May be getting *gasp* another new car. (1 Viewer)

[Brian Harnish]

Due to recent events (check out this thread if you haven't already), I've decided to trade in my 1996 Civic for a brand-new car. I think it's time I splurged a bit and get something I'll enjoy for the next 10 years instead of saving on a little thing that won't impact my income that much. I can always find sources of income other than my current job (if I even have to) so I have no worries in that area.

Well, after seeing a Honda Accord 2004 Coupe (Graphite Pearl color) in person the other day, I'm literally hooked and intent on getting one. I've already read all the required car buying reading over at Edmunds.com and I'm wondering if anyone has any links to good Honda Discussion forums? Perhaps on the lines of the HTF?

I currently have a Honda Civic LX 1996 Sedan that I can get 4,000 for (according to the Kelley Blue Book). Anyway, I'm planning on getting the Accord 2004 EX Coupe w/Automatic Transmission. I have excellent credit (after doing some recent extensive repairs; just paid off quite a bit of debt that I was good with keeping current payments on) and I'm confident I can get very good interest rates on the financing so that doesn't really concern me.

I'm really excited about this one -- the 2004 Accord Coupe in Graphite Pearl is my favorite car and I really can't wait to get one!

 

[DaveF]

I bought an '04 EX Sedan last December, and it's quite nice. The coupe was also appealing. I chose the blue, but the graphite pearl was my second choice. It stands apart from other flat-gray colors.

I never found any really good Honda forums (though I didn't look hard). I've got a variety of links to car-shopping advice sections, if you're interested.

One recommendation: if you get the EX (with moonroof), before to test drive it and make sure the head room is adequate. For me, the coupe's roof was too low for comfort with the moonroof. The sedan is actually a bit taller.

Get the auto-dimming rear-view mirror. It's great! I really enjoy not worrying about headlights behind me. It just works.

I also got the mudflaps and all-weather floormats, since there's a lot of snow and ice in my area. Since you're in CA, you can probably forgoe them. But the all-weather mats are quite nice, very thick rubber. The only weakness is the driver's side mat has a cut out below the gas pedal. Thus it doesn't protect the carpet under the area where your foot always is. :frowning: I don't understand that design decision.

I got the V6, which is a big step up from my previous 4-cylinder Escort. Lots of power, but a big increase in gas costs now. It also increases insurance costs. If you want fun, get the V6. If you want to save a few bucks, go with the four. My test drive of the four was good, and it was very smooth.

Enjoy! It's great having a fun, powerful car with the reliability of Honda!

 

[Brian Harnish]

Dave- That auto adjustment mirror sounds really cool. How does it work? I can't find much information on its specifics and features on the Honda.com web site.

And I would like some of those car shopping advice links you have. I want to be as prepared as possible before I walk into any dealership.

 

[Brian Harnish]

In fact, I think I'll go test drive my car today.

 

[Malcolm R]

You could check out carbuyingtips.com. They seem to have a lot of info and links.

 

[DrewSmith]

I have the Blue 2004 Accord Coupe V6 EX 6 speed,I have driven Hondas all my life so far and probaly always will. Excellent choice great car. www.vtec.net is a good Honda site and also forum for all Honda and Acura models.

I can answer basically any questions you have. I know more about the cars than most dealers, I have been a Honda fan since about the age of 6, Im 27 now but that gives me lots of experience.

The auto dimming rear view mirror at night adjusts, just like a manuel if you flip the mirror to reduce headlight reflection, just it does it for you.

I also got mine for a great price. You can email or PM me with any quesitons if you would like. I can also give you a few tips, I seem to buy a new car every 2 yrs at the moment. The coupe is # 6 on my Honda purchase list.

 

[DaveF]

Drew explained it already, but here's some info. The mirror has a light sensor. Behind the mirror is (I believe) a liquid-crystal region that changes darkness to adjust the reflectivity of the mirror. The mirror automatically dims according to the amount of light coming from the rear. It works quite well; only once have I been annoyed by brights.

The mirror also has a basic digital compass, so you know when you're going N or S It's about a $300 option, but I'm glad I got it.

I also got the half-size front cover. I'm not sure this is really worth the money, but I am hoping it will help protect the front from road-debris damage.

I'll post links to purchasing info when I get home. But basically, look at KBB, Edmunds, and Consumer Reports. Also search this forum for buying and negotiating. There have been some good threads on the topic.

 

[ClintS]

I have the autodimming mirror in my Acura definetly a neat and useful gadget. Mine is somewhat broken and I havent yet had it replaced, basically it is only getting dark in a strip accross the middle now.

Here is a blurb on how it works:

To decrease reflected light and reduce glare, this mirror uses an electrochromic process that utilizes electric current to temporarily darken the reflecting surface of the mirror when a rear-facing sensor detects glare from vehicles behind you. The brighter the light striking the sensor, the more the mirror darkens.

 

[Brian Harnish]

Thanks for the links and information, everyone! I've been reading up on all this stuff all evening. I'm excited but it will be a little while (at least two weeks) before I make my purchase. I'll let you all know how my new car is, though!

 

[Eric Samonte]

Yup the autodimming mirror is quite a nice feature. My Pilot has one that includes a compass. we had one on our previous Caravan and ever since, we can't live without it.

 

[Sami Kallio]

It's always good to shop around to not become too brand obsessed so my advice is to go and test drive the competition before you make up your mind. Since you're looking at buying a coupe, I would start with the Infiniti G35 Coupe first...

 

[Brian Harnish]

Sami wrote:



Sami- Thanks for the advice! And yes, I do agree. That's how I decided on Honda. I've driven several brands myself (including an Infiniti Coupe, which I did like, BTW), but for me Honda beats all the ones I've tried with their reliability, resale value, and they're just plain fun to drive.

However, the Honda Accord EX in Graphite Pearl remains my dream car.

 

[Sami Kallio]

That's good, I see to many people being brand faithful when there are many other better options available. Not saying the Accord would be a bad choice but seeing you're going from Honda to Honda I just had to make sure you have tested the competition. I owned my only Honda when they were still carrying the unreliable reputation among Japanese manufactures. Unreliable and expensive to fix isn't a good combination.

I know how it feels to get your dream car so go for it. After 12 years of wanting one I was finally able to get mine. The last 3 years I have had it and couldn't be happier. I will never sell this baby.

 

[MikeEckman]

I also have an 04 Accord Coupe EX 6-speed and I absolutely love it. My toy car is a 500 HP 1998 Trans Am, but the Accord is my daily driver, and its about all I could ask for in a car of its range. The engine is very powerful and revs smoothly and quietly. The 6 speed transmission is a joy to shift, and the ride quality is sporty, yet refined. The stereo is probably the best sounding factory stereo I've ever heard and all the other niceties like heated leather seats, 8 airbags, electroluminescent gauges all make the car feel more expensive than it really is.

Highly recommended. Heres my car.

 

[Brian Harnish]

Mike- Nice!