Mercedes / Honda Accord

JayMul

Ok I'm looking to upgrade my used car I currently own a 1.5l Vti 96 Civic. I am travelling 800k a week and I have been having pains in my leg using the Civic. This is either to do with the low riding position or the clutch, or a mixture of both. So I have been looking at automatics. Here's two of the cars I am currently interested in.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Accord/2.0-SPOR/201032199143342/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class/200-Komp/201028198843691/advert?channel=CARS

I would like to get a car that won't be off the road for any amount of time & I have heard the modern Mercs can be a bit unreliable but 2004 on aren't so bad? I know Civic engines are really hardy and I have had no problems with either of the two I have owned in 200k KM driven, but I would like to hear Accords are the same as I that would kill the deal for me.

Any opinions or advice on which model would be more reliable & which car would be a better purchase would be more than welcome.

R.O.R

JayMul wrote: »

Ok I'm looking to upgrade my used car I currently own a 1.5l Vti 96 Civic. I am travelling 800k a week and I have been having pains in my leg using the Civic. This is either to do with the low riding position or the clutch, or a mixture of both. So I have been looking at automatics. Here's two of the cars I am currently interested in.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Accord/2.0-SPOR/201032199143342/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class/200-Komp/201028198843691/advert?channel=CARS

I would like to get a car that won't be off the road for any amount of time & I have heard the modern Mercs can be a bit unreliable but 2004 on aren't so bad? I know Civic engines are really hardy and I have had no problems with either of the two I have owned in 200k KM driven, but I would like to hear Accords are the same as I that would kill the deal for me.

Any opinions or advice on which model would be more reliable & which car would be a better purchase would be more than welcome.

I have a Manual version of the Accord you linked. Currently around 155,000km and I've done the last 60,000km without having to spend anything on top of standard servicing and a couple of bulbs. Don't know how reliable the auto box on them is though as they aren't too common.

Fuel consumption isn't the best on the Manual so the Auto is going to be worse. Get 700km from a full tank (55 litres) and that's 90% Motorway / good N road.

Having driven a few C class from that era, it's unusual for them to have less than 2 warnings on the dash for various issues when you start the car.

Tea 1000

JayMul wrote: »

Ok I'm looking to upgrade my used car I currently own a 1.5l Vti 96 Civic. I am travelling 800k a week and I have been having pains in my leg using the Civic. This is either to do with the low riding position or the clutch, or a mixture of both. So I have been looking at automatics. Here's two of the cars I am currently interested in.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Accord/2.0-SPOR/201032199143342/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class/200-Komp/201028198843691/advert?channel=CARS

I would like to get a car that won't be off the road for any amount of time & I have heard the modern Mercs can be a bit unreliable but 2004 on aren't so bad? I know Civic engines are really hardy and I have had no problems with either of the two I have owned in 200k KM driven, but I would like to hear Accords are the same as I that would kill the deal for me.

Any opinions or advice on which model would be more reliable & which car would be a better purchase would be more than welcome.

Between those two? Accord, no contest. That Merc is a bit tired looking and has 100k miles on it as opposed to 40k on the Accord. So it's a no brainer.
In general, for both cars if you found a fresher Merc, it might be closer, but I think I'd still go with the Accord.

JayMul

R.O.R wrote: »

Fuel consumption isn't the best on the Manual so the Auto is going to be worse. Get 700km from a full tank (55 litres) and that's 90% Motorway / good N road.

Thanks guys,
Nice to know, I think I'm getting around the same in my Civic and again had similar from a 2009 1.4 Tsi Golf I had a lend of. So while it would be nice to save a bit of money on petrol it's not a huge issue, as long is it's around 30+mpg.

Here's a lower mileage Merc and an Accord I'm looking at tonight.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class/C180-CLA/201031199063409/advert?channel=CARS (no leather interior )

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Accord/2.0-i-VT/201033199210582/advert?channel=CARS

I'm really kind of thinking Accord would be better for my needs.

kildare.17hmr

Accord hands down all day long, i sold a 06 one in automatic the same as the one you put up, the guy who bought it originally came to look at a 2005 E270cdi and left a very happy man with the 2.0i v-tec accord. I drove it for a week or so when it was in the garage here and i found it quite good on fuel compared to a 04 E200 petrol which i drove previous to it. the last post is right about the warning lights on the merc, nightmare if things like that annoy you and if something goes wrong its off to the garage with your trousers around your ankles to bend over:D

bazz26

I'd go with the Accord, that model C Class was never a great car would not buy one just for the sake of having a 3 pointed star.

BTW you just have to laugh at the plastic wheel trim on the black one.

JayMul

Ok I reckon Accord it is then, the Merc sounds a little too worrisome.

kuro_man

for your mileage, why are you not getting a diesel?

Accord 2.2 diesel is highly regarded and you could pick up a E270 or E320 for your budget.

JayMul

Good question, I was ruling out cars over 2litre for tax reasons, but I suppose I could fork out the extra 150 a year if it was worth it in the long run. How much would it be worth looking at the Diesel version over the Petrol in terms of reliability, longevity etc.?

keithclancy

JayMul wrote: »

Good question, I was ruling out cars over 2litre for tax reasons, but I suppose I could fork out the extra 150 a year if it was worth it in the long run. How much would it be worth looking at the Diesel version over the Petrol in terms of reliability, longevity etc.?

You'd be saving well more than that on fuel alone.

Honda08

JayMul wrote: »

Ok I'm looking to upgrade my used car I currently own a 1.5l Vti 96 Civic. I am travelling 800k a week and I have been having pains in my leg using the Civic. This is either to do with the low riding position or the clutch, or a mixture of both. So I have been looking at automatics. Here's two of the cars I am currently interested in.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Accord/2.0-SPOR/201032199143342/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class/200-Komp/201028198843691/advert?channel=CARS

I would like to get a car that won't be off the road for any amount of time & I have heard the modern Mercs can be a bit unreliable but 2004 on aren't so bad? I know Civic engines are really hardy and I have had no problems with either of the two I have owned in 200k KM driven, but I would like to hear Accords are the same as I that would kill the deal for me.

Any opinions or advice on which model would be more reliable & which car would be a better purchase would be more than welcome.

ok that accord is the pre facelift model. there were some minor changes in 2007 such as different mileage counter, lights tweak,,, nothing major.

i have owned an accord 2.0 petrol since new, and its auto, i get 600km from a full tank. mechanically no problems touch wood.

nice amount of power too. nice driving position too,

go with the accord, the merc could be a world of heartache.

af_thefragile

Why not a BMW or an Audi???

You can get a decent 320d or something as well.

JayMul

I've ruled out BMW as the ride position of the ones I have test driven is far too similar to my current ride & due to the problem I mentioned comfort is a large selling point.

Since you mentioned diesel I'm checking out an Accord CDTi tomorrow with full leather and sunroof

um7y1h83ge06nx

The Executive version has all the gear, really nice.

I have my sights set on a 2.2L Diesel Executive when I have to change the Almera.

Vikings

Definitely go for the diesel accord!

I just sold mine today, in 14 months I put up 27,500 miles completely hassle free. A parking bulb went on it actually :eek:

Go diesel and get the executive model for all the extras, it will be worth it. Pay the extra €250 on tax for the 2.2l engine and make the savings at the pump, even with a heavy foot you will come away with 45mpg minimum.

R.O.R

Picked up an Exec model from a customer yesterday, and I prefer the interior of my Sport - might have a lot to do with my hatred of crappy light coloured plastic wood.

Seats also weren't as comfy on the Exec, depsite being electric and heated. Think there is a bit more side support on the sport seats.

BigEejit

2.2 diesel executive is the pick of the bunch. Really good fuel economy and nice to drive.

Esel

Stick with your original plan to get an auto....

Honda08

R.O.R wrote: »

Picked up an Exec model from a customer yesterday, and I prefer the interior of my Sport - might have a lot to do with my hatred of crappy light coloured plastic wood.

Seats also weren't as comfy on the Exec, depsite being electric and heated. Think there is a bit more side support on the sport seats.

three specs of accord in order, (lowest to highest)

Sport - basic accord, 16" wheels, not many extras.
Type S - sports suspension, 17" wheels, body kit, climate control, cruise etc
Exec - 16" wheels, leather heated seats, standard suspension, cruise climate 6cd

the auto is nice to drive, fuel economy not bad, €630 road tax.

a friend has the new diesel auto, and it doesent feel as good to drive as the petrol auto.

R.O.R

Honda08 wrote: »

three specs of accord in order, (lowest to highest)

Sport - basic accord, 16" wheels, not many extras.
Type S - sports suspension, 17" wheels, body kit, climate control, cruise etc
Exec - 16" wheels, leather heated seats, standard suspension, cruise climate 6cd

the auto is nice to drive, fuel economy not bad, €630 road tax.

a friend has the new diesel auto, and it doesent feel as good to drive as the petrol auto.

Not quite right on the spec levels there.

Pre facelift (05/06 I think) there were:
SE / SR - Same price, slightly different spec
Sport
Executive

After the facelift they replaced the Sport with the Type S. The older Sport has the same interior as the Type S, but doesn't have the really nice wheels or bodykit.

daingeanrob

another one for an accord, the wife has a 2.2 diesel cdti and it has been a reliable/comfortable car. great for diesel if you can put up with the ridiculous initial tax of €860, you will make it back on economy over the petrol one. if you can get up and pay for a post 2008 model you will save a bundle on tax per annum and it will hold value alot better for resale in the future, i regret not stumping up for this a year ago.

NewApproach

Of those 2 cars, I would go with the Accord, but I don't hink either suit your needs really. A diesel would be a much better option imo.

unkel

That model Accord diesel only comes as manual, doesn't it? So that rules it out (not going diesel with your mileage would be madness)

How about a Saab 9-5 1.9d auto? If my back were dodgy, that's probably what I'd buy

veetwin

Maybe this would be an option;

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201034199312385

Might be a bit pricey but should tick most if not all the boxes? Definetley nicer than a tired C class in poverty spec.

JayMul

veetwin wrote: »

Maybe this would be an option;

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201034199312385

Might be a bit pricey but should tick most if not all the boxes? Definetley nicer than a tired C class in poverty spec.

Wow Mondeo looks really nice these days, but yes a bit above my price range.

JayMul

unkel wrote: »

That model Accord diesel only comes as manual, doesn't it? So that rules it out (not going diesel with your mileage would be madness).

Not completely no, auto was just an idea but if I have to stick with manual I won't mind. More important I get the right car and if it's a different riding position, with comfier seats, then I think I'll be sorted. The advice here has been brilliant & I took a 2.2 Exec CDTi for a spin earlier today I was quite taken with it.

Just wondering should it have had it's timing belt done on the 70k miles mark? If not is it too early to suggest the dealership have it done prepurchase?

unkel

It's nearly 5.5 years old. Even with only a hundred miles on it, it would need the timing belt changed by now. Remember it is whatever comes first, the stated mileage or 5 years or so.

You sure about manual? I thought you were getting away from those because of the pain in your leg? Why don't you try driving a few autos and see what you think?

JayMul

unkel wrote: »

You sure about manual? I thought you were getting away from those because of the pain in your leg? Why don't you try driving a few autos and see what you think?

Not sure if Auto will fix the problem as opposed to a change of riding position, or do I need both? My doctor couldn't diagnose the problem nor a physio. My hunch is that it's the riding position cause when I test drove manual BMWs the pain came back but when I tried out a manual Passat I didn't have any problem. If I punch in Diesel/automatic/Saloon/< 11k Euro in a search the only viable cars I get are these.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Saab/9-5/2.2-TID-/201028198775935/advert?channel=CARS

What you suggested earlier But quite far away.

or this.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A4/TDI-130B/201024198465742/advert?channel=CARS

That A4 looks very nice, but I still think I prefer the Accord.

bazz26

Honda 2.2 diesel engine has a timing chain afaik.

Bigus

Test drive a Prius
Automatic
High Drivers Seat
55 mpg in the real world
Most have cruise control
Bulletproof and give no trouble
357 or 104 to tax depending on year
And a bonus
Motoring forums hate them, but like i say take an extended test drive.

Vikings

The Accord has a timing chain so you can scratch that worry off the list.

The Accord is due (according to Honda's recommended) an extensive service at the 75k mark so check the history on that one and get a price from Honda for the 75k service, might help you haggle the price down or get the service included in sale.

JayMul

Vikings wrote: »

The Accord has a timing chain so you can scratch that worry off the list.

The Accord is due (according to Honda's recommended) an extensive service at the 75k mark so check the history on that one and get a price from Honda for the 75k service, might help you haggle the price down or get the service included in sale.

Firstly that's great news about the chain, I asked around and most people said the 05 had a belt, maybe the petrol one does.

Yes the service has already been discussed.

JayMul

Bigus wrote: »

Test drive a Prius
Automatic
High Drivers Seat
55 mpg in the real world
Most have cruise control
Bulletproof and give no trouble
357 or 104 to tax depending on year
And a bonus
Motoring forums hate them, but like i say take an extended test drive.

Sounds like great advice but I'd rather be a cripple for the rest of my life than be caught dead in one of them :pac:

I'm in my early thirties at least allow me what tiny shred of street cred I have left to remain intact.

unkel

JayMul wrote: »

Not sure if Auto will fix the problem as opposed to a change of riding position, or do I need both? My doctor couldn't diagnose the problem nor a physio. My hunch is that it's the riding position.

My hunch is that if your pain is in your left leg, you need to get an auto. If your pain is in your right leg you'd need to get a different doctor anyway

Eoin

As Unkel said, if you've pains in your left leg, then an auto is the way to go. Cruise control can help out with the right leg too - I used to find that maintaining a set speed without CC on a long run could be as sore as driving in slow moving traffic.

Out of the two you posted, I'd go for the Accord everytime - but maybe spread the net further?

JayMul

It is the left leg (upper part to left of the groin), but I'm getting it after driving 90% motorway and I don't clutch a lot, which leads me to believe it's a mixture of low down seats & getting older (bad circulation). The CTDi 2.2 has cruise control, I'm looking forward to that

JayMul

Purchased an Accord 2.2 CTDi today and drove it for a good few hours and absolutely no pain in the leg Thanks to everyone for all the advice, really helpful I might never have considered the diesel until I made this thread. I'll post some pics up later

Was just a tiny bit over budget, but dealer threw in a full service, valet, four new tires and 6 month guarantee so I couldn't get him down a huge amount of asking. It all worked out though, the Civic repairs were far less than I thought they would be.

Eoin

Brilliant, best of luck with it and get those pics up!

unkel

Well wear and I hope the pain stays away

vengeance52

Best of luck with it mate. I also bought an Accord 2.2 i-CTDI on the advise of Boards over 3 years ago and it was the best decision I made.

Maybe we should make some small window stickers to states "Recommended by Boards.ie" or "Boardsie on Board"

Unlimitedman

I have a 2005 Honda Accord bought as new and all I have ever done is get it serviced annually and add petrol, water for the washer and two tyres! The car is brilliant to drive and I get out of a 60 Litre tank 650 to 700KM on combination driving. Its a 2.0 Execeutive petrol 155 BHP (very comfortable) and I am doing only just 12,000 KM per year. The thing is if your doing only small milleage like me then these petrols are the best fun. The good thing about these cars too is they come with good accessories as standard not like the expensive German models. I am highly likely to get another one again when I change next year.

JayMul

So far I'm managing to get 900+km out of 55 litres I know a better set of tyres could improve this a little bit more.

My leg is totallly fine after 4-5km, cruise control is da biznis.