Keep in mind I am new here, so take it easy on the noob. I also have posted this same question on a couple of different boards, so if your have already seen this just please disregard the post. Having said that, here is my situation. I am in the process of buying a 6th generation accord and I am confused on whether to go with the v6, or stay with the tried-and-true 4 cyl. I have heard all kinds of opinions, each of which I do not trust, so I want to ask a group with real knowledge that I DO trust. I have been told that the tranny in the V6 is a piece, and not to buy one unless you like visiting the mechanic often. I have also been told that the 4 cyl., with minimal effort and cash, can be made to keep up with the v6 and last a lot longer. What are the pros and cons to each? I can get a nice used v6 (under 40k miles) for the same price as a comparable 4 cyl. I have also noticed that there are a lot less aftermarket parts for the v6, whereas parts for the 4 cyl. are more than available. Also, this will be a daily driver, not a road racer, but I do want to be able to tinker and have fun with it. Any comments or suggestions, good or bad, would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

 

yea...auto tranny for a v6 wont last if u try to sup up the engine. 4 cylinder on the other hand is better since u can always get a manual. stick with the manual and it has plenty of room for a turbo kit later on...

 

4cyl 5spd...the auto trannies on the v6 is FORKED UP! I don't know of many people who haven't had to replace it.

 

Id have to agree with previous statements. A friend of mine who has a 6th gen v6 (1998) has had numerous problems with it and it has been in and out of the shop, twice just for tranny issues. If you get the 4 cyl 5 speed, it can easily be built up to keep up with or surpass the v6, provided you do it right. Also, with gas as expensive as it is now, keep in mind that a 4cyl will be saving you more on gas.

 

:werd:

 

2002 Accord V6's don't have problems with the tranny...
My unkle's girlfriend drives it, it already ahs 44000 miles on it, and it's just fine

 

maybe not yet Knock on wood. all i hear is bad stuff and people wanting to swap.

 

I'd have to agree with the previous statements. The V6 may be more powerful stock than the I4...but it's tranny is a POS. Its sad really... even my dad's 01 CLS had its tranny recalled. Total BS. I have a 6th gen I4 5spd myself and I love it. I swear the 5spd is bulletproof. And like the others said, when done right, there is alot of horsepower to be made...i.e. turbo.

 

since i have a 6, i'll speak for it

V6 .:::...
pros
power
better highway speed reaction (i tap on the gas and i fly from 60 - 85mph)
terrific mpgs for a 6 (with my mods listed below, i'm still getting 24mpgs)
comptech support - comptech makes some of the best parts for the Accord, they only work with the V6 platform though (look into the CT IceBox, Supercharger, and Exhaust)

cons
SOME transmission issues (people paint a picture like every tranny put into a 6th gen breaks ... the actual rate is at 2%)
auto only

if this car is going to be a highway commuter car, go for the 6.

 

to me it would be hands down 4cyl because it comes with a 5spd manual tranny. In my opinion the 5spd 4 will keep up or surpass the v6 auto of the line. Plus a 5spd no mater how much power is a joy to drive Everytime I'm i na manual I can have fun with it. Be it a 89 3cyl geo metro or a 20year old Russian 1.3L LADA hahah.

If you would rather get an automatic then the v6 will be much better couse I'm sure the 4cyl auto must be a cow. The auto v6 should have the tranny warranty increased to 100k, but I'm not sure if thaths only for the origional owner or if it transfers. hope that helps you out. Both are great cars, to me it comes down to the transmission you prefer.