Looking to purchase an EP3 for a DD, Any advise or recommendations on what to look or look out for?


TIA

 

A stock EP3 Si is going to have a very under-stressed motor and drivetrain that's going to last a very long time.

I think that the best advice I could personally give is to simply look out for a clean, low mileage car that is completely stock so that you can make your own mistakes instead of inheriting somebody else's mistakes.

A stock EP3 is quite solid and very safe even by 2010 crash standards. You'll even find some with side air bags. But even without the side air bags, they are rated very well for a car that was put out in 2002.

To all intents and purposes, these are still modern cars that are in very few ways bested by the 2006-2010 Civic design.

In addition to the normal common sense things that you'd look out for when buying any car, the only extra advice I'd personally give is to just get a completely stock one and make your own modifications after you get to know the car.

I used to drive a 2002 EP3 Si as a daily commuter, and I have to say that there are times that I still miss it.

 

Thanks GK,
Deff looking for something stock and as low mileage as possible, I have had enough cars in the past to know that paying for others mistakes are always twice as bad as your own.

Any major change between 02 and 05 other than the face lift and extra wheel stud?

From what I have found thus far prices are as low as 6k for a well used 100k+ 02 to a 40k 05 for 13k. Looking to hit the mid ground 10k range.

 

The facelift cars don't have enough changes on them to bother talking about, IMHO.

If you are interested in wheels, most people would think that the facelift cars would have more Honda-popular items available.

I really should have kept my EP3. :-( Mugen Sports suspension, the German HID headlights with levellers, 16x7 wheels, and the DC5 Type R rear swaybar. It was a very nice driving car.

I was working up to deciding on the K20A2 200 HP swap when it suddenly looked like a great deal getting two Accords, a 6-6 Sedan and a 6-6 Coupe. This was December 2005...and every once in a while I still realise that the Accords don't give us much more than the Civics were giving us.

 

Good thing I looked before I posted! Was about to ask the same thing lol.

 

look out for gear grinding, clutch squeaking, and steering rack creaking. those all seem to be common ep3 problems.

 

Working on picking up a white 05 w/44k

 

rsx's too.. minus the steering rack creaking

 

I know about the trans issues, what are the issues with the steering rack and clutch?

 

A lot of people experience the steering rack creak. It happens under acceleration/braking while turning, you would hear like a coffin door opening creak noise as you turn the wheel. Annoying, but very easy to fix with some lube to the steering rack.

As for the clutch, i meant clutch pedal squeaking. This one, im not so sure on how to fix.

 

my clutch pedal only squeaks after it rains..

 

i hate the turning radius. idk if it's just my car but it's horrible.

 

Much of what people love to hate about the EP3 and DC5 has to do with an internal, badly documented commitment to safety. It was rare for a small car released at the end of 2001 to test as well as the EP3 tested in both US government and NIHS crashes...and things like the McPherson suspension and the turning radius have to do with their decision to make cars that were substantially safer than the cars they replaced.

I think I've already said it once in this forum recently...but the EP3 is very modern in its crash test results even when compared to designs that will be released in 2010.

 

Personally i loved my ep when i had her. In all honesty i should have kept it and sold the rsx but i am also a huge fan of hatchbacks!! Not to say the rsx is not a hatchback but its not the same. If all u want it for is DD i would go for it. My had 44k on it when i sold it but up to that point i kever had a problem with anything including infamous gear grinds. I think i spent may 300 all together for the three years i had it. It really is a great car for normal use!!!

 

Picked up the EP Sat. so far so good.
2005 White looks to be well taken care of. Suspension is stiffer than I expected, and car is hecka slow but I am happy over all.

Squeaky GAS pedal and Light noise from A/C compressor (may be common), I over paid but I got what I wanted.

Anyone know where I can find an OEM shift **** or something that will fit properly?

 

The EP3 isn't a super fast car but it's not that slow... I would have it checked out

 

handaaccessories.com

 

Compared to what I am used to a 15+/quarter car is really slow.

 

mine too

 

Oh I know! I don't think I complain to my buddies enough lol, I hate the turning radius!!

 

Best of luck with your EP.The only issues they really have is the squeaky clutch pedal,Steering rack creak,and third gear pop out.Other than that they are reliable and fun