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  • kdshapirokdshapiro Posts: 5,751
    I'm partial to the Camry. Honda and Toyota have very good resale for a reason. I didn't hear about this "premature" brake-wear either until I did a web search.

    I would recommend buying a copy of the CR auto guide and see what they say regarding 4 cyl family sedans.

    I'm sure others will chime in with Sonota, Fusion, Mazda, Buick, etc.

    How many miles a year and how long you want to keep the car might have a bearing on the recommendation.
  • I put about 15k miles per year on my cars and I generally keep them until they are pretty much used up. I'll take them to 200k miles or more if I can.

    I just looked through AutoTrader for Camry's 2008 and newer priced from $15k to $22k, less than 30k miles, within 100 miles of my home. There were a few XLE's available, but mostly the lower end models. The accords I was looking at have leather, power seats, but I didn't find that much in the Camry.

    I think I will try to get out this weekend and drive a couple of Camry's and see what some other sales people say about other cars in this class.

    I did sign-up for the CR subscription last night and have spent some time on the website. There is an ad on TV for the Fusion right now. Got a top award from JD Power. Maybe I should also consider it.

  • I read that the remedy to the '08-'10 accord brake issue remedy is to put ceramic pad on the vehicle and adjust the Electronic Brake Distribution system.

    Does anyone know what the performace of these vehicles is AFTER the appropriate adjustments have been made?
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Posts: 5,751
    I don't think you can go wrong with any of these vehicles. They all have different strengths and weaknesses.
  • Thanks kd.

    I have found a nice 2010 Altima too that I am going to look at tomorrow. They also have a 2010 accord on the lot in my price range. I found an article that has VIN #'s of 2010 accords that are covered by the class action suit and this isn't one of them. I'm just a little afraid to get into a car that is going to have brake issues. I have been there before.

    I'd like to be able to find an article of testimony from an owner that the fix Honda put in place on these cars is effective. Know what I mean. Unfortunately, I can't find anything, so I may end-up with the Altima because of this issue. I thought about talking to a Honda service manager at a dealership about it, but do you think he will give me a straight story? Maybe I should just stop some people on the street with these vehicles and ask them about their experiences.

    Thanks for your input.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Posts: 5,751
    I'm not a fan of the Altima and CVT, while there are a lot of these cars on the road, a CAMRY is more refined. (imo)
  • I think I saw it mentioned before, but Cadillac does have a Certified Pre-Owned program. To learn more, visit

    GM Customer Service
  • From using both the Honda and Chevrolet Competitive Comparison tools, a GM product that is along the same lines as the Accord is the Malibu.

    I'd recommend using the Competitive Comparison tool available online no matter what vehicles you're considering - it's easy to use and puts all the vehicles and their specs side by side.

    Hope this helps,
    GM Customer Service
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Posts: 5,751
    Sarah, if you are really from "gm cust service" why are you using a gmail account. Is General Motors really using gmail for it's employees?
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Posts: 10,918
    I can't answer for GM re: the gmail address, but I can tell you that we have verified that she is working with GM in a customer service/social media capacity.

    Share your vehicle reviews

  • kdshapirokdshapiro Posts: 5,751
    Okay, thx. Interesting.
  • This is an understandable question! It was a quick fix to meet the needs of a growing department, I suppose. We (my fellow Customer Service Representatives and myself) had been sharing an "" account with Edmunds. In the end, this proved to be a bit messy. In an effort to stay on top of interacting with posters here, gmail was a great solution for us.

    Hope this helps to clarify things,
    GM Customer Service
  • steverstever Viva Las CrucesPosts: 41,963

    Minivan fan. Feel free to message or email me -

  • Hi guys, first post on the forum, had a question to throw at the real car enthusiasts.

    I'm 17, a junior in high school, and am getting my first car. I live in Southern Ohio.

    My 'dilemma'. My parents said they would get my a car under about 23,000 with a little wiggle room here and there. They would love for me to get a Honda Accord (sedan), 2012. However, I want to make sure its my best option.

    They also like the 2012 new CRV but I want to stick with a 4 door sedan.

    After my own research these seem like the best options:

    2012 HONDA ACCORD: Our neighbor works for Honda and said he can get us a deal if we buy a Honda, so the I would be able to get the Accord at a reduced rate, probably 8-12% off the sticker price, so that means the EX-L line would fall into this category, but the V6 or navigation systems would still be too much. I like the Accord, its looks aren't awful but don't wow or turn heads. Its drive is smooth but its not really a performance car or anything, even with the 190hp.

    2009-10 ACURA TSX: I like the TSX a lot, as in its body design is aggressive without being over the top and flashy. It's a bit smaller than the Accord so it should get more pep to its drive and be able to park better, right? Its got a 201 hp (once again, v6 would be too much $) and I think that should perform better than the Accord's. The interior of an 09 is almost comparable to the Accord ex-l so I don't feel like I'm losing much. From my research, it would still be sub 24k if I was to take a no tech package, or with serious haggling I could get it.

    2008 LEXUS IS250: The 250 seems to the funnest to drive, without giving up any real safety or usability features. Considering I'll be in college soon, i don't see the need for a large back seat, by the time I have any sort of family this car will be 200k miles an ready for retirement (at the least!). The v6 engine seems to be a nice feature as well. As far as the interior goes, its a bit smaller than the accord and tsx but has the same major features, leather seats, steering wheel mounted controls, heated seats etc. Correct me if I'm wrong.

    My main problem is this:
    This is the only car my parents will pay for, after this, it's all my own hard earned cash. That being said, I want this to be a car that can last me through the next two years of high school, and if needed, in college and definitely out of college. Having a neighbor with Honda, I think I would be able to get better maintainability and of course, better pricing on a new Accord. It would also have 0 miles on it.

    The TSX, judging by's prices would have about 15-20k miles and the Lexus, 30-35k. They would also be a few years old, 3 and 4 respectively. Should I just stick with the Accord? I would prefer driving the Lexus, or even TSX but is it worth having a 30k 4 year old car right off the bat?

    Any input would be greatly appreciated, and thanks for anyone who even took the time to read all of that!
  • A new Honda will have a 3-year warranty that neither of your other options will have, plus you will know the history of the car since you will have owned it since new. Hondas are fun to drive as long as you realize that the Honda is not & will never be a hot rod or rice rocket. You may like the looks of an Accord coupe over the sedan--be sure to check that out.

    That said, do yourself a big favor and DO NOT buy a Honda with a V6 (with automatic), as the VCM system on Honda's V6 engines is really poor technology and will give you much more grief & frustration than the 4 cylinder.
  • My advice to you (even though you probably don't want to hear it as I wouldn't at your age) is to get something a bit older as you will likely dent the heck out of it by you or someone else. Unless your parents are super rich, you are better saving that money for a nice car when you graduate college.

    I would suggest going for a 06 or 07 Accord as it will probably be the least cost on your parents and insurance (and IMO is a better car overall compared to the current generation)

    Oh and your friend who works for Honda may not be getting the best deal around so it is best to find out the price and check around dealers first.

    I'll be honest with the current generation Accord, the seats suck. They hurt my back on long trips. The interior has too many buttons. And while they fixed the rear pads I am not sure how much extended life you will get out them. When my sister had her 08, I was replacing the pads every 15k miles. Luckily I do them myself so I only pay $50 for the pads while others pay $150-200 for a dealer to do them.

    She ended up with most of the TSBs published and had two failed door actuators (search the web for these) before 40k miles. She was fed up with all of the minor problems and traded it in for a 09 Altima. The car has 50k miles, just replaced both sets of pads, and only had one blown fuse (probably overloaded the accessory socket). The car was night and day compared to her Accord.

    We have had Hondas in our family for over 14 years. We need a new car and it won't be an Accord.
  • backybacky Twin CitiesPosts: 18,784
    First, you should realize how lucky you are to have parents who would buy you such a nice car while you are still in high school. Be thankful for that (especially today) and tell them "Thank you!" and give them a big hug. Then honor them and their generosity by taking very good care of the car and driving it safely.

    As to the car... I think you realize the Accord is the most Practical choice, and the Lexus is the most Fun choice. The TSX splits the difference. You could get an Acura Certified TSX, or a Lexus Certified IS, and have the factory warranty. One thing I encourage you to check out is an Acura Certified 2008 TSX. That is the last year of the previous design but they are considered by many to be superior to the current design, and it will cost far less than $23k. So you could get a top-notch sample with lowest possible miles and save your parents some bucks, which they could apply to your auto insurance (which will be a LOT for the next few years). I think you would enjoy driving the TSX more than the Accord, and it's more compact than the Accord thus easier to park in crowded school parking lots.

    That's how I would go if it were my choice between these 3 cars. (If it were really my choice, I'd ask my parents to let me consider a hatchback because of its practicality for to/from college, e.g. Focus or Mazda3, also its fuel efficiency. They might compliment you on your practicality.). In fact, I will be making that choice in the next year or so--buy a new compact car ala Focus for around $18k, or buy a 2008 TSX.

    Good luck!
  • kyfdxkyfdx Posts: 31,193
    ..and, it sort of is... I have a 17 yr old... ;)

    I'd buy an $8000 car now, and ask them to hold the other $15K for when you get out of college... Buying a new car will be a waste.. your warranty will expire in three years, with very little mileage driven. For the mileage that a typical teenager drives, you could buy a 6 year old sedan, and it should keep you through college...

    When you get your first job out of college, then you can sell your heap, add the $15K, take a small loan, and have a new car that will be serviceable as long as you need it, or until you can afford a newer/better model.. at a time, when you'll really need a new car, and most new graduates can't afford it..

    My son drives 2 miles each way to school... wouldn't waste a new car on that commute, even if I were willing to buy him a new car (which I'm not).

    Where do you have to go in Chillicothe? (or Jackson, Portsmouth, Ironton, etc..) ;)

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  • backybacky Twin CitiesPosts: 18,784
    edited November 2011
    The problem with that idea is, there's very little in the way of a good sedan from 2005 or newer under $8,000. I just did a search within 30 miles of me for sedans with those qualifications and under 100k miles. I found 3: a 2006 Sentra S with 77k miles (good little car, economical at least), a 2005 Impala with 83k miles, and a 2007 Saturn Ion with 95k miles. That's it. There may be others out there, but the fact is $8,000 doesn't buy much of a car anymore.

    I have a feeling these parents aren't struggling financially. If they were, I'd agree that it's better to buy a cheap car now. But if the parents want to give their son a nice car... what's it to us? Then the car will be usable all the way through college and for a few years after college. And we know not everyone gets a great job right out of college, so it's good to have a solid car that's paid for when exiting college.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Posts: 31,193
    I don't see his parents finances entering into the decision...

    They are willing to spend $23K.... and, likely won't spend any more for his automobile needs.... ever.

    So, my advice was what would be best financially for him. (IMO, of course).. He only gets the $23K, one time... I wouldn't spend it all now..

    Most good $8000 cars aren't on autotrader... you buy them from friends or neighbors.. Every teenager on my street has a sub-$8000 car. It's just a waste of resources to buy an expensive car for the driving needs of a high school student.. If I had those same driving needs, I wouldn't buy a new car for myself... :surprise:


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  • qbrozenqbrozen Posts: 17,691
    Why does it have to be 2005+?


  • isellhondasisellhondas Issaquah WashingtonPosts: 17,946
    Our HOST gave you the best advice in my opinion.

    For under 10,000 you can buy a great used car. So what if it's out of warranty? If something breaks, just have it fixed.

    Take the extra 15,000 and invest it somewhere and watch it grow.

    As far as a V-6 Accord. they are NOT troublesome cars just totally unnecessary. The 4's have more than ample power.

    Civic or Accord, You can't go wrong! If you do go used just make sure it gets a total inspection.

    Probably not what you wanted to hear, I know!
  • backybacky Twin CitiesPosts: 18,784
    It doesn't... but see the post I replied to.
  • backybacky Twin CitiesPosts: 18,784
    edited November 2011
    I didn't read that there was an option to take $23k cash and do whatever he wanted with it. If that's the case, I would definitely buy a less expensive car, not a $23k sedan. There's some very nice NEW cars perfect for a student in the $15-16k range. And some very nice used cars with factory warranty/certified warranties (if that is important) in the $12-15k range.

    I thought the decision needed to be between a new Accord, a used TSX, or a used IS. That was how I replied.

    I let my oldest son use my six-year-old 626 when he was finishing junior year in high school. Cost me $7k. He drove it through college, then I turned the title over to him for his graduation gift and then sold it for around $3200 a few months ago, and applied that towards a 2007 Accord SE sedan. He should get a lot of miles out of that. My other son is driving my 2004 Elantra GT hatch, purchased new, to college now (sophomore). When he graduates it will be just over 10 years old but will probably have 80k miles on it or less. Still runs and looks new (except for a few dings). I'll turn the title over to him when he graduates. He wants to be a high school teacher so he'll probably need to hang onto it for awhile after college--they don't make real big bucks. It's worth about $6000-6500 now.

    So yes, there's some good sub-$8000 cars out there. But not a lot of them, since prices have skyrocketed in the past year or two. And not the question that was asked.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Posts: 31,193

    I didn't either... I recommended that he make that suggestion to his parents (and not, whatever he wanted... lol)

    Of course, what do I know.... I'm turning my son into a CCB.... he has two cars under $8000.... ;)

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  • sandman_6472sandman_6472 Coral Springs, FLPosts: 2,816
    Agree with the '08 TSX...better than the current model with it's more compact size. Would trade my Civic for a low miled one in a heartbeat if wife would let me. TSX does use premium fuel, but am sure 8 octane could be used. Saw a blue over stone leather which I feel in love with actually but didn't make much financial sense to jump on a perfect world, I'd have one in the garage now!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:


  • isellhondasisellhondas Issaquah WashingtonPosts: 17,946
    Was a 1952 Chevrolet I paid 35.00 for. It served me well until my parents gave me their 1962 Buick Special.

    I wonder how I survived?
  • qbrozenqbrozen Posts: 17,691
    Oh! I missed that part about 6 years old and $8k.

    Now I git it.

    Anyhow, my suggestion to the OP is an older, cheaper car. I don't know anyone who had their first car last very long, even when it was a new car. The car will suffer much abuse. Might as well be something you won't regret killing.


  • backybacky Twin CitiesPosts: 18,784
    I wonder how your folks survived on $3,900 a year, which was the average annual income in the USA in 1952? Or maybe they were rich and made all of, say, $5,000 a year. ;)

    Some of the kids at the high school my boys went to had Audis, BMWs, Volvos, newer Hondas, etc. etc.--all or almost all gifts from parents I'll wager. Those parents obviously had different thoughts than I did when it came to providing a car to their kids for school. Well, it's their money. Hope their kids appreciated their parents' generosity. Some kids would love to have a $300 beater (today's equivalent of your '52 Chevy) to drive.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Issaquah WashingtonPosts: 17,946
    The year was 1966 when I had my old Chevy. The CAR was a 1952, not the YEAR!

    Looking back, I don't think anyone in my high school had a new car with a couple of exceptions. I do remember a couple of new VW's and one guy bought a new Corvair.
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