What a Used 2005 Honda Accord 3.0 EX Is Worth in 2025
A used 2005 Honda Accord 3.0 EX generally sells for about $3,000–$6,000 in private-party deals across the U.S. in 2025, with dealer retail commonly $4,500–$7,500 and trade-in values around $1,500–$3,000. Exceptional, low-mileage or rare configurations (notably the EX V6 6‑speed manual coupe) can command $7,500–$10,000, while high-mileage or rough examples may change hands for $1,500–$3,000. Actual value hinges on mileage, condition, trim/options, maintenance history, accident/ownership records, and local market dynamics.
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Current Market Range and What Drives It
Two decades on, the 2005 Accord EX V6 holds steady appeal thanks to reliability and low operating costs, but age, wear, and regional demand spread prices widely. Pandemic-era used-car inflation has cooled from its peak, yet sub-$10k “reliable commuter” inventory remains tight in many regions, supporting values for clean Accords.
Typical Price Ranges by Sale Type
The following ranges reflect real-world asking and transaction patterns seen in 2025 for the 2005 Accord 3.0 EX, assuming clean titles and running condition.
- Trade-in/wholesale: Approximately $1,500–$3,000 depending on mileage, condition, and market saturation.
- Private-party: Roughly $3,000–$6,000 for well-kept cars with typical miles and records.
- Dealer retail: About $4,500–$7,500 for serviced, warrantied examples; franchise dealers may sit at the higher end.
- Outliers: $7,500–$10,000 for unusually low miles, pristine service history, or the rare EX V6 6‑speed manual coupe; $1,500–$3,000 for high-mileage, cosmetically rough, or deferred-maintenance cars.
Where a given car lands within these bands correlates most with verifiable maintenance, mileage, and how much reconditioning a buyer expects to do.
Mileage-Based Ballpark Estimates
Mileage is a big lever on price for 20-year-old sedans. These broad brackets assume average condition, clean titles, and functional A/C and emissions systems.
- Under 100k miles: $6,000–$9,000 (more if documented one-owner and showroom clean).
- 100k–150k miles: $4,500–$7,000 (sweet spot for many buyers if maintenance is up to date).
- 150k–200k miles: $3,000–$5,500 (condition and service history become decisive).
- 200k+ miles: $1,500–$3,500 (value tied to drivability and major services completed).
A complete service file can shift a car up a bracket, while accident damage, rust, or warning lights can push it down.
Features and Trims That Affect Value
Not all EX V6 cars are optioned the same, and certain configurations bring premiums or discounts.
- EX vs. EX-L: Leather, heated seats, and upgraded audio (EX-L) can add a few hundred dollars over cloth-equipped EX, especially in colder climates.
- Transmission: The 6‑speed manual V6 was primarily offered on the EX coupe and is rarer; enthusiast demand can add $1,000–$3,000 if condition is excellent.
- Body style: Coupes can fetch more when clean and manual; sedans sell faster in commuter markets.
- Options: Factory navigation, premium audio, and sunroof add modest value if functioning.
- Color and cosmetics: Desirable colors and clean paint/interior nudge prices up; faded clear coat, torn seats, or cracked dashboards pull them down.
These trim and option differences won’t override poor condition, but they can separate two otherwise similar cars.
How to Pin Down a Specific Value Today
To price a particular Accord accurately, combine guidebook estimates with local market comps and condition adjustments.
- Gather specifics: VIN, exact trim (EX vs EX-L), body style (sedan/coupe), transmission, mileage, options, service records, and title status.
- Consult pricing tools: Check Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, and J.D. Power/NADA for private-party, trade-in, and retail ranges using your zip code.
- Scan local comps: Review recent listings and sold prices on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Autotrader, Cars.com, and CarGurus; focus on similar mileage and condition.
- Adjust for condition: Obtain a pre-purchase inspection; review Carfax/AutoCheck for accidents, ownership count, and mileage consistency. Deduct for needed work.
- Account for reconditioning costs: Timing belt service, tires, brakes, suspension, A/C, and emissions repairs should be reflected in the price.
- Consider timing and location: Prices can be 10–15% higher in high-demand urban markets and during tax-refund season; rust-belt discounts vs. sun-belt premiums are common.
This process usually yields a defensible value that aligns with how buyers and dealers are transacting in your area.
Red Flags and Value Boosters to Watch For
Certain maintenance items and condition factors heavily influence a 2005 Accord V6’s value.
- Timing belt and water pump: The J30A V6 uses a timing belt; replacement every ~105k miles or 7 years is critical. Proof of a recent belt/water pump service can add $300–$800 in perceived value.
- Transmission health: 5‑speed automatics should shift smoothly; slipping, flares, or harsh downshifts are costly and will depress value significantly.
- Rust and structure: Check rear quarter panels, rocker panels, and subframe for rust—especially in salt-belt states; structural corrosion is a major value hit.
- A/C and emissions: Inoperative A/C, catalytic converter/O2 sensor issues, or an illuminated check-engine light reduce value and may block state inspections.
- Accident history: Airbag deployments, frame damage, or salvage/rebuilt titles can cut value by 20–50% versus clean-title equivalents.
- Recalls: Many 2001–2007 Accords were covered by Takata airbag recalls; ensure recall repairs are completed (free at Honda dealers). Completion helps marketability.
- Documentation: One- or two-owner cars with full service records typically sell faster and for more.
A clean bill of health from an independent inspection and documented major services are the strongest value boosters for a car of this age.
Regional and Market Considerations
Local economics and climate can swing prices up or down even for identical cars.
- Rust-belt vs. sun-belt: Rust-free southern/western cars usually command a premium.
- Urban vs. rural: Dense metro areas may see higher prices and faster sales; rural markets can be thinner and more price-sensitive.
- Fuel prices: Spikes in gas prices can raise demand for efficient four-cylinder Accords and slightly soften V6 demand, nudging V6 prices down.
- Seasonality: Tax refund months and back-to-school periods often boost sub-$10k used-car prices.
When buying or selling, anchor your expectations to comps within 50–100 miles of your location for the most relevant benchmark.
Bottom Line
In 2025, a used 2005 Honda Accord 3.0 EX is commonly worth $3,000–$6,000 private-party, $4,500–$7,500 at retail, and $1,500–$3,000 as a trade-in, with exceptional or rare configurations reaching higher. Verify timing-belt service, transmission health, rust, and accident history, and use local comps plus guidebook tools to refine the value for your specific car.
How much should a 2005 Honda cost?
2005 Honda Accord Pricing
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |
---|---|---|
LX Sedan 4D | $20,990 | $4,344 |
LX Coupe 2D | $21,090 | $4,802 |
EX Sedan 4D | $23,415 | $4,371 |
EX Coupe 2D | $23,650 | $4,592 |
What is a 2005 Honda Accord EX worth?
The value of a 2005 Honda Accord EX depends on its condition, mileage, and location, but generally falls in the range of $3,000 to $7,000 for a sedan, with coupe prices similar and often slightly higher. A 2005 Accord is considered to be in the 25-75% percentile for depreciation among 2005 sedans, with a typical resale value around $3,300 to $3,600.
How to find your car’s exact value:
- Check the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) website: for their Fair Purchase Price.
- Use Edmunds’ appraisal tool: for a more accurate value based on your specific vehicle.
- Browse listings on sites like CarGurus, TrueCar, and Autotrader: to see comparable vehicles in your area.
Factors influencing value:
- Condition: A vehicle’s physical condition (body and interior) significantly affects its value.
- Mileage: Lower mileage typically commands a higher price.
- Location: Vehicle prices can vary based on geographic location.
- Trim and Features: The EX trim is more advanced than the base DX and LX, and the EX-L includes leather, which can increase value.
- History: Vehicle history, such as accidents or damage, also plays a role in its value.
How much horsepower does a 2005 Honda Accord 3.0 v6 VTEC have?
Along with excellent fuel efficiency, the combination of this Accord’s 3.0L i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management and Honda’s 3rd generation IMA system produces 255 horsepower (+6.3% over an Accord EX V-6) and 232 lb. -ft. of torque (+9.4%).
How many miles will a 2005 Honda Accord last?
A 2005 Honda Accord, with proper and consistent maintenance, can realistically last 250,000 to 300,000 miles, with some well-cared-for models potentially exceeding 300,000 miles. However, its actual lifespan is heavily dependent on factors like regular oil and fluid changes, timely replacement of the timing belt, and a gentle driving style, while neglect can lead to premature failure. Other factors, such as rust in colder climates and potential electrical or transmission issues, can also impact a specific vehicle’s life.
Factors affecting lifespan
- Maintenance: Timely oil and filter changes, as well as other routine services, are crucial for longevity.
- Timing Belt: The timing belt requires replacement around 100,000 miles, which is a critical maintenance item for the engine.
- Driving Style: Gentle driving, avoiding aggressive acceleration and hard braking, contributes to a longer vehicle life.
- Climate: Vehicles in areas with harsh winters and road salt are more susceptible to rust, which can significantly shorten their life.
- Luck: Sometimes, even with good care, components can fail unexpectedly, and having a bit of luck is also a factor.
Common issues
- Rust: Be aware of potential rust, especially in the rear wheel wells, which is common in this generation.
- Transmission: Transmissions in these Accords are not known for their high reliability and require regular maintenance.
- Electrical Gremlins: Some models can experience electrical issues, such as wiring shorts, which can be difficult and costly to fix.
- Air Conditioning: AC compressors frequently fail in this model, and tail light gaskets are also prone to failure.
- Door Parts: Expect wear and tear on door checks and potentially failing door lock actuators.