For several years I've had a company vehicle, so I've been able to 'afford' older personal vehicles. Due to a job change I'm now commuting about 72 miles round trip. Fortunately the job is full time (the previous one turned into part time) and better pay, I'm driving my 1999 Honda Accord EX 5MT. I recently had the shop to some work to make it more fit for the commute. Unfortunately, the dealership that I bought it from 3 years ago had no record of a timing belt change. At least they were honest. I really don't want into invest more money in the car at this point such as a couple of minor issues and the major expense of a timing belt. My plan is to replace it with a 10+ - year old CR-V, Fit, or Accord. I like manual transmissions, the last 2 fillups with new commute exceed the EPA highway rating of 28 mpg. They were 34.38 and 34.77 mpg. I've been looking at 2013 (maybe 2014) Accords which I can pay cash for,

I know time will tell, but the extensive research I've done shows the Accord CVT is relatively reliable, I'm fine with the characteristics, had one in a company Jeep Patriot. That was a Jatco, also used by Nissan, and after I left that company I heard most of them failed between 115-120k miles. I will see an occasional report of a Honda CVT failure, or being jerky at low speeds. Although I prefer a manual, I could go for a CVT. Manuals are so hard to find. I like the Fit, but never drove one and I'd think the Accord would be significantly more comfortable on the highway, especially with the manual transmissions. I've also heard of marginal heating and cooling capacity with the Fit.

The 2009-2011 CR-V is in the running too, I know those have the 5 speed automatic. It snows where I am, but for years had only FWD vehicles that did ok. For now just looking for opinions and experiences of those who have the 9th(?) generation Accord. I've received good information the last few years on this forum in the Gen 6 section.

 

I have a 9th gen 2013 Accord Sport with 148000. The starter had to be replaced at 95k (which is the 1 common problem with this Accord, check www.carcomplaints.com). The back up camera went out then also. That being said, those are the only 2 problems I have had with the car. I have kept up maintenance including major maintenance at 60k twice at the dealership. I get good gas mileage (30mpg), big back seat for passengers, big trunk, and the ride and handling are good. I recommend one.

 

Which transmission?

 

Automatic CVT. Mushy response but the paddle shifters help get revs up for response.

 

Good to hear a CVT with that kind of mileage with no trouble. My '99 5MT is nice on the highway with the tall 5thb gear. Manual transmissions are so hard to find though, even in vehicles 10 or so years old. Of course mine isn't mushy being a manual, but you're probably getting better miles per gallon with the CVT.

 

Yes do get good mileage, I average 30 mpg in mixed driving on 18" too 9been has high as 34 on highway only driving. I hope my Sport makes it to 300k. I did the 60k major maintenance twice (once at 60k once at 80k). One guy named Stillerfan is at over 500k on www.driveaccord.net on his 13 Accord LX manual but he had to replace the transmission once.

Below are 2 good articles on the motor.

https://www.wardsauto.com/technology...-cyl-stand-out
https://www.wardsauto.com/technology/honda-24l-dohc-i-4

 

I don't know how prevalent it is, but in the 2012 CR-V there were some reports of a noise on startup, VTC acutator maybe? The Fit with the same technology (I believe) in it's 1,5L engine has some reports of bad fuel injectors. It seems, for whatever reason the Accord with the same engine doesn't have as many reports of these things.

 

In October I ended up getting a 2012 CR-V. I do like it but a disadvantage is the smaller fuel tank and less MPGs. With the '99 Accord i was able to go the entire 5 day work week without refueling, now its every 4 or even 3 days.