Honda Accord (1990 - 2002) Includes 1997 - 1999 Acura CL

What year to buy?

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Old Jun 29, 2005 | 11:47 AM
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Default What year to buy?

Noob here... I had a '91 accord 2dr 5 spd. a few years ago and loved it. I recently built a dodge neon (please don't laugh) but I'm selling it. I want something more comfortable (and reliable) than the neon. I really want a 6th gen accord, but I've heard that the auto tranny's have some problems. I'd really rather have a 5spd, but I want my wife to be able to drive it (without killing the clutch every few months). Anyway, I'm just wondering what everyone's opinions are as to what years are better than others, models, etc...? I guess we could get a 5th gen, but I really like the feel of the 6th gens. Please help!

Thanks
Zac
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Old Jun 29, 2005 | 11:48 AM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (zcolby)

94-95 EX

Vtec, OBD1, No speed gov and just plain SEXY
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Old Jun 29, 2005 | 12:25 PM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (zcolby)

I used to want a pre-'96 model, but after checking out a few '98+ accords, I think I want one of those. Is there any year ('98-'02) that's better than others? Are there any "bad" years for late model accords?

Thanks
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Old Jun 29, 2005 | 12:38 PM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (zcolby)

well, if your gonna get an automatic, get a 00+......good luck finding a 5 speed 6th gen....cause it aint gonna be easy
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Old Jun 29, 2005 | 01:37 PM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (fw190bvi)

My 2000 accord auto is on its 2.5th tranny.

Esp. stay away from the V6s, they have a higher probability of failing.

You could try to find a good 2003 accord, or you could look into an Acura TL from 99-03 which is pretty much a luxury Accord
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Old Jun 29, 2005 | 02:10 PM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (accordselux)

Well, I'm on a budget. I'm trying to find something <$10K. I've seen quite a few
'98s and '99s around here in that price range. I just want the 2.3 VTEC EX. There is one that I have my eye on; '99 EX 2.3 VTEC Auto, leather, moonroof, etc... 82,000 miles for $7700.00. Good deal, bad deal?
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Old Jun 29, 2005 | 02:21 PM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (zcolby)

Pretty good deal, I have a 2000 SE with cloth, auto, wood trim, 41k that i'm hoping to get 8000 or so for so i'd say it's around fair price. I'd go for 7500 at least though, do some haggling
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Old Jun 29, 2005 | 02:24 PM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (accordselux)

A 1999 TL on ebay is going for around 7300, they have some of the same auto tranny problems, but I dont think as bad, but it's def a nicer car. I've driven my moms TL and my 4 cyl Accord and I like the 6 disc changer, leather seats, steering wheel audio controls, extra power, etc.

The only thing I dont like is the ride quality is too floaty, but a set of sway bars and better shocks/springs would fix it
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Old Jun 30, 2005 | 06:58 AM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (zcolby)

If you go with a '99, you will be fully exposed on the tranny failure - probably a 50/50 chance. Since it is not covered by the warranty extension (only 2000 and 2001 models are), you will be footing the $5000 bill for a replacement.

If it has to be 6th gen, auto and less than $10k, do yourself a huge favor and stick to the 2000 model year...
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Old Jun 30, 2005 | 10:53 AM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (Pairallel)

I would go with a 94-95 5 speed. dont worry about your wife, my wife learned to drive our accord on a 6 puck racing clutch and now she is profesh.

the 6th gens may be more comfortable but the lines on the sedan aren't sporty looking at all, IMO. The coupes are sweet though

I love the lines on the 5th gen. (based off the 4th gen prelude)

I found my 94 with black leather seats, lumbar support, power driver seat.

Good luck
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Old Jun 30, 2005 | 11:42 AM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (Pairallel)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pairallel &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you go with a '99, you will be fully exposed on the tranny failure - probably a 50/50 chance. Since it is not covered by the warranty extension (only 2000 and 2001 models are), you will be footing the $5000 bill for a replacement.

If it has to be 6th gen, auto and less than $10k, do yourself a huge favor and stick to the 2000 model year...</TD></TR></TABLE>

my 2000 had a tranny fail AND under warranty, and they footed the 300 dollar bill when the NEW tranny started acting up....

its really hit or miss with which years do it...
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Old Jun 30, 2005 | 12:59 PM
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does it matter whether your car's under warranty to be eligible for the free tranny replacement? I have an 01' Accord 5spd and I was just wondering....
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Old Jun 30, 2005 | 01:21 PM
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Default Re: (Corruption)

You have a 5spd. So you don't have to worry. The extended warranty is for the tranny only. I don't think it matters if you are still under your basic warranty. Though if you are the powertrain warranty would cover that.
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Old Jun 30, 2005 | 01:35 PM
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Default Re: (sj993)

Hmmmm, decisions decisions... I really don't know what to do at this point. There aren't hardly any 5th gens around here (for sale at least) that aren't totally beat to death. By the same token, there are't many '00+ under $13,000. I don't really want to finance too much, but I do want a comfortable and reliable car...
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Old Jun 30, 2005 | 02:37 PM
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Default Re: (zcolby)

5th gen!!!
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Old Jul 1, 2005 | 03:28 AM
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Default Re: (fuglycord)

dude, i went w/a 5th gen. 96 ex 5 spd. w/new paint and in amazing condition 104,000 mile on the OD..paid 5400 and they even threw in 2 new tires cause the ones that were on it were bad

awesome car, i love it. as it was mentioned, the lines are just great highly reccomend the 5th gen..youve just got to decide on whether to get the 94-95 or 95-96..since they have a few cosmetic diff as far as the bumpers and whatnot.

and as far as your wife driving...it wouldnt be long b4 she had shifting down no prob so i wouldnt worry w/it,
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Old Jul 1, 2005 | 06:17 AM
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Default Re: (mac_24_seven)

Besides, there are only 2 or 3 other cars in Idaho, so traffic won't be a problem...

The manual trans might just be the way to go.
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Old Jul 1, 2005 | 06:52 AM
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Default Re: (Pairallel)

Well I think we found one that we want. Like I said before, 5th gens that aren't totally beat are pretty rare around here. Last night we went and looked at a '97 one owner (older lady), new paint, 142,000, auto . It is CLEAN though. This lady was one of those who took her car to the dealer for everything, even oil changes, etc... Only drawback is that the AC doesn't work. I think it's the compressor, because when you turn on the AC, there was no power loss, and there weren't any leaks. Oh yeah, and she only wants $4500 for it.
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Old Jul 1, 2005 | 06:59 AM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (Vt4cPwn35)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Vt4cPwn35 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">94-95 EX</TD></TR></TABLE>

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Old Jul 1, 2005 | 08:45 AM
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5th gen all the way.......im biased
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Old Jul 2, 2005 | 06:06 PM
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5th gen

pros

1. no tranny problems 6th gen cars have problems with the differental that are corrected in the 7th gen cars and the 7th gen cars have problems with the secondary shaft not getting proper lubrication.

2. cheap to buy
3. nice looks

cons:

A/C system sucks ***** when it gets 100+ outside expecially if you have a sunroof.
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Old Jul 2, 2005 | 06:18 PM
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Default Re: (YeuEmMaiMai)

I would go for a 5th Gen 96-97. I NEVER liked the 5th Gen 94-95 for some reason. It wasn't complete.

I bought my old 96 in 95 and LOVED it!! Not ONE problem. The only complaint was the color of the interior. Baby blue suked.

Had I not had an accident in it, I would be still driving it.
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Old Jul 6, 2005 | 12:31 AM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (zcolby)

94-95 EX Most Def... Personally? Best Looking One...
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Old Jul 6, 2005 | 03:26 AM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (B16PMPN)

6th gen will give more car for the dollar. Right now 6th gens are at the age where they have the least value becuase of there age to old to be considered "newer" but stilkl many out there with low miles. If you go with a 5th gen then you will get a well worn out car for almost the same price of a 6th with decent miles.

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Old Jul 6, 2005 | 11:24 AM
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Default Re: What year to buy? (1998hondaaccord)

I believe the problems with 6th gen auto trannys were limited to v6 cars. So if you get a 4cyl you should be fine.
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