Anyone in the market for a midsize car? I was.

[Chilly807]

I'll wander out into the field here.. we have an 03 Accord with the 4-cylinder 2.4 engine. I've got nothing but good things to say about it mechanically, it's given me next to no trouble in the 5 years I've owned it. It had 60,000 km when I bought it, it has 260,000 km now.

We've replaced front suspension bushings, rear sway bar links, catalytic converter and flex pipe, and tires and brakes. One windshield (old one was pitted badly). The radio quit a few months ago, we put in an aftermarket tuner to replace it. Honda had issues with that generation of Accord radios, specifically the 03's and 04's.

Apparently they also had transmission troubles with the 03 automatics, mine hasn't shown any signs of that problem. I will say this, use their ATF when you change it, the transmission shifts poorly with generic ATF. Also, I'd advise using the Honda coolant, I'm told the water pump seals don't like silicate, the Honda coolant is supposed to be silicate free. Mine has Prestone pre-mix in it at the moment, I'm planning to go back to OEM when it gets changed.

I have little past experience with engines that use cylinder de-activation, although we just added a 2013 Ram with the 5.7 Hemi to the stable. I'm hoping for good results with the truck, it's my first Chrysler product. I noticed Dodge recommends a fairly frequent spark plug change interval for the 5.7 at 48,000 km. Oil consumption so far is normal, although the engine isn't broken in yet.

Mid-size cars? I'd buy another Accord tomorrow if I needed a car, I've been pretty happy with it.

Sean

 

[3930dave]

I'll wander out into the field here.. we have an 03 Accord with the 4-cylinder 2.4 engine. I've got nothing but good things to say about it mechanically, it's given me next to no trouble in the 5 years I've owned it. It had 60,000 km when I bought it, it has 260,000 km now.

We've replaced front suspension bushings, rear sway bar links, catalytic converter and flex pipe, and tires and brakes. One windshield (old one was pitted badly). The radio quit a few months ago, we put in an aftermarket tuner to replace it. Honda had issues with that generation of Accord radios, specifically the 03's and 04's.

Apparently they also had transmission troubles with the 03 automatics, mine hasn't shown any signs of that problem. I will say this, use their ATF when you change it, the transmission shifts poorly with generic ATF. Also, I'd advise using the Honda coolant, I'm told the water pump seals don't like silicate, the Honda coolant is supposed to be silicate free. Mine has Prestone pre-mix in it at the moment, I'm planning to go back to OEM when it gets changed.

I have little past experience with engines that use cylinder de-activation, although we just added a 2013 Ram with the 5.7 Hemi to the stable. I'm hoping for good results with the truck, it's my first Chrysler product. I noticed Dodge recommends a fairly frequent spark plug change interval for the 5.7 at 48,000 km. Oil consumption so far is normal, although the engine isn't broken in yet.

Mid-size cars? I'd buy another Accord tomorrow if I needed a car, I've been pretty happy with it.

Sean

Your list looks a little longer, but you are paying attention to the details and cleaning up things like bushings - many people don't bother, but it makes a world of difference in an older car. I'd say you've done well with your Accord. I like that you can still get one with a stick/4 cylinder if you want.

Interesting on the 5.7, that 48k seems pretty low - perhaps Chrysler is being conservative on that, re. fouled plugs. The MDS seems well sorted, and people (the ones that can discipline their right foot anyway) like the highway mileage, at least as big trucks go.

Keep an eye on the front end, as this is generally a high wear area with Ram p/u's. Doesn't necessarily show up as really sloppy steering either. If this is not a short lease truck, upgrade to Moog or better as you are replacing front end components - worth the extra $ if you are keeping it.

Interesting point about the Honda ATF. Perhaps that was a factor in some older failing automatics.

Rgds, D.

 

[crashz]

I had a college room-mate who bought an 02-03 Honda Accord with the V6 and automatic. He would back out of the driveway with his foot on the accelerator, and simply shift into drive. No brakes, not even lifting his foot off the gas. Honda put multiple transmissions in that car.

I wonder how many people bought them thinking they are indestructible.

 

[dgl24087]

I was driving past a Kia dealership yesterday and decided to check out the Optima. Very nice looking car but not too sure of reliability. Any thoughts?

 

[Peacock]

I was driving past a Kia dealership yesterday and decided to check out the Optima. Very nice looking car but not too sure of reliability. Any thoughts?

Reliability is fine. I personally cannot stand the steering feel. Kinda have a tin can feel to them also. Tend to come with real cheap tires. Not sure if it effects the Optima or not, but the Sonata had some real odd alignment problems. I worked on a few that would wander all over the place with no consistency. Had to use some updated alignment specs from Hyundai and they had to be EXACT!!! Never had anything else be that picky about alignment angles.