Would you choose ‘07 Lexus ES or ‘07 Honda Accord for $6k

[gottalovepluto]

Oh my that mileage. I'd pick the lowest mileage when leaves you with the Honda.

You can ask if they'll let your mechanic take a look at the car for the day. My answer would be no but I wouldn't have been angry if someone had asked. Sold my much cheaper car a couple years back private sale & I was nervous enough having them test drive my car, with me in it obviously- no way would I have let their mechanic touch it while I owned it.

 

[bdcp]

All things being equal, the Honda. We bought a 1991 Honda Accord in 2001 for our oldest DS to drive his sr yr of HS and our youngest also drove it his sr yr. It had about 85K miles on it, the a/c didn't work but they never had any problems with it. We had to replace the tires for the 5 years we owned it (boys shared it when oldest DH came home from college for breaks his first two years) but that was it. We later bought each boy a newer used Honda that they each drove for several years with no mechanical issues. I think the mileage alone would do it for me, after I had the car looked at. One thing I learned from my DS who worked at Car Max for a couple of years is what they look for when buying a car from an individual. Car Max inspects for particular things such as evidence of water damage, but the biggest thing besides mechanical issues is whether or not the frame has been welded and if the bolts have been turned which would indicate frame damage which will dramatically lower a car's value because it means it was involved in a serious accident. So, you need to look beyond mechanical.

 

[tvguy]

I have heard more than one mechanic comment that reliability levels out among all car brands after 100,000 miles. You get to that point you are going to need to replace alternators, and water pumps, and a/c compressors and transmissions.
Honda parts aren't cheap.

 

[descovy]

Thanks all,

We're still a little undecided. We went to see the Honda Accord 105k miles today, but without my daughter. Took lots of pics including the VIN. Definitely not part of the Takata airbag recall. Haven't paid for a Carfax yet. But the guy had seriously meticulous records. He bought it as a CPO in 2010 and serviced it at a reputable Honda mechanic in our area (known to have great reviews and reputation) Has receipts for everything.

This was the "friend of a friend" that we didn't know personally.

After talking to him personally, found out it was the EX-L model with a V6 engine. Top of the line for 2007. And that he wanted $7500 .

When we met him today, he admitted he has never sold a car private party and hasn't done his research. I have... even for a EX-L with a V-6 we are at $6100-$6600 if very good condition. There were considerable scratches/scrapes on the car. But everything else checked out great. DD won't care about scratches... she's going to live off a gravel road next year.

It's due for a big service. Timing belt. His mechanic quotes it at $800. I'm thinking we offer $6000, and after we pay for the timing belt we are at $6800 for a car with meticulous records, 105k miles, but dings in the door. Dealerships are asking $7900-$8300 for such a car.

I think I've decided against the Lexus with 150k miles. Undecided about the Honda. And we might even insult him with our offer. Good news is both he and us are super busy this week, and can't do anything about the car until the week after.

***
While I would like less miles, there is virtually nothing dealership-wise at our price point ($6-7k) that is much less than 100k. We are getting an insurance check for $5200. We can afford to chip in more, but not much, for the right car. And did I mention I live in Houston a month after Hurricane Harvey flooded our city???

 

[tvguy]

Thanks all,

We're still a little undecided. We went to see the Honda Accord 105k miles today, but without my daughter. Took lots of pics including the VIN. Definitely not part of the Takata airbag recall. Haven't paid for a Carfax yet. But the guy had seriously meticulous records. He bought it as a CPO in 2010 and serviced it at a reputable Honda mechanic in our area (known to have great reviews and reputation) Has receipts for everything.

This was the "friend of a friend" that we didn't know personally.

After talking to him personally, found out it was the EX-L model with a V6 engine. Top of the line for 2007. And that he wanted $7500 .

When we met him today, he admitted he has never sold a car private party and hasn't done his research. I have... even for a EX-L with a V-6 we are at $6100-$6600 if very good condition. There were considerable scratches/scrapes on the car. But everything else checked out great. DD won't care about scratches... she's going to live off a gravel road next year.

It's due for a big service. Timing belt. His mechanic quotes it at $800. I'm thinking we offer $6000, and after we pay for the timing belt we are at $6800 for a car with meticulous records, 105k miles, but dings in the door. Dealerships are asking $7900-$8300 for such a car.

I think I've decided against the Lexus with 150k miles. Undecided about the Honda. And we might even insult him with our offer. Good news is both he and us are super busy this week, and can't do anything about the car until the week after.

***
While I would like less miles, there is virtually nothing dealership-wise at our price point ($6-7k) that is much less than 100k. We are getting an insurance check for $5200. We can afford to chip in more, but not much, for the right car. And did I mention I live in Houston a month after Hurricane Harvey flooded our city???

AH! You buried the lead! Yes, up to one million cars were estimated to be totaled in the Houston area by Harvey. That's more than the 690,000 bought back by cash for clunkers in 2009 that drove used car prices through the roof because sooooo many good cars were destroyed and taken off the market. A friend in the insurance industry just got back to me, he says his Texas offices are still trying to get caught up.

 

[Klayfish]

Being a car guy both professionally (I work in auto insurance) and personally (I'm obsessed with them), just a few thoughts...

The Lexus ES300 is a Toyota Camry, just wearing fancy makeup (so is the RX). It shares the same chassis, same powertrain and many of the same bits/pieces of the Camry. It just has Lexus "skin" on it and a Lexus badge. Lexus was created and is wholly owned by Toyota. Just as Acura is to Honda, Infiniti is to Nissan and Lincoln is to Ford. As someone else said, Lexus was created specifically for the US market, because Toyota wanted to sell more expensive cars and wanted to separate them from the Toyota name. The cars sold as Lexus here are sold as Toyotas in Japan and most of the rest of the world. So mechanical part prices will be identical to what the Camry prices would be. Same for it's reliability...which is to say it's rock solid. The Camry/ES300 is one of the most reliable cars built, period. 150,000 miles is barely "broken in" for these things. I can't tell you how many of them I've seen with 300k+ miles. In today's automotive world, 150k isn't a lot of miles...unless you're talking about German or American cars.

The Accord is also rock solid, every bit as much as the ES300. One of the best family sedans on the market.

Honestly, you won't go wrong with either one. I can't stress it enough...do NOT let the miles on either of the cars scare you. For Honda and Toyota, that's nothing, they've got a ton of life left in them. If the Honda has meticulous records and only 105k miles on it, that's a great car. The 3.5L V6 in there is a horse of an engine. Still in use today, in pretty much everything Honda/Acura builds with a V6 (Accord, Pilot, Odyssey, etc...). It's fast, has a rock solid reputation and is just a great engine. As for price, even if the timing belt needs to be done, I think you'd do well to get it for the mid-$6k range.

The Lexus is a bit more luxury, a bit less sport oriented than the Honda. But every bit as reliable and solid.

Someone else mentioned the Lexus would need oil changes every 3000 miles. That is completely false. Unless you're doing the harshest of harsh severe commuting duty, you can go 7500 miles easily between oil changes in either car. Doing it at 3k is just throwing money down the drain. Many newer cars go 15k, by the manufacturers recommendation.

 

[descovy]

Klayfish, thank you! I think you are my new best friend! Such a detailed reply.

I too wasn’t worried about the mileage. Our Prius had been great up to 200k at the accident. Even the insurance settlement remarked how everything was in great shape.

New one for you, if you don’t mind. Another friend is selling a 2009 Pontiac Vibe with 86k miles. As you know it’s basically a Toyota Matrix. And I read it takes Toyota parts. Not crazy about the blind spots (small rear window and fat pillars) but if I could get her some blind spot mirrors and teach her to use them, it could be a great deal... $5500 for automatic with AWD.

Where we live is congested with a lot of Lane changes (suburban Houston). So I do worry about blind spots. But the Vibe seems to get good reviews. Any input?

 

[Klayfish]

Correct, the Pontiac Vibe was a Toyota Matrix...with even less makeup than the ES300/Camry comparison. Different badging and some trim changes, but otherwise identical twins. The Toyota Matrix itself was nothing more than a Corolla wagon. So that's what you'd be buying. The Vibe used either the Corolla's engine, or the optional motor was the base Camry engine. Either way, bullet proof stuff. They're more fuel efficient than the V6 Camry or Accord, slower (which may be a good thing), a bit smaller for passenger room but of course the hatch/wagon has more cargo potential. As you see, they don't keep their value especially well, so if it's well cared for $5500 would be a good buy...that's a car that's got 200k miles left in it. Just my opinion, the AWD thing is unnecessary, especially in the south. It just wastes gas and eats tires. But nothing "wrong" with it otherwise. I haven't owned a Vibe/Matrix (I've had SO many cars...I had a Prius, respected it but was far too boring for me), but have owned many, many hatches and wagons. I don't think they have horrible blind spots. If your mirrors are adjusted right, you can see all around the car just fine. If you wanted to get those small convex mirror, it won't hurt, but may not be needed.

Yes, except for body panels, it would take all Toyota parts for routine servicing...engine parts, suspension, steering, etc...

 

[Frantasmic]

It's due for a big service. Timing belt. His mechanic quotes it at $800. I'm thinking we offer $6000, and after we pay for the timing belt we are at $6800 for a car with meticulous records, 105k miles, but dings in the door. Dealerships are asking $7900-$8300 for such a car.

Timing belt replacement usually includes water pump replacement. Ensure that is part of the $800 estimate.

If the previous owner were meticulous, this is a 100K service item. Also, check to see if the $600 100K spark plug replace was done. If not, I'd reconsider the service record keeping as spotless. Additionally, see when the last transmission service was done, if more than 25K miles ago, it is due again shortly. Finally, at that age, dealers recommend the carbon cleaning service where they break down the parts and remove the carbon sludge, if any. Some people say this is not needed, but my BIL, who is in the auto parts business, says this is a good idea.

We had a 2007 Honda Accord EL, but it was only a 4 cylinder. We spent a ton of money around 100K. If they haven't done all of these big items, the Honda is not worth what the previous owner is asking.

 

[Klayfish]

Timing belt replacement usually includes water pump replacement. Ensure that is part of the $800 estimate.

If the previous owner were meticulous, this is a 100K service item. Also, check to see if the $600 100K spark plug replace was done. If not, I'd reconsider the service record keeping as spotless. Additionally, see when the last transmission service was done, if more than 25K miles ago, it is due again shortly. Finally, at that age, dealers recommend the carbon cleaning service where they break down the parts and remove the carbon sludge, if any. Some people say this is not needed, but my BIL, who is in the auto parts business, says this is a good idea.

We had a 2007 Honda Accord EL, but it was only a 4 cylinder. We spent a ton of money around 100K. If they haven't done all of these big items, the Honda is not worth what the previous owner is asking.

Yep, I'd agree that when the timing belt is done, it's one of those "while we're in there" things. To do the timing belt, they're doing 85% of the labor to change the water pump and some pulleys that can wear out, so it just make smart sense to do them since you're already paying the labor.

$600 to replace spark plugs? I don't see how, they're about $8 each and a few minutes to replace. Only a dealer service department would have the gall to charge $600 for that. 25k is probably in the ballpark for a trans fluid flush, though many people (myself included) go longer than that. That's not expensive to have done at all, so no big deal there. Carbon build up is much more of a problem for direct injection motors, which the Corolla/Camry/Accord of that age are not. They're port injected. I would be one of those in the camp of saying a full carbon cleaning is typically not needed for those engines, unless they're showing signs of it.

I'm assuming you had an Accord EX-L, as there was no EL trim. They really shouldn't need a fortune spent on them at 100k.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

OP did you look into what the insurance premiums would cost for both cars? Maybe if you're still undecided, that can be the tie breaker you need.

 

[01spirit750]

I would go with the Honda.
We have owned an Acura TL with the 3.2(Honda accord with fancy stuff) since 2006 and I do all my own work.

As others have mentioned plus some more:

1. Timing belt (should have been done at 85k miles. If it breaks it will destroy the motor. Honda's are interference engines, which means the pistons will hit the valves if the timing belt breaks and this will be a very expensive fix.
2. Water pump (always done when doing the timing belt)
3. Spark plugs
4. Transmission service (Use the new Honda DW-1 transmission fluid, there were issues with their previous fluid and Honda changed to the new fluid in 2010). do the 3 x 3 oil change. Honda guys know what this means.
5. Motor mounts!! Hondas are notorious for having broken motor mounts at about 60k. Check the front and passenger side motor mounts. They go bad at 60k. And no you cannot always tell without a mechanic checking them. (easy to replace during the timing best service)
6. Have the front compliance bushings checked. These are part of the front suspension. Our TL has 100k mile and I need to replace them soon.
7. Have your mechanic check for brakes for warped rotors (does the pedal "pulsate" when you lightly apply the brakes?)


I recommend Honda brand replacement parts. You can find them online discounted from what your local dealer would charge. I bought the timing belt kit of ebay. It AISN brand which is what Honda used.

Besides all the above items, Here are some things I have done to our TL
1. Alternator went bad at 60k miles
2. Oxygen sensor went bad at 30k miles
3. Replaced the transmission shift solenoids at 80k miles. Easy to do, easy to access with the drivers tire off. (purely preventative and not required)
4. Replaced transmission filter (most Honda mechanics do not know there is one. I studied the transmission parts diagram and found it. Easy to replace, located under the air box.)
5. Motor mounts


Do not let me scare you off. Hondas are great cars but they do need maintenance.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

As much as I hate Honda's (I think they are uncomfortable to sit in), that's the vehicle I'd go with.

Parts are cheaper and it lasts forever. My son is driving our old 2006 Honda Accord and it's still going strong with around 130,000 miles on it.

We are beginning the used car hunt for our daughter who is short. Her being short is creating issues with sedan type vehicles since she can't see over the hood of the car easily. Like you we've got 6000.00 to spend. We have been looking at 2008-2010 Nissan Altima's but just found she'll need a pillow to sit on to raise her up because of the bucket seats when she sat in one this weekend. I hate used car shopping........

 

[kymom99]

As much as I hate Honda's (I think they are uncomfortable to sit in), that's the vehicle I'd go with.

Parts are cheaper and it lasts forever. My son is driving our old 2006 Honda Accord and it's still going strong with around 130,000 miles on it.

We are beginning the used car hunt for our daughter who is short. Her being short is creating issues with sedan type vehicles since she can't see over the hood of the car easily. Like you we've got 6000.00 to spend. We have been looking at 2008-2010 Nissan Altima's but just found she'll need a pillow to sit on to raise her up because of the bucket seats when she sat in one this weekend. I hate used car shopping........

Altimas do sit low. What about a mini van?

 

[Klayfish]

How short is she? Most vehicles have height adjustable seats so that she can adjust. The Altima isn't a low car at all, it's about average for a family sedan. All cars have buckets up front now, benches are long gone. I'd be surprised if she couldn't get height comfortable in just about any car that has seat height adjustment.

 

[tvguy]

How short is she? Most vehicles have height adjustable seats so that she can adjust. The Altima isn't a low car at all, it's about average for a family sedan. All cars have buckets up front now, benches are long gone. I'd be surprised if she couldn't get height comfortable in just about any car that has seat height adjustment.

There are still a few vehicles around with bench seats. But they can be hard to find. Even 30 years ago when I bought my Suburban I had to shop around for one with a bench seat. I rented an Altima in March, it was a very nice driving car. But like all Nissans, avoid any with the CVT transmission. that is a disaster.