Hey ladies/gents, I just signed up so let me take the moment to introduce myself! This seems like an awesome resource for info on Accords!

Short history of topic: I'm 24, have had my '01 tiburon since hs, it's dying and I need to purchase a used car. Initially I was looking at 02-03 TLs, but now i've been gravitating towards '05-'07 Accords.

Budget is ~11/12k, already been approved for an auto loan.

I've been dead set on finding an '07 black coupe v6 auto leather interior, but the VERY few listings on craigslist around me (chicagoland) either have rebuilt titles or the poster hasn't responded within 3 days so i'm thinking my chances of finding that are slim to none unless i wait a few months, which isn't really possible (would like to find one by May at the LATEST, my trans on my tib is really messed up as are the brakes)

I found an '05 silver coupe v6 auto leather with 76k miles for $12.5 at a dealership very close to me.

I also found an 08 lx-p 4cyl, cloth interior, manual trans, 37k miles at a luxury dealership for $14.9k. Sort of a dark blue with the dark metallic rims. The catch with this one is the owner of the dealership has a relationship with where I work, so I can probably get a pretty nice deal on it. Also its a manual so I would assume it doesn't get many looks from people looking for a car.

I wasn't too keen on the Accord sedans, they look a bit too "family" for me, being 24 and single, I'm trying to have something decently sporty looking. That accord sedan i found, though, doesn't look all too bad.

Also, never driven manual, but that's not really an issue i guess. I would prefer to stick with an auto, but it is what it is. I drive through somewhat solid traffic to/from work. about 13mi and going home takes me no more than 35 min.

So now that all of this is said- any of you have some nice words of wisdom? Which of these would you pick? It's essentially newer/base model vs older/nice extras.

Thanks everyone, all constructive advice is very, very appreciated!

edit: My apologies if this is in the wrong section, mods if you could direct me to where it would be more appropriate, please do, thanks.

 

You kinda spelled it all out already.

The coupe does look better, it is older and has an auto which may or may not cause you some expensive repairs down the road

The Sedan is newer, is getting looked at less at the dealership which gives you some more negotiation power, and has a manual which will likely never ever break ,just put a new clutch in it every 80-120k miles and drive it forever.

If those 2 cars were the ones I had to chose from I would buy the Sedan - newer & likely to be more reliable - that is a win for me.

 

Yea I think the 08 sedan manual will definitely be a solid choice. Not that interested in learning manual but itll be quick to pick up. Does it really add a lot to the longevity of the car compared to an auto trans?

am I allowed to post links? here is the car i'm looking at. i'll take it down if need be.
2008 Used Honda Accord LX-P Sedan at World Class Motor Cars Serving Downers Grove, IL, IID 8450491


Also- anyone have a list of what the lx-p trim includes? tried googling it but all i get are useless edmonds and carguru results. i'm assuming its an upgrade to the lx trim?

one more quick question. the power of that 4 cylinder on the sedan, will it be a noticeable upgrade to my tiburon's performance? Tib's stats are 2.0 L DOHC w/ 140 hp @ 6000rpm. The actual performance of my car is probably even less than that with the problems i'm experiencing. anytime theres a traffic light and it goes 2 lanes > light > 2 lanes quickly merging back into 1.... i get smoked. That's why i was trying to go with the v6 but who knows, maybe the 2.4L on the sedan will be a breathe of fresh air!

super honda noob here. i'm also obsessed with internet research before big purchases. thanks crispin and everyone else. truly appreciated.

 

Is the 2008 accord certified pre-owned? You should find out, because it is pretty much a factory warranty for x years or x miles.

You should take both for a test drive.

Honda manual transimissons rarley fail when the fluid is changed at the proper interval, so there will be more automatic transmission failures compared to the manual transmission.

Check out autotrader.com to see what other accords are available in your area. There should be plenty of used vehicles that would fit exactly what you want.

Before you buy, you should take the car to someone that specializes in Hondas and get a buyer's inspection. It may cost $100, but will be worth the cost in the long run.

 

Where to start.....

Manuals you will more than likely see more reliability out of. While the clutch will need to be replaced eventually(not for a long long time if driven right) the transmission itself will likely be fine for the life of the car. A clutch replacement is far less than the cost to have a automatic rebuilt.

I am the opposite of you, I had manual cars all my life then on my most recent car I got an automatic because I thought I would like it better living in the city and it has the triptronic setting where you can manually change gears. But it really isnt the same. I am already looking to sell the car and get a manual again.

As far as v6 vs 4cyl. The v6 is definitely where the power is. I have driven an 06 4cyl, and there really wasnt any power to it. I mean granted there isnt really supposed to be, but you floor it and wait and wait but never end up going anywhere. I doubt it will be any faster than your tiburon. I think they are rated for about the same hp, but I'm sure the Accord weighs more.

I would test drive both, figure out exactly what you want(color etc) and then if time permits wait until you find one that you really want. It stinks when you settle on something then always wish you had something else. I can understand the hardness to find a car, because the car I am currently trying to find, assuming none were crashed, there are 67 in the united states and there currently aren't any for sale.

 

Yea i've been visiting autotrader multiple times a day for the past week or so. they have a couple of the 06-07 coupes but if they are black (the color i'm looking for), they are usually cloth interior. there are a couple leather ones but one is red and another is that graphite color which i'm not too fond of.

also most of them have btw 65-90k miles on them.

I do have a family-friend mechanic that i'm going to have come with me to check out whatever i'm looking at.

There is a v6 black leather coupe north of milwaukee or another down by indianapolis, but that's a bit far to coordinate with my mechanic to come with. also, i don't want to drive my car that sort of distance. she's going fast.

 

Im with live2rice on this one. Manual Trans is the way to go, I have a 07 4cyc Manual and i love it. I have always had manuals and never had any trouble what so ever. The last car I owned prior to the one I have now was an auto, at about 160 thousand miles on the car, it needed a rebuild of the trans, so instead of doing that I bought my first Honda, which is the car I drive now that has a manual in it. I will never go back to an auto, unless of course Honda stops making manuals.