My moms looking for some new wheels, currently she is driving my SD, which I kind of need soon. So you can see I am motivated in helping the search. Dad just wants to get her something where he can pretty much weld the hood shut and forget about it. Working on my two MB's is enough wrenching!

Local Honda dealer says they could do a deal for a 2006 LX for $20,500. Seems like a good price to me, I don't know I'm not a Honda guy. They seem to have a pretty good warranty.(3/36) My mom likes the car, honestly I don't, not my style at all, but that doesn't matter its hers! Actually I have to say its a pretty nice car, Honda does a good job.

Anyone know the weak points of the new Accords? I don't even know when this body style came out? Any major reason to say buy a Camry or Altima over one?

The search criteria are:
1. She has to like it!
2. It doesn't break!
3. $20k+/-
That’s about it.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Hondas never really break, I'm sure you already know that. Do some shopping around and see if you are able to find one that is 1-2 years old. I told myself that I would never buy a BRAND NEW car again (in high school bought a brand new GTI VR6), once you drive off the lot you basically lost 10% of the value.

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Audi TT

The problem is you only save like $2k-$3k by buying a 1-2 year old Accord, my dad may go that route. But its almost like why bother looking for a used one with 20k miles on it for $17k, when a new one with 0 miles is just a bit more?

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

You're right but I would still look around. I just did a search on "Accord 2006" in completed items---EBAY. Look how much money people are willing to pay for used models; a lot of them are in the 15-16k range with little miles. See for yourself when you get a chance. On the other hand, your mom might be disappointed going from your SD to a tin can Honda.

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Audi TT

I would also shop the Camry if she likes the body style. Very similar vehicle and built just as well. The Camry has a few features at lower trim levels that the Accord did not have.

The Camry is also slightly lower in price in most cases. But, it always depends on the deal. $20K sounds a bit high for an LX. Around here the big boys usually advertise the vehicle at $17,990. But, I honestly haven't looked in a few months.

If you are buying a leftover '06, $20K really sounds too high.

Last year, I bought a 2001 Camry with 8K on the clock for $11K. It's identical to a new vehicle with just a hint of rust starting on the tops of the shock towers.

The only real issue I have heard with Hondas is the automatic transmissions they use in conjuction with their V6. I have heard of lots of problems with those trannies. Which is a shame, 'cause that car could use more kick to be even the least bit fun.

My dad bought his Accord DX brand new in 2000 (stripper model, power nothing, AC, no VTEC, 4 speed automatic) and basically the only thing it has needed in 80,000 miles is brakes and a set of tires. The brakes seem to warp rather easily compared to a Mercedes. It needs them again soon, and the timing belt needs to be replaced. Also the SRS light is always on for wahtever reason.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

Most definitely DO NOT buy the V6. No good reason for a V6 in either the Camry or the Accord. The four cylinder does just fine.

People dump their cars so fast now-a-days that the prices of used vehicles are truly amazing. Just read an article in the Wall Street Journal about car dealerships and making profits. I learned that most dealerships do NOT make any profits on brand new cars, instead they make all their money on the financing and fees related to it. The article claimed that most consumers are aware of the prices that dealerships pick up new cars, leaving no profit margin for them. My friend was trying to buy a brand new car with cash and they were giving him hell and even tried to convince him to finance the car at some crazy rate.

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Audi TT

$20,500 might have included a few options, I am also pretty sure that would have been an 07. I know my dad will opt for any traction control and airbag options they offer, and power windows are a must.

I have driven a 4 cylinder Altima and it was plenty quick, my dad drove the 4cy Accord and was pleased as well. I think it has 190hp thats enough, for running around town. The V6 is like what 270hp? Thats a little overkill for my mom.

Beleive it or not but the Camry seems to carry a small premium over the Accord in my area. Also the new Civic's are selling like hot cakes. The dealer said no way to any deal on a new Civic, $18k off the lot! I guess they are in demand because they get such good fuel mileage. Now with Accords they were willing to talk pricing. Which is fine because the Accord gets good enough mileage and is a larger car.

The search continues but I want my SD back so I may have to hurry it along a bit.

This is what I get at Honda site, for an LX Accord with the auto trans, only options are floor mats and trunk tray which looks pretty nice.

Base MSRP*: $20,925

Destination & Handling: $595

MSRP including selected accessories: $21,734

Selected Accessories (installation costs not included):

INTERIOR

All Season Mats, Fr. $57

Rear All-season Floor Mats $47

Trunk Tray $110

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

The I4 is around 170 HP, the V6 around 240 HP. Like others have said the I4 is definitely plenty. I hope they have changed the automatic transmission since the 2000 models, my dad's really lurches and feels pretty mushy when you give it some gas. He doesn't mind though since he drives like a grandpa.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

I bought a brand new 2006 Accord Coupe a little over two months ago...problems that I have found are:

1) front driver side and passenger side windows rattle...I don't think Honda has come out with a solution for this problem...they complain about it all the time on the Honda forums...it is terrible...especially on uneven highway roads...

2) VERY LOUD on the highway...which is a shame, since the car has a wonderful sound system...

3) Paint and interior trim are very "thin"/flimsy, and are prone to scratches/damage...I would buy silver...I went with black/black, which I am beginning to regret already...

Other than the three problems above, the Accord performs diligently...high speed stability is suprisingly Mercedes-like on the highways...in the 80~90mph range...noise is terrible though...the 5-speed auto transmission is very responsive...and the car handles and performs quite well...it is also great to fill up on regular gas and be able to go 460miles on a single tank before you need to fill up...I also got a great deal on it...so I am quite happy...

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :

The days of buying a car a year or two old and saving big are getting harder...

Basically because in the old days when American cars were around, people knew they only ran 50-80K before they needed a lot of work. Planned to be obsolete junk, so the say after you bought it, it was worth less.

Today a Honda will go 225K with little trouble. So if it has 10K on the clock, it is almost new... 10K on the clock and you're about 20% done with a Taurus or other American trash-box.

Sad but true.

Buy a new Honda, she'll turn the key, and never look back.

I agree, for her, a 4 banger is all you need.

Pete

I had an 04 and I gotta tell you. I loved it. The 4 cylinder hauled ass.

Also got about 28 mpg I think.

It truly was a really good car.

If you are a member of a credit union, you could get it for a bit less and w/o dealer fees.

I'd say 19 and change out the door.

FWIW, the base models come with a lot of creature comforts. OW, PDL, CRUISE, ETC......

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Enough about me, how are you doing?

Before I bought our E300 we drove a 2005 Accord. It was a 4 cylinder with a six speed automatic. It was a superb car; far better than the Buick Lacrosse that we drove. I was very impressed with the four cylinder performance linked to the six speed. I am wainting for Honda to get their diesel(s) in the US. Then, I will consider one. (I hate gas power) I hope it is available in a Civic as well as we prefer smaller sedans. (I wish Mercedes would offer the C-Class in a four cylinder turbo diesel in the US)

Well the search continues, we are looking at the Camry next. We are a member of a credit union from one of my dads past jobs, which is sweet because they have some nice deals.

The new Camry looks kind of ugly to me, the Accord not so. My mom won't really notice if its a bit loud on the highway or rattles a bit. She just wants something to drive.

I tried my darnest to talk her into a nice S500 that I found, but she doesn't want to deal with a MB. It was a noble effort on my part, I'm trying to convert the family to a 100% MB family.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200