Help Please :) Buying a New Honda
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6
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From: Vancouver, Canada
Help Please :) Buying a New Honda
Hi, I hope you can help me 
I am new to this board, but from what I've read so far, you guys seem to know your Hondas. I own a 1990 Honda Civic Sedan and am currently in the market for a replacement vehicle. I recently test-drove the 2002 Honda Accord SE Coupe and it seems like a very nice ride; certainly more powerful than my little Civic. However, I heard that the 2003 model, which has undergone major restyling, is coming out very soon. I'm trying to decide whether to go with the current model, which the dealerships are working on clearing out or wait for the new one. I don't want to lose the opportunity of buying a 2002 if the 2003 isn't worth the additional cost. I am also worried that if I buy the 2002 model it will not have as good a resale value as the 2003, because of the new enhancements. I'd really appreciate your advice.
Thank you!
P.S. Do moon roofs eventually leak?
I am new to this board, but from what I've read so far, you guys seem to know your Hondas. I own a 1990 Honda Civic Sedan and am currently in the market for a replacement vehicle. I recently test-drove the 2002 Honda Accord SE Coupe and it seems like a very nice ride; certainly more powerful than my little Civic. However, I heard that the 2003 model, which has undergone major restyling, is coming out very soon. I'm trying to decide whether to go with the current model, which the dealerships are working on clearing out or wait for the new one. I don't want to lose the opportunity of buying a 2002 if the 2003 isn't worth the additional cost. I am also worried that if I buy the 2002 model it will not have as good a resale value as the 2003, because of the new enhancements. I'd really appreciate your advice.
Thank you!
P.S. Do moon roofs eventually leak?
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 36
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One thing you never have to worry about as far as Accord's go is the resale value. Resale value is *always* very good on Accord's. A 97 Accord V6 with only 170 HP still has almost as good of a resale value as the 98 Accord V6 with 200 HP.
Checkout www.hondanews.com
You can find all the information you ever wanted on the new Accord there. After digesting that, you'll be able to make the best decision for yourself on what to buy
Checkout www.hondanews.com
You can find all the information you ever wanted on the new Accord there. After digesting that, you'll be able to make the best decision for yourself on what to buy
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 265
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From: Maryland
Uh, excuse me, did someone say V6 Manual!?!?!?!
Let me practice..... "Hi honey!!! How was your day? --Great! Hey, you'll never guess the noise I heard in my car today....I should probably get a new one before I get stranded on the side of the road with the kids, don't you agree?"
How's that?
-Spy
Let me practice..... "Hi honey!!! How was your day? --Great! Hey, you'll never guess the noise I heard in my car today....I should probably get a new one before I get stranded on the side of the road with the kids, don't you agree?"
How's that?
-Spy
u c l a
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Hacienda Heights, S. Cali
most dealerships should be clearing out the 02's right now at about $23,000 for the EX V6 model.
if youre willing to wait for it, i'd also personally recommend getting the 2003 model for the coupe because of the "what the hell is that thing?" value...in other words, when people see your car they will say "what the hell is that thing?" because it just came out and they didn't know about it. i was driving the lincoln navigator right when it came out (1998) and every gas station i went to or while on the road, everybody kept talking to me about it or giving me a thumbs up (because nobody else had one either, hehe). when i got my 00, 00, 01, 02 accords, nobody said anything except "what the hell? you got another accord?" because it wasn't anything new. everything turns old after a while, just make sure you can enjoy it while it's new.
...and no, moonroofs DO NOT eventually leak in almost all cases. it's either a special case you've observed or a rumor.
if youre willing to wait for it, i'd also personally recommend getting the 2003 model for the coupe because of the "what the hell is that thing?" value...in other words, when people see your car they will say "what the hell is that thing?" because it just came out and they didn't know about it. i was driving the lincoln navigator right when it came out (1998) and every gas station i went to or while on the road, everybody kept talking to me about it or giving me a thumbs up (because nobody else had one either, hehe). when i got my 00, 00, 01, 02 accords, nobody said anything except "what the hell? you got another accord?" because it wasn't anything new. everything turns old after a while, just make sure you can enjoy it while it's new.
...and no, moonroofs DO NOT eventually leak in almost all cases. it's either a special case you've observed or a rumor.
lots and lots of fail
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 23,004
Likes: 1
From: Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeetroit
Well, first off don't worry about the resale value. It will be strong on either. Elite is a wealth of misinformation...the 2003's MSRP is almost the same as the 2002's. Of course, with the deals you can get on 2002's, you won't have to worry about paying anywhere close to MSRP. You should be able to get one for around invoice.M No, moonroofs don't leak unless they are ****ty aftermarket ones you get for 100 bucks.
Anyway, you need to ask yourself some questions and then we can help you further.
1) Do you want 2 doors or 4 doors?
2) How much do you care about performance and handling?
3) Is safety a major concern?
4) What is your budget? (25,000 or 20,000?)
5) How important is comfort to you? How about amenities, goodies, and luxury items?
There are big differences between the 2002 and 2003...a full listing with pictures can be found in the News and Rumors forum(link is in my signature). Just type "2003 Accord" in the search box in the top right hand corner of the page (or just browse the page) and you'll get pictures, reviews, specifications, etc. Any questions, ask in there, we know everything about the car.
Jon, I saw an ad for a brand new 2002 EX-V6 Coupe in Long Island for a touch over 21 grand...I was shocked. I bought my LX-V6 (RIP) in december 99 for a little over 20 grand.
There are certainly some great deals on 2002's, and with the 2003's you'll be paying MSRP or a tad under IMO for a couple months after release (which is in a week or so). However, there are some GREAT new features on the 2003 accord.
Anyway, you need to ask yourself some questions and then we can help you further.
1) Do you want 2 doors or 4 doors?
2) How much do you care about performance and handling?
3) Is safety a major concern?
4) What is your budget? (25,000 or 20,000?)
5) How important is comfort to you? How about amenities, goodies, and luxury items?
There are big differences between the 2002 and 2003...a full listing with pictures can be found in the News and Rumors forum(link is in my signature). Just type "2003 Accord" in the search box in the top right hand corner of the page (or just browse the page) and you'll get pictures, reviews, specifications, etc. Any questions, ask in there, we know everything about the car.
Jon, I saw an ad for a brand new 2002 EX-V6 Coupe in Long Island for a touch over 21 grand...I was shocked. I bought my LX-V6 (RIP) in december 99 for a little over 20 grand.
There are certainly some great deals on 2002's, and with the 2003's you'll be paying MSRP or a tad under IMO for a couple months after release (which is in a week or so). However, there are some GREAT new features on the 2003 accord.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
Wow, thanks for your responses
Elite, as I'm single and usually have only one passenger with me at a time, I'm leaning towards the coupe. My budget is between $20,000 to $25,000 CAD (before taxes). I wouldn't mind getting the 2002 model, but would not want to pass up the opportunity for the 2003 in case it is "better". The pictures on the 'net look great, but there's nothing like seeing it up close. I'll probably get the 4 cylinder model.
SteV6r, thanks for the link. Now I have yet another place to research in
Spyfunkr, lol.
JonHsiung, as I mentioned earlier, I wouldn't mind buying the 2002 Accord SE, but the dealership I went to offered me only $750 off the ticket price of $26,650 CAD, which I thought was rather stingy if they were trying to clear their stock. I also read about rebates & incentives at http://www.carbuyingtips.com so I thought I should get a much better price than I was offered. This is one of the reasons why I am considering getting the 2003 model ...
Thanks for the moonroof info - I live in Vancouver, BC - meaning we get an awful lot of rain most of the year. As I don't have a carport (arghhh), I worry about leakage.
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?
***
I hope I've provided enough info to give you a better idea of what I'm looking for. Again, your help is very much appreciated!
Elite, as I'm single and usually have only one passenger with me at a time, I'm leaning towards the coupe. My budget is between $20,000 to $25,000 CAD (before taxes). I wouldn't mind getting the 2002 model, but would not want to pass up the opportunity for the 2003 in case it is "better". The pictures on the 'net look great, but there's nothing like seeing it up close. I'll probably get the 4 cylinder model.
SteV6r, thanks for the link. Now I have yet another place to research in
Spyfunkr, lol.
JonHsiung, as I mentioned earlier, I wouldn't mind buying the 2002 Accord SE, but the dealership I went to offered me only $750 off the ticket price of $26,650 CAD, which I thought was rather stingy if they were trying to clear their stock. I also read about rebates & incentives at http://www.carbuyingtips.com so I thought I should get a much better price than I was offered. This is one of the reasons why I am considering getting the 2003 model ...
Thanks for the moonroof info - I live in Vancouver, BC - meaning we get an awful lot of rain most of the year. As I don't have a carport (arghhh), I worry about leakage.
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?
***
I hope I've provided enough info to give you a better idea of what I'm looking for. Again, your help is very much appreciated!
lots and lots of fail
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 23,004
Likes: 1
From: Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeetroit
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?
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?
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.
lots and lots of fail
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 23,004
Likes: 1
From: Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeetroit
Originally posted by EliteAccord
The sedan will be on sale September 9 and the coupe will be on sale September 18.
The manual V6 won't be out until March 2003 or so? Unless they've changed it.
The sedan will be on sale September 9 and the coupe will be on sale September 18.
The manual V6 won't be out until March 2003 or so? Unless they've changed it.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
I'm not a big fan of the new Accords. Performance wise they seem very impressive, but i'm not really all about performance. You can have a fast car, but if it doesn't look good, you really dont have much IMO. I love my 6th gen accord. The interior is nice, performance is enough for me (Auto V6) and its enough luxury for me (19 years old). If I were you i'd take the 2002 and go with the EX V6 since you can get it for invoice. I think you'll definately be happy with your choice, considering its got great crash test ratings and the car is overall a very nice car. As others said, you dont have to worry about the resale value because that will not drop. Just take care of your car and keep up with the maintenance and you'll be fine. Good luck in your choices!