2000 Accord vs. 2002 Altima ~$12000

[trusoulja2g]

Looking for a reliable sedan around $12000. Either a 2000 Accord or 2002 Altima (both 4 cylinder) can be had for this price. Which is the better choice? The Altima has more interior room and a 175hp engine compared to the Accord's 150hp, but the Accord is probably more reliable. If anyone has driven both these cars, please post your comments.

[acck]

Looking for a reliable sedan around $12000. Either a 2000 Accord or 2002 Altima (both 4 cylinder) can be had for this price. Which is the better choice? The Altima has more interior room and a 175hp engine compared to the Accord's 150hp, but the Accord is probably more reliable. If anyone has driven both these cars, please post your comments.

2000 Accord is the 3rd year of that generation, so problems should be minimal. However, attention needed on ignition some of the models do have ignition problem that had recalled. Driven it couple of times, it's good on gas.

Here are few recalls for 2000 Honda Accord

On certain passenger vehicles a component in the inflator of some passenger air bag modules was not welded properly. As a result, the affected air bags may not deploy correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to a front seat passenger. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module.

On certain vehicles, the rear suspension lower arm or control arm could break due to improper welding. This condition could result in extreme rear wheel toe and adversely affect vehicle handling and control. Correction: Vehicle will be inspected and suspension arms with an affected lot number will be replaced.

Certain vehicles rear seat belt buckles have improperly manufactured lock bars. This could result in an inability to unlatch the belt as required in C.M.V.S.S. 209. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear seat belt buckles.

Fuel Consumption ratings
HONDA ACCORD 2.4 / 4 X Manual5+ 9.1 6.4 (City/HWY)/100km
HONDA ACCORD 2.4 / 4 X Auto5 9.7 6.3
HONDA ACCORD 3.0 / 6 X Manual6+ 11.4 7.2
HONDA ACCORD 3.0 / 6 X Auto 11.5 7.5


2002 Altima is the 1st year of that generation, haven't driven one can't give u much advise. As I recall, Altima uses more gas than accord.


Here are some recalls of 2002 Altima

On certain vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor may have an improper solder joint. This could cause the Service Engine Soon warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation. Correction: Dealer will replace the crank position sensors.

On certain vehicles at extremely cold temperatures, moisture in the fuel tank may freeze and form ice crystals. These ice crystals may obstruct the suction opening of the fuel pump which can prevent the supply of fuel to the engine and cause the engine to stop. Correction: Dealer will install a screen at the suction opening of the fuel pump

On certain vehicles equipped with the 2.5 liter engine, the exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from the road which could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst. Correction: Dealer will remove the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe hanger pin. Also, certain operating conditions may cause the pre-catalyst to overheat and damage the catalyst substrate. If substrate particles enter the combustion chamber, they may score the cylinder walls, resulting in increased oil consumption. If the engine oil level is not checked on a periodic basis, engine damage may occur which could result in fire. Correction: Dealer will reprogram the engine control unit to prevent the possibility of the pre-catalyst overheating. If the conversion efficiency of the pre-catalyst has deteriorated, then the catalyst will be replaced. The original pre-catalyst will then be inspected for evidence of damage to the catalyst substrate. If damage is present, the vehicle engine will be replaced.

On certain vehicles, the clockspring electrical connector may not be fully secured to the driver side air bag module squib pin connector due to the retaining groove in the module not having sufficient depth to hold the connector in the assembled position. If the connector comes loose, the supplemental air bag warning light will come on. However, the driver side air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash. Correction: Dealer will install a retaining clip on the clockspring electrical connector.

NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 / 4 X Auto 10.0 7.3 (City/HWY)/100km
NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 / 4 X Manual 9.8 6.9
NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 / 6 X Auto 11.6 7.6
NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 / 6 X Manual 11.6 7.3

[kevs]

The 6th gen Accord had some major transmission problems, so that might be one thing to watch out for.

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5294

I was under the impression that it was mainly the V6 models that had problems but apparently the 4 cylinder Accords had problems as well.

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=616

You should wander around the driveaccord.net forums a bit, I found lots of useful information in there before getting a 2006 Accord V6.

The recalls and TSB's section is espcially interesting:
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=28

[Rehan]

Looking for a reliable sedan around $12000. Either a 2000 Accord or 2002 Altima (both 4 cylinder) can be had for this price. Based on a $12000 price, a better comparison would be 2001 Accord vs. 2002 Altima.


According to Trader.ca...

There are 127 2002 NISSAN ALTIMAS in our listings.
LOW: $9,995.00
MEDIAN: $13,998.00
HIGH: $21,888.00

There are 56 2001 HONDA ACCORDS in our listings.
LOW: $8,900.00
MEDIAN: $12,995.00
HIGH: $17,800.00

There are 52 2000 HONDA ACCORDS in our listings.
LOW: $7,800.00
MEDIAN: $11,995.00
HIGH: $17,900.00