I plan to buy an EP3 pretty soon and I was wondering which one is better to get the 02-03 or an 04 I wouldn't get an 05 because I've seem them pretty expensive and I'm looking for something under 12,500.

I want to get the RSX type r wheels and i know they are 5 lugs but if the 02 is pretty good then I'll just get some other wheels.. thanks

 

the 04-05 is a more refined model of the 02-03. if it were my choice i would get the newer model and just swap out those ugly tail lights, this is coming from someone that owns an 03. i've seen people get an 04 with low mileage in your price range.

 

Yeah I don't like the tail lights of the 04-05.. I could put the 02 tail lights on the 04? So they are the same...

 

Yeah you could. There aren't many differences between the 02-03 and 04-05. If 5 lug is really worth the extra money and weak tails, get the 04-05.

You're just like me, I sold my 96 Accord for my EP3.

 

Yeah I'm trying to sell it to get an ep3 i might just end up getting an 02 but I really want a blue one.

 

I own an '02 and an '05. Bought them both new. (Honda was giving them away; too good to pass up.) IMHO, aside from the five-bolt 16" alloy wheels on the '04s-05s, the two cars have no significant differences. For example, if I drive them back to back (which I often do to keep the battery up on the '05), I notice the '05 rides slightly firmer owing to the difference in the OEM tires. Also, the wheel gap on the stock '04-'05 is approximately 3/8-inch less than the '02-04 models. (Honda never mentioned that in the literature, but it's a fact.) Mine have been typical Hondas -- i.e., I haven't had a single problem with either of them.

 

Well that is good to hear you haven't had problems and I haven't had any major problems with my accord lol... I'm looking at a 2004 and its blue so I'm really liking that ep3 and they are asking 13 for it i might end up giving like a 7k down payment and paying the rest per month while i get more cash...

 

all I have to say is: congrats on a good choice. I love my lil EP, even though a lot of people until recently considered them the ;red headed stepchild' of the other hondas. great car, blast to drive.