Please, I'l need useful suggestions from nairalanders.

I presently have an option of purchasing either an ACURA TL 2003 model or an accord 2003 (EOD) at the same price. Though I know the decision will be fully mine at the end of the day but I will really appreciate informed opinions from more experienced guys.

For one I have never paid too much attention to Acura cos I initially did not consider it but with this offer, I have done some online searches and just need to hear from ppl with practical knowledge.


From my search, i wasnt really impressed by the ACURA 03's second generation body design compared to the EOD but I guess funcionality will be the preponderating factor.


So if u have anything beneficial to add, I'l appreciate. I have just 2 days (till friday) to pick either of them.

Thanks in advance




************************************************************


Thanks, for the counsel you guys gave on this thread.

I just came back to say I was patient and I finally got the EOD.

Though it was about 30% more expensive, I am certainly not regreting my choice.


Please I need someone here to help me check the VIN report of the car.

the number is 1HGCM66543A074027.

I'l so much appreciate it

Wow no response yet ! ! !

Maybe I should phrase the question this way,
which will you choose and why assuming the following
conditions ?

1) Both cars are in good conditions, no noticeable defects
2) Both are shipped in from the US
3) Both are automatic transmissions
4) The accord is fabric and the Acura as usual is leather (seats)

expecting responses

go for eod period!!!!!

Thanks Yamata,

That was cool and decisive. but you didn't answer the 'why' part.

I'l be test driving the Acura this morning,

any advice as regards what to watch out for ?

Got some images online of the Acura 03

hmmm.

I will say that the Acura is the best to go for. Acura is the luxury department of Honda. Most "toys" that comes standard on the Acura are optional on the EOD. Acura comes fully loaded to the tilt usually except for Navigation.

When you are test driving, pay attention to how the gears are shifting. Make sure that they are not too harsh or behaving abnormally.

EOD and Acura of those years are known for "possible" gear problems. Look before you leap.

You can bring back the VIN number and we can run it for you.

Good luck. Have fun. Drive safe.

I would go with Kunle-A on this. Go for the Acura its of better value and options compared to the EOD for the the same year. Well Maintenance I am guessing would def be higher than that of the EOD which is just simply logical due to its value and options compared to the EOD.

Other factors which I might have put into consideration would have been the mileage on both cars, but since that is not readily available, just know that the Acura is to[b] Honda[/b] as Lexus is to Toyota so it would simply tip off the EOD when placed side by side. . . .

And you can always get the vin number of both cars to guys on NL to help you wit the cars' history. Wish you all the Best!

Thanks all,

Just got back from the inspection of the Acura,

everything seemed okay, factory fitted AC, car in good shape, test drive went well

but dont have the VIN yet and might need wheel balancing but I dont think that should be a major issue.

A friend suggested I do a diagnostics on the engine.


The mileage was about 115K miles (sounds a bit high to me)




@kunle

The ACURA is an automatic,
I thought manuals were more susceptible to gear problems

115k miles is right. with about 15k miles per year. You are just in the neighborhood of the mileage expected for a 9year old car. With proper maintenance, its guaranteed to hit well over 300k miles without breaking a sweat.

On the transmission, its actually the other way round. The automatics are more prone to problems than the manual.

I don't think you really need to run any diagnostic check unless the car is bad. If its running fine, no need to.

Enjoy.

BROS STOP!!!!!!!

acura may be a luxury brand but have you checked on the availability of parts in the market??

before you close the deal, go and do a price comparison on the parts of the 2 cars at idumota or ladipo and the relative ease of obta
ining parts in the market. This may save you from a very costly mistake!


remember buying a car is not a bitch but its maintenance.

As an Auto Dealer based in Nigeria where I believe this vehicle would be Used, Ill strongly advise you go with the 2003 Honda Accord End of Discussion.

1999 - 2003 Acura TLs have Significant Problems on the Engine and transmission all through from 1999 - 2003.  INFACT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WAS SO BAD IN THE ACURA TL IT HAD TO BE RECALLED, 1,099,796 MODELS WERE RECALLED

An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Automatic Transmission. Acura has extended the warranty on the Automatic Transmission and Torque Converter to 7 years or 100,000 miles. The cost to repair the Automatic Transmission is estimated at $2500.00 for a remanufactured Automatic Transmission and $533.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) Module that is part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Problems with the OPDS Module will cause the SRS light to illuminate. Acura has released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #06-008, dated 3/14/2006) that extends the warranty of the OPDS control unit for 10 years or 150,000 miles. The cost to replace the OPDS Module is estimated at $205.00 for parts and $117.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

Going by the Nigerian factor which I believe should part of your Purchase consideration, I advise to Stick with the 2003 Honda Accord.

[b] Auto Recall Date:
APR 15, 2004

Vehicle Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 1099796
Model Affected
2003 ACURA 3.2TL

2003 Acura TL Defect Summary:
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.

Defect Consequence:
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy:
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Estimated Vehicles Affected:
1099796

Notes:
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) P30/P31 [/b]

The two cars you have for consideration are good cars, nevertheless, the place of use, as you indicated is, 9ja.

There are specific things you should look for when buying a vehicle for use on 9ja roads.

You should be able to look at the history of accords and acuras as they are valued by Nigerians. You noticed that there are more accords than acuras (1990 - 1997 and beyond on 9ja roads). The residual value also tilt in favour of accords.

One of the most important factor are parts availabilities. This is should be your major concern. There are more accords on the roads compared to acuras.

There are many problems associated to acuras; from the transmission to the electrical problems.

The car is going to be used in 9ja where most of the mechanics are familiar with repairs on common problems associated with accords. They may not be that good on acuras. It's generally known in 9ja as EOD, which means that any car that has it's own local aliases must be well known to the local mechanics; translating to the availability of easy diagnosis of any problem at every square inch where mechanics are available.

In my opinion, i'll suggest you go for accord.

Thanks all and God bless.

I just saw the later posts this morning, You guys have given me food for thought cos

I was almost concluded on the ACURA, infact the only thing is, Money hasn't exchanged hands.

I'l think through and decide before the day's end.

obi58:

BROS STOP!!!!!!!

acura may be a luxury brand but have you checked on the availability of parts in the market??

before you close the deal, go and do a price comparison on the parts of the 2 cars at idumota or ladipo and the relative ease of obta
ining parts in the market. This may save you from a very costly mistake!


remember buying a car is not a naughty woman but its  maintenance.

I thought (infact I was told by the dealer) that Acura and Accord use the same parts and as such I'l not have any probs

with parts cos that's one of the first question I asked him when he offered the accord.

Am not really too much in the know in that regard anyway.

Two, for those who have used the ACURA in Nigeria or anywhere (or know those that have used), what parts have been the ones that have frequently required replacements.


Thanks in anticipation

Two, for those who have used the ACURA in Nigeria or anywhere (or know those that have used), what parts have been the ones that have frequently required replacements.


Thanks in anticipation

bros

by now you should know that a dealer who is desperate to close a sale will be willing to tell you what you want to hear to close the deal.

i should think that you went with a qualifed mechanic to inspect the car. what did he have to say about that because he will be the one replacing the parts not the dealer?

have you gone to  corroborate the dealer's claim in the spare part market?



as they say,  look before you leap.

n.b. with regards to inspired's report on acura auto transmission problems, the 2003 eod has also been reported to have more auto transmission problems than its 2004 and 2005 counterparts but owing to its popularity in the nigerian market, it should not be too difficult to shop for the right one for you and to get replacement parts if ever need arises for work to be done on the car. this pretty much reminds me of the debate some pple experience when deciding whether to go for the 2000 camry or the 2000 avalon


good luck in your purchase.

Pak,

On a good day i would have ignored this thread if not for the fact that most people aren't giving you the right information.
I as a dealer have sold numerous Accords and Acuras, and i have also USED BOTH a few times.

My last car before my current was this Acura, and i used it for 13 months, and had not ONE issue with it. I also have a neighbor on my street who use it till date the same acura, and has had none of the problems stated here.
There  are simple rules to using Acuras and cars in general:

1. Get a specialist mechanic to handle your vehicle.
2. Don't be stingy with maintenance. Never hesitate to replace parts, do not encourage 'Oga i fit work am' with your mechanic.
3. service the gear and engine frequently, say every 3 monthsat worst case.

Do this three things, and u'd have not one problem with the Acura nor the honda.

As for gear issues, i've heard more complain cases about the 2003 and early 2004 Accord models, NOTE: 2003 model and early 2004 not 2005.
One other thing is this: Are you buying for long term use or short-term? If it's the latter, then go for the Accord as it has a FASTER resale value, but not necessarily BETTER resale value. The beauty of the Acura is that you can buy it for N10, use it(though neatly) for 12 months and still sell it for N8.50, and no one will complain as it's a luxury line and its price isn't stable in the market. However, the Accord doesn't enjoy such respect. it's brand new, tokunbo and nigerian used prices are known by even a blind man on the streeta, and so people will price you per day of use when coming to buy it off you, In summary, the acura has a better resale value, but not as fast as that of the Acura.

Now, as an experienced auto dealer and driver of german and honda brands, I'd advise you to go for the Acura TL. it's faster, finer, attracts more respect to the owner, smarter on the road, more loaded and best of all, THE PARTS ARE NOT AS EXPENSIVE AS THE ACCORD(end of discussion) and ANY honda mechanic can handle it well.
you may ask "Why are the parts cheaper?", simple, law of supply and demand. Almost every tom, manliness and harry owns a 2003/2004/2005 accord, it's almost becoming a taxi. Now, that means more demand for th parts from few parts dealers, in-turn affects the hike in price of the parts.

key words to note in viperman's comment:

'SPECIALIST MECHANIC'

that should tell you that if you are not careful, you are going to buy into big gbese.


As to the issue of parts, don't take my opinion or that of viper's:

WALK INTO ANY AUTO PARTS MARKET AND SEE HOW MANY PPLE DEAL IN ACURA PARTS and compare prices with those of honda cars.

I'm sure you'll not find many and those you find will be more than likely to take advantage of owning scare parts in the market.

come to think of it: all this talk of acura as a luxury brand, can someone educate me and the house on the special features this 2003 acuratl has over a 2003 honda accord ex

seeing they say is believing

Thanks, for the counsel you guys gave on this thread.

I just came back to say I was patient and I finally got the EOD.

Though it was about 30% more expensive, I am certainly not regreting my choice.


Please I need someone here to help me check the VIN report of the car.

the number is 1HGCM66543A074027.

I'l so much appreciate it

@ Pak,

You are now putting the cart before the horse. You should have checked the VIN before buying the car. Next time, definitely check the VIN before buying. It is better to spend $40 than to make a $10,000 mistake. See the Autocheck report below.

NOTE: Autocheck gave this car a grade of 88 out of 91 which is excellent but still marked it as "Disqualified". This may be because it is "Grey Market". They defined "Grey Market" as follows: "The vehicle was imported into the country and may not meet U.S. safety and/or environmental standards."

Lanham, Hyattsville and Laurel are relatively nice suburbs. If the car was used in those areas as the report seems to suggest, then the previous owner may be in the middle class.

VIN: 1HGCM66543A074027
Year : 2003
Make : Honda
Model: Accord EX
Style/Body: Sedan 4D
Class: Mid Range Car - Standard
Engine: 3.0L V6 EFI
Country of Assembly: United States
Vehicle Age: 7 year(s)
Calculated Owners: 2
Calculated Accidents: 0
Last Reported
Odometer Reading: 37,371


Event Date Event Location Odometer Reading Data Source Event Detail
08/01/2006 FALLS CHURCH, VA 26,000 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE
08/01/2006 FALLS CHURCH, VA Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
GREY MARKET
08/31/2007 LANHAM, MD 37,371 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:38658974)
REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL (Lien Reported)
03/11/2008 HYATTSVILLE, MD Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:38658974)
CORRECTED TITLE
05/23/2008 HYATTSVILLE, MD Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:38658974)
CORRECTED TITLE
09/17/2009 LAUREL, MD Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL

@BizBooks
Thanks Man and God Bless for the prompt response

Also thanks for the advice, Though I hope I wont be going thru this again, as in next time out, I'l be able to afford something new !

and BTW how did you know the price ? Never mentioned it on this thread. That was quite smart

@ Pak,

and BTW how did you know the price ? Never mentioned it on this thread. That was quite smart

It was a guess. But Accords and Camrys are my areas of specialization.

@bizbooks could you check out this VIN 1HGCG55611A006809 HONDA ACCORD 2001 MANNUAL, how much should it go for

@bizbooks could you check out this VIN 1VYGF22C315215807.

Thanks in anticipation.

Dear moderator

Pls help me chk d vin details for tis car pls:
1hgcg5653ya011090.my email is kayodekadiri@yahoo.com

Pls giv me ur number mak I credit u

pls help me and check the VIN for RAV4
VIN: jtmzd33v165000718