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2005 Accord Advice

Greetings,
I am looking to buy a 2005 Accord, but would like some advice on a
few questions? First, 4 or 6 cylinder? I currently own a '94 6
cylinder maxima (160 hp). I live in the lower hudson valley region of
new york. I do a great deal of driving, both highway and local roads.
I commute 35 miles each way to work, and I frequently drive to long
island. This means that I drive in every condition -- flat ground,
large hills, high speed, stop-and go traffic, snow, etc. Which engine
would you recommend? I know this is a recent model, but what is the
difference in maintenance and reliability? Handling? DIY maintenance?
Money is an issue because I am a recent college grad without much of
it. However, I am willing to finance and spend the extra if there is a
big gain in the v6.
In addition to the cylinders, does the accord have a timing belt
or a timing chain?
As for pricing, does anyone have an idea of what the wholesale
price for the accord would be in new york? If anyone else has bought a
car in this region, would you mind telling me how much I can expect to
knock off the sticker?
Are there any common problems that have arisen with this model?
Are there any alternative cars you would recommend looking at? Thank
you for any advice you can offer...

Re: 2005 Accord Advice

In article <1113831457.817713.240790@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups .com>,
"DCDev" <vballdutchess@yahoo.com> wrote:

> I am looking to buy a 2005 Accord, but would like some advice on a
> few questions? First, 4 or 6 cylinder? I currently own a '94 6
> cylinder maxima (160 hp).

The 4 cylinder Accord gives 160hp.

I loved my 4 cyl 2000 Accord. This is the sweet spot of Honda's
engineering.

Never had *any* problem with it in any of the terrain or conditions you
described.

> Money is an issue because I am a recent college grad without much of
> it. However, I am willing to finance and spend the extra if there is a
> big gain in the v6.

No, there's not a big gain in the V6. Trust me.

Re: 2005 Accord Advice

"DCDev" <vballdutchess@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:1113831457.817713.240790@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com:

> I am looking to buy a 2005 Accord, but would like some advice on a
> few questions?

More questions first. Is your Maxima the GXE or the SE? Both are
sedans, while Honda also offers the Accord as a Coupe/Hatchback.
Nissan also made your life simpler from the standpoint of just picking
one of two trim lines and then adding the specific options you wanted.

1994 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr GXE Sedan (options)

AM/FM/CD Audio System
Antilock Brakes
Automatic Climate Control
Bose Audio System
Leather Seats
Leather Steering Wheel
Power Driver Seat
Power Moonroof
Power Passenger Seat
Special Factory Paint

- or the -

1994 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr SE Sedan (options)

AM/FM/CD Audio System
Antilock Brakes
Automatic 4-Speed Transmission
Leather Seats
Power Driver Seat
Power Moonroof
Power Passenger Seat
Special Factory Paint

From what I gather, Honda doesn't install options from the factory.
You just get a mind numbing number of styles to choose from, and each
style has a preset bunch of options / features: (from www.edmunds.com)

2005 Honda Accord Styles: Midsize Coupe/Hatchback

EX Styles (MSRP: $22,815 - $27,215)
2dr Coupe Manual 2.4L 4cyl
2dr Coupe Auto. 2.4L 4cyl
2dr Coupe w/Leather Manual 2.4L 4cyl
2dr Coupe w/Leather Auto. 2.4L 4cyl
2dr Coupe w/Leather and Nav Manual 2.4L 4cyl
2dr Coupe w/Leather and Nav Auto. 2.4L 4cyl

EX PZEV Styles (MSRP: $23,765 - $27,365)
2dr Coupe Auto. 2.4L 4cyl
2dr Coupe w/Leather Auto. 2.4L 4cyl
2dr Coupe w/Leather and Nav Auto. 2.4L 4cyl

EX V-6 Styles (MSRP: $27,465 - $29,465)
2dr Coupe Auto. 3.0L 6cyl
2dr Coupe Manual 3.0L 6cyl
2dr Coupe w/Nav Auto. 3.0L 6cyl
2dr Coupe w/Nav Manual 3.0L 6cyl

LX Styles (MSRP: $20,390 - $21,190)
2dr Coupe Manual 2.4L 4cyl
2dr Coupe Auto. 2.4L 4cyl

LX PZEV Styles (MSRP: $21,340)
2dr Coupe Auto. 2.4L 4cyl

LX V-6 Styles (MSRP: $24,565)
2dr Coupe Auto. 3.0L 6cyl

Special Edition Styles (MSRP: $20,640 - $21,440)
2dr Coupe Manual 2.4L 4cyl
2dr Coupe Auto. 2.4L 4cyl

MIDSIZE SEDAN

DX Styles (MSRP: $16,810 - $17,610)
4dr Sedan Manual 2.4L 4cyl
4dr Sedan Auto. 2.4L 4cyl

EX Styles (MSRP: $22,715 - $27,115)

4dr Sedan Manual 2.4L 4cyl
4dr Sedan Auto. 2.4L 4cyl
4dr Sedan w/Leather Manual 2.4L 4cyl
4dr Sedan w/Leather Auto. 2.4L 4cyl
4dr Sedan w/Leather and Nav Manual 2.4L 4cyl
4dr Sedan w/Leather and Nav Auto. 2.4L 4cyl

EX PZEV Styles (MSRP: $23,665 - $27,265)
4dr Sedan Auto. 2.4L 4cyl
4dr Sedan w/Leather Auto. 2.4L 4cyl
4dr Sedan w/Leather and Nav Auto. 2.4L 4cyl

EX V-6 Styles (MSRP: $27,365 - $29,365)
4dr Sedan Auto. 3.0L 6cyl
4dr Sedan w/Nav Auto. 3.0L 6cyl

Hybrid Styles (MSRP: $30,655 - $32,655)
4dr Sedan Auto. 3.0L 6cyl
4dr Sedan w/Nav Auto. 3.0L 6cyl

LX Styles (MSRP: $20,290 - $21,090)
4dr Sedan Manual 2.4L 4cyl
4dr Sedan Auto. 2.4L 4cyl

LX PZEV Styles (MSRP: $21,240)
4dr Sedan Auto. 2.4L 4cyl

LX V-6 Styles (MSRP: $24,465)
4dr Sedan Auto. 3.0L 6cyl

Value Package Styles (MSRP: $18,510)
4dr Sedan Auto. 2.4L 4cyl

> First, 4 or 6 cylinder? I currently own a '94 6 cylinder maxima
> (160 hp).

OK -- That means you have the GXE sedan. Looks like your have an
automatic, and compared to the LX value package auto your vehicle may
be about 20 pounds havier. This means that you could keep the same
power to weight ratio with the i-VTEC 4cyl (i4). With more cylinders
and displacement, however, you now have an extra 21 ft-lbs of torque,
which you will feel more or less depending on your driving style and
and conditions.

> I live in the lower hudson valley region of new york. I do a
> great deal of driving, both highway and local roads. I commute 35
> miles each way to work, and I frequently drive to long island.

Since saving money is important to you, fuel economy and acquisition
cost (even insurance!) could be a big factor in determining whether you
go with the i4 or V6. The LX's EPA estimate is 24/34 with the i4,
falling to 21/30 with V6. But there is also the fun factor: With the
extra 80 horses, you may find it difficult to stay off the fun pedal
.... YMMV.

> This means that I drive in every condition -- flat ground, large
> hills, high speed, stop-and go traffic, snow, etc.

> Which engine would you recommend?

How happy are you with the responsiveness of your current setup? If
160 horses are enough, you might like the i4 a lot. I know I do.

How important is handling? The i4 gives the car a better weight
distribution, and a lot of Honda owners like that.

> Money is an issue because I am a recent college grad without much of
> it.

With the V6, you pay more to buy it and more to run it. Consumer
Reports says that the predicted reliability of the i4 and V6 are
excellent.

> I know this is a recent model, but what is the difference in
> maintenance and reliability? Handling? DIY maintenance?

I would have to guess that the average repair on the larger engine
might be higher, depending on the nature of the repair, of course. You
don't have to change the spark plugs 'till 110 miles (i4 at least), but
when you do, there are six of them for the V6, vs four. I wouldn't let
that deter me if I really wanted / needed the extra horses and had the
money though.

I will gladly defer to others here having more experience actually
working on these engines, however.

> However, I am willing to finance and spend the extra if there
> is a big gain in the v6.

As noted, the horsepower gain is huge. The V6 automatically gets you
traction control, 16" wheels w/rear disks and Electronic Brakeforce,
Distribution, but you don't get alloys until you go to the EX, at which
point you also get alloys vs steelies. There's other stuff, like 6xCD
changer, fancier seat and Throttle by Wire. You pay an extra $4k or
so, but with the V6 and all the other goodies, it looks like a heck of
a value to me.

I got the LX because it was a value and I could get the five speed
manual transmission. It doesn't look like the manual was available
with the V6 in a sedan. Wish I knew why. You could pay a fortune and
get a six-speed in the coupe. I can only wonder how much different the
insurance would be for the i4 sedan!

> In addition to the cylinders, does the accord have a timing belt
> or a timing chain?

> As for pricing, does anyone have an idea of what the wholesale
> price for the accord would be in new york?

Check edmunds. It's a fantastic resource, and it's free, and that
beats the hell out of paying Consumer Reports a rediculous $11 per car
for info that Edmunds gives away.

-- CL.

+-----------------------------------------+
| Charles Lasitter | Mailing / Shipping |
| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
+-----------------------------------------+

Re: 2005 Accord Advice

In article <1113831457.817713.240790@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups .com>,
"DCDev" <vballdutchess@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Greetings,
> I am looking to buy a 2005 Accord, but would like some advice on a
> few questions? First, 4 or 6 cylinder? I currently own a '94 6
> cylinder maxima (160 hp). I live in the lower hudson valley region of
> new york. I do a great deal of driving, both highway and local roads.
> I commute 35 miles each way to work, and I frequently drive to long
> island. This means that I drive in every condition -- flat ground,
> large hills, high speed, stop-and go traffic, snow, etc. Which engine
> would you recommend? I know this is a recent model, but what is the
> difference in maintenance and reliability? Handling? DIY maintenance?
> Money is an issue because I am a recent college grad without much of
> it. However, I am willing to finance and spend the extra if there is a
> big gain in the v6.
> In addition to the cylinders, does the accord have a timing belt
> or a timing chain?
> As for pricing, does anyone have an idea of what the wholesale
> price for the accord would be in new york? If anyone else has bought a
> car in this region, would you mind telling me how much I can expect to
> knock off the sticker?
> Are there any common problems that have arisen with this model?
> Are there any alternative cars you would recommend looking at? Thank
> you for any advice you can offer...

I advise you to visit the nearest Honda shop and pick up free booklets on
the 4 cyld. and 6 cyld. Accords. The various specifications of the various
models will be in the back of the booklets. I advise you to buy the 4
cyld. EX since Honda has been making 4 cyld. engines many years longer
than 6 cyld. engines. They seem to have less problems than the 6 cyld.
engines but do have less power which is the only draw back. Take some test
drives--remember-just because you take a test drive does NOT mean that you
have to buy the vehicle.

--
NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO
We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice.
We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people.

Re: 2005 Accord Advice

The V6 has noticeably more power, also comes with traction control. It
has a timing belt, not a chain like the 4 cyl. Downstate New York (Long
Island)-- generally get 10% off msrp from dealers here on the V6, not
sure about the 4 cyl.

Ken

Re: 2005 Accord Advice

DCDev wrote:
> Greetings,
> I am looking to buy a 2005 Accord, but would like some advice on a
> few questions? First, 4 or 6 cylinder? I currently own a '94 6
> cylinder maxima (160 hp). I live in the lower hudson valley region of
> new york. I do a great deal of driving, both highway and local roads.
> I commute 35 miles each way to work, and I frequently drive to long
> island. This means that I drive in every condition -- flat ground,
> large hills, high speed, stop-and go traffic, snow, etc. Which engine
> would you recommend? I know this is a recent model, but what is the
> difference in maintenance and reliability? Handling? DIY
> maintenance? Money is an issue because I am a recent college grad
> without much of it. However, I am willing to finance and spend the
> extra if there is a big gain in the v6.
> In addition to the cylinders, does the accord have a timing belt
> or a timing chain?
> As for pricing, does anyone have an idea of what the wholesale
> price for the accord would be in new york? If anyone else has bought
> a car in this region, would you mind telling me how much I can expect
> to knock off the sticker?
> Are there any common problems that have arisen with this model?
> Are there any alternative cars you would recommend looking at? Thank
> you for any advice you can offer...

I have a 2004 V6, and my daughter has the 4 cyl. About 7-8 MPG better with
the 4, pretty peppy for a four. Have to downshift up large incline grades at
high elevations (we drive some mountain roads going out to Tahoe), but other
then that, you may want to go with the better mileage.....

Re: 2005 Accord Advice

i'd sacrifice the power to save money on gas. gas prices are supposed to get
even higher by mid summer i heard. the 4cyl. accords are awesome. they're
honda's best in overall value and reliability.

jeff
"DCDev" <vballdutchess@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1113831457.817713.240790@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> Greetings,
> I am looking to buy a 2005 Accord, but would like some advice on a
> few questions? First, 4 or 6 cylinder? I currently own a '94 6
> cylinder maxima (160 hp). I live in the lower hudson valley region of
> new york. I do a great deal of driving, both highway and local roads.
> I commute 35 miles each way to work, and I frequently drive to long
> island. This means that I drive in every condition -- flat ground,
> large hills, high speed, stop-and go traffic, snow, etc. Which engine
> would you recommend? I know this is a recent model, but what is the
> difference in maintenance and reliability? Handling? DIY maintenance?
> Money is an issue because I am a recent college grad without much of
> it. However, I am willing to finance and spend the extra if there is a
> big gain in the v6.
> In addition to the cylinders, does the accord have a timing belt
> or a timing chain?
> As for pricing, does anyone have an idea of what the wholesale
> price for the accord would be in new york? If anyone else has bought a
> car in this region, would you mind telling me how much I can expect to
> knock off the sticker?
> Are there any common problems that have arisen with this model?
> Are there any alternative cars you would recommend looking at? Thank
> you for any advice you can offer...
>

Re: 2005 Accord Advice

Thank you for the advice everyone. I'll be going to test drive both
the 4 and 6 later this evening.

Does anyone have any experience or opinions regarding the new hybrids?
I know they're more expensive, but they have both the v6 and good gas
mileage. What about maintenance / reliability of these? I know
they're brand new, but I wonder. Based on what i've read, it sounds
like the gas engine is constantly shutting off and turning on, and
constantly shutting down and restarting cylinders. Do you think this
changes the reliability of the car, or greatly increase maintenance
costs?

Re: 2005 Accord Advice