Wow...a few people do remember me. Well, I figure if Xena could be redeemed, so could I
In reverse order...
Dale B - Noted, although my experience with the Accord differed. I always found the trip avg display *pessimistic*, and the Navi's TC *optimistic*. So I always hand-calc'd the mpg myself. Now, I did find the trip avg display's calculation was generally within a gallon, after a while. For awhile, I tracked all three fastidiously. Finally, I stopped bothering with notating the Navi's displayed mpg. I used the range info, though - that was fairly useful. And of course the iFCD. At certain times I could peg the iFCD at 70-80mpg under steady state cruise on level ground (or at least what I thought was level ground). The car really impressed me, and not one person who rode in it didn't not like the car. But as I alluded to - I used it as a commute vehicle, and decided I'd better try for something better in this area. Call it Chicken Little Syndrome, as I told someone recently who was incredulous that I'd trade an Accord for a Civic
I don't know if you've seen the '06 yet, but it resembles the Accord ergonomically / mechanically more so than the 7th-gen Civic, IMO. Given that, I'm hopeful that the averaging display is more like the current Accord's from an accuracy standpoint. I'll post back and let you know what I find, once I get about 3 tanks done (I have about 400mi on the car now, with 1/3 tank left, so if I'm very careful, I may get close to 600 out of this first one ? However, the dealer filled it, so I don't really know what this first tank will be save for the display. It's at 51.x right now).
I do know that each way of my work commute this week has netted no fewer than 52.x on the display. And it's been cold here - in the 20's / low 30's F). Can't wait for break-in and warmer temps and a proper set-up, not to mention some more practice w/ the car. Short trips under 10mi do kill me - it's hard to get to 50mpg for those trips. Most of the time, it's mid-40's on those. We'll see if I can improve on that, because as I alluded to, using the throttle in this car is night / day compared to the Accord, technique-wise, IMO. The other thing is, it's taking a lonnnng time for Auto-stop to kick in in this cold weather. About 10min longer - and I'm not liking that much at ALL.
BTW - as far as I can tell, I do *not* have the 62mi / 100km reset bug, as has been reported. My car was delayed, however (was built 12/28, and I'm about the 8600th car off the line and is sans Navi, as stated in my sig.
Tbaleno - thanks so much for the kind and heartfelt words. I do appreciate them. When I get a couple of thousand miles on her, it'll be warmer, and then we can make arrangements. I've seen your recent posts stating you're almost at the point of no return re: trading for an '06. I do think you'll like the car, when you get a chance to see / drive one. Had it not been a substantial improvement over the old model, I would have sat on the Accord, trust me. Also - I'm planning on putting some good audio gear in this car. Your opinions on what would make a good setup would be valued (although I've got to get my Bostons in the front ASAP
. Looking to maintain usable space and not kill the IMA system / mileage, and would like SQ w/ decent headroom. SPL isn't my bag.
(board in general
Speaking of speakers, I have a pair of Boston SX95 6x9 3-ways for sale, if anyone wants them, since I can't use them in the Civic Not as nice as the Pro60s which I'm reusing, but you use the rears for fill, anyway. Paid $390, I believe...will sell for $200 + shipping to a member of this board.
Also have a lower grill cover (GrilleTech race grill) that will fit any '03-'05 Accord (protection against rocks hitting the A/C condenser and taking it out, plus it looks nicer). Matte black finish. Fastens w/ zip ties in about 20min. Paid $65, $40 + shipping takes it. Can supply pics if desired.
Finally, if anyone is looking for the Accord Hybrid's service (shop) manual, I have a copy, and while I wouldn't mind keeping it, I wouldn't mind seeing it go to an owner. Paid $75, will sell $50 + shipping. Will also throw in a couple of bonus publications - body repair manual and a training CD-ROM that Honda expects their techs to review (not too useful, IMO) Send a PM if interested in any of these
GoNavy - pleasure to make your acquaintance. I see you filled in admirably in my absence.
While I'd agree with you somewhat, I'll save my response for a separate post, or this one will get too long. Expect that serious additions / changes will be coming w/ regard to the HAH, but not until the MMC in '08.
I've seen the Fusion on the street. It's actually not a bad car on the inside (I'm undecided on the sheetmetal for now, especially the front end). Wish they had come out with the hybrid version from jump street, though. They could use it about now