Buying a 98-02 Accord - V6 or 4 cylinder help
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Buying a 98-02 Accord - V6 or 4 cylinder help
Need help deciding between the V6 or 4 cylinder 6th generation Accord. I've decided that I definitely want an EX with leather. Spend a maximum of $15,000.
My current car is an 89 LXi hatchback with 170,000 miles that I bought new. I never really felt like the power was really lacking in that car. There are a few freeway occasions where a bigger engine would have been nice. I'm getting about 24 MPG with a combo of freeway and city driving.
I've driven both the V6 and the 4 cylinder 98-02 Accords.
V6 Pro's:
- like the added feature(s) that come with the EX V6, like the automatic climate control. I've seen posts that indicate that it's a more powerful AC system, more fan speeds, etc. Don't think you can get it with a 4 banger? Leather is standard in the EX V6, but I'd buy a leather 4 anyway. Are there any other features I'd get with the V6?
- power - don't think I need to explain this one
- quiet - you don't hear the engine straining
V6 Con's:
- gas mileage - my independent mechanic (who's opinion, skill andn knowledge I respect) has a 96 with V6. He gets 11/17 MPG. He's not happy. Getting ready to get a new '03 4 cylinder.
- weight
- complexity - harder to work on, more expensive parts
- fuel cost - pending war in Iraq, who knows what'll happen to gas prices
I4 Pro's:
- simplicity - proven engine, popular, easy to work on, less weight added to car means less to wear out, etc.
- fuel economy is better - don't know how much in reality
- adequate power - very quick off the line, pretty responsive
- less expensive to buy
- car feels lighter, not weighted down and heavy like the V6.
- weight distribution: since the I4 should be lighter the overall weight distribution from front to back should be more even than a V6. This should result in better handling, and safety?
I4 Con's:
- missing climate control
- noisy engine
- many have said they regret getting the 4 when they could have had the 6.
Any opinions appreciated!
My current car is an 89 LXi hatchback with 170,000 miles that I bought new. I never really felt like the power was really lacking in that car. There are a few freeway occasions where a bigger engine would have been nice. I'm getting about 24 MPG with a combo of freeway and city driving.
I've driven both the V6 and the 4 cylinder 98-02 Accords.
V6 Pro's:
- like the added feature(s) that come with the EX V6, like the automatic climate control. I've seen posts that indicate that it's a more powerful AC system, more fan speeds, etc. Don't think you can get it with a 4 banger? Leather is standard in the EX V6, but I'd buy a leather 4 anyway. Are there any other features I'd get with the V6?
- power - don't think I need to explain this one
- quiet - you don't hear the engine straining
V6 Con's:
- gas mileage - my independent mechanic (who's opinion, skill andn knowledge I respect) has a 96 with V6. He gets 11/17 MPG. He's not happy. Getting ready to get a new '03 4 cylinder.
- weight
- complexity - harder to work on, more expensive parts
- fuel cost - pending war in Iraq, who knows what'll happen to gas prices
I4 Pro's:
- simplicity - proven engine, popular, easy to work on, less weight added to car means less to wear out, etc.
- fuel economy is better - don't know how much in reality
- adequate power - very quick off the line, pretty responsive
- less expensive to buy
- car feels lighter, not weighted down and heavy like the V6.
- weight distribution: since the I4 should be lighter the overall weight distribution from front to back should be more even than a V6. This should result in better handling, and safety?
I4 Con's:
- missing climate control
- noisy engine
- many have said they regret getting the 4 when they could have had the 6.
Any opinions appreciated!
lots and lots of fail
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 23,004
Likes: 1
From: Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeetroit
First off, my 98 V6 gets 26.5MPG on average. Don't draw a conclusion from the opinion of one person.
The I4 doesn't have better weight distribution than the V6. If it is, it certainly isn't enough to actually make the car handle better. The EX-L I4 only weighs something like 100lbs less than the EX-V6...not nearly enough to make a noticeable difference in performance.
That said, GET THE V6 if you're getting an automatic either way. If you can't live without a 5 speed, get the I4 obviously. But the V6 is much more rewarding. If you can afford it, that is.
The I4 doesn't have better weight distribution than the V6. If it is, it certainly isn't enough to actually make the car handle better. The EX-L I4 only weighs something like 100lbs less than the EX-V6...not nearly enough to make a noticeable difference in performance.
That said, GET THE V6 if you're getting an automatic either way. If you can't live without a 5 speed, get the I4 obviously. But the V6 is much more rewarding. If you can afford it, that is.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: somewhere in the mid
If you want to get the auto, definately get the V6. I used to have a 6th gen auto 4 cylinder and I'm pretty dissapointed with the performance. It's slow and the auto is not slow to shift.
I've driven the V6 and it's much better imo. You'll feel the additional torque. And the car doesn't feel that heavy compared to the 4 banger.
So, if you want to get auto, get the V6
I regret getting the 4cyl auto. 
If you want to get the 5 speed, then get the I4.
I've driven the V6 and it's much better imo. You'll feel the additional torque. And the car doesn't feel that heavy compared to the 4 banger.
So, if you want to get auto, get the V6
I regret getting the 4cyl auto. If you want to get the 5 speed, then get the I4.
lots and lots of fail
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 23,004
Likes: 1
From: Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeetroit
Originally posted by steveng
v6 has two serious cons
1. weak tranny
2. weak alternator
v6 has two serious cons
1. weak tranny
2. weak alternator
un-Touch'd krew
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 51,774
Likes: 1
From: My own level of hell
Originally posted by captainsaveaho
yeah, i agree, if you want an auto, get a v6, manual-4banger...like me
yeah, i agree, if you want an auto, get a v6, manual-4banger...like me
Nuff said really
__________________
"I'll keep my money, guns and freedom. You can keep the "Change."
"I'll keep my money, guns and freedom. You can keep the "Change."
早晨好, 先生們!™ 粉腸+ 春袋
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 8,730
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
My 02' EX-V6 gets 500km ish to a tank, so that's around 30mpg. It's been getting better since the car is broken in now.
Big problems are the tranny and interior build. Just too many squeaks and rattles.
Big problems are the tranny and interior build. Just too many squeaks and rattles.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
What's an immobilizer chip?
Looks like I've about decided on the V6!
Really like the way it drives, more like a Passat or BMW. While the 4 feels like a "cheap" Honda.
Other features that you get on the V6 that you can't get any other way:
- HomeLink (remote garage door opener built in)
- Steering wheel radio control
- Climate Control (mentioned earlier)
Have also settled on a 2000 model. It's the first year for side airbags (leather or V6 only) and for child-seat tether anchors.
Still a bit concerned about MPG. Anyone else care to post their MPG ratings?
Looks like I've about decided on the V6!
Really like the way it drives, more like a Passat or BMW. While the 4 feels like a "cheap" Honda.
Other features that you get on the V6 that you can't get any other way:
- HomeLink (remote garage door opener built in)
- Steering wheel radio control
- Climate Control (mentioned earlier)
Have also settled on a 2000 model. It's the first year for side airbags (leather or V6 only) and for child-seat tether anchors.
Still a bit concerned about MPG. Anyone else care to post their MPG ratings?
