First of all hello to everyone, I am a potential accord owner and I'm just after some guidance, I'm in the market for a new car and have seen a 2003 Accord 2.4Vtec tourer auto and its very appealing as it looks nice and has the leather and all the toys I'm after, as it a Honda I know it will be reliable but I just wanted to check are there any known fault / issues that I need to look out for, its on about 74k is there a timing belt etc to worry about. Also the seller has mentioned it had a advisory on the mot for "the right & left front suspension arm rubber bush (deteriorated but not resulting in excess movement" does anyone know if this will be an expensive fix if it needs doing for the next MOT?. Finally are the tourers nice to drive and is the 2.4 a better option overall than the 2.0?
Thanks in advance
Welcome
I have a 2.4 Type S Tourer. I hadn't planned to buy a 2.4 due to the not so good econ figures as the 2.0. My car came along at hte right price @3yrs old with under 30K on it. It's a real giggle to drive when you get on the open roads - Oh did I have fun last summer on the Welsh mtn rds
I only about 13K a year so I'm not too fussed about the running costs.
My car has just about reached 80K & apart from annual servicing, it's hardly needed anything doing until some bad pot-holed roads left my pride and joy somewhat damaged, and me with an unplanned hole in my wallet
So in answer to your question:
1. No timing belt - it's a chain, but i'm sure more of the technical minded peeps will have more input.
2. As for the advisory note on the MOT - when was the last MOT? It may be ok til your next MOT or service...It may not be a case of mileage left in the part but time! get some quotes for the work by ringing a dealer.
3. I've had some rear bushes changed - antiroll bars I think.....they cost me around 75quid a side - Honda agent price
I've driven both petol estate versions whilst I was looking round - I am pleased with my 2.4. My Type S doesn't have all the toys that the EXEC model has, but I can't say I miss them. Does the car you're looking at have the 17" rims? They DO look better on the bigger rims...
As for the auto box....I've never had one so I can't really come it. I've driven my dad's 2.0 saloon auto once......that turned out to be a scary experience
h34r: Let's just say as I accelerated away, I tried changing gear
thought i was still in my own car - thank goodness no-one was following me!!
I have found that the handling of the car (even when fully laden) is still very good. If you aren't going to be doing huge annual mileage you may want to go for the 2.4.
I will admit it IS thirsty round town and on short journeys, but on the motorway & no roof load you can get a good mpg rtn out of it.
Hope all this helps and happy hunting!
