Hey guys. So I own an "EK" coupe right now and have for about 5 years. I've gotten a little sick of it and it's starting to nickel and dime me to death and I also got a new job and am making more money now (just a college student), so I'm thinking about upgrading to an EP3 or RSX.

Basically, my question is what should I look for in these cars? I know the ins and outs of all the little things that break on EG/EKs, but what problems should I watch out for with this chassis? Also, I'm looking for something bone stock, but if it is a little bit modified, any parts that are known to be bad or that I should avoid? Also, are there any advantages to the different years other than different bumpers, headlights, etc?

Thanks so much everyone, I'm a noob with new school Hondas.

 

i'm familiar with ep3's only. if you're looking to have 5 lug wheels then go with the 04-05 model. if you do that then the tail lights and head lights will be different from 02-03. just google it so you know what i'm talking about. also 04-05 have an sideskirts. 02-03 don't. other than that i believe everything else is identical. i'm not an engine guy so someone else can help you with that. good luck with your search and keep us posted!

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm pretty sure all EP3s and all base RSXs have the same K20 (A3 I think?)... and the type S all have the A2?

 

the k20a3 is found in the 02+ civic si and the base model rsx and have a 5 speed tranny.
the k20a2 is found in the rsx type S and comes with the 6 speed tranny.

damn you google :]

 

Yeah I know... sorry, I always get the k series mixed up.

 

hey buddy check my my thread only thing done to it is intake header and exhaust never been modded heavily .. just some bolt ons im 26 and have a kid so i dont beat it on at from every stoplight to stoplight LMK what you think thanks..

http://www.hondamarketplace.com/show....php?t=2841661

 

For ep's listen for steering rack creak while accerating/braking. Most have it, it's usually a matter of how bad. Mine is very minimal, I can only hear it while braking softly from about 10-5mph and jiggling the steering wheel back and forth quickly in a unnatural sort of way.

For both rsx's and ep's check for 2nd and 3rd gear grinds and pop outs.

 

oh no worries bro. i just found out new knowledge myself. whats making you want to get an ep3/rsx? have you looked into s2k's? or anything of that nature?

 

Well, like I said I'm still in college, I don't think I could afford S2K (especially insurance, etc.) and I kind of need something a little bigger, I have some stuff to haul around for work.

Thanks for the tips white on rice, and I'll check out your thread sleeved.

 

Thanks for the offer man, but I really need A/C in Miami and am looking to something stock or closer to stock than your car. Good luck with it though!

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-rsx-dc5-honda-civic-ep3-32/dc5-ep3-please-help-2737273/

 

I have an 02 EP3. If I were to buy my EP3 over again, I would have bought the 04 or 05 model. Like someone mentioned above, it has advantages:

1. comes with side skirts (these skirts do not come up as high on the car as the Type-R skirts)
2. 5-lug instead of 4-lug. This is turning out to be a big deal recently. I want to upgrade my rims to some 17" Volk or other high-end rim, and it is a pain to find anything in 17" and 4x100. I'm in the process now of converting to an RSX Type-S 5 lug, and all told it might cost almost $1k.

The 04/05 also had different taillights, headlights, and a slightly different grille... and a few of the interior trim pieces have chrome/silver that the 02/03 didn't. Personally I'm not a big fan of the headlights and taillights but they can grow on me.

If I had to choose between the RSX and EP3, I think I would have liked the higher horsepower numbers of the RSX, but I really like that my EP3 is a lot more rare. It took some work to get it to look right (in stock form, the EP3 really looks like a minivan due to the ride height and lack of body kit)... but the effort was worth it to me.

If you autocross or whatever, you may want to choose RSX. Bump steer on the EP3 is ferocious.

In terms of reliability or chronic issues, I've had mine since 2002 (original owner), put about 47k miles on it. The only problem I've had is with the passenger side door's window seal. It rides up, causing the window to rattle when open. Replaced once. Now I just tweak it around to make the rattle stop. Mechanically, no issues.



http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showthr...d-OR-2002-NHBP

 

Whoa, I hope you're getting a big brake kit with that. Usually it's around $500 for the whole set with brakes. If not, I'm selling my 5 lug for $1k, lol.

I'm selling my k20a2, 5 lug ep. Link in sig. If it's what you're looking for, let me know.

 

if i lived in florida and i was looking for an ep3, i'd make a road trip to wisconsin... just think about it d griff, idk what you want to do to the bone stock ep3 but you'll be spending a lot of money. but you can save yourself a tremendous amount if think about whiteonrice's car. thats just me though.

 

Great advice! haha

Nothing like a nice long drive in your new car though. :D

 

it just makes sense bro!

 

I went from an EG hatch to a 2002 EP3. I've had it for 2 years and still don't like the cable shift gearbox. I think that you can't really feel anything they way you did with the EG/EK.

Other than that I've been happy with it. MPG is good. It's nice to have cup holders. And for now there is no Honda cancer on the rear wheel arches.

 

There are 4 cup holders within reach of the driver on the EP!

 

Just play with 2nd & 3rd gear a lot.

 

that's cuz its hydro...rally shift style

 

White one rice, your car is pretty damn nice, still not sure what I'm going to do though. Thanks for the offer, and I'll let you know in a little while if it hasn't sold yet.

 

Both of them are cool. I just got my own RSX a couple of months ago when I got here in NJ from P.I. lol. but I was about to buy an EP3 but I found out it's just a stick shift that I don't know how to drive it. Good luck with your decision dude. (just gave my own story)

 

Thanks, it's on ebay now.

 

What's your budget? Both EP3/RSX are reliable and enjoyable for daily driving. They're in the same price range if you buy them used. IMO, they're both sharp looking and you can't go wrong with either. It's just a personal preference when it comes to looks. But, if you can just save up for a used RSX type S, you'll love it. I have one and it's a blast to drive, handling is pretty good compare to my old S2000 and 350z's. Good luck choosing!

 

is there enough room for a 2yr old to fit in the back of an ep3? without struggling?

since its a 2 door?