the risk. With Accords, there's lots of parts availability and other than the AT, it's pretty reliable. But, rebuilt or new ATs are big money and not sure I want to risk having that issue. Some reviewers have said to find an Accord or Acura (w/ AT) that has been rebuilt already but I've read that there are many cases in which the AT has required multiple rebuilds. I think there's a specific tranny cooler that can be provided by Honda/Acura so would that have been done already or do you get it done after buying the car (if the previous seller didn't do it)?

The last, most minor question is the trim or model. I would like an EX or EX-L w/ the full loaded options and leather. Is that asking too much? I just thought that if I buy an older car, 10 yrs old, to go for a bit of luxury, since this car will cost about $3K anyway.

Comments? Or are you going to tell me to go buy another car or something else that requires *bleep* or censors? Please keep sarcastic insults to a min. and don't be too harsh! Please?!? :notworthy It's only my 2nd post! :wave:

 

[03AccordV6]

If you can even get a 6G with under 200k that is running well and been well maintained then go for it. People in Texas are still selling 90-93'a for that kind of money.

 

[Accordable]

If you can even get a 6G with under 200k that is running well and been well maintained then go for it. People in Texas are still selling 90-93'a for that kind of money.

But, it's warmer there in TX, right?

I'm up in the boonies of Canada. So, you say, just check the AT and make sure it's shifting okay? Don't worry about tomorrow?

 

[Jecht]

if you can find one that had the tranny replaced go for it but mostly steer clear if you dont want to buy a tranny in the near future. thats for the v-6 version. I would of rather have bought an acura cl/tl version.

dont get me wrong I love my lil coupe. fun to drive

 

[MetaEnder]

It's good that you've learned about the automatic transmission issue before buying! It's unfortunate that the 6th generation never came with a V6 accompanied by a manual transmission.

IMHO I'd go for the I4 engine with a 5 speed manual transmission. The manual will help you keep an eye on transmission wear and there are pleeeeeenty of bolt on accessories for the I4 to help bump you up into the V6 HP area were you so inclined.

 

[A&Fbro28]

It's good that you've learned about the automatic transmission issue before buying! It's unfortunate that the 6th generation never came with a V6 accompanied by a manual transmission.

IMHO I'd go for the I4 engine with a 5 speed manual transmission. The manual will help you keep an eye on transmission wear and there are pleeeeeenty of bolt on accessories for the I4 to help bump you up into the V6 HP area were you so inclined.

I agree with him...

 

[Sultan]

I agree, it'll be pretty hard to find something like that for 3k with lower miles.

 

[redaccordcoupe]

v6 tranny

i used to own a j30 v6 and it was the bomb minus the automaticness of it. i was told by several honda people that the 2003 cl 6spd manual bolts up to it with some minor tweaking.. can anyone out there confirm this?

 

[stiller fan]

It's good that you've learned about the automatic transmission issue before buying! It's unfortunate that the 6th generation never came with a V6 accompanied by a manual transmission.

IMHO I'd go for the I4 engine with a 5 speed manual transmission. The manual will help you keep an eye on transmission wear and there are pleeeeeenty of bolt on accessories for the I4 to help bump you up into the V6 HP area were you so inclined.

not to mention that honda MT's are pretty much bulletproof reliable....

 

[stiller fan]

OP:

honestly, i would go with an I4 5spd.... they are pretty good on gas (high 20's - low 30's hwy mpg), and feels peppy too. plus, being up in canada, you would want something that you can better control the car with in snow.

 

[SatinSilver]

Stiller,

I can barely see the 07 in your signature. I guess the silver over white makes it that way. Could just be my monitor.

 

[stiller fan]

i like to keep the current car that i'm driving in my sig the same color for both car and text....

 

[GoLowDrew]

Convince you to buy a 6th gen?

Sedan. Last of the great traditional Honda looks (low). Even for a 10+ year old car, it still looks modern, without the thick bloated look of many cars today.

Coupe - Angular, and NSX rear end. It will never be repeated again.

 

[redaccordcoupe]

coupe

love the ass on my girl aka my coupe. :banana:

 

[Accordable]

love the ass on my girl aka my coupe. :banana:

I would like a coupe as a 2nd or spare car but not sure I want it as my main car. Isn't the insurance higher, too? I like some room and sometimes I need stuff going in the back. But, yes, the rear end of those do look good. Also, there seems to be a mix of auto and stick with the coupes for some reason.

I don't know if I want to go with manual... If I go with a 6th generation Honda, maybe I oughta... The ATs are just so risky and I'm inclined it would mean a problem such as rebuild and I can't afford something like that. At least, not if they cost what seems to be the norm, $2000+. Heck, the car I will buy will be just a bit over that! How did Honda ever avoid amending the crappy recall they gave out for their ATs? It was 7 yrs or smth or 100,000 miles or? Anyway, it escapes me the exact details but it's not very extensive.

If I go with a MT, then yes, driving in snow and rain (?) might be easier but I wanted to drive around with the option of having a coffee in one hand or something! lol! I sometimes borrow a Chrysler/Dodge car with AT and it's a lazy but pleasant change in a way!

So, how much extra HP can be utilized by adding some modes like cold air intake or whatever it is? Just curious. Anyway, is it unanimous that I go manual shift? No daring courageous AT drivers want to object? haha..

 

[CDsDontBurn]

The last, most minor question is the trim or model. I would like an EX or EX-L w/ the full loaded options and leather. Is that asking too much? I just thought that if I buy an older car, 10 yrs old, to go for a bit of luxury, since this car will cost about $3K anyway.

EX has all the bells and whistles basically. LX is minimum accomodations

IMHO I'd go for the I4 engine with a 5 speed manual transmission. The manual will help you keep an eye on transmission wear and there are pleeeeeenty of bolt on accessories for the I4 to help bump you up into the V6 HP area were you so inclined.

This

Convince you to buy a 6th gen?

Sedan. Last of the great traditional Honda looks (low). Even for a 10+ year old car, it still looks modern, without the thick bloated look of many cars today.

Coupe - Angular, and NSX rear end. It will never be repeated again.

Highly agree. being a 12yr old body design, both coupe and sedan still look rather modern.

I don't know if I want to go with manual... If I go with a 6th generation Honda, maybe I oughta... The ATs are just so risky and I'm inclined it would mean a problem such as rebuild and I can't afford something like that. At least, not if they cost what seems to be the norm, $2000+. Heck, the car I will buy will be just a bit over that! How did Honda ever avoid amending the crappy recall they gave out for their ATs? It was 7 yrs or smth or 100,000 miles or? Anyway, it escapes me the exact details but it's not very extensive.

If I go with a MT, then yes, driving in snow and rain (?) might be easier but I wanted to drive around with the option of having a coffee in one hand or something! lol! I sometimes borrow a Chrysler/Dodge car with AT and it's a lazy but pleasant change in a way!

Just curious. Anyway, is it unanimous that I go manual shift? No daring courageous AT drivers want to object? haha..

If you go with the v6, try and find one with lowish miles, like around 80k miles. However, keep in mind that you will need to be doing the timing belt job rather soon with one in the 80k - 90k mileage range if the timing belt hasn't been done as it's supposed to be done at 105k miles. depending on where you go, that can be anywhere from $600 - $900.

If that's an issue, then find one with ~120k miles where the timing belt and spark plugs have both been changed out to save you those costs. If the tranny has also been rebuilt sometime in that range, then that's an even better bonus!

If you want an AT to drive around with a coffee in one hand, then you just need better practice at driving MT. When I had my last vehicle, I'd have a drink in one hand, food in the other, and drove with my knee! :banana:

Manual shift? As in, manually shifting the AT? Or manual shift, as in a standard MT? If you meant the former, then that would dramatically decrease the life expectancy of the AT!

 

[Accordable]

EX has all the bells and whistles basically. LX is minimum accomodations

If you go with the v6, try and find one with lowish miles, like around 80k miles. However, keep in mind that you will need to be doing the timing belt job rather soon with one in the 80k - 90k mileage range if the timing belt hasn't been done as it's supposed to be done at 105k miles. depending on where you go, that can be anywhere from $600 - $900.

If that's an issue, then find one with ~120k miles where the timing belt and spark plugs have both been changed out to save you those costs. If the tranny has also been rebuilt sometime in that range, then that's an even better bonus!

If you want an AT to drive around with a coffee in one hand, then you just need better practice at driving MT. When I had my last vehicle, I'd have a drink in one hand, food in the other, and drove with my knee! :banana:

Manual shift? As in, manually shifting the AT? Or manual shift, as in a standard MT? If you meant the former, then that would dramatically decrease the life expectancy of the AT!

Well, I don't assert to be the greatest manual shift driver but I was kidding about the coffee. I was able to juggle, too, but I am hard on myself so I'm not sure I was that good a stick shift driver but I learned to juggle!

Finding an Accord with only 90k miles on it for $3K? I doubt it! Not sure where I'll find that.

But, I'll try your advice... having to do the timing belt is better than having to rebuild a transmission!

I just think a low mileage Accord like that for those years (i.e. 6th gen) will be expensive even from private sellers.

 

[redaccordcoupe]

6th gen

get the manual. its great, as for room, its almost as spacious as a sedan. ive got the full exhaust and cold air, and its nice. it looks great sounds great and drives great. i love it. you wont be dissapointed with it.

 

[caod]

Its all about your situation, if you got a manual I4 wouldn't paying for parts to make it faster put you out of your budget? For 3k I honestly wouldn't expect a decent mileage car unless you're lucky.

I love my V6, i feel safe about my transmission *knocks on wood*. It's all maintenance: if the guy before abused it with his driving (high revving) or lack of changing the ATF on interval time, then steer clear of that car. Maintenance records can say alot about the car and her owner. Plus you can add an oil cooler to your transmission to extend the life.

You live in Canada? I've heard the transmission problems mostly stem from hot areas (texas) because of overheating. If you buy a car that lived in a colder climate and drive it in a cold climate, I don't think it'll fail on you. Have some faith, the V6 is nice, the MPG is good too. I get 20/26 on average but if you're looking to save money on gas in this economy then the I4 is for you

 

[CDsDontBurn]

Its all about your situation, if you got a manual I4 wouldn't paying for parts to make it faster put you out of your budget? For 3k I honestly wouldn't expect a decent mileage car unless you're lucky.

I love my V6, i feel safe about my transmission *knocks on wood*. It's all maintenance: if the guy before abused it with his driving (high revving) or lack of changing the ATF on interval time, then steer clear of that car. Maintenance records can say alot about the car and her owner. Plus you can add an oil cooler to your transmission to extend the life.

You live in Canada? I've heard the transmission problems mostly stem from hot areas (texas) because of overheating. If you buy a car that lived in a colder climate and drive it in a cold climate, I don't think it'll fail on you. Have some faith, the V6 is nice, the MPG is good too. I get 20/26 on average but if you're looking to save money on gas in this economy then the I4 is for you

+1 :thmsup: