Mid-to-late 90s Accord or Camry?

[teleguitar]

I am anticipating needing a car soon. I will probably buy used as I am concerned about the economy and I'm not sure which route to take.

I thought I'd look for a late 90s Accord or Camry. This is probably a dumb first question but is there any place in which I could finance or make payments?

Second question (assuming I can't), which should I go for? I really like both cars and I have encountered many owners of Camrys in which the cars were still going strong past 300k kms. I also like Accords. I prefer a V6 but I believe the 4s are probably okay.

So, anyone who is in the know or knows how to shop for either car, please advise!

I don't want to pay long-term or don't want to commit to that not knowing the future finances (I'm in a crappy industry right now) and I don't want to shop for real old cars that will be breaking down all the time.

I thought a late 90s Honda or Toyota would be a good compromise but if there's a way to buy a 2000 or something similar vintage, that would interest me. I don't have $10,000 lying around to pick one up either, though, unforunately. Thanks in advance for any recommendations, advice and help!

[alex_d10]

Stay away from any v6 accords made before 03. They are known for bad transmissions. Other than that, it's pretty much a wash with the same year Camry's. Just find one that has been well taken care of and serviced regularly and it should go over 300k no problem

[teleguitar]

Stay away from any v6 accords made before 03. They are known for bad transmissions. Other than that, it's pretty much a wash with the same year Camry's. Just find one that has been well taken care of and serviced regularly and it should go over 300k no problem
Yeah, I am aware of the V6 transmission problems/issues on pre-'03 V6 Accords. I guess I was mostly addressing a preference for V6 Camrys. I suppose you could say any Camry is #1 choice with a 4-cyl. Accord being #2.

My problem is that most Camrys seem to be about 5 grand (does that sound right?) for a late 90s version which would be good but I prefer to make payments but does anyone do that?

Thanks for the reply, btw!

[noel08]

I personally have a 1999 Accord EX sedan, four cylinders, manual transmission, bought new, and never have had any transmission problem whatsoever. I should also add that I have 80,000 k on the odometre so that gives you a little idea of how big a driver I am:D. One of my best purchases ever -- but I too am aware of the Accord's automatic transmission problems in the past.

My 2 cents.

[masterc]

I've had both a '92 4 cylinder Camry (auto trans, sold it a few years back with 330,000 km) and a '01 Accord (4 cylinder, auto trans).
Both solid cars no real issues, Camry was very economical with its 2.2 litre engine, you won't be winning any races with it, but solid all around car. I did have to replace the rad twice, not a huge expense.

The Accord was a nicer driving car, bigger engine 2.5 litre 4cyclinder, but a bit lower gas milage and stiffer suspension. It had some wheel bearing issues but was covered under warranty and never showed up after. Over all also a solid car, I liked it better as it was nicer to drive.

Can't go wrong with either... BTW I sold my Accord EX for $5K, with just under 200,000 km.

[alex_d10]

I've had both a '92 4 cylinder Camry (auto trans, sold it a few years back with 330,000 km) and a '01 Accord (4 cylinder, auto trans).
Both solid cars no real issues, Camry was very economical with its 2.2 litre engine, you won't be winning any races with it, but solid all around car. I did have to replace the rad twice, not a huge expense.

The Accord was a nicer driving car, bigger engine 2.5 litre 4cyclinder, but a bit lower gas milage and stiffer suspension. It had some wheel bearing issues but was covered under warranty and never showed up after. Over all also a solid car, I liked it better as it was nicer to drive.

Can't go wrong with either... BTW I sold my Accord EX for $5K, with just under 200,000 km.
Just a small correction, the 4cyl accord was a 2.3L engine. I am driving one now :)

OP, it's really a matter of: 1. personal preference and 2. Finding a well maintained car. I personally prefer the styling of the Accord much more and that's why I have one. Also, I'm pretty sure that heated seats came standard on the LX and EX trims :)

[001Stunna]

+1 on picking up an accord. Just get either manual or 4cyl automatic(since as its been said the 6cyl tranny issue catches up quick at times) and just as with any car though, keep up with the maintenance on it and don't go WOT at every redlight.

However OP id say check with insurance too and see how each car would value...ive found out that a same year as my current car(99 accord) but a camry would actually cost about $20/month cheaper on insurance.
--
Alex heated seats btw were not standard on the LX. My behind has to warm itself up on cold winter days lol.

[HolyPotato]

I thought I'd look for a late 90s Accord or Camry. This is probably a dumb first question but is there any place in which I could finance or make payments?

I'm sure a used car dealer will try to find a way to put you in financing... but a better bet would probably be to get an unsecured line of credit from your bank.

Make sure you set aside a healthy repair budget: I drive a '97 Accord myself, and while it is a reliable car, never once failed to start or anything, the repairs do creep in there with a car that old. For a point of reference I spent roughly $1200 in repairs last year, and have had another $1000 in the first seven months of this year... still less than the payments on newer car, but they do add up.




My problem is that most Camrys seem to be about 5 grand (does that sound right?) for a late 90s version which would be good but I prefer to make payments but does anyone do that?


I almost LOL'd at that price, but a quick check of autotrader shows that people are indeed asking $2-5k for that vintage Accord/Camry; someone offered me $750 for mine not too long ago, I figured that was low, but not that low! (although mine has some cosmetic damage which probably impacts the value)

Of course, that's just their asking price ;)

[teleguitar]

I'm sure a used car dealer will try to find a way to put you in financing... but a better bet would probably be to get an unsecured line of credit from your bank.

I know that is the best method but I am not sure I could get that which is why I hinted I need financing. :(

I'm glad you answered the question, though. It was great that I was getting responses praising the two car choices but I was really wondering what the chances of obtaining financing would be. I just think I could way more easily pay off a $6,000 car than $12,000 and then the shorter-term pay schedule would be less stressful in these uncertain economic times. ;-)

Make sure you set aside a healthy repair budget: I drive a '97 Accord myself, and while it is a reliable car, never once failed to start or anything, the repairs do creep in there with a car that old.

I almost LOL'd at that price, but a quick check of autotrader shows that people are indeed asking $2-5k for that vintage Accord/Camry; someone offered me $750 for mine not too long ago, I figured that was low, but not that low! (although mine has some cosmetic damage which probably impacts the value)
o
Of course, that's just their asking price ;)
Probably. Owners often don't realize how much a collision of any kind deteriorates their value, at least, in the eyes of prospective buyers. Also, body defects or issues also lowers the value. That is expensive to repair unless you can D.I.Y. or know someone who can. In addition, buyers seem to think that if something is wrong with the body, they wonder what happened and whether anything else is wrong. If there are women buyers, then they just see something wrong with how the car looks like and that could lower the value.

If someone disagrees, that's fine but that's my perspective. It's just human nature. But, a lot of it could also be quite valid, too.

I know an older car will most likely have more issues but that's okay. I have no choice if I'm looking for an older car. My current car is a '98 Saturn and I'm having too many issues with it right now. It has been pretty good for the time I've had it, though.

[r i c h]

The 94-97 Accords do not have transmission issues like the ones built afterwards.
Doesn't matter if it is auto, 5sp, I4 or V6.
The transmission for this generation were built solid.
I own one and I've spoken to many other owners whome have never had any issues with it.

[PMREdmonton]

Both are very good cars - I have a 98 Camry V6 which is still running strong without any major mechanical issues at 216K kms.

Just make sure to buy from someone who took care of the car well with regular oil changes on the Camry (or can develop "engine sludge") and changed the timing belts (should be done every 160K kms - make sure to see the receipt - if can't be verified go and do it immediately - costs about $850 at Toyota dealership).

[teleguitar]

The ideal would be a '98 to '00 Camry V6 but I'll go with whatever I can get.

Yeah, Accords of mid-90s were good no matter the trannys as long as it was looked after and the V6 versions were also good until the problems started with '98+?

I like the Camrys because I can go with either I4 or V6 and any year and just inspect the car. But, I like the Accords since they're just as good but in a different way except for the V6 tranny problem with certain models.

[HolyPotato]

I know that is the best method but I am not sure I could get that which is why I hinted I need financing. :(

I'm glad you answered the question, though. It was great that I was getting responses praising the two car choices but I was really wondering what the chances of obtaining financing would be. I just think I could way more easily pay off a $6,000 car than $12,000 and then the shorter-term pay schedule would be less stressful in these uncertain economic times. ;-)


Well, there's almost always someone willing to cut a loan on almost anything, the question is would you really be willing to pay the interest they demand? An old Ellen Roseman column highlights a couple that ended up paying something like 20% on their used car dealer loan:

http://www.ellenroseman.com/?p=131

With a car that old any loan is essentially unsecured, so if you can't get an unsecured LoC or all-purpose loan from your bank with your credit, you may not want the loan the dealer offers you. Plus since most major banks won't make an "auto loan" on a car that old, the subprime lenders don't have as much competition to keep the rates lower.

[Quiggie]

Have you considered that if you buy american you can get a much newer car (2000-02) for the same price as a late 90s accord/camry?

[SkiD]

Have you considered that if you buy american you can get a much newer car (2000-02) for the same price as a late 90s accord/camry?

On this forum, that suggestion will soon get shot down even though a 10 year domestic car has probably had some of its major parts already replaced (water pump, alternator, etc.) while the 15 year old Japanese car is due for a bunch of expensive repairs. So in the end you might actually be better off financially to buy the more 'unrealiable' car.

[Kayne]

I own a 97 Accord and its the worst POS I or anyone I know has ever owned. Honda avoided any warranty issues and the car failed on everything except major engine components.

Car has 245k

Engine: Not so bad most major internals are original with no issues. This engine is slow loud and unstable at any speed.

Transmission: First one went at 165k and it needs a new one. (Auto)

Rad: Gone at 170k I was expecting this so no biggie.

Power windows: Garbage from day one.

Paint: typical foreign crap, easily scratched and Honda rust issues.

Brakes: They all work normally besides the rear that Honda apparently could not fix a caliper leaking issue on. This went one for an entire year for them to finally install a Acura caliper and pad system on??? Cost me a fortune to, they do not care about your safety or your time.

I also have had to run my A.C. from day one in cold weather to clear the windows????

Owning a Honda all together is an annyoing experience they are slow boring commuter cars. My local Honda shop has A.C. Cobras, Corvettes and even a Caddilac on there service dept wall. I finally took the hint!

[teleguitar]

Any make of car can be a lemon but once again, it's how it was driven previously and who has owned it. Also, how did you treat it. But, generally speaking, Accords and Camrys have been good quality cars for years. Even with some harsh treatment, these cars USUALLY stand up well. I like Camrys since many come with the V6 engine and I like the power even though a driver who likes sports cars might think a V6 isn't that special. But, I've had a lot of 4 cylinder cars and they are good economy cars but I like the extra oomph in the six. But, even the 4s in the Accords and Camrys are pretty decent.

I think if you tried another Accord (for some reason), there's a good chance you'd change your tune. At least, you'd think that it was an isolated case. I had a '90 Civic and it was too much of a 'first car' type. It was okay but I prefer a bit more power and I like something that can really cruise on the highway. Just a nice ride. Also, I had a lot of really noisy situations with the muffler/exhaust probs (holes and replacing) and then there is often wheel noise (wheel bearings etc.) and other minor annoyances. The Civic is a nice car but I like a bit more. Accords and Camrys are my favs since I can rely on them and the overall quality is quite consistent year to year (at least at the year models I'm hoping to get some day). New is always nice but they depreciate quite a bit once you drive off the lot and in this economy, I'm not sure I want to risk it.

I could look at newer domestics but I wouldn't have a clue which one is good and there is still some uncertainty with those makes anyway. I will go with whatever I can get but my first choice for now, is a late 90s Camry or '00/'01 (being a bonus).

[sg2386]

I use to have a 99 Honda Accord EX 4 cylinder and the car was extremely reliable, the only major expenses i dealt with was changing the front and rear brakes and 4 rotors and a transmission flush, basically that was it...just had to do oil changes...I bought it in 2004 (had about 105k and timing belt was changed too by the previous owner) then sold it for $7000 in 2007 with about 165K.

I used $5000 as a down payment and currently lease a 07 Acura TSX with about 2 years left...absolutely love this car! i hate how they look now (along with TL).

[Cleankill]

you should consider 95-96 camry V6...
The 4 gen (97-99) camry feel noticably cut cost...

[russfest]

Why only Camry's? Not Corolla's?

I bought my gf a 99 corolla with AC, auto, and 94k on it for 5k a year ago.

[Carzzz]

Why only Camry's? Not Corolla's?

I bought my gf a 99 corolla with AC, auto, and 94k on it for 5k a year ago.

that gen corolla is prone to have oil consumption problem!

[russfest]

that gen corolla is prone to have oil consumption problem!

Really? Ive never heard that, or found that when I was searching for info on this car before buying it.
Do you have a site or where to get info on that?
Ive never added alot of oil to it.. maybe a litre between oil changes. No visible leaks from the bottom.

Only problem I saw with this car is how it likes to start wandering at higher freeway speeds. The correction for it is to change to stiffer shocks in the front.

[masterc]

Really? Ive never heard that, or found that when I was searching for info on this car before buying it.
Do you have a site or where to get info on that?
Ive never added alot of oil to it.. maybe a litre between oil changes. No visible leaks from the bottom.

Only problem I saw with this car is how it likes to start wandering at higher freeway speeds. The correction for it is to change to stiffer shocks in the front.

+1... my wife's '99 Corolla LE is rock solid, no issues at all. Its a great little car.
We are going to keep it till it dies, which should be many years down the road (knock on wood) :)

[Carzzz]

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=235960

a lot of people have this burning oil issue and some are unaffected (think it as Honda tranny)