<jmattis@attglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1126389657.949073.241600@g14g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> You got new-car-itis and are trying to justify it with the higher price
> of gas.
>
> I moved from a '96 I30t that I bought new, to an '04 Accord EX V6 not
> long ago. You probably know that this I30t is similar to a '96 Maxima
> SE with the 3.0 liter. In the I30t, I got 23 mpg on premium, 21 on
> regular (after the knock sensor died premium gas was of no importance).
> The 3.0 liter automatic Accord gets 24-25 on regular in the same
> driving conditions. The 2.4 I-4 might get about 27 mpg with an
> automatic. I understand you want a manual, so add a couple more mpg

The 5spd, 4cyl, 05 Accord is good for 30.5 mpg (combined) and is about
17% more efficieniet them the 2001 V6 Maixma.

>
> Your Maxima is about ready for noise from the starter (grease dries
> up), and maybe a broken driver's door latch and dead knock sensor too
> if you have over 80K miles. Chances of a major malfunction are remote,
> however, assuming you've cared for it.
>
> The Accord does not have anywhere near the handling prowess you're used
> to.

The 4cyl Accord, with lighter front end, should handle better then nose
heavy V6 version.

The ride is jiggly compared to a Maxima, and the trunk is somewhat
> smaller. The Accord is faster, gets better mileage, is equally
> reliable, has a fairly roomy cabin almost on a par with Maximas (which
> themselves are quite large for a mid-sized car). The leather (gasp,
> I'll be flamed for this) in the Accord is not as durable from what I've
> seen of friends' and will maybe fall apart after 5 years if you don't
> put treatment on it.
>
> The Accord is significantly safer if you get into a major collision.
> The Accord 60 to 0 stops are even longer than a Maxima, which is also
> pretty poor. So it is a little more likely you'll need that extra
> crash protection.
>
> The paint is crappy on Maximas but looks great for a few years. In
> most colors, the Accord doesn't have the Maxima's great wet-gloss look,
> but Accord paint generally will age better than a Maxima's.
>
> Financially there is no question that you'd be better served by saving
> up some money for repairs instead of trading in. If you simpy keep
> your payments equal, you are financially committing suicide like most
> people do, paying excessive depreciation year after year. End of
> lecture.
>