Honda Accords (03-08) - Any good?

[T84]

Yet another problem with my Focus means I'm binning it ASAP and looking at getting something reliable.

Looking at the 2.2CDT-i at around the £6k mark, are they good cars?

Alternatives are a Focus 2.0 TDCi, Seat Leon, Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI (Don't like Golfs really though!) Mondeo 2.0 TDCi.

[Dr Doofenshmirtz]

Get the 'Executive' model with all the toys - great cars and totally reliable.

[Deva Link]

I had one on test for a few days some years ago and liked it - lovely engine for a 4cyl diesel - but the rear tyre roar was annoying and the dash had sat nav which looked great but without it looked horrible. As it was for a compnay car I wouldn't have been able to get the sat nav.

There are some noted issues - turbo failure and manifolds cracking, and the MPG is often way lower than Honda claimed (they seem to vary a lot, car to car).

List of issues here, if you haven't seen it already:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/honda/accord-...

Wifey has had 2 Honda Jazz's and they've been great but Honda have a bit of a reputation for cars falling apart at 6-7yrs+. It could be fine if you get a good one, or you could have (expensive) problem after problem.

But then VAG group cars have pourous head issues, and Fords are known for unfixable injection problems. Older diesels are a can of worms.

[T84]

Thanks,

I could get a Petrol, just worried about insurance and Diesels tend to be cheaper

[8400rpm]

The only thing I would be 'worried' about, is if the timing chain is a bit noisy/rattly.

It shows a previous owner has run it low on old and ruined the tensioner. Expensive fix. Otherwise, they're bang on.

I recently got rid of my 1999 Civic as it was too small for dad duty, otherwise I wouldn't have sold it. Totally dependable and apart from consumables, nothing broke. Even the trim was still in great condition.

If you want TOTAL piece of mind, the 2.0 or 2.4 petrol, if serviced properly, never break. If you're not doing big miles, I'd recommend the 2.0 petrol for being a great all-rounder.

[Arese]

8400rpm said:

If you want TOTAL piece of mind, the 2.0 or 2.4 petrol, if serviced properly, never break. If you're not doing big miles, I'd recommend the 2.0 petrol for being a great all-rounder.

I had a 2.0 Sport from brand new in 2004. I ran it until 2006, 70k miles, not one problem. Apart from it being really really boring.

[10 Pence Short]

I ran a 2.4 Type-S from about 6000 miles to just beyond 125,000. The only thing that went wrong was the CD player.

[T84]

Thanks, I'll take a look, unfortunately I think it's just going to come down to what I can actually get insured on! :|

[Deva Link]

Arese said:

I had a 2.0 Sport from brand new in 2004. I ran it until 2006, 70k miles, not one problem. Apart from it being really really boring.

That doesn't prove anything, to be honest. For quite a few years I got a new company car every 2 years and did 70Kish miles in them. Had various rep-mobile type cars (luckily usually top spec ones) and the only problem was a spate of cambelts breaking in one Cavalier I had.

[Arese]

Deva Link said:

Arese said:

I had a 2.0 Sport from brand new in 2004. I ran it until 2006, 70k miles, not one problem. Apart from it being really really boring.

That doesn't prove anything, to be honest. For quite a few years I got a new company car every 2 years and did 70Kish miles in them. Had various rep-mobile type cars (luckily usually top spec ones) and the only problem was a spate of cambelts breaking in one Cavalier I had.

Before the Accord I had a Vectra SRi from brand new. Similar miles, broken gearbox and many other problems!

[Lukey223]

My parents have a 2.2 CTDi Executive estate. They got it new in February 2007 and it has now done 110,000 miles.

In that time absolutely nothing has gone wrong. Servicing costs have also been extremely reasonable. Average mpg over the mileage is 55, I've never seen it drop below 50.

It's a great car to drive in my opinion, comfortable and the engine pulls well.

Interior seems well put together, no annoying rattles.

I look forward to the day they decide to get rid of it so I can buy it off them!

[TryingHard]

I've got a 2.2 CDTI Sport Estate on an 08 plate. Was my company car when new but recently just purchased it. Done 39k and the only problem was a rear brake caliper seized on. Was sorted under warranty.

I average 42mpg with a mix of 70/30 motorway/town. Its fairly quiet, comfortable and hassle free motoring. It isn't going to set the world alight but for munching miles its not a bad place to be.

[T84]

How are they compared to a Mondeo MK3? I'd probably find it easier getting insured on a 2.0 Petrol Mondeo, and less engine problems to worry about probably..

[TryingHard]

T84 said:

How are they compared to a Mondeo MK3? I'd probably find it easier getting insured on a 2.0 Petrol Mondeo, and less engine problems to worry about probably..

I had a Mondeo TDCi Estate and it was plagued wtih injector faults which are quite common. It had done 100k so comparing it to my current 40k mile Honda is probably unfair. I was certainly a more fun car to drive but I didn't find it as relaxing etc. on the motorway.

[Arese]

T84 said:

How are they compared to a Mondeo MK3? I'd probably find it easier getting insured on a 2.0 Petrol Mondeo, and less engine problems to worry about probably..

Don't suppose you've seen the blue ST for sale on Newton Road? Not sure if it's what you're after, but it looks tidy.

[y2blade]

T84 said:

Yet another problem with my Focus means I'm binning it ASAP and looking at getting something reliable.

Looking at the 2.2CDT-i at around the £6k mark, are they good cars?

Alternatives are a Focus 2.0 TDCi, Seat Leon, Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI (Don't like Golfs really though!) Mondeo 2.0 TDCi.

Is that the same engine that is used in the 2.2 Diesel Civic?

I test drove one a while back as I was looking at them, very nice to drive but ultimately lacked the punch of the bigger CC diesels I tried around the same time, I went for a 2.4 D5 Volvo

get a demo drive at your local Honda Dealers, they are very accommodating. just give them someone else's phone number, as they ring EVERY day until you tell them NOT TO CALL AGAIN

the salesman I dealt with was a real pain in the backside after my test drive

[T84]

Arese said:

T84 said:

How are they compared to a Mondeo MK3? I'd probably find it easier getting insured on a 2.0 Petrol Mondeo, and less engine problems to worry about probably..

Don't suppose you've seen the blue ST for sale on Newton Road? Not sure if it's what you're after, but it looks tidy.

too expensive on insurance

[Arese]

T84 said:

Arese said:

T84 said:

How are they compared to a Mondeo MK3? I'd probably find it easier getting insured on a 2.0 Petrol Mondeo, and less engine problems to worry about probably..

Don't suppose you've seen the blue ST for sale on Newton Road? Not sure if it's what you're after, but it looks tidy.

too expensive on insurance

How old are you?

[T84]

I'm 26, only passed my test at the end of 2008 though.

[james_tigerwoods]

I looked at one a few years back, but I couldn't stretch to the 03-08 facelift model (with 6, instead of 5 gears) - I liked the car a lot, I really did, but got a B6 Passat instead (which I loved).

I think the only thing to think about is depreciation - if it's a keeper though, then I'd try to find the nicest executive model you can get your hands on.