Two things in favor of the 2005

1) The bugs are out of the 2005

2) Manual tranny is not available in the 2006

 

If you're in California, you won't have the choice of buying a 2005 as they have flown off the lots since the introduction of the new HOV law that was passed on August 14th. I went to 4 Honda dealerships and there were only two 2005's not sold. I bought one of them. Fortunately, it was the color I wanted, etc.

 

The issue of first-year-car problems was just reiterated in the latest issue of Consumer Reports. They showed a graph of the number of problems with cars in the first year of production, versus the second, versus the third, etc.

The jump in the number of problems for first year cars was quite dramatic, as compared to the last year of production of the previous model (e.g. 2005 = last year, 2006 = first year).

On the other hand, of all the manufacturers, Honda's number of problems for first year cars was the best (meaning the least problems). Also, I believe the the differential between the years was less dramatic for Honda than for other manufacturers, even Toyota.

 

You've got to take those Consumer Reports things in stride. Most of those studies fail to weight the defect or problem reported. So a sticky seat belt counts as much as a transmission with no reverse. On the whole, I'd say it's always best to wait a year or two after a new car is released, but for me it's more about the options and getting the service department experience at working on the new model.

Doug

 

Excellent article, thanks Larry.

 

Hi.. I can imagine... I live upstate NY... NY even let their frmr deduction expire in Legislature this year.. I wish I live in Ct. They have a Sales Tax Exemption!! Another $1,600 or so savings!

 

I was considering buying a used HCH and then selling it within the next year and getting a 2006. I want to use the HOV lane in California ASAP and didn't want to wait a couple of months to get a 2006, although I would have preferred one.

In the end, I ended up buying the last new 2005 HCH available this past Saturday. I was having trouble finding a used one at a big discount, so I ended up just paying sticker price for the last new one at my home town dealership. Other nearby dealerships had a $2000 markup over sticker on the cars and they were selling them at those prices. One dealer started the day with 7 HCHs and by 5 PM only had one left. Basically, all of the 2005's are now sold out in my area (Bay Area, Northern California) since this past weekend (Labor Day).

In Northern California everyone is buying these cars like there is no tommorrow due to the HOV lane access that was passed in mid-August plus the increase in gas prices.
I wanted to wait for the 2006 but couldn't hold out! I'll probably trade in my 2005 at some point I imagine so I can get the 2006 with a navigation system. I am really happy with it so far - you can't beat 45+ MPG and access to the HOV lane, which will save me 60-90 minutes a day on my commute. I was driving a 2005 Pilot before, and I have now cut my gas bill in half which will save me $200/month at $3/gallon.

 

If the feature differences aren't enough for you to make up your mind then buy the one you like better for other reasons - looks, available colors, etc.

Frankly, I just bought a lightly used 2004 and, from the little I have seen of the 2006, I hate it. I don't like the big screen, the ugly interior, and so on... I like the one I have because it's like a car. The more they make them like a space ship the less I like them. So I'll keep the 2004 car over the 2006 space ship. (That's the main reason I didn't buy the prius, and obviously honda is trying to be more like the prius and that will only serve to steer me away).

 

I have a HCH 2005 that I can buy at $19600, plus dest. It's at a dealer about 100 miles away. I agonized over the decision, but I am going to wait for the 2006. NET, after tax braeks, it's only a $500 difference in cost (21500 - $2000 for 06, $19600, - $500 (approx) for the 05).

That plus I hope that New York will pass some legislation that will reintroduce a tax credit or maybe a sales tax break for 2006 tax year.

That and I'd like to buy from a dealer in my area after all, in case of problems, they do treat you better and sometimes give your repair preference.

Anyone interested, DCH Parmaus Honda as of yesterday, had three 05 HCHs left, Opal Blue, Taf. White and Shorelien mist.. The price I was quoted was $20,109 including Destination. Speak to Kurt Hartmann... good guy.. No, no relation & never dealt with him before

 

Where do you get the 2000 tax break for an 06, thought it would be 3000?