The news I wanted to hear...

C

Corey Bit Spank

Active member
For the past few months I've been toying with the idea of selling my Accord. I like the car, it's a good car, runs well, and is in good shape. The previous owner did all the preventive stuff (right down to the fluids). I could easily drive it through 6 years of college with no problem.



But I want a 5 speed and something more...exciting. Last night I asked my mom for I don't know what time and she said yes, if I learn to drive standard first. So, that's a step.



I would like to stay under $5500 asking price for a car. I don't want to take out a loan. Preferably still built well (I have nothing against domestic cars, it just seems like my Honda has held up better then my mom's Dodge, dad's Ford, and brother's Saturn).



What would you pay for my '97 Accord SE with al ittle under 102,000 miles. Few dings in the doors, but otherwise the paint is Autopian shiney and taken care of. Timing belt/water pump have been changed. I just want to know what I have to work with. :)



And any advice on a new used car would be appreciated. :)
 
First, the advice you don't want to hear. Since you have a car that is good, runs well, and could easily be driven through 6 more years of college, swaping it for a "new" used car isn't going to be the smartest move you could make, particularly going with a straight transmission. More especially since you don't know how to drive a stick shift. Your Honda is worth much more to you than it is to anyone else because it is a solid ride. But to asnswer your wuestions:

www.Edmunds.com gives your Honda the following value:

without Options

1997 Honda Accord 2 Dr Special Edition Coupe

Dealer Trade-In $6,210

Private Party Sale $7,441 and

Dealer Retail $8,947.



What my daughter did when she wanted something more "exciting with a straight stick" was to keep her Pontiac Bonneville with low milage and good service and buy a 1973 VW Thing for $3 k to drive "for fun". But if ya gotta have a new ride, go to Consumer Reports and Edmunds.com and pick out something you like with a good overall reliability rating. While not all of us swear by these ratings, they are a good guide in looking for a car that will get your though another 6 years since the ratings are for people who do not generally give their cars the attention and care that Autopian members provide.

Here's how your Accord stacks up:



Used model overview



Overview: The Accord has been one of our top-rated sedans for years. While smoother and quieter than the standard four-cylinder engine, the larger V6 engines made the car more front-heavy and less nimble. Interior space is fine for four, tight for five. A wagon model was available through 1997. MAke sure to get an EX model, with standard ABS. The redesigned 1998 Accord is larger and quieter but similar overall. It is very refined for the class, especially when equipped with the 3.0-liter V6 engine.





Estimated retail prices



1997 $6,000-$8,000

Crash-test results



Good luck.
 
Corey,

In this area your Accord would sell for $5k to $6k.



Factors to consider:

Any rust? How is the interior? Does the car need any work or maintenance? Do you have meaintenace records? Besides the dings, does the have any paint defects ie touch-up spots, chips scrapes or crazing/ checking? Has the car had body or paint work? Are the miles Highway miles, aorund town or a combo of both? What type of title does the car have? Is there a lien on the vehicle? Any mods?



If I were you, I would keep you current Accord until the wheels fall off. If you want a vehicle with a manual transmission, find an early 90's Accord or Prelude.



Eric
 
Maybe you can do some "mods" to keep the experience "fresh" (intake, header, exhaust, etc.)



From your description, it seems you wouldn't find a much better taken care of car than what you have now. Glad you're keeping her! :up
 
KevinA said:
Maybe you can do some "mods" to keep the experience "fresh" (intake, header, exhaust, etc.)



From your description, it seems you wouldn't find a much better taken care of car than what you have now. Glad you're keeping her! :up
Click to expand...



I'm going to get an intake soon. Nothing huge. Partly due to the fittings on the air box corroding from the battery terminals being so close. :)
 
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