Hi all. Against my better judgment---I really can't afford it and there is nothing horribly wrong with my '04 Chevy Malibu Classic---I am toying with the idea of splurging on a new '06 Accord VP, with automaticm tranny. I emphasize "new" because a Honda dealer about 30 miles from me has two '06 Accord VPs listed as new inventory, which surprised me. It seems most folks go for the LX and disregard the entry-level VP trim. (Even more true with the new Civic; dealers near me don't seem to even carry the entry DX trim.) A new Accord is at the extreme high end of my price range, but according to Edmunds the "true market value" of a new '06 VP-AT is slightly below invoice, at slightly over $17K. I assume that's because it's essentially a year old, even though the '07 models do not seem to add much if anything compared to the '06. Anyway, does anyone have insight into how much the bottom line price for a bare-bones '06 Accord VP-AT should be? How desperate do you think local dealers will be to unload '06 models, now that 2007 is here? (6 hours to go, EST.) The VP has everything I need in a car, and everything I want except for stability control---which Honda only offers on V-6 Accords. I want my next car to have ESC, but the only model I can afford to buy new that has ESC is the Hyundai Sonata 4-cylinder. The Sonata is also on my shopping list, but if I can really get a brand-new Accord with full warranty for a shade over $17K, that might be too good to pass up. Anyone here drive an Accord VP? Thanks in advance for all advice and Happy New Year, Eric M
The Accord VP is very similar to the LX. There isn't much difference at all except for a better audio system, slightly bigger tires and some trim. Mechanically the same. And most people appreciate the mechanics of a Honda. So its hardly barebones. I'd go for it, but try to work the dealer down well below invoice. They failed to seel it during its model year, you shouldn't be holding the bag on a one-year depreciated model. Check the used prices for a 2006 VP and work from there.
get a 4-banger used ex that's a couple of years old. great value for money. all the bells and whistles. outstandingly reliable. good for 2 to 3 hundred thousand miles. save your cash.
Also, I have been told that no dealers carry the DX civic. That car must be requested because its generally not too desirable not haveing a radio and all.