LX-to-EX: bypassing Honda's standard options!

Because Honda is notorious for shoving options down consumers throats. Most

I guess that I have the only 2003 Accord EX model without the sunroof.

I purchased a stock no-option LX 4-cylinder sedan model and installed
the following EX-model pieces: the stock 4-cylinder EX rims and Michelin
tires (a steal off of eBay!), the body-colored side garnishes, the full
interior wood trim found standard on the EX models, the EX power window
and switch pods on all four doors, and the EX 6-cylinder underside-trunk
liner. This was in addition to the mudguards, the door edge guards, the
day/night mirror, the cargo tray, and temperature gauge -- as accessories.

Probably the most controversial has been the replacement of the chrome
LX badge on the trunk with an EX badge, recommended to me by the dealer
(in light of my unique car).

I just did not want the sunroof, and I guess that my persistence does
pay off. Still thinking about installing the Homelink system as well as
the 6-disc in-dash CD unit to complete the LX-to-EX transformation.

Paul

 

A friend of mine very carefully ordered every item from the "Nova SS"
except for the badge in 1969. Same car, lower insurance.

 

A friend of mine very carefully ordered every item from the "Nova SS"
except for the badge in 1969. Same car, lower insurance.

 

Seems like you'd pay a lot more by adding these one at a time. But
maybe I'm wrong.

 

Seems like you'd pay a lot more by adding these one at a time. But
maybe I'm wrong.

 

Seems like you'd pay a lot more by adding these one at a time. But

Not if you go out late at night and steal em off other cars.





.........
I do not killfile, nor have I joined any do-not-call lists.

 

Not really. All Accords come with ABS.

 

Not really. All Accords come with ABS.

 

Paul, just out of curiosity... (a) what do you have against sunroofs,
(b) what was the total cost of your LX after adding all of these
items, and (c) when you sell it or trade it, are you going to tell the
next owner what you did?

Tracy

 

Paul, just out of curiosity... (a) what do you have against sunroofs,
(b) what was the total cost of your LX after adding all of these
items, and (c) when you sell it or trade it, are you going to tell the
next owner what you did?

Tracy

 

[/QUOTE]

I gotta ask: Did all the extras you added total more than if you'd
ordered the stock EX with the sunroof? If so, why not just get the EX
with the sunroof and leave the danged thing closed? Color me curious.

 

[/QUOTE]

I gotta ask: Did all the extras you added total more than if you'd
ordered the stock EX with the sunroof? If so, why not just get the EX
with the sunroof and leave the danged thing closed? Color me curious.

 

I'd say that is indeed controversial. It is not an EX model no matter
what you changed. Hopefully when you go to resell this car, you'll
disclose that fact.

 

I'd say that is indeed controversial. It is not an EX model no matter
what you changed. Hopefully when you go to resell this car, you'll
disclose that fact.

 

Sorry, but your list of changes is by no means a complete list of
differences between the LX and EX.

 

Sorry, but your list of changes is by no means a complete list of
differences between the LX and EX.

 

Insurance companies will look at the VIN and know it's an LX, and any
coverage they offer will be based on the LX goodies--not the EX goodies.
This guy may not care about that, but the next owner will.

The next owner will also wonder why his registration shows it as an LX.

 

Insurance companies will look at the VIN and know it's an LX, and any
coverage they offer will be based on the LX goodies--not the EX goodies.
This guy may not care about that, but the next owner will.

The next owner will also wonder why his registration shows it as an LX.

 

Hello, Tracy!

I never had a sunroof in none of my previous cars, so I did not see the
need for such a luxury. I don't need the extra light if the sunroof is
open, and I do not like the wind in my hair while driving. Besides, I
have read complaints on these newsgroups (from Accord owners) who have
had problems with their own sunroofs, such as maintenance issues, or
additional noise, or some drainage problems. Most of all, I wanted a
unique, stealth Accord that didn't stand out from the crowd!

I'm not sure about the total cost of the car after adding these items.
I did get some of these for quite a bargain on eBay, and I know a friend
who has provided me with wholesale prices on stock Honda parts.

I do not plan to sell or trade this car, at least for the next ten years,
so I added these options and accessories to enhance my own driving
experience.

Paul

 

Hello, Tracy!

I never had a sunroof in none of my previous cars, so I did not see the
need for such a luxury. I don't need the extra light if the sunroof is
open, and I do not like the wind in my hair while driving. Besides, I
have read complaints on these newsgroups (from Accord owners) who have
had problems with their own sunroofs, such as maintenance issues, or
additional noise, or some drainage problems. Most of all, I wanted a
unique, stealth Accord that didn't stand out from the crowd!

I'm not sure about the total cost of the car after adding these items.
I did get some of these for quite a bargain on eBay, and I know a friend
who has provided me with wholesale prices on stock Honda parts.

I do not plan to sell or trade this car, at least for the next ten years,
so I added these options and accessories to enhance my own driving
experience.

Paul