I'm sure that each and every one of you long-standing members have discussed this topic 1,000 times before, but I only found one other instance in the Accord-specific forum and it wasn't really everything I had hoped it would be.

I decided about four months ago that the Honda Accord is the car for me. I drive a (don't laugh) '96 Buick Skylark (it was my first car, c'mon!), which is probably the automotive equivalent of buying a Packard Bell computer. Anyway, I finally have a good job and good credit and I've decided to put an end to my misery, Honda style.

What I would love to hear from you guys and gals are your recommendations for model years and trim levels. I am looking to spend about $11k or $12k on this deal, and I want a car with low mileage (read: '01, '02) so that I can drive it for many years to come. I have been contemplating the LX trim due to the power features that are attractive to me, and I'm dead-set on a 5-speed manual (any sighs of relief from the peanut gallery?).

What you can't really find out from Honda's own website is which model years have good performance parts availability, which model years and trim levels are problematic, or generally scorned by the Honda "crowd." I'm not really deep into cars, I don't do my own modifications (yet), so I'm a newbie when it comes to the various types of transmissions, engines, intakes, etc., that come stock with each car.

If you drive an LX, what year is it, how many miles are on it, how do you like it? If you don't drive an LX, why not? I ruled out the EX mostly on a cost basis, as I don't think I need the 6-speakers and the sunroof and all of that... Are there other differences I should be aware of?

Help me make an informed decision! Like I said, I've all but decided on an Accord, so you'll probably be seeing more of me here. Thanks a lot!

 

Well the EX has a little bit more power and the VTEC if you care about that. There is plenty of aftermarket for the 6th generation (98-02) 4 cylinder accord. Your off to a good start with the 5 spd though.

 

Accords have been around for a long while and are very reliable so you can't really go wrong.

 

That's a good point on the VTEC... Would I be really dumb to spend all this money on an Accord and not have the VTEC? I drive a little 4-banger now, and for a crappy Buick, it has a lot of pickup off the line (not so much as soon as I get to 70mph, though, but what do you expect ?) I'm interested in personal experiences, since that's the stuff dealers and manufacturers don't usually tell you.

 

well i have a 94 accord lx with 194000 miles

i love it but i wish i had an ex (vtec + aftermarket parts = happy owner )

 

Spend the extra money and get a ex you will be a happy camper with that.

 

it cost alot more to get an ex when the car is new, if you buying used car, just get the highest trim you can afford.
accord is not fast, now go luxury

I'll pick up a 5th gen EX stick if i were you. SEDAN

 

if you're gonna do it, do it right. If you're going to spend $11-12k on a car, make sure you go with the vtec. Also, the 6th gen EX comes in 4cyl VTEC as well as 6cyl VTEC. just something to think about.

 

I really want a manual transmission, so I'm going to stick with the 4-cyl.

 

i may be mistaken but i believe there is a 5th gen v6 with 5 speed

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crafty &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i may be mistaken but i believe there is a 5th gen v6 with 5 speed</TD></TR></TABLE>
As far as I know all AV6's have been auto only up until 7th gen....

But yea, any Accord will do you right and give you many many years and LOTS of miles of reliable service (mine still runs like new!), providing you take proper care of it. Only [major] problems I'm aware of with 6th gens is the AV6 auto trannies, and some 2000-2001 auto trannies as well. But since you want a 5 speed you don't have to worry about that! Personally I'd go with the EX trim level... more h-power, VTEC, moonroof, alloy wheels, 4 wheel discs, all that good stuff. Trust me, you'll get spoiled real quick with the top of the line, then wonder why you would have wanted a car without it, LOL. Since you're buying used you'll be able to find one in your price range. My sister just bought a '98 Camry XLE (top of the line for Camrys), and she didn't pay any more than she would have for any of the lower models of Accords/Camrys that she looked at. You just have to shop around until you find the deal that's right for you.

 

I've got a 94 Accord EX and I love it. The only downfall is mine is an automatic. But if you're lookin' at getting a 5spd, I'd go w/ the 5th gen sedan, and spend the extra cash for an EX, you won't regret it...more power, moonroof, VTEC, painted door moldings, 7 spoke alloy wheels and not the hubbies on the LX, and the EXs have a little fatter tires on them don't they? Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not positive. But definately go w/ the EX.

 

He wants to spend 11-12k on a car. 5th gens DO NOT cost this much anymore. If he wants to spend that much then a 5th gen isn't what he needs. (5th gen is 94-97 for those who dont know).

If you don't want the extra cost and you don't want performance then just buy what you need. I don't feel that the vtec in a SOHC motor is really that big of a deal. Its not going to make the difference between having a slow car or a fast car. Go find an accord LX 01 or 02 and test drive it, then find an EX. If you think the power difference is what you need, then go for it. If you don't want the options, then why pay for them?

Its your choice, either way its going to be a reliable means of transportation.

Ditch the buick!

Nate.

 

I'd get n 00' or up EX rather than LX just because the moonroof and disc brake.
If you want to change your rear drum brake to disc = $$$$; as well as the moonroof.
Vtec on SOHC isn't a deal, it has different, but not a big different.

 

This is what you want to hear:

1) Honda has factory backed extended warranties: 7yr/100k. Find a used car with that attached to it still. You can also pick up a used car that is just about to fall out of warranty (i.e. a 3 yr old car with 35k miles) and slap a honda extended warranty onto it for about $600-1100 (shop around). OR find an older car that still has the balance of this extended warranty remaining...i.e. 5 yr old car with 60k miles gives you 2years and 40k miles of FACTORY warranty.

2) If you can, find a japanese built accord. There is nothing wrong with the american builts BUT the build quality seems alittle tighter on the J-VINs (vehicle identification number). Door seams/trunk lids/hoods etc. are all perfectly aligned.

3) you can find a 97 accord EX 4dr 5spd with the above mentioned factory warranty. This is the 5th Generation accord ppl have mentioned above. 6th Gen starts at 98.

4) In 5th Gens, you get MUCH MORE in an EX over the LX/DX relatively speaking than you get in a 6th GEN EX vs. LX/DX. The 5th Gens EX's had many more features over the LX/DX models.

5) An older car will depreciate less. However, many banks will not finance a car more than 4 yrs old. Check with your credit union on this. [reason&gt;? it's easier to reposess and sell a newer car than an older car]

6) Going thru your (or your relatives) credit union might give you more money and at a lower % rate than a traditional "i bought it using the dealerships financing".

Here is another awesome alternative:
http://www.peoplefirst.com &lt;----- 3.59% here from Capitol One finance.

7) ONLY BUY A ONE-OWNER CAR from older people. I can't stress that more. AND.....An EX will probably have been more well maintained than a DX simply b/k ppl who can afford top model EX's generally have more money than ppl "barely" affording a DX. More well off people take care of their ****.

uh...that's all for now. Welcome to the accord forum.

 

If you get a 6gen don't worry about Vtec, because it comes in the LX model. I would try to find a 99-00 EX 6gen. EX because you get rear disc brakes and ABS. I currently own an 01 LX 4cyl turbo with 52000 miles. The only thing I regret is not getting the manual. It drives strong and feels very reliable. Good luck and welcome to the accords.

 

Let me add a few things that I know about what you've said (very helpful reply, by the way, thank you).

For #1: I know of at least one Honda dealer in my area that sells all certified used cars with the extended warranty, so after reading about their terms I decided not to settle for less than 100,000 miles, 7 years.

#3, #4, #5: I want to drive this car for a long time... After suffering through problem after problem in my shitty Buick, I decided to get a car that would be just right for me and basically drive it into the ground... So, from my standpoint, the newer the car the better, but am I being realistic? If it's all the same, then maybe I should just choose the body style I like the best, rather than worry too much about long-term reliability. What is the reality with buying an "older" (read: 95-99) Honda?

#6: I am going through my mother's credit union; it's an educational credit union, they offer very competitive rates, and they don't screw people. I wouldn't get lower than a 5% fixed APR, but I have a Capital One credit card and I don't trust those people. I financed my first car through this credit union and they treated me well. I will have to ask them about their policy on used cars, but that plays into my above point about buying a car that's "too" old.

#7: I won't buy a car from an individual, even if it's a little old lady who drove it once a day to the package store for her nip of scotch... I'm just not car savvy enough to be confident in buying a car that hasn't been checked out by professionals. I'm looking for a certified used car from a dealership (whoever can get me the car I really want, and can cut me a deal I can live with). Of course I will check the carfax report and all of that, but I would feel better having a car that went through its paces at a reputable garage.

Thanks for the welcome! I'll probably post here more and more when I finally GET the car.

 

One other thing... Does anyone know about VTEC as it relates to fuel economy? One of my big reasons for switching to a manual tranny is to gain some fuel efficiency (my Skylark gets 22mpg). Does the VTEC make the car more or less fuel efficient?

 

2 doors &gt; 4 doors - that's my only advice

- Nathan

 

VTEC is the best of both worlds:

More horse power/torque and MORE fuel efficiency.