Original plan was to buy a 2003-2005 Honda Accord 2.4L Automatic because of the MPG and because it was cheaper, but now I'm not so sure.

After shopping around it seems the v6 and the 2.4L fetch the same amount of money. So I'm thinking of buying the v6 instead.

Any thoughts? I know the v6 needs to timing belt done but is there anything else I need to look into? Also, what kind of realistic MPG can I expect out of the bigger engine?

Thanks!

 

You will get all kinds of responses on this, mostly bias. I'm bias toward the V6, because I have one. My 03 V6 auto sedan has been a great car for the 105k miles I've logged on it since new. I owned an Accord with a 4 cylinder before this one, and IMO, with the start of the 7th generation, the car is perfect size for the V6 engine. The V6 runs so smooth and quiet, moves the car effortlessly around town, and passes on the highway with the big boys. I wouldn't trade it for a 4 cylinder with half the miles right now. I'm spoiled.

 

If the money is the same, get the V6. Much more power, and the MPG's are pretty close, within 3-4. My girlfriend drove mine, and got 36.6 on a 240 mile highway run. My parents in their 2.4, get about that, I think my dad says he's bumped 40 once. But he's a grandpa

Oh yeah, the 6-speed manual in the V6 Coupe is awesome!

 

The V6 in the 03+ Accords really are smooth. My dad has an '03 V6/EX and after 120k miles that car is still as smooth as day one. I can't imagine how sluggish a 4-cyl would be in a car this size. The Accord has really grown and I don't think 4 cylinders are really suitable for these cars anymore

 

V6 is more powerful, but Hondas heritage is in smaller engines. MPGS are not even close to the same in 6 vs 4. 4cyl 23 intown V6 19 intown over 5 years at 15000 per year at 3.25 a gallon thats over 2 grand in difference.

 

I get 23mpg consistently around town. It's not sitting at red lights for long periods, but a lot of stop and go and short trips (4 way stop signs everywhere). I'll gladly pay the penalty, whatever it is. I hear a lot of 4 cylinder drivers complain about vibration, when sitting at stops in gear, especially with the A/C on. The V6 doesn't do that. I always hated that about the 4 cylinder Accord I had before. I would have to put the car in neutral, to help calm the vibration.

 

The v6s are less prone to oil leaks and are cheaper to repair from what I've seen. The timing belt is a cheap job if you can do it yourself its only about a 2 hour job on a lift

 

36-40mpg in a v6 6MT accord?! What, we're you shifting at 1500rpm?! And cruising at 55mph the whole time? Lol

 

65-70 mph...... Only had to take it out of 6th gear 3 times in 240 miles.

 

You would never get anywhere close to 30 mpg on the highway with an Accord and thats with the big 3.5L They are just too damn heavy of a car. Economically a 4 banger should do the job but if you want power get something different.

 

The 7th Gen V6 still use the older 2 shaft version of the AT, which does have history. Yes, I know people have AT issued and had to get AT replaced. So like any used car, there is a risk.

Would that said, I was happy with the 7th Gen I4 (2006 EX). As a long time Honda fan, I noticed even the 7th Gen was getting heavier, so more hp would have been nice (but not needed for normal use).

Gas is going back up again. It's the game they play. Stay with the I4. If gas goes to $4-$5 a gallon, you don't want to have thoughts about trading it in.

I have a 8th Gen V6. And it AT form, it really dilute the potential of the engine. It felt like an I4 most of the time, unless I go WOT, then the engine will show you someone is home. I know a few Dodge Hemi guys, and this struggle never ends. They love their V8s, but bitch about gas prices every 9 months.

 

Go with a 06-07 no matter what. lots of nice features were added to the 06's...

The 2.4L 4's have pretty much bullet proof trannies from what I've heard from a friend who works in a honda shop. The V6 with auto is really a crapshoot. However they really are better off with the 6speed manual transmission. You can get the manual 6sp starting in 06 in the sedans as well as the coupes (I believe before then "03-05" it was a coupe only option).

 

I consistently Get 32mpg in my V6 spd 03 coupe. Its fun to drive and comfortable on the highway. The 8th gen got the 3.5 but the 7gen has a 3.0, so it is more economical than the newer ones. I broke a v6 auto trans on a test drive but haven't had any problems with my 6-spd.

Wish I would have found an affordable sedan 6-6 though.

 

the V6 was a good choice for me, i have one and i love it, especially with the 6speed manual transmition it has lots of power and great on gas considering it being V6.

 

get a 2.4 ....it's an accord. you DD it, not race it. Might as well go for the better gas mpg.

 

This I am not sure would be the case for non technical people. Being in the position to decide on replacing timing belt, I can say that most mechanics claim that there is a lot of work in taking apart a V6 engine. I am no expert but as far as I know, the I4s have a timing chain.

Being a happy owner of a V6 Manual, I can tell that I really love the zippy ride it offers without taking a huge toll on mileage. Having said that, the fact is the I4s do give you at least 3 or 4 miles per gallon on both freeways and city driving.

 

v6 i had a 2.4 then i traded in for a v6 and it was worth it car rolls and the gas milage isnt that bad just cant be flooring it.. other than that it was nice to have some power when u hit the throttle

 

I just bought an 04 2.4 ex. When shopping around I found that the v6's were a little bit cheaper, they seem to sit on the car lots longer. The big issue with the v6 is the transmission and with a used car, you don't know how it was driven. It really is a crap-shoot with these cars. That's why I held out for a 2.4. The timing belt issue is another reason. The v6 timing belt has to be done every 105k, unless you've got receipts/carfax that says it's been done, you're looking at a timing belt job right out of the gate. That's not a big deal if you're mechanically inclined and can do it yourself, but having it done isn't cheap. I think the gas mileage is pretty good considering the size of the car. I get about 32mpg, and I have a heavy foot. With 3 adults, I've never had a problem with a lack of power...

 

You don't have to be racing it, to appreciate the added power. If you live in the slow lane, the V6 would be wasted on you on the highway. But, if you want to be in the fast lane, and be able to pass and merge with ease, the V6 is the ticket to hanging with the big boys out on the interstate. Even when driving around town, the V6 is smoother, and quieter, while moving the car effortlessly between red lights. It just feels more luxurious, IMO. I gladly give up a couple MPGs for the extra power and smoothness. We all have our own priorities.

 

UPDATE

I ended up buying a 2004 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Auto. Price was just too good to pass up. Love it!

 

Nice car lasts a long time