2012 Honda Accord i-DTEC EX 2.2 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A fine executive saloon

Faults:

Used dealer replaced DPF (common diesel fault) as the light came on during test drive! The car had low miles for its age and was otherwise in good order, so I bought it with peace of mind and warranty.

General Comments:

Got a great deal on this 2012 Accord in blue. Very nice looking car.

EX model has plenty of extras, very nice interior. The car is fun to drive, plenty of power. Not quite as economical as I expected (only managed 46 mpg so far, claimed average is 52) but I am enjoying driving it soo much I probably accelerate a bit too enthusiastically!

Plan to have it a long time if it proves reliable, so far so good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th December, 2022

23rd Nov 2023, 18:07

They are good cars; the Accord is still holding value well even at over ten years old; an equivalent Vauxhall Insignia or Ford Mondeo is cheaper, but the Honda Accord is the better car and worth the extra in my opinion.

2012 Honda Accord LX-P 2.4L gas from North America

Summary:

Unpretentious reliable transportation

Faults:

Virtually no problems whatsoever in 3 years.

Oil pan gasket was warranty replaced at the first oil change because of minimal seepage.

Loose trim on rain gutter replaced.

Glove box rattle.

That's it.

General Comments:

Excellent road manners. Very smooth on interstate drives.

Quick handling, though the original tires (Dunlops) are so-so.

Road noise is there, but it's not unusual.

I'm 6'1" so I opted for the LX-P "premium" model in part for the electrically adjustable driver's seat. Seat tilt adjustment is very useful for taller drivers. Seat cushions are indeed firm and aggressive, though adjusting the seat back angle a bit further back or forward is about all that's needed for proper comfort. My experience from long drives is firmer seats are more comfortable, with squishy seats more likely to cause back aches.

I have lower back problems (old injury) yet the aggressive lumbar support works well for me. I've seen the loopy "15 mile test drive but oh my back" spiel all over the internet. Sounds like more like a whiny lawyer trolling or troubled teen venting, rather than an owner.

Interior is well laid out with an excellent driver's position. All controls are well placed. A/C buttons are a little hard to read, but you learn them fast enough. Gauges are simple, sharp and clear.

Speedo and tach are properly close together (a VW weakness in recent years).

Automatic shifts very smoothly. Engine maybe slightly underpowered for starting off at full load, but it's a family car, not a sports car. The engine pulls steadily and predictably.

Carpeting could be thicker. Trunk lid should have a liner.

Ground clearance a bit low (about 4") so be careful about parking lot chocks or high crown curbs or ramps.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2014

28th Feb 2014, 04:42

Is your transmission CVT or the real/old-fashioned auto?

I did own an '84 Accord for 17 years, and now a 2000 Maxima (still have it). My next car will be an Accord again...

1st Mar 2014, 08:30

I am pretty sure the CVT on the Honda Accord didn't come out til their newly designed 2013 Honda Accord model... You can also get the new designed Accord with a 6 speed manual trans... not everyone will like a CVT trans... so it's best to rent one or take an extended test drive on a new model with it...

2nd Mar 2014, 00:52

The 2012 LX, LX-P and SE had the 5-speed step geared (conventional) automatic.

The 2012 Accord also still had the metal key ignition lock (with electronic security encoding), which I prefer over the push button start stop button now becoming increasingly common.

I went with the LX-P also for the security system, and because the automatic was standard on that trim level and alloy wheels (which also made price negotiation easier, because it had all I wanted and no moonroof to decrease my headroom).

About the only things the SE added besides leather seats and steering wheel was heating of those seats, adjustable lumbar setting, and maybe a few more seat adjustment settings.

30th May 2014, 10:47

I believe CVTs are standard only in Accord and Civic 2014 models.