whoster

i will try looking into those Matrixes...

ff_

This is the first time I've heard of that. Personally, I can't think of any good reason to avoid Accords.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

Honda slushbox transmissions are known to fail a lot. there was even a law suit over it on some of them and honda extended the warranty to 7year/100k i think.

whoster

yeah...the 2nd gen TLs and 2nd gen Odyssey's had the same problems. a few TL's i've looked at i've made sure the tranny has been replaced. it was so bad my friend's parents' Odyssey's transmission was replaced at no cost even though their warranty had run out (which i think is a great move on Honda's part)

mmarshall

I'm not sure about the Matrix idea. As you guys pointed out, it is reliable and roomy, but whoster said he specifically did NOT want a Corolla, and a Matrix, mechanically, is just a Corolla with a different body and interior.

Here's my suggestion: Look for a used Subaru Impreza Sportwagon, but try and get a 2003 or later to avoid posible head gasket problems on the 1999-2002 non-turbo 2.5i models.
Why the Impreza Sportwagon? 4-door, reliable, room in back to carry things, and all-weather traction. (SoCal, where you live, may have a mild climate near the coast, but even there the AWD will help in rain and if you go up in the SoCal mountains in the winter).
With AWD, though, don't expect great mileage or blazing power.....the weight and drag of AWD robs a little of both. You can expect overall mileage in the low 20's...about like your Miata.

(Your Miata, BTW, got relatively poor mileage for an engine that size primarily because of the short, high-RPM, sport-oriented gearing in the transmission).

PhantomZX

There are way too many differences between the Matrix and the Corolla to ignore. They are IMO completely different cars that just happen to share powertrains and platforms. If you're looking for a fuel efficient car that can carry almost as much as an SUV and also feels quite sporty, Matrix/Vibe is the way to go.

The engine also has a surprising amount of low-end torque. It can move pretty quick for a little 120hp 1.8 engine.

OC 335d

It's true. I have at least 2 friends who have needed to replace their automatic Accord transmissions. They have both been die hard Honda heads their whole life too. I think I remember reading somewhere that it's a Ford tranny?

ff_

What model year are the cars? And at what mileage were the trannies replaced?

newr

mine was on 01 Accord 4cyl. Tranny died @ 75K. They usually die at between 60-80K. This also affects the trannies on the V6 cyl including TL's MDX's, Odyssey's. Before they die, usually you would see tranny fluid leaking out from the axel seals, very rough up shifting, shifting @ very high RPM, eventually it won't upshift out of 2nd. I think it affects the 98-02 models. 03-present may have the same problem but they are too new to say.

OC 335d

Roughly 01-02, that generation. Not exaclty sure of the MY. One had slightly over 100k and the other had 65.

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

My 2005 Turbo Mazdaspeed Miata regularly gets 29-31MPG
My 1993 NA Miata gets 32MPG all the time.

I recently bought another SC300 1998 model for 8000, original owner, clean with all records.

I doubt you can sell your car for 10K.