I am looking to buy a used Accord.

I understand that in 2003 Honda revamped their engines. Is the new V-tec 4 cylinder considerably stronger than the previous version? Does the V-tec 4 get better mileage?

Are there enough positive differences that one should get a 2003 or newer model rather than say a 2002 model?

Thanks.

 

After doing more research I am beginning to think I may as well buy new. Honda's dont depreciate as fast as most cars. A 2003 Accord LX w/ 38,000 miles on it books for $17,365. A 2005 lx (new) books for $18,667. Is this a no-brainer?

 

Unless you can get a year old EX for the same price or less. But if you dont need the extra features, then go with the new car. You will at least have a full 3 years warranty on it.

 

IMHO, the '04 would be a better car, since there were some problems with the '03. (The brakes are one particular thing that comes to mind.)

The 03+ 4 cyl. has about 10 more horses than 6th gen. VTECs, and 25 more h.p. than the old base engine. One positive about the new one is not needing to ever change the timing belt. It has a chain. Spark plug change is scheduled at 100k. MPG is better, too. I got 31-34 mpg hwy. when I first got mine, and probably could have done better if I babied it.

 

So they started putting timing chains in the 05 models? That is a big plus.

 

Uh, no, the 2003 4 cylinder. And you'll never have to replace it as long as the engine is maintained well.

Buy a 2004 EX.

 

05 LX or 04 EX, can't go wrong!

I would go with the 05 LX Special Edition personally. About $500 more (here anyways) for painted side skirts, alloys, and a rear spoiler.

Also, did the 04's have side curtains?

 

That would be worth the $500 alone to have the alloys. I wish they offered the dual climate control in an LX.

 

I vote for the 2004 EX, and add an extended warranty for a few hundred dollars before your manufacturers' warranty runs out.

The EX features are well worth the price difference, and the EX resale will stay above the LX for most of its useful life.

 

Since the 06 models are coming out you probably can get a sweet deal on an 05. Are you looking at a coupe or the 4 door, stick or auto good luck with your decision.