needin4mation wrote:

> Hi, I am trying to decide between a 2001 EX versus a 2002 EX. There is
> several thousand dollars difference and about 13k miles difference
> between the two. The 2001 has 83k and costs $11,500 and 2002
> about$16,000.
>
> The technical specs are almost identical, except in the engine. The
> 2001 has 210 HP vs. 240 and the 4 spd vs. the 5sp. I think I might
> want more horsepower, though I don't really know why (in this vehicle),
> but I don't know what the gearing matters here. Why would I want the
> 5spd? Is it worth four thousand more dollars? The size inside the
> vehicle appears to be identical. The engine is, of course, important,
> but the cabin space is also. I have seen the 2002 EX inside - is there
> any difference in the size in the 2001 EX?
>
> Thanks for helping me.

Both trannies had issues. But while the warranty on the 4-speed was
extended to 7 years or 100,000 miles (or something like that), the 5-speed
was subject to a recall. The recall suggests to me that Honda has solved
their V6 auto tranny problems at least with the 5-speed.

On the other hand, the cost to replace the 4-speed unit would be, I am
estimating, about $4000. So in the end, you'd be paying almost the same.
However, for the peace of mind knowing that any required recall work on
the 5-speed has been done (assuming it has in fact been done) and thus,
far less likely to leave you stranded, I would spend the extra money up
front and get the one with the 5-speed.