I've had my new Accord for almost eight weeks now and I'm very satisfied with it. However, this is my first diesel, and it seems very high geared - less than 1,000rpm at 30mph in top.
Will I be damaging the engine by travelling at 30 in top gear - I do stick to speed limits around town - or should I leave it in fourth?
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I would use 4th - first of all in town you sometimes need a more instantaneous response, secondly the oil pump is producing a finite flow at less than 1,000 and if you floor it you risk squeezing what little oil there is out and damaging the bearings.
The difference in economy is going to be minimal FWIW.
Glad you're enjoying it, you went for the Exec didn't you?
It's on my (very) shortlist together with the new Peugeot 407 (classic head v heart dilemna.
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5th at 30 - why? Or is it even sixth? IAM recommends third, due to greater responsiveness on leaving the limit and better engine braking approaching hazards. Even then, a buzzy 16v petrol is probably only pulling 2k revs so you'll be at something like 1,700 and if you want a quick getaway you'll be that much closer to the turbo.
Try it, you might find it more relaxing than you realise. It also makes it easier to stay within the speed limit as your foot can relax a bit further down and your ears are more sensitive to changes in speed as well.
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Would concur with David HM here - I've tried using 3rd round town in my Pug and it does make it easier to keep within a 30 limit - plus you do notice extra noise if your speed creeps up.
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I would use 4th - first of all in town you Glad you're enjoying it, you went for the Exec didn't you? It's on my (very) shortlist together with the new Peugeot 407 (classic head v heart dilemna.
Yes, it's the Exec model. Took a bit of getting used to after the Omega, which I'd had a long time and really liked.
It's very comfortable and very responsive. The seating seems to have an infinite number of positions. It exudes quality, and no problems whatsoever. Fuel consumption is excellent - seems to be about 50mpg - but haven't managed to get an exact figure as the fuel pump doesn't seem to cut out as the petrol did when filling the Omega. It's lovely not having to fill up so often.
I'm off to France in three weeks, and I'll be away for six weeks so that will give it a good tryout.
I'll stick to fourth.
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I use 3rd @30 and below in the current petrol Honda, but in the previous Passat diesel, 4th would cope very well. More muscle low down, in the diesel.
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I regularly shift into 5th @ 30MPH which is about 1,000 rpm. I had no idea that it could be damaging to the engine as it isn't labouring and seems to purr along just fine. My engine is a 2 litre, 6 cylinder petrol, don't know if that makes a difference. 3rd or even 4th gear seems to be too high an rpm for 30MPH, but my automotive experience has been with large capacity V8 engines that enjoy loping along at low RPMs, so high revs seem alien to me.
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We've been here before. For the best economy and flexibility use the engine speed which gives max torque - in a diesel that's about 1800 rpm, which usually sits nicely on 3rd in 30 mph. Bit more difficult in a petrol as it means screaming round in 2nd....
Labouring an engine (eg trying to pull 30mph in 5th) is the worst thing you can do it - especially when you are running it in!
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RichardW
Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....
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I drove a brand new Accord Tourer Diesel today back to back with a 6K mile example, the older one seemed a fair bit looser, and it was so much fun to drive. I've never driven a car that could effortlessly out accelerate so many other cars before, it was great fun watching as the Omegas and 3 series just vanished into the rear view ;-)
I don't think your car will disappoint when you get it to France Robbie.
Blue
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It hasn't disappointed so far and, despite it being so new, it accelerates as well as my 2.5 Omega.
I'm not thrashing it, and I have been using 4th in the 30mph limits and it's fine. Using 3rd seems a nonsense, as a slight touch to the throttle and it's away.
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Having driven one as well, I wouldn't have it above 4th in town. I was in 2nd and 3rd most of the time. What a good engine.
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Fine car but will they ever produce an auto?
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Judging by the amount of customers who come in asking for one, yes, they will, eventually!
I'm looking forward to when they finally stick the 2.2 unit into the CRV, that will make that car so much more affordable and attractive to customers.
Blue
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