Bad Move to Buy a 2007 Honda Accord?

[Playmaker]

My POS Pontiac Grand Prix has been a money-pit, and I'm looking to upgrade to something more reliable. I was looking at 2-3 year old Honda Accords, but it seems like with 2008 being a new model year, it's not a good move to pay $19k-$20k for a low mile 2005 V6 Accord when I could get a new 2007 for $23k-$23.5k.

My issue is, will I regret this in 2 months when the 2008 comes out? Or will I not be able to touch a V6 2008 for under $29k-$30k until next year (in which case a 2007 for $23k seems like a no-brainer)? I test drove a 2007 and the salesman claimed the MSRP was going up by a couple thousand (I think a 2007 V6 has an MSRP around $28k) with the 2008, and negotiated prices would probably be closer to MSRP than invoice for the first year given the new model, but obviously he's trying to sell me on the 2007 now.

What would you do if you were buying now?

 

[ponyo]

Wait for 2008 and then find a deal on 2007 or 08. You lose nothing by waiting but gain choices and the potential to save even more.

 

[HiTek21]

I would wait until around October when the 08 models start rolling into dealerships. They'll be begging you to take the 07's off their hands

 

[dud]

IMHO the Accord is a great, reliable car but it has a very unimpressive ride. I rent these cars all the time while on business travel and they do everything they were designed to do ... but no more. If you like vanilla ice cream then this car is for you.

 

[Playmaker]

The dealers I've contacted are already getting very low on the color options I'd want, so if I waited I'd end up going with something else anyway.

I'd agree the drive isn't exactly inspirational, but all the other new options in the sub-$30k price range that have a supposedly superior ride I found to be at best slightly better (sorry to the 90% of AnandTech that are Mazda and Subaru fans), while lacking somewhat in other areas (build quality, resale, etc.). As far as 2-3 years old at that same price, I was very close to buying a 2004 Infiniti G35, but something like a new Accord just seems to work better given my current need for reliability and the fact that I'd like to keep it for 5 years.

Maybe I should wait...I'm just not sure if I'll be able to avoid having to sink more $$$ into my current POS in the interim...

 

[ValValline]

1. If you plan on keeping any car for 5 years (especially a Honda) don't worry about design changes. Honda seems to change their cars about every 2-3 years. If you opt for the '08 it will most likely change in '10 and you will still have 3 years to go on your payments. Pick the body style you prefer ('07 and '08) and reconcile yourself to it. Honda sells so many Accords that you won't be unique no matter what model you get. You will see your car everywhere you go hehe.

2. Think really hard about the V6 Accord. I have an '02 V6, and it is the best car I have ever owned, but the gas mileage sucks and the additional power is nice but I keep my foot out of it to save as much fuel as possible. If I could go back in time I would get the 4 cyl instead. The accord is a reliable sedan not a sports car. In my mind the V6 is not worth the $2500-$3000 sticker bump (what I paid in '02).

3. It's already July. August-December is the best time to work deals on the current model year while next years model is hitting the dealers. As far as color choice goes, don't be surprised if a dealer misleads you to get a sale now. Honda builds/sells a crap load of accords. I really don't think you will have a problem waiting a couple of months. Especially if you broaden your options to include the 4cly models.

 

[OS]

pics;

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=689703

partial feature/trim list;

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=694248

rumor mill engine numbers;

http://www.vtec.net/modelmatrix/


Supposedly the new V6 gets VCM, 5 speed auto still. One thing i never liked about past/current V6 accords is that it runs a timing belt which needs an expensive 100K mile service. It remains to be seen if the next V6 accord will switch to chain.

New body style will have the so called ACE body structure, which supposedly offers better crash protection against other cars of uneven size/height.

One of the guys running the site all but confirmed there will be a 200 HP I4 option.

This segment is cut throat and I seriously doubt honda will increase MSRP prices thousands of dollars for equivalent trims. But of course, early buyers will pay around MSRP or more when it first comes out.

I got my 03 accord end of 2003 for invoice if it matters. If you have several dealers in your area, it's easier to work a deal. Another thing is, you will probably get better financing on an 07 over an 08.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: dud
IMHO the Accord is a great, reliable car but it has a very unimpressive ride.

Exceedingly. I've driven my mother-in-law's Accord a few times and absolutely could not stand it. They cater to the broader market of lax drivers which makes sense and they excel at it, but I'll tell you it was like a revelation getting into a Mazda3 after driving the Accord around for a few days.

As for Playmaker, I wouldn't worry about a model redesign. I don't think many people looking for 5 year odl used cars are THAT particular. Plus a few thousand dollars saved is a lot of money when you take it out of the context of a new car.

 

[Playmaker]

Thanks for the responses. Maybe I should hold off if I decide to go new...In regards to the V6, I'm already sold there. The 4cyl would just frustrate me.

I also found a used one in the area...2005 EX V6 w/ 30k...1 owner trade in...dealer is asking 18.9k. That price is already down in the KBB private party range, with retail being 3k higher. If it checks out, does that sound like a deal?

 

[OS]

if you want to squeeze out a few more features, look for 2006, supposedly the suspension was improved, bigger wheels and you get a little bit more power.

 

[programmer]

My father has a 2003 Accord EX V6 and it is fantastic.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy the 2005 you mention -- check carmax.com for similar cars and their prices. Where I am, the local Carmax has three 2005 EX V6 with 18k, 26k, and 33k miles, all are priced the same at $20,998.

On the other hand, if you want to spend more $$$, that 2008 sedan really does look nice ...

 

[Alex]

Originally posted by: HiTek21
I would wait until around October when the 08 models start rolling into dealerships. They'll be begging you to take the 07's off their hands

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: alex

Originally posted by: HiTek21
I would wait until around October when the 08 models start rolling into dealerships. They'll be begging you to take the 07's off their hands

 

[Nyati13]

Originally posted by: Playmaker
I'd agree the drive isn't exactly inspirational, but all the other new options in the sub-$30k price range that have a supposedly superior ride I found to be at best slightly better (sorry to the 90% of AnandTech that are Mazda and Subaru fans), ..

Are you sure the nerves in your butt work correctly???? You should have felt more than "slightly better" in a Sub 30K Subaru Legacy, or Mazda 6.


:laugh: jk

 

[jjmIII]

Honda makes a great 4 cylinder. Give it another look, since the V6 isn't much faster IMO.

BTW....get out of the D(s)tealership, and look for an individual seller.

 

[Playmaker]

Originally posted by: Nyati13

Originally posted by: Playmaker
I'd agree the drive isn't exactly inspirational, but all the other new options in the sub-$30k price range that have a supposedly superior ride I found to be at best slightly better (sorry to the 90% of AnandTech that are Mazda and Subaru fans), ..

Are you sure the nerves in your butt work correctly???? You should have felt more than "slightly better" in a Sub 30K Subaru Legacy, or Mazda 6.


:laugh: jk

I haven't driven a Mazda 6. Maybe I should give that a try.

 

[Playmaker]

Originally posted by: jjmIII
Honda makes a great 4 cylinder. Give it another look, since the V6 isn't much faster IMO.

BTW....get out of the D(s)tealership, and look for an individual seller.

I probably should to find the best deal, but I'm lazy and don't want to hassle with selling my current car.

And although the (relative) speed is the prime motivator for the V6, I also like how it's a lot smoother.

 

[theeedude]

You'll probably regret it when 2008 Accord comes out. Also don't buy a Mazda6 now, it is up for redesign soon, I'd wait for that. Mazda is on a roll with latest redesigns, so it's probably worth waiting for that. If I had to get a car like that now, I'd get an Altima, maybe a Fusion if the price was right.

 

[Playmaker]

I'm probably going with the 2005. I checked out Carmax like programmer mentioned and it does look like quite a deal. If everything checks out in the inspection that is.

Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

i'd say buy it now and don't look back. you'll be happy with it! and it'll ride much better than your pontiac

 

[Playmaker]

I did on Saturday and I like it quite a bit so far. Aside from top end acceleration (Grand Prix had a supercharger), it's superior in every way.

 

[ed21x]

very nice move. I bought a 2006 LX SE for about the same price new, so paying less for all the EX options is definitely something I would've done in retrospect considering there wasn't a redisign (besides LED lights) between the 2005 and 2006 versions. Have already driven the heck out of the Accord and things seem to still be running smoothly. My only gripe is that the sound system could be a lot better.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

congrats. hope you love your new car.

if you're into high quality audio you should look into some nice Polk dB series speakers for about $115 a pair. they give pretty good sound quality

 

[Playmaker]

I will probably look into that.

A question for you late model Accord owners...do any of you have issues with rattles? It seems like on the Accord forums that's the only common complaint that tends to show up. I already notice one caused by the stereo head unit, but it seems like a very easy fix as far as rattles go for the service department (still have 6k left under warranty).

And what about extended warranty? Anyone go that route? It seems like the transmission was an issue in 2004 and earlier models, but not so much 2005+. I hadn't planned on buying one, but I have given it some thought (5 year, 84k mile Hondacare runs $1015).

 

[Accipiter22]

Rule #1: Never buy a car the first year of a redesign.