I did replace the intake gasket while I was cleaning the intake and EGR (0401 code). Nothing there and exhaust is still original OEM. The engine just doesn't sound as refined as I'm used to from Toyota. Four-cylinder Accords I've driven seem pretty quiet, as do the Camrys.

 

Agian, just from reading as much as I do. I don't think these are worse than any other Accord. I would say that if there is early wear on the pads, something is causing it......sticking slide pins, rear brakes not adjusted properly cause the fronts to "work harder", ect. Be happy that they are not the hub over rotor design of some the older Accords.

EDIT: Even still, brakes are way less than a trans

 

The hub over rotor design really added to the labor component when a person thought they were in for just a simple 45-minute brake job.


Going to see the '03 tomorrow. The man who owns it also told me it "may need a new battery".


Also learned that water pumps seem to fail prematurely.

I'll find out tomorrow also if the seventh generation Accords feature an outside ambient temperature reader like my '02 Corolla has in the LE trim. I noticed that, even though I have the top-end EX model Accord, Honda doesn't seem to offer a lot of "extras" that the competition offers. (Apparently, I need the Canadian Accord model)

 

You said the 2003 is a 4-cyl? That waterpump is driven by the external serpentine belt so it's a much smaller job than it was on earlier Accords.

I think the 2001 V6 was available in LX or EX trim. The LX was "missing" a number of soundproofing panels like under the hood & trunk lids. Maybe contributing to the discussion about Accords being noisy vs. quiet compared to other cars?

 

Yes, both LX and EX were available with the V6; I didn't know that about the sound proofing panels, my EX is plenty quiet.

 

Bought the '03. Very impressed with the handling, transmission feel and responsive engine. Finally have an outside temperature reader and dual heated seats. Need to clean up the '01 and put it for sale. Thanks for your responses, guy.