Hey guys, if this is wrong section shoot me. I'll delete and repost.

Lookin to buy a ride, my choice is

2002 Accord Coupe V6 (35,000 Miles) Excellent Condition

vs

2003 Accord Coupe i4 (100,000 Miles +)

Honestly I have not driven the 2003 models. But I hear there is a major jump in technology. But on paper its only 40 bhp difference btw above two.

What would you go for ?

 

Well I own a 1998 4 door V6. The engine is wonderful. Good smooth power always on hand. The dash is well designed and super simple, none of those unnecessary bells and whistles, just the audio control on the steering wheel was that nice extra perk.

Only downside is the history of transmission problems with the V6 models for that gen. I am not sure if it was under control by its final year. But I'm sure some other poster here can answer that.

The 2003 model is most likely bulletproof, and thank god it's a coupe I hate the rear ends on the 4 doors...

It all comes down to you driving each one, you have to see which one YOU prefer, which one appeals to you more, the driving dynamics, the interior, exterior, etc.. But one thing is for sure, you can actually put people in the back seat's of these cars. (lol mustangs)

 

Torino Thanks for your reply. Yes you are correct, the 2002 will prolly have a transmission problem, but being really low miles, I am hoping not right away.

And again you are prolly right, I'll have to drive the 03.

Question is older model V6 versus new model 04. I wonder if someone can tell me about their power difference. Or is the newer model so good that it feels like a v6 in i4.

 

Personally, I like the styling of the 02 better, but I like the engine of the 03 better. For me, it would come down to: Does the 03 have a manual transmission? If so, I'd say go 03. If they're are both auto's, then it's really tough, but in that case, I would go with whichever one I could get the best deal on. And by best deal, I don't mean whichever one is cheaper, I mean which one is closest to blue book, and then negotiate under that.

Oh, and the reason I like the 03's engine better, is because it has the K series. And although these particular K series only have VTEC on the intake cams, the K series is still a formidable engine family. Besides, I think the 98-02 V6's only have VTEC on the intake also (someone correct me if I'm wrong on this).

Basically, the 03 will likely stand up to increased power better than the 02. And I'm not saying the V6 can't handle more power, it's the automatic transmission that's attached to the V6 that can't handle it.

So, in summation, if the 03 has a manual transmission, get that. If they are both automatics, get whichever one you can get for less than Blue Book value.

 

Yes hondarin has a good point, I've put an intake, cap and rotor, and spark plug wires on mine. That's it. As soon as you throw turbo's and what not on there it seems as if you decrease the life of the engine. The V6 is that motor that isn't really meant to be heavily modded like the i4's

But in my opinion the V6 has more power, but of course it may deliver less fuel economy than the i4. But I would of jumped on that 35,000 by now. It sounds too good to be true, like an older couple just drove it around and performed the regular maintenance.

 

Thanks Hondarin,

I like the older coupe style as well. But 03 has a better interior in my opinion.

Going with 02 V6. Mainly cause of low km, and car being in almost new shape.

Thanks a lots guys. I know this is a tough one.

More power vs less power, but older vs newer.

 

Save your money and get a lower mileage 03+......

*edit*

And god, before you buy it take it to a Honda dealership for a pre-purchase inspection (~$70) and have them check everything over.

 

Yes initially I thought too. But when I saw the car, you can tell. And I have bought my fair share of older car. This car is new, I'll post pics in few weeks.

Muffinman, car has been serviced at Dealership only, they have records from day one, thanks man.

 

Records from Day One at the same dealership doesn't equate to the car needing maintenance (bushings, etc)

I could go every day for 10 years for an oil change but never get my timing belt changed...

 

MM,

You are right, I checked with Honda (Canada)

They have something called "Peace of Mind Inspection" for $69

This is separate than safety MTO (Ministery of Transportation) kinda like DOT inspection I suppose.

Will do that MuffinMan. I repeat, I hate it when you're right

 

Guys, sorry bumping my old thread.

This guy wants 8.5 for 2002 V6 Coupe (35,000 miles)

Out the door will cost me about 9.5.

I am thinking MM is right, should I save my money and go with new by adding another 5k?

Thanks for help guys, I am absolutely confused.

 

While I know prices in Canada are higher, 8.5 for a 8 year old car seems high, especially considering the known issues with the transmissions. Kind of a trade off with the lower mileage.

I'm fairly sure KBB and NADA would work for Canada, you may want to check there first and see the ball park price

 

Okay MM, Because of you now I am broke

I took your advice, said screw the 2001 Accord Coupe.

Got something totally different.

My New Ride:

2006 EX V6 Sedan with Navigation (Black on Black Interior)

Am I broke Yes........Am I happy ........I am JUMPING


Thanks everyone, especially MM.

I will miss you guys, going to 2003---onwards threads

 

Haha, quite a jump but that car looks gorgeous. You definitely made the right decision in getting that over the 02 or 03.

 

Thanks MM,

We have a 99 V6 in family, so very familar with Transmission problem.
I read somewhere that it was fixed till 2005, so picked 2006.

Leather and Nav were my main conditions. And MM I bet you know everything about Nav but I cannot get enough of voice commands.

AC ON........Temp 23 Degrees (C)
Radio ON
Navigation ON, Go home.

All just by pressing one button on steering.

Sorry I better shut up, wrong thread. But man everyone should get one of these. Its like Star Trek........Computer Deck 10-Forward.

 

nice choice. two thumbs up

 

I own 6th V6 (2000 4dr sedan) and have the same fear about the tranny, but I bought the car so cheap $ 4K (rebuilt salvage title with 70k miles) that I couldn't resist. It runs awesome today but I know eventually the tranny probably die and at that point either I make it to a donor car or become a project car.

I'd get 2003 4 cyclinder if I have more spending money.