Ownership report: 2005 Honda Accord.

[GoCougs]

Well, you guys have been there with and for me so I felt it my duty to provide this report. Life's too short so I'm hunkering for something new so this may very well be a swan song.

The vehicle: Silver on black 2005 Honda Accord Sedan LX V6. 5 years and 110k miles. New off the lot for $23k OTD.

Ownership costs: The $1,200 belt change was painful but maintenance intervals are long; 100k+ miles for plugs, belt, coolant and AT fluid and 7500 miles for oil. MPG is great (ave 26, best 33, low of 22 w/snow tires). Still have the original brakes. No foreseen problems save for a bit of paint peeling at the taillight/bumper interface (almost impossible to notice).

The good: good acceleration, decent handling and brakes (though the pedal is a bit mushy). Just right sized for a people-usable four door. Okay snow performance when outfitted with snow tires. 100% reliability.

The bad: mediocre ride and terrible road noise, even with supposed "soft ride" tires (but better than the OEM Michelins). I rode in a co-workers GMT800 truck last week and had to LOL at the better ride and far less road noise. I still have interior rattles but they've lessened over time. The AT is slow to shift from N to D, but that's been the case since new.

Overall impression: Disappointed in the interior rattles and the ride and road noise. Outside that it's been inexpensive, 100% reliable, and provided a modicum of performance give its plebeian intent. I didn't think it would prove to be a better vehicle than the Tacoma that it replaced, but it has.

[CJ]

Road noise, bad interior quality (In our Accord, ride quality, rattles.  Yep, it's a newer Honda!  Also, AVERAGE of 26?  LOW MPG of 22?  Our car doesn't get anywhere near 22 MPG in normal driving.  Try 18, 20 if you try really hard.  It will get upwards of 32 on the highway, though.  I had ours to 31.6 once.

[GoCougs]

Interesting, every weekday I drive a third of my commute in typical Seattle rush hour traffic and average 75 - 85 on the freeway when not doing that, and I engage in at least some measure of foot-to-the-floor action almost every time I get in it. I dunno - maybe I'm easier on it than I think...

[mzziaz]

So, what are your thoughts on a new car?

[Laconian]

Our 06 Accord with 35k miles is doing just fine. Michelin Primacy tires really livened up the steering and made wet weather driving so much more pleasant. Love the mix of performance and economy with the I4+5MT combination. Decent acceleration and 30-32mpg average all the time!

[GoCougs]

So, what are your thoughts on a new car?

I'll spare the forum another "what should I buy" thread and will probably just go buy something and post about it after the fact. I had to go fairly plebeian with this car as it was for the job I had at the time (now long gone). I now have no such restrictions, but it'll probably still be nothing too fancy (under $30k) and still probably a four door. However I may be moving overseas for work which I'll know fairly soon (thus no buying a new car).

[Byteme]

I'll spare the forum another "what should I buy" thread and will probably just go buy something and post about it after the fact. I had to go fairly plebeian with this car as it was for the job I had at the time (now long gone). I now have no such restrictions, but it'll probably still be nothing too fancy (under $30k) and still probably a four door. However I may be moving overseas for work which I'll know fairly soon (thus no buying a new car).

Go buy a Toyota Camry.  That car would be perfect for you.

[GoCougs]

Go buy a Toyota Camry.  That car would be perfect for you.

Did a Camry eat the E-type's lunch again?

[Byteme]

Did a Camry eat the E-type's lunch again?

Lots of modern car can outrun an E-Type.  What's your point?

[GoCougs]

Lots of modern car can outrun an E-Type.  What's your point?

Point already made. Aren't I crafty?

[Byteme]

Point already made. Aren't I crafty?

Well, you are something, but I wouldn't have used the word crafty. 

[AutobahnSHO]

It's "cwafty" for GoCougs aka Elmer Fudd. 

My parents had a 200(2-4?) Accord which they traded for whatever reason for a 1999 Outback.
They're loving the snow driving (Wyoming- trust me, "snow tires are just as good as an AWD/4WD" doesn't cut it) but the transmission pauses a few seconds from reverse to drive, and they say it's too small.

Mom says she wants the Accord back.

[SVT666]

He'll probably buy another Accord.

[the Teuton]

It's "cwafty" for GoCougs aka Elmer Fudd. 

My parents had a 200(2-4?) Accord which they traded for whatever reason for a 1999 Outback.
They're loving the snow driving (Wyoming- trust me, "snow tires are just as good as an AWD/4WD" doesn't cut it) but the transmission pauses a few seconds from reverse to drive, and they say it's too small.

Mom says she wants the Accord back.

Tell them to get a Crosstour.

[Jon?]

My parents had a 200(2-4?) Accord which they traded for whatever reason for a 1999 Outback.
They're loving the snow driving (Wyoming- trust me, "snow tires are just as good as an AWD/4WD" doesn't cut it) but the transmission pauses a few seconds from reverse to drive, and they say it's too small.

Mom says she wants the Accord back.

Really?  I would have thought the Outback and Accord were about the same size.  And the Outback would have it all over the Accord in terms of cargo.

[GoCougs]

He'll probably buy another Accord.

Did an Accord eat the Focus's lunch again?

[GoCougs]

Really?  I would have thought the Outback and Accord were about the same size.  And the Outback would have it all over the Accord in terms of cargo.

I had looked at the previous generation Outback ('05-'09) before I bought this car. The Outback feels much smaller than the 7th gen ('03-'07) Accord on the inside; like a compact really. The previous generation Outback should be even smaller.

[CALL_911]

Did an Accord eat the Focus's lunch again?

No, but a 5-series ate an Accord V6's lunch today.

[S204STi]

WRX > all you idiots.

[GoCougs]

No, but a 5-series ate an Accord V6's lunch today.

Yer not doing it right.

[93JC]

Did a Camry eat the E-type's lunch again?

Given your complaints about road noise, stiff ride and rattles, a Camry is a perfectly sensible suggestion.

Did an Accord eat the Focus's lunch again?

And so is an Accord; the new ones are bigger, softer, quieter.


Why are your panties in a bunch?

[AutobahnSHO]

Really?  I would have thought the Outback and Accord were about the same size.  And the Outback would have it all over the Accord in terms of cargo.

Subies have always tended to be narrow. My car is basically an outback without foglights, suspension, or cladding, and it's more Escort-sized than anything.

The NEW outbacks are bigger though.

Tell them to get a Crosstour.

Very sensible choice, they don't buy new though. Havta give it a few years.

[Raza]

I'll spare the forum another "what should I buy" thread and will probably just go buy something and post about it after the fact. I had to go fairly plebeian with this car as it was for the job I had at the time (now long gone). I now have no such restrictions, but it'll probably still be nothing too fancy (under $30k) and still probably a four door. However I may be moving overseas for work which I'll know fairly soon (thus no buying a new car).

If you're going for another midsizer, I think you'll be happy with the Legacy.  You seem to like it, and you should buy what you like.  If you do not move overseas, do you plan on getting a manual this time around, or are you going to go automatic again?

The new Accord is too fucking big, but the coupe looks nice. 

[Raza]

@ the anti-Accordism here.  Let it go, guys.  We all know it's fast.  We all know it's also not an enthusiast's car. 

Anyway, Cougs, hope you're on to bigger (well, smaller ) and better things. 

[AutobahnSHO]

If you're going for another midsizer, I think you'll be happy with the Legacy.

They look so nice I'm surprised they're Subies.

[SVT666]

@ the anti-Accordism here.  Let it go, guys.  We all know it's fast.  We all know it's also not an enthusiast's car. 

Anyway, Cougs, hope you're on to bigger (well, smaller ) and better things. 

I hope you don't mean me.  Personally, I really like the new Accord, especially the coupe.  I was being serious when I said I expect him to buy another Accord.  He's just being his usual prick self that's all.

[GoCougs]

C'mon guys,  in my own special way I'm interesting to have around whether you admit to it or not.

Yes, the new Accord is much bigger and is still plagued with typical Honda ride and road noise (though better).

I need a car that at a minimum can carry four people comfortably, can accommodate roof and hitch racks, can do snow duty fairly well.

As to moving overseas, if it happens it'd be Japan, so I'd probably not get a car.

[S204STi]

Have you driven the new Accord?  I thought it was dead-silent, myself.

[Raza]

I hope you don't mean me.  Personally, I really like the new Accord, especially the coupe.  I was being serious when I said I expect him to buy another Accord.  He's just being his usual prick self that's all.

No, not you.

I also don't expect him to get another Accord, especially after the interest he's expressed in the Legacy.  Also, it's too damn big.  I don't know why a single guy would want a full size car.

[Raza]

They look so nice I'm surprised they're Subies.

Oh, I think they're hideous.  That's how I know they're Subarus.  Any uglier, they'd have to be Acuras!