New to the site which one to buy 2.0 or 3.0V6

[MarkC]

hi,

 

i am interested in purchasing a coupe and wondered which model to go for, 2l or 3l, manual or auto? I won't do too many miles so mpg isn't a particular issue but I would like the most reliable model. Is there anything else to particularly look out for (rust in particular areas etc). Are parts still available from Main dealers? There's a one owner, fsh 2l manual on autotrader at the moment for £1500, does that sound reasonable? Many thanks for any help anyone can provide.

[Brett]

Welcome to the forum Mark.

both grades are great cars but if it was me I would go for the 3l all day long

[hughezee]

hi,

 

i am interested in purchasing a coupe and wondered which model to go for, 2l or 3l, manual or auto? I won't do too many miles so mpg isn't a particular issue but I would like the most reliable model. Is there anything else to particularly look out for (rust in particular areas etc). Are parts still available from Main dealers? There's a one owner, fsh 2l manual on autotrader at the moment for £1500, does that sound reasonable? Many thanks for any help anyone can provide.

 

Welcome to the club and I am delighted your considering an Accord coupe anyway a low mileage one is a good start but don't be put off a higher mileage one with a good history. Also all V6 models are automatics and drive very differently to the 2.0L, nevertheless both 2.0-3.0 can suffer problems but it only effected 2% of all them ever made but age and lax maintenance will see them fail like any other automatic, as I have seen them go past 250k without a problem, so regular maintenance is key.

The manual version can be considered trouble free compared to the auto's but that's not strictly true as the 5 speed as the transmission fluid should be replaced every 24k same as the automatic and this very rarely gets done if ever and I have recently seen somebody's shaft bearing fail as result no fluid changes.

Maintenance is pretty cheap an simple, I would recommend two oil changes a year depending on your annual mileage, air filter an spark plugs every 30k ish fuel filter every 50k. I'm sure you would like to give a good initial service including a freshen up of the gearbox oil once you buy one and thereafter your looking at £100 year if your using a good local garage supplying the parts yourself and this is providing to don't face age related surprises or future MOT woes, which are rare if I'm honest.

In regards to rust and related problems, well these cars are getting old now but due to the excellent build compared to the UK version and they can be exceptionally rust free, I've only every seen two badly rusted and that was visible externally on the rear arches ect, so if you can't see it on the surface there's likely nothing hiding either

Also maybe worth checking out the MOT history page of potential vehicle before buying, this will determine how well a car has been kept or not and can alert you to any unexpected expenses down the road> https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

There's also a discussion on MOT history's feel free to share the info on the car(s) your interested in on the topic below...

Hope this helps

[Laird_Scooby]

Welcome aboard Mark and good choice of car! If economy isn't a prime consideration then the 3.0 is the one to go for although with proper servicing/maintenance etc it's entirely possible to get 30+mpg out of the V6 powered cars without too much trouble. If you plan on it being a "keeper", go for the 3.0 - in time this will be the one to have as they are already pretty rare so likely to depreciate less than the 2.0 models.

 

Not that there's anything wrong with the 2.0 models of course, they use tried and tested mechanicals and second hand mechanical spares are probably easier to find for the 2.0 than the 3.0 but with the 3.0 being less stressed pulling along what is a relatively heavy bodyshell, there is less chance of needing spares. Same goes for almost all bigger engined variants of any car to be honest.

As Stu rightly points out, these cars are getting to the point where many would consider them as old. As such age related things will begin to need attention, replacement, repair etc. You get this with any car though and would you rather invest money in necessary repairs in a car that will hold it's value relatively well and possibly even increase in value in years to come or in something like a 15 year Focus/Astra/similar that will only ever be scrapyard fodder in waiting because they are so common? Don't get me wrong, i'm not saying those cars are all scrappers, just trying to point out the Accord coupe is a bit special and rare and you are less likely to "resent" investing in repairs.

 

Bottom line for me would be go for the 3.0 V6 but it's your money and your choice of what you prefer to drive. Before making a decision i would suggest trying all possible cars to see which you prefer driving - whichever you choose you're assured of a lot of help and unique specialist knowledge here.

 

Looking forward to seeing the pics of your acquisition in the near future!

[BN Coupe]

Welcome Mark.  I joined this forum fairly recently - in August, after buying a 3-litre Coupe.  I'd been faffing about for ages, wondering whether to buy one, and eventually I just went for it.  And I don't regret it.  I didn't want a manual, and I'd decided I wasn't going to consider a 3-litre because of potential gearbox problems and higher fuel consumption.  But that left just 2-litre autos, and neither of the low mileage examples I investigated had had a cambelt change in 15 years, which seemed odd.  And neither of them was cheap.  In the end a highish-mileage but well-maintained 3-litre came up at a good price and I took the plunge.

If prices are anything to go by, 2-litres are in greater demand (perhaps because of fears like mine).  But these ARE old cars now, and, as with any old car, condition/maintenance is more important than specification or even low mileage.  So if you can find a well-maintained car, whether it's 2-litre or 3-litre, I wouldn't hesitate.  I bought mine for banger money, really, and at first I thought of it as just an old banger/runaround, but the more I drive it the more it feels like I'm going to enjoy it for a few years.  The previous owner said it was the most reliable car he's ever owned, and my mechanic is very impressed with it.

Good luck with your search, and let us know how you get on.  (We like to see photos, by the way!)

Andrew

 

[MarkC]

Many thanks for all the really helpful information which is much appreciated. The challenge will now be finding one that has been well looked after!

 

[MarkC]

Hi, Spent the evening having a good look at the site and have been very impressed by the welcome I received yesterday and the advice. I am hoping to look at the car detailed below after the Xmas break and would be interested to hear any thoughts about it. Has anyone else viewed it? The garage said they had resprayed the bumper. The doors look a slightly different colour to the body but this may just be the reflection of the light in the photo. I would prefer a 3l but suspect it will be difficult finding a really good one and tend to believe in buying the best condition car available rather than going for a particular spec.Have looked it up on the mot check site (never knew this existed and what a helpful tool to check vehicles out).

thanks,

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201512119389515?radius=1501&sort=atcustom&search-target=usedcars&page=1&postcode=sn81nn&model=accord&make=honda&keywords=Coupe&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&logcode=p

[hughezee]

Looks a real beauty Mark, not sure the panels are badly miss-matched as you would spot it mile on the longer distance shots but either way a good check over wouldn't go a miss before parting with your money. Also if you would prefer a V6 there are usually one or two good examples that pop up, however they do sell quickly and there was a couple of good ones recently about the same mileage with allot of supporting paperwork

 

[MarkC]

I must admit that the V6 does appeal and I do prefer autos. It is good to know that some decent ones do turn up and I will keep a look out for them. I am still hoping to find the time to look at the 2l advertised because it will be helpful to compare to the 3l versions. It is clear from the other members that they are quite different. 

Many thanks for your advice.?

[hughezee]

Have a look at this one> http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201510248129109?body-type=coupe&postcode=SN8 1NN&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&model=accord&search-target=usedcars&radius=1500&sort=default&page=1&make=honda&logcode=p only a mile further away and a little cheaper maybe worth a look?

[Laird_Scooby]

That 3.0 V6 is a nice looking car - more "complete" in some ways but that's just my opinion based on the adverts. The real test would be looking at both and making your own mind up.

[BN Coupe]

I agree.  To me, the pros and cons of 2-litre versus 3-litre are quite small (assuming you want an automatic).  The 3-litre looks a bit meatier because it has bigger wheels (I believe), but I got two tyres fitted for £80, so not expensive.  The 2-litre might use less fuel, but as you won't do a big mileage the difference probably won't matter.  I'm not a speed merchant, but the 3-litre is a very nice engine to sit behind, especially when you want to put your foot down a bit.  It's not as quiet as I expected but it makes a very nice noise.  And as mine is on a classic car policy, the insurance costs the same as a 2-litre would.

So I'd say it comes down to condition and history.  Obviously you can't afford to be too fussy about colour, and you may need to travel some distance to find one.  There was a 1998 3-litre on Autotrader recently with only 38,000 miles on it, and I was tempted.  But then I wondered whether it had only ever done short journeys, in which case a 138,000 miler like mine might be just as healthy, if maintained properly.  The cambelt on mine was replaced not long before I bought the car, and it cost about £220.  The last time I checked, Honda dealers were doing a cambelt replacement on ANY Honda for £250.  I've only seen one advertised without scuffing or damage to the driver's seat, and although it looks horrible you never notice it when you're driving.

It's difficult to explain, but although most people might not give the car a second glance on the street, it feels as if it has real 'presence' when you're driving it.  I think it's a very elegant car, but not flashy.  And it's nice to know that you could easily out-run a pimped-up Corsa or Saxo, if you could be bothered!  What don't I like about it?  The rear window is almost impossible to see through when it rains.  And when you open the boot the rain drips in.  The throttle is stiff, which sometimes makes accelerating all-or-nothing.  But that's about all.

[MarkC]

Thanks for the sound advice and the suggestion to look at the 3l coupe for sale. I've asked the garage to get back to me with some more information if they have it (old MOTS, number of owners, any service history, cam belt change etc). The MOT check indicates it has barely done any miles recently: 77k in May 12 to 87K in May 15. They are at work tomorrow and sent an email saying that they will get back to me. I tend to favour higher mileage but well serviced cars than lower mileage barely used ones but am open minded and it will be good to have a look at see which one is best.

 

Just spotted an R reg Red Coupe in Marlborough where I live but they are certainly rare and I can't remember seeing one around here before.

[hughezee]

Keep us posted m8y

[Mazda Man]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the rare and USA made (yes, made in Ohio) Honda Accord Coupe.  I have had at least 7 Accords and I've had both versions of the coupe, a 2.0ES and the V6 3.0L.  Yes, the 2.0ES is a nice car, leather, auto, etc etc but if you're not aiming to do a lot of miles then personally I would have the V6 all day long.  Have a look around the forum and you will see what members say about them.  Don't worry about high mileage, so long as the ATF and engine oil are fresh (again, check the forum BEFORE you even think about part changes etc as certain fluids will KILL it) and the cambelt has been changed then you will have a rare (less than 300 V6's on the road), comfortable, unique and fast (200BHP and immense torque) USA made car.  Take a look on YouTube for some vids by owners.  Check the MOT History using the link above to check for any potential nasties and be prepared to travel to get one.  Parts are no problem (they have a big following in the USA) and there are always parts around within the forum, just ask and someone will know where to find a part.

Oh and Stu (aka Hughzee) is the 'Coupe Guru' and looks after lots of coupes including mine.  Take his advice as gospel as he knows our coupes inside out.  At our last meet there were over 10 coupes all in one place which was great, if you take the plunge it would be great to see you at the next meet.

We have an eye on the coupe market and are always scouring Ebay, Gumtree, AutoTrader etc for any that appear on the market. 

When you do get one then please post up loads of pics so we can admire your beast. 

 

 

[MarkC]

Thanks for all the advice Geoff, just spotted another nice 2.0l manual coupe on autotrader with a full Honda History. A similar 3l auto would be more appealing but I don't know if there are likely to be many of these coming up for sale. It may pay to be patient!

[hughezee]

its always worth checking this post out linked below some coupes don't sell and maybe worth emailing some sellers and make an offer I've done it myself and succeeded three times now with cheeky offers as well

 

[Laird_Scooby]

Thanks for all the advice Geoff, just spotted another nice 2.0l manual coupe on autotrader with a full Honda History. A similar 3l auto would be more appealing but I don't know if there are likely to be many of these coming up for sale. It may pay to be patient!

I think you've picked up on the only bit of advice Geoff didn't mention - it will almost certainly pay to be patent!

Unless the first one of your "perfect car" is in fact perfect or as near perfect as you're ever likely to get then don't buy the first one. I've been lucky with my Rover 827s aka Honda Legends in disguise - the Sterling saloon was the first i saw, lowest mileage, best condition (at the time), right colour and so on. I had next to no trouble with it apart from routine servicing, a brake master cylinder, dodgy alternator and the Crankshaft Position Sensor has just gone at 109k miles.

I still consider i was lucky with the 827 coupé i bought 2 1/2 years ago after trying to find one for ages. The fact they were rare from new (only 615 made!) and many of them had fallen into "banger territory" meant a "minter" was going to be stupid money and a banger was going to be a money pit. I was lucky enough to find a nice looking one somewhere in between those extremes at sensible money that needed some TLC and a lot (i mean a lot - check out my "What a Palaver" thread!) of repairs to previously bodged jobs. That said, i've still been lucky with it - no serious troubles.

 

In the past when i've been desperate to own a particular car and i've bought the first i've seen, i've usually landed myself a whole heap of trouble. Yes, there have been exceptions but on the whole the old adage of "marry in haste, repent at leasure" can be equally applied to cars - buy in haste, repent at leasure.

 

Feel free to ask advice on here, there is so much knowledge and experience here that it's unlikely you'll be given a bum steer. Depending on your location, this might be worth a look on the south coast :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-HONDA-ACCORD-3-0I-V6-AUTO-GREEN-/151925650150?hash=item235f7972e6:g:kzUAAOSwZ1lWesbb

It's in the east Sussex area and is also in the thread Stu mentioned above about Accord coupé project suggestions. If it's close enough and you have a look and it's not for you, if nothing else it would be good experience of getting to know the car and what they drive like etc.

[Mazda Man]

Yep, great advice Stu and Dave.  It's a bit like buses Mark, nothing for weeks then three come along.  Personally, I would set up alerts with AutoTrader, eBay etc and let the websites do the work for you.  The V6 is the preferred model, it has little things like gas struts on the bonnet, a twin exhaust, better brakes (same as Type R I believe) and obviously the J series V6 engine, which I believe is very well respected.  Stu was telling me they also have additional things in the chassis to help handling etc.

When new, there were a number of options available like front fog lights, real (plastic) wood effect on the centre console around the stereo etc.  Don't worry too if the driver's seat has wear on the bolster, this is common and most coupes have this.  I think it's when drivers wear jeans and the rivet on the pocket keeps wearing in the same place.

With regards to spec you get a lot; heated electrically adjusted seats, headlamp washers, remote fuel and boot release, electric mirrors (driver's is heated)....but more than that, you will get legendary Honda reliability, decent performance (200BHP and loads of torque from the V6) and will be driving something quite rare and unique, instead of the usual glut of VW's and Beemers.  You won't see many on the road and you get the sense of driving something special.

One minute you're driving 30 MPH cossetted in lovely leather smoking your pipe, the next, when the revs get above 3000RPM, you enter hyper speed with immense acceleration and torque.

Good luck with your search and keep us posted with links etc.  Check the MOT check website and ask anything. 

 

[Graymalkin]

I bought my 1998 3.0 Auto in October. I paid £850 for it. It had done 65,0000 miles.

I am very glad i went for the 3.0. When you put your foot down i will gurantee you will smile.

I would say, if you have time, try and wait for a good one at the right price. It took me 4 weeks to find mine. Then I had to travel nearly 300 miles to get it.

Whats good about it - the performance, the build, the general feel of the car and the acceleration from 50-70. It pulls and pulls and pulls.

Whats bad - the rust and the dodgy handling. (However, that has been improved quite significantly after being lowered at the front by 35mm)

Quite a few people have asked me "Oh thats nice what is it?" One friend knew what it was without asking. Plus in nearly 3 months I have not seen another one on the road.

Knowing what I know and having lived with the car for 3 months did I make the right decision and would i make the same decision - Yes. Except maybe I'd go for a slightly newer version even if it had more miles on the clock. The newer models seem to have more toys and the build quality is just a tad better.

The only question i have for myself is why the bloody hell i didnt discover the honda coupe a few years earlier!!!!!!

[Retro Rich]

As a fellow owner, I highly recommend the 3.0L V6 Coupe. It's fabulous and being a member of this forum, you have the reassurance of specialist knowledge that simply cannot be found elsewhere.

[Mazda Man]

As a fellow owner, I highly recommend the 3.0L V6 Coupe. It's fabulous and being a member of this forum, you have the reassurance of specialist knowledge that simply cannot be found elsewhere.

Yep, well said Rich.  As there aren't many around (as opposed to thousands of other makes), we're a select bunch and we love our coupes and we enjoy helping each other out whether it's parts, advice or anything. 

[MarkC]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the many words of advice and I thought you would all be interested in an update. I have bought a 2.0ES manual (for £1450) and can picture the groans of those of you who did your very best to persuade me that the 3l auto is the better model (I wouldn't rule out getting one of those too in the future I am so impressed with the 2.0l version) . The reason for going for the 2l was the fact that it had been owned by the same retired couple for 14 years and every single service from new was at the same Honda Main dealer (15 in total over 78k miles). The body is totally unblemished and even the alloy wheels look new. I have the stamped service book and also the service printout of all the work done since day 1 and there were some hefty recent bills (£770, £695, £641, £875) for services, exhaust, brake pipes, fuel pipes etc). It drove really well on the 180 mile journey back home and feels amazingly well put together. There is a tiny (1cm square) tear on the driver's seat bolster but I knew to expect this. One frustrating and quite serious fault has come to light today and that is a fuel leak (either from the rusty fuel tank or possibly the connection to one of the new pipes). It was on the fuel warning light when I bought it and having filled it to the brim for the journey home I suspect it is leaking from the seam on the full tank). I don't blame the trader because this problem wouldn't be noticed with an empty tank. I have discussed this with the trader I bought it from and she is happy for me to take it to my local garage and between us I am sure we will be able to share the cost (I am happy to contribute something because it would be expensive taking it back to her and hopefully I will end up with another new part). The new Consumer Rights Act (which came into effect on the 1st October 2015) would entitle me to return the car due to it not being fit for purpose but I would rather get it fixed. I only recently discovered this new Act (via Autocar magazine)  and it is well worth reading about it if any purchases are made via a dealer.

I just wondered if anybody had suffered anything similar and if original fuel tanks are still available (there is a honda part number pfkl2052838 at a cost of £672.44 as per the Lings Honda website) or if there are any cheaper pattern parts suppliers anyone has used. 

 

[Laird_Scooby]

Well done Mark - cracking looking car and those wheels really set it off nicely!

 

Something i only found out recently while trying to source an obscure part for one of my Rovers is the part numbers on Lings are in fact Lings part numbers and bear no relation to genuine Honda part numbers at all. Very easy mistake to make!

 

Stu is breaking that black 3.0 coupé so may be able to help you out with a tank as i don't see the dealer stumping up half the cost of the car just for the tank somehow! It might not be the tank after all but i expect you'll need to put it in to someone who can verify the leak and speak to the dealer about it but if it is, it could be why the retired couple sold it. Given the several relatively large repair bills they'd had recently, they probably had the quote for a new tank and decided to sell. Would also explain why it was on empty when you picked it up!

[MarkC]

Thanks for letting me know about Lings and the part numbers which could save some embarrassment. The dealer has explained that she would be happy to give me a full refund if the repair costs look too high. I hope they are not because I really like the car and don't want to spend a day travelling to return it or pay £260 for somebody else to do so! I will update this thread when I know the outcome.