| About to buy an '03 EX-L, have a few ???s
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| Lehigh98 |
OK, I'm new here, just created the acct. But I've visited several times.
I am very close to buying an '03 EX-L, certified from a local dealership. Price looks good, they've made some improvements I asked for, etc. I'm a chick, and I don't know much about cars so go easy on me here. :cool:
I have two concerns. First, the radio sucks (which I know has been discussed at length). But one thing I am specifically asking about is that the radio emits a humming sound when the car is in drive, I noticed it after about 15 min driving. It's very noticeable at super-low volume but less so at higher volumes. Should I worry about this?? Is it the radio or the speakers? Or something else? I didn't play a DVD in it yet - will this hum kill DVD viewing enjoyment?
First, the paint seems pretty easy to chip. Is this also pretty normal? This bothers me less than the radio, but still a little annoying.
Thanks everyone. I hope to join in here a bit once I've made the purchase. :) |
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| sfhondapilot |
So is this an EXL-RES or an EXL with aftermarket DVD?
The humming sound is NOT normal and yes, I would worry about this.
The paint on my 2003 has held up very well. Where are you seeing the chipping? front end? sides?
Front-end chips are normal, particularly if the car was driven quite a bit on congested highways. I have gotten my share of door dings and had them removed via PDR. Door dings have not produced any paint chips on my '03. If you are seeing paint chips on the sides, that might indicate a respray / repaint. |
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| GeeWiz |
In my 03 the radio actually sounds pretty good for an oem radio. There is no humming, so I would ensure that is dealt with.
I have a few minor chips on mine, but nothing significant. The paint issue that I have had is the paint has been peeling off the plastic door trim panels- it starts at the top edge and eventually peels down to reveal an ugly black plastic. I had the dealer replace the passenger side one.
Otherwise, I would not worry about the paint.
Good luck!
p.s. I have no regrets about purchasing my 03 - it was used; I now have 130,000 km of trouble free driving. |
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| Lehigh98 |
It's an EXL-RES. And it's MINE!! YAY!
They cleaned it all up for me & popped out the dents, filled a chip in the paint or two & it looks GREAT now. I even got the rest of the little spots out of the carpet area w/ some good old Folex.
Yes, the paint chips were in the front on the hood... likely from rocks on the highway or something. The fill job looks fine, and I might get a little clear protector or something to avoid it for the future.
The radio thing happened again on the way home. I made sure before I signed that it was covered under the Honda Certified warranty, and indeed it is. So, I will be sure to have it checked out. It's *definitely* radio-related, because when it's off there is no hum. Strange that it only happens when it's been on 15 min or so...
We're off to test out the DVD player and other features now. I looove this car already, very happy. |
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| rocky |
Congrats.
We have an 05 Res. A really good vehicle for what we need.
BTW, don't forget to post some pictures because :needpics: |
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| Lehigh98 |
well... after some testing tonite it appears the front speakers are fine... it's the back - after about 15min of driving, the back speaker stops working & that's where the hum is coming from. Calling the dealership 1st thing... BOOO
Still love it though. ;) |
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| GeeWiz |
Congrats on the new acquisition!
I hope the rear speakers are also covered under warranty (I'm sure the deal would be helpful, since you mentioned it as an issue before purchase).
Let us know how you make out with it! |
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