7th gen Accords

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
http://edmunds.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=252445463&dealer_id=1023762&car_year=2003&rdm=1231951993371&model=ACCORD&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2003&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=6+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=HONDA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceASC&seller_type=d&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&feature7=power+windows&feature5=power+door+locks&address=33948&advanced=y&end_year=2007&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=12000&cardist=119
http://edmunds.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=146
http://edmunds.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=145
http://edmunds.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=136


#1 is really around $12k so chances of knocking $4k off is next to improbable
#2 needs $3k knocked off and it is way far (150+ miles) away
#3 same deal as #2 and the yellow foglights indicate possible ownership by a ricer
#4 is far and the interior is trashed

According to the person who goes to auto auctions, $7000 seems to be a decent deal as long as all the mechanics are good.

 

[addyguy]

If you know it's a local trade, talking to the PO will tell you a lot.

Yes, the other cars are a lot more, BUT, if you have to do a timing belt job, put on 4 new tires, get the front-repainted, fix the headliner....you're in that range anyway!

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Yeah, the timing belt will make or break the deal. If I get to speak to the previous owner then that will help considerably.

Oh and is the TCS light suppose to be on? Iirc it was on during the test drive.

 

[addyguy]

I doubt it was done - owner might have even traded it in to avoid having to do that service.

Don't know about the TCS light - 'traction control system'? Hopefully isn't a problem with the brakes......

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

I guess I should start thinking whether I will buy the car if the t-belt needs to be changed and the dealer is willing to cut a deal.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
If you know it's a local trade, talking to the PO will tell you a lot.

Yes, the other cars are a lot more, BUT, if you have to do a timing belt job, put on 4 new tires, get the front-repainted, fix the headliner....you're in that range anyway!

Yup.

105k service- $1325 (Just called my local Honda dealer for this- price includes timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, water pump, drive belts, coolant, spark plugs and valve adjustment)
4 New Tires and Alignment- $700
Front End repaint- $1000
Headliner- $200?
Bring all maintenance up-to-date- $100 (Assuming you DIY)

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Seems like sagging headliners are somewhat common.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Maybe I'm stupid but it seems like buying a higher priced one with lower mileage means that when it gets to that mileage then money will still have to be spent on it. I have a few days to think about it so maybe I'll have an epiphany somewhere along the line.

 

[VK56VD]

Are you set on a V6 Accord or are you open for suggestions?

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

The car didn't work out. Needed 105k service and dealer wouldn't budge on the price.

Now we're considering a 2007 Fusion with 25k. Looks like a good car. Dealer is pricing at $10990. Be great if we could get the price down a little bit. Fusion

 

[VK56VD]

Have you looked into '02-'03 Nissan Maxima 6-speed? They have more torque and displacement than the Accord V6. Resale value isn't too high on them and fit and finish is excellent for the most part. They are also all assembled in Japan.

 

[RTexasF]

That 2007 Fusion looks like a better deal than any of the others, on the surface anyway.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Plus it must still be under warranty.

 

[Mr Nice]

Quote:
Have you looked into '02-'03 Nissan Maxima 6-speed?

In my opinion, those were the best looking of all Maximas.

 

[97tbird]

looking at this pic, it feels like the Accord has tiny mickey mouse wheels for its size; if you get this model, try to upgrade wheels/tires.

 

[97tbird]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Quote:
Have you looked into '02-'03 Nissan Maxima 6-speed?

In my opinion, those were the best looking of all Maximas.


I 100% agree; so much more refreshing than Accords;
I also think Mazda 6 is a very good looking sedan.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: 97tbird
looking at this pic, it feels like the Accord has tiny mickey mouse wheels for its size; if you get this model, try to upgrade wheels/tires.

These are 17" rims. I think for a typical street use, this size is OK. Anything larger will just result in harsher ride, higher risk of rim damage, and more expensive tires.

Now, that front wheel gap could definitely use a drop (by getting aftermarket suspension). That's one of the things I really hated about my old accord - it looked like it came with an off-roading package. This one looks great by comparison.

 

[97tbird]

yeah; I guess it's the height and the shape of the car that makes the wheels look small (look how high the area towards the back of the side window is, where the tiny side window begins) ...
17" is a good size, but looks a lot smaller on that car to me..

yeah; I wish there were no wheel gaps on cars...I hate them hate them hate them...
the 330 Ci does such a good job with wheel gap, no matter what wheel option you go with..why can't all cars look like that?

 

[addyguy]

Fusions are nice cars, but if you're looking for 'sporty', shouldn't you go for a V-6/stick? But nice-looking car with tinted windows, and no maintenance hassles to deal with....

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

The Fusion was a no-go.

Went car shopping today and all 3 cars that I wanted to look at were sold. This is at 3 different places. It's starting to get frustrating.