tunmct

Hey guys,
So i'm new to the forum, but have browsed quite a bit. I'm currently a student looking for a new car to drive to professional school in the fall.

My parents/I have narrowed it down to a 2009 acura tl (tech package, 2wd) with 71xxx miles, or a 2013 accord lx with 34xxx miles. Both have clean titles, drive nicely and are nice overall. and both are similar in price (maybe a few hundred apart) and from respectable dealerships (acura is at a lexus dealership, accord is at a subaru dealership).

I am familiar with accords as my family has owned a few and I know they are reliable/cheap/good cars. My main concern is that a) are acura (specifically TLs) much more expensive to maintain, aside from fuel? b) which do you think is a better car overall (looking for opinions)?

I'm a pretty casual driver, don't care too much about performance or how fast it can go as i live in a city with low speed limits. I also travel by car a few times a year.

TL;DR - 2009 acura tl vs 2013 honda accord and why?

thanks in advance for all responses

jtech316

What's the actual price on both cars? Maintenance cost wise, I can't see it being too big of a difference since some Honda parts will fit Acuras. Coming from a BMW, maintenance cost will always be cheaper now.
Since you don't care about performance as much and you plan on traveling in it, I would go with the newer and lower mileage Accord. Also being a student, I'm sure fixing or doing maintenance work is the last thing you want to worry about.
Just my opinion.

tunmct

The acura was listed at 16,900, agreed on 15,800 if i were to purchase, which is about 3k below the kbb value.
The honda was listed for 16,800, but haven't negotiated a purchase price yet. I think I could probably bump it down close to 15,500 or so.

The reason I brought up maintenance was because a buddy of mine had to bring his 2010 tl down to acura because the HID system in his headlights went out. Acura gave him an estimate of 1600 to fix the headlights which is insane (they provided reasons why). Just to fix them yourself, if you knew how, still costed around 400 dollars for the headlights themselves.

hadokenuh

I would go with the Accord if I were you. If you are just a casual driver and in college, the accord is cheaper to run, insure, maintain, and repair if something goes wrong. Plus lower mileage.

I would hope that you can negotiate the price down from 16,800. It's effectively a 4 year old car. You can get a brand new 2016 LX for 21.5K all day long. 25% saving on a 4 year old car doesn't sound too great IMO.

jtech316

I agree with hadokenuh. Checking CPO Accords on autotrader, 2012 going for mid 13k to high 14k with same or lower miles.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Accord...

Drei

iTrader: (2)

TL hands down.

It's not that expensive to own an Acura. Just make sure you do all the recommended maintenance at each required interval and you'll be fine.

Also, before you buy any car, please get an inspection done. Take the TL to the nearest Acura dealership or bring a good mechanic with you.

tunmct

I'm probably gonna go with an accord. That was just one specific listing I saw. The car market where i live isnt the greatest and any car is usually higher than other areas. I found that out after researching for a while.

When i test drove the TL I just liked the drive and some of the tech stuff, since I never personally had that, but i think from an economic perspective the accord is just a better long term buy. Also, my parents are footing the bill which includes the purchase of the car and everything that comes along with it so I'd rather have them pay less for stuff than more.

I do appreciate all the thoughts though! Has anybody else ever had to decide on something like this?

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Yes all the time. I had to decide between my accord sport and a TL. I went with the Accord sport because it looks better, better mpg, cheaper maintenance.

tunmct

I know I'm making the right choice, but just kind of bummed because nice luxury cars at a good price are hard to find around here and I personally like the look of the 09 TL. Doesn't even look 7 years old to me.

LostProphet

Looks are subjective. IMO the TL are better built, the suspension, materials, ride quality is better, superb stereo, has a better stance on the road and of course is a luxury brand. A have lots of compliments when driving the TL until today, for me the Accord looks just another car on the road. The Accord has better gas milage, has lower miles and requires regular gas, it shares the chassis with the tlx so it is smaller and not as roomy as the TL. Maintenance is a bit cheaper in Honda dealerships than in Acura ones but most Honda dealerships take Acuras for service, so there almost no difference.

If you need the car as a basic way of transportation and don't care much about the performance or enjoyment of the journey then go with the Accord, it is a good car.

jtech316

I went through this before. I was looking at an Audi s5 and my tl. I ended up with the TL because it was more practical but still a nice looking and driving car at a decent price.

echodigital

Tough call. I would go Accord. If it was 2012 TL, I would get TL.

carbonTSEX

I would get the 2013 Accord over the 2009 TL tech but the accord has to be a better model like the EX, EX-L, sport or touring. Never been a fan of anything less.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

^ anything less would be the LX...

Then you get the sport after the LX. Why, I don't understand when the Sport is better then the EX...

CTNYC

If it was me, I'd say the TL. I remember cross shopping my ILX Hybrid Tech with an Accord EX-L Navi and the ILX quality was definitely better than the Accord. Also, the Accord is prone to more squeaks/rattles in the long run. Also, the Accord LX is pretty stripped down - you have more convenience features like sunroof, leather, power seats, push button start, ELS sound, etc. I'd also bet that the TL will depreciate less. The TL Tech is around $39k-$40k new while the Accord LX is around $22k - $23k new (Could probably buy new for around $19k to $20k if you push hard enough).

The accord is a bit cheaper to maintain - My 08 Accord LX-P is still in the family and has 280k miles with routine maintenance (Oil/filter change, tires, brakes, tranny fluid, etc). My 2010 TL needed a few more things like the Timing belt, but overall is still a cheap car to own/maintain. For $16k range, I'd say the TL (You could probably find a 2010 tech with similar mileage tbh), or even the TSX Tech - the 2009-2014 TSX's are the pretty much identical with the 2008-2012 Accord mechanically. Alternatively, you could look at new Elantras for around the same price (crazy cheap 2016's b/c of the 2017 redesign), or pony up a couple thousand more for a new Camry/Sonata.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Shouldn't have even been cross shopping a ILX with an Accord....

CTNYC

I admit they aren't the typical cars to cross shop, but I think it was actually a decent comp between the ILX and Accord as long as size wasn't a factor (I almost always drive alone). My reqs were that I wanted to stay in the Honda/Acura family, wanted to spend something in the upper 20s/lower 30s range for something with 4 doors, leather, sunroof, navi, and good gas mileage . Accord was around $29k or $30k IIRC while the ILX Hybrid had a sticker of $35k and was negotiated down to $31k quickly. The Honda dealer wasn't willing to budge more than a couple hundred off sticker at the time.

At the time, the TSX seemed a bit outdated (esp wo push button) and the TL was a bit heavy on gas (It was $4.79 for premium around me at the time - Yes, the dealers mark up premium like a bitch)

tunmct

Thanks for all the responses!

To me theres really no difference in accords, they are all pretty much the same in terms of driving. And while the TL does have a ton of convenience features, it seems like a higher risk financially. Mainly because of the fuel/tires. If fuel ever skyrocketed in price again, that would be awful on the wallet. If this is 4 years into the future when I'm a practicing doctor I wouldn't really care lol.

On a side note, KBB list the 2013 accord for a fair purchase price of 16,800, which is what the dealer listed it as, but nobody pays the retail price. So if I could get it for something around 15,500 would you guys think thats a good deal?

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

What accord is it? I'm guessing Sport or EX for that price.

Edit: I re read that original post. For an LX that's overpriced. You can go get a 2016 LX for 20k. I'm in Cali so everything is more expensive and a 13' LX goes for around 13,800+ You can get a 13' sport for 16-17k unless you're going to Carmax.

jim_c

Get a used Integra. Beautiful car.

hadokenuh

I would pay less than 15.5K for a 2013 Accord. 14.5K is my max but used car market varies by region so it's hard to say. Just remember you can get a new 2016 LX for a coupe of thousands more.

If you're in med school to be a doctor in 4 years, definitely get the accord. When you are done with school, get yourself something really nice on the first job offer lol. Skip the TL now.

hadokenuh

All Integras in my area either have savaged title or 200k+ miles beat up bad. They are extremely fun though. I remember driving my friend Integra 5 speed with 140hp. I thought it was fast. Can't imagine how fun the GSR and Type R will be.

tunmct

Update: the 2013 accord with 34k miles sold, but they got another local trade in. same thing (2013 accord lx) but with 24k miles priced at 17,900. cars in my area (nebraska) are moderately expensive I think. KBB says the market range is between 15999-18000 with a fair purcahse around 17900. So do you (or you guys) still think 16k is a bad price to pay? Trade in values are probably somewhere around 13-15k (according to KBB).

My parents aren't in favor of buying any cars older than 2008 so that's why an integra wouldn't do lol.

hadokenuh

How about getting a new 2016 LX from out of state for 21K? I feel like it's a better value. You'll get a brand new car with full warranty. The MMC 2016 looks even better.

LostProphet

$17,900 for a 13 Accord LX it is way overpriced when you can add 5k more and get a brand new 2016. If you really like the Accord because of the fuel economy, the maintenance peace of mind and if you plan on getting something different after a few years of school, I will strongly recommend LEASING. Honda is having some the Honda dream garage Sales Event with nice incentives.

tunmct

if its between different years of accords I don't really care about the aesthetic, inside or out. its all relatively the same. and for the price, it's what my parents are willing to pay since they are going to pay for literally everything.

tunmct

I would lease, but my parents aren't a fan and I also drive somewhere between 15-22k miles a year.

LostProphet

If you can bring that price down to 16,000 you will get a good deal considering it has maintenance up to date and comes from a reputable dealership. Good luck.

avi8or

I bought my Base 2012 TL in January 2016 with 25,000 miles for $18,700. This was from a Honda dealer. The price on the 2009 is too high. I realize pricing varies by market.

I'm sure the Accord probably has a CVT and will get better MPGs in city driving and doesn't require premium fuel. If that is the best you can do on a used Accord, I'd look at new. You should be able to get a LX under $20K. Maybe look at the new Civic.

tunmct

I'm getting all pricing from KBB/NADA, which accounts for my location as well. Are you guys saying that these websites aren't that reliable then? I'm by no means an expert.

CTNYC

OP is looking at a TL w/ Tech, which priced pretty fairly for under $16k - Based on their inventory, CarMax would probably offer around $14k for trade in on a car like that. Only main thing that might be a deterrence is that you'll need to the timing belt service done in 1.5 - 2.5 years if you drive 15k-20k miles/year... That can get costly if you don't have competing dealerships... I got mine done relatively cheaply for $780, but I've gotten quotes as high as $1500, and it's a job that I personally would only get done at Honda/Acura dealerships with genuine parts... OP - no interest in a brand new Elantra, Camry, or Sonata in the $16k to $18k range? Idk, as others stated, $16k for a 3 year old Accord doesn't seem like a great deal to me...

tunmct

My brother in law who is pretty much a fix-it-all kind of guy and has a knack for cars owns a 2006 acura RL. loves it and takes great car of it. He changed the timing belt/water pump himself for ~$140. said it took him 4-5 hours but that also because he is very meticulous. He also helps me with quite a few car things, but I hate asking him or shoving him unnecessary work since he's a busy guy.

And both my parents and I have a bias for accord over camry, and pretty much honda/acura over other brands. The honda store here has new accords for 24k sticker price, but obviously you can talk that down to somewhere around the 20k range. Why do you think 16k isn't a great deal for a 3 year old accord with 25,000 miles, but the 7 year TL is priced fairly with 3x the mileage? Not trying to sound arrogant, just looking for honest answers/opinion if that gets misinterpreted over the interwebs.

thoiboi

Because it's that kind of thrill..


Acura screams luxury whereas Honda screams juvenile duh...



If I were you, i'd pick the newer accord over the TL. You just need a car to get from point A to B and the Accord will save on gas being a 4 cyl while also lasting longer before the TB service. Plus the 4G TL is fugly

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

16k for a LX accord is stupid. Pay 4K more and get a 2016.

Also, the person who said buy a nice car after your first job offer. Don't do that!!!

hadokenuh

I don't know for whom your response is but I think 16K is a too much for a 2013 Accord LX when you can get a new 2016 LX for 21K. It's practically a 4 year old car. Honest and humble opinion. If that's all you parents are willing to pay for you, then that is OK though.

Dealerships NEVER use KBB for trade-in but ALWAYS talk about KBB for they try to sell you a car.

hadokenuh

Why not? He's gonna be a doctor, ya know?

thoiboi

so add on to his 6 figure debt with MORE debt?!

because americuh

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Shiiiit id work on paying them loans off first.

There's a couple of docs on this board and they will always say... Pay debt off first.

CTNYC

Say you can buy the TL for $37k brand new in 2009. in 7 years, it went down in value by $21k, or $3k/year, or $0.28/mile. The Accord, on the other hand, assuming $21k new, lost $5k in value over 3 years, or $1667/year, or $0.20/mile. The Accord depreciated less, which is great for a new car buyer, but for you, you are essentially paying a premium for the "Accord" reputation. Strictly from a numbers point, the TL is "more bang for your buck."

From a driver's perspective, you also get a nicer car, with more features, etc. The tradeoff is the higher cost in gas and slightly higher cost for maintenance. Now is that worth it to me personally? Definitely. Would I personally buy a new Accord to rack miles on? yeah, sure - it's a fine car that gets me from A to B reliably (My old 08 Accord, for instance). Would I buy a 3 year old used Accord with 25k miles for $16k? Nope - It just doesn't make sense to me with the inherent risk associated with buying a "used" car, not having a brand new car, and low depreciation. Is it worth it to some people? Of course - A lot actually since there are probably thousands of similar Accords for sale at that price.

Am I saying I'm 100% correct and everyone should follow my logic? No - I'm just sharing my insights on my thought process when it comes to buying a used car.