Originally posted by HondaBuyer
02RSXTYPES, how do I find out what the invoice price is (in Canada)? I looked at the Kelley Blue Book site http://www.kbb.com/, used a Seattle, WA zip code and the invoice price on the car I'm looking at was about $19451.18 USD, or about $29176.77 CAD (using 1.5 as my conversion rate). I'm thinking this is either WAY off ... or maybe what the dealer offered wasn't a bad deal. It's difficult to tell...
Answers to your questions:
1. 2 doors (although I'm told that since they're longer and heavier than those of a sedan, they will eventually sag?)
2. Performance and handling are important.
3. Safety is the biggest concern. I'd put safety above horsepower. I test-drove the Jetta 1.8T (my boss recommended it) and while it was an interesting ride, I had visibility problems. I'm definitely sticking with the Honda family!
4. Budget - $20,000 - $25,000 CAD before taxes (which is about 14% up here).
5. Comfort would be nice. I don't drive long distances. With my Civic, I averaged about 6800 miles/year. I would definitely want a/c, a radio, cassette and cd player, a moonroof isn't something I'd especially look for (although it is part of the *package* unless I get the most basic model Accord which has barely anything) and I'm open to other goodies which will help with resale value (in 12 years time, lol). Are there some goodies you think I should definitely go for?
Btw, where is the "news & rumors" forum?
This is a problem. I tried to get canadian invoice prices, I really did, but it costs like 50 bucks for 3 on this one site I went to. Edmunds.com has US invoices. Maybe you can try calling dealerships and asking or do a better search on the internet than I did
Okay...
1) No, coupe doors do not sag. I had a 84 Buick Riviera and they didn't sag bro. I've never heard of this and they musta been shit quality if they did.
2) The performance aspect depends if you'll want the 200HP V6 with a 4 spd auto or a 150HP 4 banger with a 5 spd manual. Both are about the same as far as a drag race, but of course the V6 will have better top end for the highway and be slightly faster all around than the 5 speed 4 banger.
Now, the 2003 accord has a 240HP V6 with a 5 speed automatic. You'll have to spend about 2-3 grand more canadian (I'm thinking because 2002's will be at about invoice, but MSRP's between 2002-2003 are the same) but you'll get 40 more horsepower and another gear on the auto. Again, in the news and rumors forum you can check out pictures and all that. It is DEFINETLY an improved model performance wise, but you'll be way above your 25,000 CAD limit since it'll be 24,000 USD.
3)The new EX-V6 coupes have side air bags as well as side curtain air bags. A description of the curtain system can also be found if you look in news and rumors (I think it's in one of the accor dthreads). The current EX-V6 has just side air bags, but the 2003 model will undoubtedly be far safer due to more rigidy etc etc. Both have traction control
4) Your budget, in my estimation of canuck money, leaves you room for either a stripper 2003 model or an EX 5 speed 2002 model. Your choice, Again, we have TONS of stuff on the new accord...in fact I just did a "Car of the Week" about it, it's at the top of news and rumors.
5) Geez you want a radio? Awfully demanding
The 2003 accord has more features standard and a much nicer looking interior. Again, news and rumors...
The 2002 and 2003 Accord are both very comfy, but the 2003 has nicer seats for cornering.
I think the SE has a CD, but the EX-V6 has a 6CD changer.
If you have any questions about anything you see in news and rumors, ask in there. We know our stuff
Chris
02RSXTypeS@hotmail.com
BTW...I used to have a 99 Accord Coupe LX-V6 in San Marino Red. My favorite car of all time. She got rear ended and I've always felt my RSX-S is just too small...I'm looking heavily into the 2003 Accord Coupe EX-V6 6 Speed or a G35 Coupe.