10,000 km on my used Accord 2.4

phamilyman · 26th October 2009, 11:49

oh its okay. Its nothing compared to the day you decide to buy a house. It never does, or can make sense

jigbarai · 26th October 2009, 11:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by phamilyman

Harsh - lovely writeup!

However, I would beg to disagree. You've got the TCO bang on - but the summary is massively misleading (seems to confuse old age as being somewhat responsible for the costs). Allow me a bit of spin doctoring:
The ONLY elements related to old age are the battery and the O2 sensor. 18600 bucks or Rs 1.8/km due to old age.

ALL of the others would have to be incurred with a new car as well.

If you must calculate per km costs - why not factor in the resale loss accumulated till date and then work out the actual impact on your pocket/km

+1 to this.
I'd atleast discount the fuel + driver expenses.

A Meru is a Meru and an Accord is well, classes and masses apart.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phamilyman

oh its okay. Its nothing compared to the day you decide to buy a house. It never does, or can make sense

+++1
No words here. Just

HarshS · 27th October 2009, 16:03

Part 3: Ride, handling, noise and vibration

Diffsoft, this review is entirely from the rear seat perspective--I've sat in the front seat less than time times in the last ten months--mostly, when going somewhere with my parents.

I really can't say much about the handling, but I feel that it's well planted and solid, especially on good roads, like the Mumbai-Pune expressway.

On the ride front, I think it is rather harsh. You can really feel the undulations on the road, especially at low speed. Strangely, when both the rear wheels are together going over an equally-deep rough patch, the shock abosrbers and suspension seems alright, as good as my old Optra, although that was a class lower. The real problem comes when side of the car hits a bump or a hole and the other side doesn't. Then, there's a slightly jarring, back-hurting (not breaking) soft thud as that side goes up and the other side stays down--didn't expect this from the car. And, given that Mumbai's roads are more like the Moon--except a few cemented stretches--this makes the car uncomfortable at times. I wonder why this is so. Is it the sheer width of the car that makes one side go up and down?

Noise: Hardly any--the quality of the materials comes through, and it's much less noisy, than, for instance, my Dad's Baleno. After doing the underbody coating to protect against Mumbai's monsoons, the car turned quieter still.

Braking: pretty good.

Engine: very smooth, and after putting in the synthetic oil, my driver noticed the difference.

wanderernomad · 27th October 2009, 17:39

Excellent review. While at cost analysis are we not supposed to add the parts wear and tear too? I am sure some of you corporate guys would be having a formula to determine that too. If you factor that in too well maybe you will be able to creep more close to the absolute rip off figure of Rs 50/Km. Lol

HarshS · 28th October 2009, 10:56

Part 4: What I like about the car?

1) It looks great. This model of the car looks better then the 2007 model, which had a triangular LED rear light. The 2008 model looks even worse, IMHO! This "panther" shape in gold, with darkened glasses is sooo stylish, na!

2) It has immense interior space, both legroom and width.

3) The middle of the rear seat is fairly comfortable, unlike say the Optra, or the SX4. The bump is not so high, and one can sit well in it.

4) The stock sound system is quite good--good mid-range clarity as well as strong tweeters. Google tells me that the inbuilt speakers were made of neodynium--whatever, but the six-CD changer is great.

5) The AC is very effective. In Mumbai's heat, I rarely need to have the fan speed more than the lowest, and a 24 degrees C setting is comfortable.

6) As I said earlier, the car is super-smooth and noiseless.

All these (space, sound, superb cooling, and sexy looks--SX4?) are the characteristics of a D-segment car, and here the Accord really fulfills all that one could ask for, at the SX4 price of Rs. 835,000!

HarshS · 28th October 2009, 11:04

Part 5: two minor niggles, still

1) Despite adding a layer of foam, the rear seat isn't that high for my 1.75 m height. It's as good as my Optra, but not as good as the Indigo.

Related to this, I feel that the rear seat could have been longer (or deeper), giving more under-thigh support (a term that I learnt only on TBHP!). There's so much space, so the seat could have been deeper (or longer). Unfortuantely, Arya Honda advises me that there's no way that they can change the rear seat. A local seat guy also tells me that unless I'm prepared to upholster the seat again, a jugad solution of adding still more foam to raise the height and add some more in front, it won't be possible to do anything more. Apparently, the 2008 version has better under-thigh support.

2) The outside rear view mirrors don't open outwards from their folded position, when the engine is started--something that the Optra had. Now, that's not a problem for my driver, who knows what to do, but my dad when he sat in the car, couldn't find the switch to do so (and he remembers that the Optra had this) in the many switches for locking and for windows that proliferate on the driver's side of the door. Finally, my dad bravely drove the car through Mumbai's night-time roads without the OSRVMs open. It was only the valet of the valet parking at the restaurant that we went to, who bought back the car with its OSRVMs open, who could tell my dad where the switch was--which obviously I didn't know, and even a quick scan of the fat handbook wasn't able to tell us!

GTO · 28th October 2009, 11:45

Congrats on the Accord Harsh! Not only did you get the equivalent of a 18 lakh car for less than half the money, but you also made a wise decision in ignoring the other black specimen. I'd never trust a dealer who shows me a clocked car.

I am a huge believer in the value of pre-owned cars. Primarily because today's new generation automobiles easily last for 200000 - 300000 kms and at the least, 10 years of reliable use. You effectively get a car that has 80% of its life left for 40 - 50% of the original price.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarshS

Rs. 52,151. All of it is on Indian Oil's Extra-Premium petrol.

You are wasting your money on premium petrol. Pure regular fuel is perfect, the key is purity.

Quote:

On the advice of the workshop attendant, I also went in for some "paint protection", probably teflon coating.

You probably should have spent some more time on Team-BHP

Quote:

Adding the two together, my car's cost me a Rs. 218,760 to date, or a staggering Rs. 22 for every kilometer it's traveled. So, on cost grounds, I'd classify it as a bit of a white (or gold) elephant!

Think of it this way : If you'd bought a new car, 5 lakh rupees of depreciation in the first year alone!

The only real expenses have been:
1. Battery. Hardly a fault with the car.
2. O2 sensor. Typical of many Hondas. I would highly recommend you to consider a good independent specialist for your car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarshS

On the ride front, I think it is rather harsh.

True. At low speeds, the previous gen Accord was very firm.

Take good care of her and she'll return the favour with reliable service for a long time to come. Congrats again. And do drive safe!

filcord · 5th November 2009, 15:29

Thanks Harsh for the excellent reviews.
This is what I look for in a long-term review - an honest, detailed and comprehensive look at the ownership experience of the vehicle.
I have often toyed with the idea of a second-hand Accord. Seeing your costs,I was discouraged at first but then on a closer analysis, after deducting the cost of petrol and accidental damage, there is not much to complain about. However you don't seem very enthusiastic about the use of the car and it's comfort, etc. Maybe you can give a little more details on this?

MileCruncher · 6th November 2009, 00:02

Harsh, that is truly an extensive review made complete by amazing numbers. To be honest I've never looked at the TCO like this . May be because I love cars and wouldn't like to hear otherwise from my wife.

But isn't some of the costs in the calcultion just notional costs. Your only cost that pinches everyday - Fuel Cost is only as much as Rs 5.4/Km which is not that bad at all. Heck even my Uno does Rs 5.5/Km

But still if we were to compare at Rs 40/Km you would be able to rent out on monthly basis a Camry or the like.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phamilyman

oh its okay. Its nothing compared to the day you decide to buy a house. It never does, or can make sense

I once read a calculation on ET that in certain cases staying on rent makes more sense than buying a house.

overboost! · 14th April 2010, 15:42

HarshS, could we have an update on ownership since last one was in November. Really appreciated your review. Thanks.

Utopian · 15th April 2010, 01:21

Very nicely penned down, HarshS. Excellent stats, though they would definitely deter a prospective buyer. The car also looks is good shape.

your dog looks really cute. It is a Golden Labrador, if I am not mistaken.

Axe77 · 15th April 2010, 05:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

I would highly recommend you to consider a good independent specialist for your car.

Is there any good reliable aftermarket guy you might recommend particularly for Hondas (in bbay)? We're having a tough time with Honda A.S.S. for our old Accord.

GTO · 15th April 2010, 20:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axe77

Is there any good reliable aftermarket guy you might recommend particularly for Hondas (in bbay)? We're having a tough time with Honda A.S.S. for our old Accord.

No one other than "Master" Sunil Shanbagh. Part of a rare breed who love cars, perform impeccable work and have integrity in their bones. 24114447.

amitsingh08 · 30th April 2010, 21:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarshS

The car has now done 9,800 km in the last ten months. Here's the costs that I've incurred on it so far.

Petrol: Rs. 52,151. All of it is on Indian Oil's Extra-Premium petrol.

Your mileage is 5.32 kms/litre

Is this a V6 Accord? If V4, then mileage should be 7.5 I think

Excellent review Harsh.

Amit

shuvc · 1st May 2010, 02:08

Excellent factual review. Do keep updating this thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarshS

Now combining these two, I get Rs. 391,500 for 9,800 km or Rs. 40 a km!

. Phew!

And then try to deduct the per km price of the convenience, comfort and safety you and your family enjoy in it

26th October 2009, 11:49	#16
phamilyman Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 5,968 Thanked: 4,642 Times	oh its okay. Its nothing compared to the day you decide to buy a house. It never does, or can make sense
	() Thanks

27th October 2009, 16:03	#18
HarshS Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Delhi Posts: 16 Thanked: 23 Times	Part 3: Ride, handling, noise and vibration Diffsoft, this review is entirely from the rear seat perspective--I've sat in the front seat less than time times in the last ten months--mostly, when going somewhere with my parents. I really can't say much about the handling, but I feel that it's well planted and solid, especially on good roads, like the Mumbai-Pune expressway. On the ride front, I think it is rather harsh. You can really feel the undulations on the road, especially at low speed. Strangely, when both the rear wheels are together going over an equally-deep rough patch, the shock abosrbers and suspension seems alright, as good as my old Optra, although that was a class lower. The real problem comes when side of the car hits a bump or a hole and the other side doesn't. Then, there's a slightly jarring, back-hurting (not breaking) soft thud as that side goes up and the other side stays down--didn't expect this from the car. And, given that Mumbai's roads are more like the Moon--except a few cemented stretches--this makes the car uncomfortable at times. I wonder why this is so. Is it the sheer width of the car that makes one side go up and down? Noise: Hardly any--the quality of the materials comes through, and it's much less noisy, than, for instance, my Dad's Baleno. After doing the underbody coating to protect against Mumbai's monsoons, the car turned quieter still. Braking: pretty good. Engine: very smooth, and after putting in the synthetic oil, my driver noticed the difference.
	() Thanks

27th October 2009, 17:39	#19
wanderernomad Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chandigarh Posts: 2,534 Thanked: 1,276 Times View My Garage	Excellent review. While at cost analysis are we not supposed to add the parts wear and tear too? I am sure some of you corporate guys would be having a formula to determine that too. If you factor that in too well maybe you will be able to creep more close to the absolute rip off figure of Rs 50/Km. Lol
	() Thanks

28th October 2009, 10:56	#20
HarshS Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Delhi Posts: 16 Thanked: 23 Times	Part 4: What I like about the car? 1) It looks great. This model of the car looks better then the 2007 model, which had a triangular LED rear light. The 2008 model looks even worse, IMHO! This "panther" shape in gold, with darkened glasses is sooo stylish, na! 2) It has immense interior space, both legroom and width. 3) The middle of the rear seat is fairly comfortable, unlike say the Optra, or the SX4. The bump is not so high, and one can sit well in it. 4) The stock sound system is quite good--good mid-range clarity as well as strong tweeters. Google tells me that the inbuilt speakers were made of neodynium--whatever, but the six-CD changer is great. 5) The AC is very effective. In Mumbai's heat, I rarely need to have the fan speed more than the lowest, and a 24 degrees C setting is comfortable. 6) As I said earlier, the car is super-smooth and noiseless. All these (space, sound, superb cooling, and sexy looks--SX4?) are the characteristics of a D-segment car, and here the Accord really fulfills all that one could ask for, at the SX4 price of Rs. 835,000!
	() Thanks

28th October 2009, 11:04	#21
HarshS Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Delhi Posts: 16 Thanked: 23 Times	Part 5: two minor niggles, still 1) Despite adding a layer of foam, the rear seat isn't that high for my 1.75 m height. It's as good as my Optra, but not as good as the Indigo. Related to this, I feel that the rear seat could have been longer (or deeper), giving more under-thigh support (a term that I learnt only on TBHP!). There's so much space, so the seat could have been deeper (or longer). Unfortuantely, Arya Honda advises me that there's no way that they can change the rear seat. A local seat guy also tells me that unless I'm prepared to upholster the seat again, a jugad solution of adding still more foam to raise the height and add some more in front, it won't be possible to do anything more. Apparently, the 2008 version has better under-thigh support. 2) The outside rear view mirrors don't open outwards from their folded position, when the engine is started--something that the Optra had. Now, that's not a problem for my driver, who knows what to do, but my dad when he sat in the car, couldn't find the switch to do so (and he remembers that the Optra had this) in the many switches for locking and for windows that proliferate on the driver's side of the door. Finally, my dad bravely drove the car through Mumbai's night-time roads without the OSRVMs open. It was only the valet of the valet parking at the restaurant that we went to, who bought back the car with its OSRVMs open, who could tell my dad where the switch was--which obviously I didn't know, and even a quick scan of the fat handbook wasn't able to tell us!
	() Thanks

5th November 2009, 15:29	#23
filcord BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: goa Posts: 996 Thanked: 67 Times	Thanks Harsh for the excellent reviews. This is what I look for in a long-term review - an honest, detailed and comprehensive look at the ownership experience of the vehicle. I have often toyed with the idea of a second-hand Accord. Seeing your costs,I was discouraged at first but then on a closer analysis, after deducting the cost of petrol and accidental damage, there is not much to complain about. However you don't seem very enthusiastic about the use of the car and it's comfort, etc. Maybe you can give a little more details on this?
	() Thanks

14th April 2010, 15:42	#25
overboost! BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 46 Thanked: 0 Times	HarshS, could we have an update on ownership since last one was in November. Really appreciated your review. Thanks.
	() Thanks

15th April 2010, 01:21	#26
Utopian BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 603 Thanked: 123 Times	Very nicely penned down, HarshS. Excellent stats, though they would definitely deter a prospective buyer. The car also looks is good shape. your dog looks really cute. It is a Golden Labrador, if I am not mistaken.
	() Thanks