Advice needed: Looking for new car, perhaps Honda

I really think you had a lemon, because that really doesn't sound like a
Honda. Even today, I still see quite a few late 80s Accords and Civics
driving around Toronto (looking like rust buckets, but they still work),
whereas most other cars from that generation have all but dissapeared.

We have owned 4 Hondas in my family over the past few years, 94 and 02
Accords, 99 Odyssey and an 01 Prelude and the only major repair was a
failed transmission on the Odyssey (covered under the warranty).
Otherwise, only minor things, and only after 150k km (95k miles) on the
94 Accord.

Give Honda a try, they are still some of the most reliable cars on the
market today.

Cosmin

 

I really think you had a lemon, because that really doesn't sound like a
Honda. Even today, I still see quite a few late 80s Accords and Civics
driving around Toronto (looking like rust buckets, but they still work),
whereas most other cars from that generation have all but dissapeared.

We have owned 4 Hondas in my family over the past few years, 94 and 02
Accords, 99 Odyssey and an 01 Prelude and the only major repair was a
failed transmission on the Odyssey (covered under the warranty).
Otherwise, only minor things, and only after 150k km (95k miles) on the
94 Accord.

Give Honda a try, they are still some of the most reliable cars on the
market today.

Cosmin

 

Even today, I still see quite a few late 80s Accords and Civics
driving around Toronto (looking like rust buckets, but they still work),
whereas most other cars from that generation have all but dissapeared.<

I drove my 1982 Prelude up until 2 months ago. It ran like a brand new car
(thanks to my mechanic of course), we still took it on 350 mile round trips,
but yes, the old "rustbucket" syndrome took over and we had to replace it.

 

Did you tried a Honda Element?
It has decent acceleration and very, good mileage.

Chris, 42

 

: Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:
::
: I really think you had a lemon, because that really doesn't sound
like a
: Honda. Even today, I still see quite a few late 80s Accords and
Civics
: driving around Toronto (looking like rust buckets, but they still
work),
: whereas most other cars from that generation have all but
dissapeared.
:
: We have owned 4 Hondas in my family over the past few years, 94 and
02
: Accords, 99 Odyssey and an 01 Prelude and the only major repair was
a
: failed transmission on the Odyssey (covered under the warranty).
: Otherwise, only minor things, and only after 150k km (95k miles) on
the
: 94 Accord.
:
: Give Honda a try, they are still some of the most reliable cars on
the
: market today.
:
:

I think it was a lemeon. I was working at Honda at the time, that's
how I got them to repaint the beast. However, they wouldn't replace
the car. I got rid of it at the end of the 4 year mark. It still had
a year left on the warranty.

Ok, so if I do decide on a Honda, which model, and cylinder would
bring me the most bang for the buck and still be reliable. BTW, I
should tell y'all I think I am cursed when it comes to reliability.
;-)

Anyhow, I really don't like the looks of the Civic or the Corolla for
that matter. They are too "girly" for me. I haven't seen the Civic
sports model though. Accords seem to be expensive and they have
tranny issues (deja vu) but I do like it looks wise. I probably will
go to an automatic this time. I may lease (kinda like an insurance
policy) but I really get screwed if I lease an import unlike a North
American model such as GM. There is also a cost factor that with the
domestics they do offer a lot of incentives so the monthly car
payment is lower.

Suggestions?

 

: Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:
::
: I really think you had a lemon, because that really doesn't sound
like a
: Honda. Even today, I still see quite a few late 80s Accords and
Civics
: driving around Toronto (looking like rust buckets, but they still
work),
: whereas most other cars from that generation have all but
dissapeared.
:
: We have owned 4 Hondas in my family over the past few years, 94 and
02
: Accords, 99 Odyssey and an 01 Prelude and the only major repair was
a
: failed transmission on the Odyssey (covered under the warranty).
: Otherwise, only minor things, and only after 150k km (95k miles) on
the
: 94 Accord.
:
: Give Honda a try, they are still some of the most reliable cars on
the
: market today.
:
:

I think it was a lemeon. I was working at Honda at the time, that's
how I got them to repaint the beast. However, they wouldn't replace
the car. I got rid of it at the end of the 4 year mark. It still had
a year left on the warranty.

Ok, so if I do decide on a Honda, which model, and cylinder would
bring me the most bang for the buck and still be reliable. BTW, I
should tell y'all I think I am cursed when it comes to reliability.
;-)

Anyhow, I really don't like the looks of the Civic or the Corolla for
that matter. They are too "girly" for me. I haven't seen the Civic
sports model though. Accords seem to be expensive and they have
tranny issues (deja vu) but I do like it looks wise. I probably will
go to an automatic this time. I may lease (kinda like an insurance
policy) but I really get screwed if I lease an import unlike a North
American model such as GM. There is also a cost factor that with the
domestics they do offer a lot of incentives so the monthly car
payment is lower.

Suggestions?

 

No, I hate the looks of that more than the Civic. Besides, I think it
may be out of my budget. I am looking for something a lot less in
price then the Jetta.

: Did you tried a Honda Element?
: It has decent acceleration and very, good mileage.
:
: Chris, 42
:
: On Mon, 09 Aug 2004 03:24:46 GMT, "blondee_yvr"
<>
: wrote:
:
: >Ok, I used to have a Honda 15+ years ago. It was first made in
Canada
: >and I have been plagued with problems from day one. I said to
myself
: >that I would never get another Honda.
: >
: >Now, I am selling my 2002 VW Jetta because it too has many
problems.
: >I could have bad luck, dunno. So, what I am looking for is a car
that
: >will spend the least amount of time in the shop (warranty or
: >otherwise). I would like the most bang for my buck but ABS is a
must
: >a 4 wheel disc is a plus.I am looking for decent acceleration and
very
: >good mileage (no hybrid please). I also don't like the car to be
: >femine looking.
: >
: >I looked at the interior of the Honda's a couple of years ago and I
: >wasn't impressed. I am also concerned with the high
thefts/break-ins
: >of Hondas. I live in North America's number one capital for car
: >break-ins and Honda is at the top of the list. So, the insurance
: >deductible is a concern.
: >
: >I have to buy new since I have what appears to be "bad luck" and I
am
: >not someone who will or plans to do self-maintenance on the car.
: >
: >Are there any models or cars that one would recommend? BTW, I am
in
: >my later 30's.
: >
: >Thanks
: >
:

 

:
: Thanks. If you had to do it all over again, which vehicle would you
: buy?

Oh, btw, ABS is not offered on Civic models except the LX or Si.

 

blondee_yvr wrote:

[snip]

[snip]

Whichever model you decide on, do not get the automatic transmission,
especially if you're looking for a sporty feel to the car. Granted,
automatics have come a long way in the past 20 years, but they are still
slower, less responsive and reliable than the manuals. A V6 engine will
offset some of those drawbacks (at a cost in even worse reliability),
but an I4 engine, especially the Civic one, will be sloooooow.

I was recently in the market for another car to replace the 94 Accord
before it completely devalued, and I decided to get the 01 Prelude SE
5spd. With only 18k miles, mint shape, it cost me as much as a brand new
Civic Si coupe, but it's a much better car. But if you're looking for a
brand new car, then maybe the Acura RSX, or the Accord coupe (I4). Those
were some of the sporty cars I was considering before settling on the
Prelude.

If you're looking for a sedan, the Civic sedan looks completely dated,
and the Corolla is not much better. However, have you ever considered
the Mazda 3? I love the styling, and the performance with the 160hp
engine is pretty good. It gets close to the price of the Accord though
and it's in such high demand you're not likely to get any incentives
from the dealers.

Cosmin

 

blondee_yvr wrote:

[snip]

[snip]

Whichever model you decide on, do not get the automatic transmission,
especially if you're looking for a sporty feel to the car. Granted,
automatics have come a long way in the past 20 years, but they are still
slower, less responsive and reliable than the manuals. A V6 engine will
offset some of those drawbacks (at a cost in even worse reliability),
but an I4 engine, especially the Civic one, will be sloooooow.

I was recently in the market for another car to replace the 94 Accord
before it completely devalued, and I decided to get the 01 Prelude SE
5spd. With only 18k miles, mint shape, it cost me as much as a brand new
Civic Si coupe, but it's a much better car. But if you're looking for a
brand new car, then maybe the Acura RSX, or the Accord coupe (I4). Those
were some of the sporty cars I was considering before settling on the
Prelude.

If you're looking for a sedan, the Civic sedan looks completely dated,
and the Corolla is not much better. However, have you ever considered
the Mazda 3? I love the styling, and the performance with the 160hp
engine is pretty good. It gets close to the price of the Accord though
and it's in such high demand you're not likely to get any incentives
from the dealers.

Cosmin

 

: Whichever model you decide on, do not get the automatic
transmission,
: especially if you're looking for a sporty feel to the car. Granted,
: automatics have come a long way in the past 20 years, but they are
still
: slower, less responsive and reliable than the manuals. A V6 engine
will
: offset some of those drawbacks (at a cost in even worse
reliability),
: but an I4 engine, especially the Civic one, will be sloooooow.

This is why I may need to look at the domestics because they *should*
have better reliability than the imports. My TDI is a 5 speed and it
really is a nuisance in the city and when I have to stop on hills. It
also ticks me off when the bozo behind me is right on my butt when I
have some roll.
:
: I was recently in the market for another car to replace the 94
Accord
: before it completely devalued, and I decided to get the 01 Prelude
SE
: 5spd. With only 18k miles, mint shape, it cost me as much as a brand
new
: Civic Si coupe, but it's a much better car. But if you're looking
for a
: brand new car, then maybe the Acura RSX, or the Accord coupe (I4).
Those
: were some of the sporty cars I was considering before settling on
the
: Prelude.

Me and used get along as much as oil and water. No matter how hard I
try, we can't mix.
:
: If you're looking for a sedan, the Civic sedan looks completely
dated,
: and the Corolla is not much better. However, have you ever
considered
: the Mazda 3? I love the styling, and the performance with the 160hp
: engine is pretty good. It gets close to the price of the Accord
though
: and it's in such high demand you're not likely to get any incentives
: from the dealers.

Agreed, it's very dated along with the Corolla. I seriously thought
about the Mazda 3 and with ABS it is in the same ballpark price as my
TDI. However, I don't like the styling of the 3. Perhaps I am a good
candidate to lease a domestic car for three years until something
comes my way that I like that way the car will be fully under warranty
regardless of [most] problems?

 

: Whichever model you decide on, do not get the automatic
transmission,
: especially if you're looking for a sporty feel to the car. Granted,
: automatics have come a long way in the past 20 years, but they are
still
: slower, less responsive and reliable than the manuals. A V6 engine
will
: offset some of those drawbacks (at a cost in even worse
reliability),
: but an I4 engine, especially the Civic one, will be sloooooow.

This is why I may need to look at the domestics because they *should*
have better reliability than the imports. My TDI is a 5 speed and it
really is a nuisance in the city and when I have to stop on hills. It
also ticks me off when the bozo behind me is right on my butt when I
have some roll.
:
: I was recently in the market for another car to replace the 94
Accord
: before it completely devalued, and I decided to get the 01 Prelude
SE
: 5spd. With only 18k miles, mint shape, it cost me as much as a brand
new
: Civic Si coupe, but it's a much better car. But if you're looking
for a
: brand new car, then maybe the Acura RSX, or the Accord coupe (I4).
Those
: were some of the sporty cars I was considering before settling on
the
: Prelude.

Me and used get along as much as oil and water. No matter how hard I
try, we can't mix.
:
: If you're looking for a sedan, the Civic sedan looks completely
dated,
: and the Corolla is not much better. However, have you ever
considered
: the Mazda 3? I love the styling, and the performance with the 160hp
: engine is pretty good. It gets close to the price of the Accord
though
: and it's in such high demand you're not likely to get any incentives
: from the dealers.

Agreed, it's very dated along with the Corolla. I seriously thought
about the Mazda 3 and with ABS it is in the same ballpark price as my
TDI. However, I don't like the styling of the 3. Perhaps I am a good
candidate to lease a domestic car for three years until something
comes my way that I like that way the car will be fully under warranty
regardless of [most] problems?

 

This is why I may need to look at the domestics because they *should*

Have you been running the car in an enclosed garage?

OK, are you stupid or retarded? Corolla was completely redesigned all the way
back in 2003!!!!! OMG, it's soooooo outdated!


Perhaps I am a good

So you'd rather handcuff yourself to a domestic junk for years just because you
can't decide on which import you like best?

You really should take the bus to school.



____________________________________
Do not write below this line. Reserved for me.

 

blondee_yvr wrote:

[snip]

The domestics have far worse reliability than Honda in every respect,
including the transmission. Honda got so much bad publicity because it
is very uncommon for them to have ANY problems, whereas with the
domestics replacing a transmission is just "regular maintenance". I do
understand your frustration with the manual transmission on your TDI. It
happens to me all the time that someone stops too close, but I usually
leave myself enough room in the front to pull up a bit, and when people
see I drive a manual, they back off. Rush hour traffic is another issue
though.
[snip]

I understand. I think I looked at 15 Preludes before I bought mine...

That's definitely an option if you don't really care what kind of car
you drive. Just don't buy it though, the domestics have no resale value
and you don't want to be stuck with one. Next year the new Civic will
come out (and hopefully they'll do a good job on it, unlike the current
one), the new Sentra and a few others will come out soon as well. By the
time your lease will expire all the new models will be on the market.

Cosmin

 

blondee_yvr wrote:

[snip]

The domestics have far worse reliability than Honda in every respect,
including the transmission. Honda got so much bad publicity because it
is very uncommon for them to have ANY problems, whereas with the
domestics replacing a transmission is just "regular maintenance". I do
understand your frustration with the manual transmission on your TDI. It
happens to me all the time that someone stops too close, but I usually
leave myself enough room in the front to pull up a bit, and when people
see I drive a manual, they back off. Rush hour traffic is another issue
though.
[snip]

I understand. I think I looked at 15 Preludes before I bought mine...

That's definitely an option if you don't really care what kind of car
you drive. Just don't buy it though, the domestics have no resale value
and you don't want to be stuck with one. Next year the new Civic will
come out (and hopefully they'll do a good job on it, unlike the current
one), the new Sentra and a few others will come out soon as well. By the
time your lease will expire all the new models will be on the market.

Cosmin

 

The recall is for 2003 and 2004 Accords not specific to the number of
cylinders.

This is the first round of recalls.

Go to:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls

Make : HONDA Model : ACCORD Year : 2004
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V176000 Recall Date : APR 13, 2004
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1099796
Summary:
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING
CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY
SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR
TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Consequence:
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A
CRASH.
Remedy:
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION
WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO
THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL
INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED
DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION
WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE
REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR
PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START
RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL
AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT
1-800-382-2238.
Notes:
HONDA RECALL NOS. P30 (ODYSSEY AND PILOT), P31 (MDX), P38 (ACCORD) AND P39
(ACURA). CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY
ADMINISTRATION?S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

 

I'll buy it from you. Fair market price, even.

It has been in the dealer service center since 8-2-2004 with no resolution yet

 

Thanks. If you had to do it all over again, which vehicle would you

Well, I have bad luck.

If I had to do it again I would probably purchase a Vibe or Matrix with a
moonroof. Drive car - be happy.

Or a Corolla or a Civic EX only.

Those are the only cars I consider to be reliable at this point after all of my
mistakes that is my 20-20 hindsight.

 

Oh, btw, ABS is not offered on Civic models except the LX or Si.

Civic LX has no ABS only the EX in the sedan/coupe arena.

 

Thanks. If you had to do it all over again, which vehicle would you

Make that 2005 Vibe or 2005 Matrix.

With a Roof for the Moon.

Keeping in mind that there is no perfect vehicle and no such thing as luck.....