Talk to me about 03-onward Accords
Discussion
In time-honoured fashion, I've been looking at what my next car could be, and the current top candidate is the 2003 onward Accord as I need a reliable, comfy estate car. The new-found parity of fuel costs means I've been looking at the diesel due to its supposedly better economy, and it looks like I can get a good one for about £7k. To me, it looks like the perfect family car, especially in "Executive" trim. If I buy one, I fully intend to run it for 5+ years and an additional 60k+ miles, so I want to be sure that I'm making an informed choice. Which is where the esteemed PH brain trust comes in!
Would it be realistic to expect 40-45mpg on a c.40-50mph 15 mile cross-country commute? (not stop-start, but moderately trafficked hence the low-ish speed) How would the 2.0 petrol engine compare under the same conditions - 30 mpg?
Does anything go wrong with the Accord generally, or the diesel specifically? I.e. no issues like there can be with certain German diesels?
Are there any big maintenance/service issues to look out for, or any big service items due on a circa 60k example?
Are there any additional extra's over-and-above Executive trim that are worthwhile searching out? My priorities are heated leather, air-con/climate and a decent stereo.
Anything else I need to be aware of?
Cheers,
Bill Carr
Would it be realistic to expect 40-45mpg on a c.40-50mph 15 mile cross-country commute? (not stop-start, but moderately trafficked hence the low-ish speed) How would the 2.0 petrol engine compare under the same conditions - 30 mpg?
Does anything go wrong with the Accord generally, or the diesel specifically? I.e. no issues like there can be with certain German diesels?
Are there any big maintenance/service issues to look out for, or any big service items due on a circa 60k example?
Are there any additional extra's over-and-above Executive trim that are worthwhile searching out? My priorities are heated leather, air-con/climate and a decent stereo.
Anything else I need to be aware of?
Cheers,
Bill Carr
buy a german marque, it'll depreciate less and feel better.
I've been there and done this with honda cars, never again.
Its basically regarded as being the same prestige as a ford mondeo and so depreciates accordingly (pun), you could save yourself a lot of money by goibng to ford instead.
I've been there and done this with honda cars, never again.
Its basically regarded as being the same prestige as a ford mondeo and so depreciates accordingly (pun), you could save yourself a lot of money by goibng to ford instead.
hman said:
buy a german marque, it'll depreciate less and feel better.
I've been there and done this with honda cars, never again.
Its basically regarded as being the same prestige as a ford mondeo and so depreciates accordingly (pun), you could save yourself a lot of money by goibng to ford instead.
Thanks for the reply, but I have no concerns about depreciation - I'll be keeping the car a long time, long enough for it not to be an issue. I couldn't give a stuff about prestige tbh - I'm buying a diesel estate car! It's not exactly petrolhead heaven! I've been there and done this with honda cars, never again.
Its basically regarded as being the same prestige as a ford mondeo and so depreciates accordingly (pun), you could save yourself a lot of money by goibng to ford instead.
I'd rather this didn't become a "buy this marque instead" thread, ta.
Was your issue with Honda's primarily concerned with depreciation - did you buy new or nearly-new?
The problem was that I bought a 55 plate 2.4 types s accord in 07 and sold it 3 months later, losing £3k in the process (25% of its 2nd hand purchase price).
The car was very tinny and rattly, no boot lid interior trim, the front crossmember was showing surface rust already, the gearbox and fly by wire throttle werent matched up properly making it very jerky in 1st in traffic. took it back to honda to be told, they all do that - great! (this was a petrol 2.4 vtec)
The paint was very soft and was in a constant battle to keep it looking good. Got fed up with it in the end.
The stereo was cack, and to replace the headunit was a major dash modification.
Honda even put a dent in it during a minor service.
good points, handled well, was fairly swift on cam, made a great noise on cam, had warranty so no worries about breakdown costs.
I wish you luck, tbh i've heard the diseasels are very good.
The car was very tinny and rattly, no boot lid interior trim, the front crossmember was showing surface rust already, the gearbox and fly by wire throttle werent matched up properly making it very jerky in 1st in traffic. took it back to honda to be told, they all do that - great! (this was a petrol 2.4 vtec)
The paint was very soft and was in a constant battle to keep it looking good. Got fed up with it in the end.
The stereo was cack, and to replace the headunit was a major dash modification.
Honda even put a dent in it during a minor service.
good points, handled well, was fairly swift on cam, made a great noise on cam, had warranty so no worries about breakdown costs.
I wish you luck, tbh i've heard the diseasels are very good.
If you're worried about depreciation (which the OP is not), the 2.4 Type-S is the most stupid choice. The low fuel economy, high Co2 figure and the fact that the Executive has a ton more kit mean the Type-S is unpopular, and loses value fast. After 2005 Accord values fell dramatically as the model was in over-supply for the traditional secondhand Honda market, anyway.
As for the 'tinnyness', I am not convinced, either.
I've run 3 Series BMWs and many other cars to mileages well over 100,000 miles (I did 125,000+ miles in an Accord Type-S I ran as a company car, so I didn't care about depreciation). It wasn't really any less fresh when I let go of it than when I got it. It got ragged and the only concession I gave it was servicing it on thhe button.
In contrast, the so-called prestige marques I've run past 100,000 miles have alwasy been rattly, tired and in need of expensive parts (3 Series' used to go through £500 fuel pumps like Oliver Reed used to like spirits).
I only remember one fault I had in the Accord in all the time I ran it- and that was £100 to repair the OEM Alpine CD player.
I also ran the diesel for 40,000 miles or so. For personal reasons of being a bigger fan of petrols (and 190bhp over 140), I preferred the 2.4 petrol to the 2.2 diesel, but the experience outside of that with the car in general was just as positive.
In summary, the Accord Executive 2.2 diesel estate is better built (in terms of mechanicals and the bits that aren't supposed to look 'pretty'), more capacious, better equipped and less expensive than prestige alternatives. According to most if not all surveys it's a damned site more reliable, too.
Why look elsewhere, unless you're trying to keep up with the Jones?
As for the 'tinnyness', I am not convinced, either.
I've run 3 Series BMWs and many other cars to mileages well over 100,000 miles (I did 125,000+ miles in an Accord Type-S I ran as a company car, so I didn't care about depreciation). It wasn't really any less fresh when I let go of it than when I got it. It got ragged and the only concession I gave it was servicing it on thhe button.
In contrast, the so-called prestige marques I've run past 100,000 miles have alwasy been rattly, tired and in need of expensive parts (3 Series' used to go through £500 fuel pumps like Oliver Reed used to like spirits).
I only remember one fault I had in the Accord in all the time I ran it- and that was £100 to repair the OEM Alpine CD player.
I also ran the diesel for 40,000 miles or so. For personal reasons of being a bigger fan of petrols (and 190bhp over 140), I preferred the 2.4 petrol to the 2.2 diesel, but the experience outside of that with the car in general was just as positive.
In summary, the Accord Executive 2.2 diesel estate is better built (in terms of mechanicals and the bits that aren't supposed to look 'pretty'), more capacious, better equipped and less expensive than prestige alternatives. According to most if not all surveys it's a damned site more reliable, too.
Why look elsewhere, unless you're trying to keep up with the Jones?
10P if the car had been everything it was meant to be I would have kept it. As it happens it wasnt so I sold it what came as a kick in the b
ks was the amount lost in 3 months.
Never ever again for me and Honda, they just dont have the solid feel nor the prestige of the marques that they are clearly aiming for.
Ever slammed an acoord saloon boot shut - BOING go the torsio bars which provide the spring, do that with a german car and you find a reassuring oil filled damper and positive locking clunk. The mark of quality.
ks was the amount lost in 3 months.Never ever again for me and Honda, they just dont have the solid feel nor the prestige of the marques that they are clearly aiming for.
Ever slammed an acoord saloon boot shut - BOING go the torsio bars which provide the spring, do that with a german car and you find a reassuring oil filled damper and positive locking clunk. The mark of quality.
hman said:
10P if the car had been everything it was meant to be I would have kept it. As it happens it wasnt so I sold it what came as a kick in the bks was the amount lost in 3 months.
Never ever again for me and Honda, they just dont have the solid feel nor the prestige of the marques that they are clearly aiming for.
Ever slammed an acoord saloon boot shut - BOING go the torsio bars which provide the spring, do that with a german car and you find a reassuring oil filled damper and positive locking clunk. The mark of quality.
Ever had a £1500 bill for mechanical componenets disintegrating at 100,000 miles? You can enjoy the damped bootlid all you like, it means f*ck all when you're sitting in the dealership questioning why your supposed prestige car is actually made from cheese, whilst the Honda just keeps going on and on.ks was the amount lost in 3 months.Never ever again for me and Honda, they just dont have the solid feel nor the prestige of the marques that they are clearly aiming for.
Ever slammed an acoord saloon boot shut - BOING go the torsio bars which provide the spring, do that with a german car and you find a reassuring oil filled damper and positive locking clunk. The mark of quality.
'Solid feel' is b*lls
t. It's a way of making you feel happy about parting cash for a car for the badge rather than the engineering. Audi are experts at it.Bill Carr said:
Would it be realistic to expect 40-45mpg on a c.40-50mph 15 mile cross-country commute?
Would have thought so, I average high 40s out of my saloon on a 20 mile A & B road commute.Bill Carr said:
Does anything go wrong with the Accord generally, or the diesel specifically?
There have been several instances reported of diesel exhaust manifolds cracking on high-ish milers (70-80K). Honda have extended the warranty on this part to 125K/7yrs. Honest John and the like will tell you it uses a lot of oil, but I've had two now and they didn't use any... Plus point is it has a timing chain not a belt.Bill Carr said:
Are there any additional extra's over-and-above Executive trim that are worthwhile searching out? My priorities are heated leather, air-con/climate and a decent stereo.
Exec already has that. If you can, go for an 06-on, it has a few extra toys like trip computer, folding mirrors and auto-dimming rear view mirror.10 Pence Short said:
hman said:
10P if the car had been everything it was meant to be I would have kept it. As it happens it wasnt so I sold it what came as a kick in the bks was the amount lost in 3 months.
Never ever again for me and Honda, they just dont have the solid feel nor the prestige of the marques that they are clearly aiming for.
Ever slammed an acoord saloon boot shut - BOING go the torsio bars which provide the spring, do that with a german car and you find a reassuring oil filled damper and positive locking clunk. The mark of quality.
Ever had a £1500 bill for mechanical componenets disintegrating at 100,000 miles? You can enjoy the damped bootlid all you like, it means f*ck all when you're sitting in the dealership questioning why your supposed prestige car is actually made from cheese, whilst the Honda just keeps going on and on.ks was the amount lost in 3 months.Never ever again for me and Honda, they just dont have the solid feel nor the prestige of the marques that they are clearly aiming for.
Ever slammed an acoord saloon boot shut - BOING go the torsio bars which provide the spring, do that with a german car and you find a reassuring oil filled damper and positive locking clunk. The mark of quality.
'Solid feel' is b*lls
t. It's a way of making you feel happy about parting cash for a car for the badge rather than the engineering. Audi are experts at it.I know the head of pr for honda europe, from discussing where he considered the brand to be his reply was along the lines of ford and vw.
Which kind of says it all.
As for disintegration at 100,000 miles I have taken many german english and japanese cars well past that mileage and none of them have left me with a bill for £1500.
As for solid feel, most manufacturers engineer that part in, honda failed miserably with the accord taht I owned, from the boot without interior trim, to the fact they hadnt galvanised it and it was rusting on major structural components within a couple of years.
Very very poor indeed.
Never again for me.
hman said:
10 Pence Short said:
hman said:
10P if the car had been everything it was meant to be I would have kept it. As it happens it wasnt so I sold it what came as a kick in the bks was the amount lost in 3 months.
Never ever again for me and Honda, they just dont have the solid feel nor the prestige of the marques that they are clearly aiming for.
Ever slammed an acoord saloon boot shut - BOING go the torsio bars which provide the spring, do that with a german car and you find a reassuring oil filled damper and positive locking clunk. The mark of quality.
Ever had a £1500 bill for mechanical componenets disintegrating at 100,000 miles? You can enjoy the damped bootlid all you like, it means f*ck all when you're sitting in the dealership questioning why your supposed prestige car is actually made from cheese, whilst the Honda just keeps going on and on.ks was the amount lost in 3 months.Never ever again for me and Honda, they just dont have the solid feel nor the prestige of the marques that they are clearly aiming for.
Ever slammed an acoord saloon boot shut - BOING go the torsio bars which provide the spring, do that with a german car and you find a reassuring oil filled damper and positive locking clunk. The mark of quality.
'Solid feel' is b*lls
t. It's a way of making you feel happy about parting cash for a car for the badge rather than the engineering. Audi are experts at it.I know the head of pr for honda europe, from discussing where he considered the brand to be his reply was along the lines of ford and vw.
Which kind of says it all.
As for disintegration at 100,000 miles I have taken many german english and japanese cars well past that mileage and none of them have left me with a bill for £1500.
As for solid feel, most manufacturers engineer that part in, honda failed miserably with the accord taht I owned, from the boot without interior trim, to the fact they hadnt galvanised it and it was rusting on major structural components within a couple of years.
Very very poor indeed.
Never again for me.
That's why your Civic is now all nic dashboard and touchy feely plastics and less reliable than the generation before it and the generation before that.
I have no need to argue with you for the sake of it or axe to grind against any particular marque.
I only have the experience of running many cars over very high mileages in a short space of time and the knowledge that, in my experience of running company fleets, the so-called prestige marques are nowhere near as well engineered as their Japanese counterparts.
I am very sorry that doesn't match your soft-touch plastics damped eutopia, but so be it.
Easy now boys 
Seriously, many thanks for the info both positive and negative - it's always useful to hear both sides of the experience. I don't think the issues that bothered hman would upset me particularly - my key concern is mechanical reliability and low (fuel & maint.) running costs. My 5-series wasn't particularly reliable, although it felt like it was hewn from granite, to borrow an oft-used phrase.
10PS - I was hoping you'd respond to this thread as I'd seen you mention your Accord experience elsewhere. Thanks for the informative replies.
Oystercatcher - thanks for the info, I'm glad to hear that the published fuel consumption figures aren't too optimistic. This basically confirms my calculations that the diesel is the best option for me, even if it's more expensive to buy than a petrol. Much as I'd like a 2.4... Incidentally, whereabouts in Northants are you? That's my part of the world (Hartwell).
Seriously, many thanks for the info both positive and negative - it's always useful to hear both sides of the experience. I don't think the issues that bothered hman would upset me particularly - my key concern is mechanical reliability and low (fuel & maint.) running costs. My 5-series wasn't particularly reliable, although it felt like it was hewn from granite, to borrow an oft-used phrase.
10PS - I was hoping you'd respond to this thread as I'd seen you mention your Accord experience elsewhere. Thanks for the informative replies.
Oystercatcher - thanks for the info, I'm glad to hear that the published fuel consumption figures aren't too optimistic. This basically confirms my calculations that the diesel is the best option for me, even if it's more expensive to buy than a petrol. Much as I'd like a 2.4... Incidentally, whereabouts in Northants are you? That's my part of the world (Hartwell).
Would echo the mention above about trying to push yourself into an '06 facelifted version.
As for issues - known ones are front bushes (can be bought separate or inc the lower arm) and the diesel can be rather thirsty on the oil.
Would strongly urge you to have the engine flushed as a precautionary measure - but then with a regularly canned and flushed 110K 2.4 owner, I would say that, wouldn't I?
Rear ARB bushes are another to listen out for, but cheap at £8 ish the pair.
Also, on the estates, the tailgate motor has been a pain in the hole for a few owners.
Sat Nav's DVD ROM unit can be tempermental - often a good clean is all that's needed, but Alpine tends to be given £150 and the unit to refurb.
Whether they clean it or replace the laser is unknown, but you're still £150 lighter!
Suspension - look at getting the Sport suspension installed (£380 plus fit) as this will drop the EX/Executive (designation depends on MY - EX being the '06 facelift) by around 15-20mm.
Makes it less of a 4x4 look.
Might be worth checking out the dedicated forum for Accord owners - www.thaoc.co.uk - plenty of very specific information there.
As for issues - known ones are front bushes (can be bought separate or inc the lower arm) and the diesel can be rather thirsty on the oil.
Would strongly urge you to have the engine flushed as a precautionary measure - but then with a regularly canned and flushed 110K 2.4 owner, I would say that, wouldn't I?
Rear ARB bushes are another to listen out for, but cheap at £8 ish the pair.
Also, on the estates, the tailgate motor has been a pain in the hole for a few owners.
Sat Nav's DVD ROM unit can be tempermental - often a good clean is all that's needed, but Alpine tends to be given £150 and the unit to refurb.
Whether they clean it or replace the laser is unknown, but you're still £150 lighter!
Suspension - look at getting the Sport suspension installed (£380 plus fit) as this will drop the EX/Executive (designation depends on MY - EX being the '06 facelift) by around 15-20mm.
Makes it less of a 4x4 look.
Might be worth checking out the dedicated forum for Accord owners - www.thaoc.co.uk - plenty of very specific information there.
PJ S said:
Would echo the mention above about trying to push yourself into an '06 facelifted version.
As for issues - known ones are front bushes (can be bought separate or inc the lower arm) and the diesel can be rather thirsty on the oil.
Would strongly urge you to have the engine flushed as a precautionary measure - but then with a regularly canned and flushed 110K 2.4 owner, I would say that, wouldn't I?
Rear ARB bushes are another to listen out for, but cheap at £8 ish the pair.
Also, on the estates, the tailgate motor has been a pain in the hole for a few owners.
Sat Nav's DVD ROM unit can be tempermental - often a good clean is all that's needed, but Alpine tends to be given £150 and the unit to refurb.
Whether they clean it or replace the laser is unknown, but you're still £150 lighter!
Suspension - look at getting the Sport suspension installed (£380 plus fit) as this will drop the EX/Executive (designation depends on MY - EX being the '06 facelift) by around 15-20mm.
Makes it less of a 4x4 look.
Might be worth checking out the dedicated forum for Accord owners - www.thaoc.co.uk - plenty of very specific information there.
Doesn't the Sports suspension make the ride rather hard?As for issues - known ones are front bushes (can be bought separate or inc the lower arm) and the diesel can be rather thirsty on the oil.
Would strongly urge you to have the engine flushed as a precautionary measure - but then with a regularly canned and flushed 110K 2.4 owner, I would say that, wouldn't I?
Rear ARB bushes are another to listen out for, but cheap at £8 ish the pair.
Also, on the estates, the tailgate motor has been a pain in the hole for a few owners.
Sat Nav's DVD ROM unit can be tempermental - often a good clean is all that's needed, but Alpine tends to be given £150 and the unit to refurb.
Whether they clean it or replace the laser is unknown, but you're still £150 lighter!
Suspension - look at getting the Sport suspension installed (£380 plus fit) as this will drop the EX/Executive (designation depends on MY - EX being the '06 facelift) by around 15-20mm.
Makes it less of a 4x4 look.
Might be worth checking out the dedicated forum for Accord owners - www.thaoc.co.uk - plenty of very specific information there.
I've had issues with the clutch and dual mass flywheel at 22k miles. It was 3 months out of warranty, although Honda charged me half. Be aware that the flywheels are crap and can lighten your wallet for the best part of £1500 if it does go, including fitting etc.Also issues with clutch master cylinder sticking and creaking.
I have a tourer and the boot is not much good for high things.I go cycling and is a pain in the arse trying to just put bikes in the boot and still use the rear seats.
17 inch alloys are nice, but lacquer lifts and they needed refinishing ( had over 10 wheels), but make sure you use recommended tyres as some will cause tramlining and crap steering, such as the original Yokohamas.I have Toyo fronts and were a revelation.Also note that the wheels are not painted on the inside, so rot and go black in time.
Fuel economy, seems OK, sure my V6 Tdi Audi did better tho'.
Comfy and relaxed drive, just a bit boring as a vehicle. I guess as long as it works, we will keep it. Very low seating position and the seat bolster always catches trousers and jackets getting in, causing scuffs and tears to the leather.
I am just about to embark on changing the discs and pads this week and some parts can be expensive to replace, although I did shop around.
Honda dealerships in my experience are as crap as the rest. Dealer we bought the car from, didn't change the alloys that were lifting, even tho he had 6 weeks for reg transfer and also dented the car in the yard and when I saw it, was covered in bird crap all over the roof which has damaged the paint for life.They also ordered the wrong alloys to replace, which wasted 3 hrs and 100 miles. Later warranty dealership, who also replaced the alloys, damaged one and hid it from the wife when we collected the car and also didn't replace the creaking and sticking clutch master cylinder as requested by Honda UK, who were also crap with assistance with the repairs and problems we had.
Would I buy another? Tricky one.Not as 'reliable' as believed with clutch issues, wheels peeling etc. Probably not, although I will be keeping it for the forseeable future, being it will be worth nothing now. '55 Plate Ex Tourer.Have owned it since 2.5K miles and is now 27K miles.
I have a tourer and the boot is not much good for high things.I go cycling and is a pain in the arse trying to just put bikes in the boot and still use the rear seats.
17 inch alloys are nice, but lacquer lifts and they needed refinishing ( had over 10 wheels), but make sure you use recommended tyres as some will cause tramlining and crap steering, such as the original Yokohamas.I have Toyo fronts and were a revelation.Also note that the wheels are not painted on the inside, so rot and go black in time.
Fuel economy, seems OK, sure my V6 Tdi Audi did better tho'.
Comfy and relaxed drive, just a bit boring as a vehicle. I guess as long as it works, we will keep it. Very low seating position and the seat bolster always catches trousers and jackets getting in, causing scuffs and tears to the leather.
I am just about to embark on changing the discs and pads this week and some parts can be expensive to replace, although I did shop around.
Honda dealerships in my experience are as crap as the rest. Dealer we bought the car from, didn't change the alloys that were lifting, even tho he had 6 weeks for reg transfer and also dented the car in the yard and when I saw it, was covered in bird crap all over the roof which has damaged the paint for life.They also ordered the wrong alloys to replace, which wasted 3 hrs and 100 miles. Later warranty dealership, who also replaced the alloys, damaged one and hid it from the wife when we collected the car and also didn't replace the creaking and sticking clutch master cylinder as requested by Honda UK, who were also crap with assistance with the repairs and problems we had.
Would I buy another? Tricky one.Not as 'reliable' as believed with clutch issues, wheels peeling etc. Probably not, although I will be keeping it for the forseeable future, being it will be worth nothing now. '55 Plate Ex Tourer.Have owned it since 2.5K miles and is now 27K miles.
As with any marque you'll hear the bad over the good.
Ive bought a 2.4 type S a month ago and have nothing but praise for it.Was thinking of getting a tourer but missus doesn't like the rear but loves the saloon (S has bodykit as well)
Drives lovely, plenty of power and a nice place to be in. 6 speed box is slick, dual A/C half leather, cruise and a pretty good sound system.
THAOC is worth joining, there are plenty of guys on there that own them and a wealth of knowledge.
I'm a bit biased as I was a Honda Tech for 6 years. I looked at Audis,VW's and BMW's before buying this, tbh I don't feel the build and feel is as bad as made out. Its a cheaper car to buy than the German cars, but with it being Jap built - not UK like the civics - its pretty well nailed together.
Ive bought a 2.4 type S a month ago and have nothing but praise for it.Was thinking of getting a tourer but missus doesn't like the rear but loves the saloon (S has bodykit as well)
Drives lovely, plenty of power and a nice place to be in. 6 speed box is slick, dual A/C half leather, cruise and a pretty good sound system.
THAOC is worth joining, there are plenty of guys on there that own them and a wealth of knowledge.
I'm a bit biased as I was a Honda Tech for 6 years. I looked at Audis,VW's and BMW's before buying this, tbh I don't feel the build and feel is as bad as made out. Its a cheaper car to buy than the German cars, but with it being Jap built - not UK like the civics - its pretty well nailed together.
Gassing Station | Honda | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff