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EP3 Newbie - EP3 Type R questions! MPG? Gearboxes> Reliability.

T

tommyEP3

Messages
16
Hi all,

Looking to get an EP3 shortly as I need a somewhat reliable daily (I only do 12 miles a day)


However some weekends I do nearly 300 miles, but I'm not too bothered as it doesn't really warrant a diesel (9k miles a year) and I've done my time with oil burners from my previous job doing 27k a year!


So.... I've signed up here to learn some more and read any buyers guides :) Also interested in the MPG haha, I've seen 35MPG may be achievable and that's perfectly fine. Does anyone know how many litres the tanks are? Whats the most miles you have ever gotten out of one?


One of my main reasons for posting was to ask about the gearboxes - I know someone who is selling an EP3 type R in general good condition, 90k miles, FSH, however he's said from 3rd to 4th gear above 8k revs, it struggles to go into gear.


It drives fine normally however.


My question is, does anyone know if this is common / what the remedy will be? Gearbox off job - synchro's? Possible cost ££?


Anything else I need to look out for? :)

How do the chains hold up - do they require any maintenance?

P.s, I'm in the South East if anyone knows of a decent one for sale!

Cheers
 
Struggling to engage gears at high rpm's is down to the clutch. So it needs a new one by the sound of it.

Timing chain can last the life of the engine, it depends how hard it has been driven. Most owners change it and the tensioner at around 100k just to be safe.

On a long motorway run i have seen 350-370 miles out of a tank. Around town i see about 270-290. The EP3 has a 50L tank.
 
Interesting thanks - great to know.

This one is a 1 owner car from new and I know the guy, I doubt it's been ragged senseless like some I've seen for sale.

I'll look into the cost of a new clutch, fitted - any ideas!?

I assume a new chain and tensioner is relatively expensive, too..


I can live with that sort of mileage no problem, perfect!! Just need to buy one now..
 
The EP3 is a fantastic car, but it's strong points are not MPG or ride comfort. It's actually a pretty **** daily driver if you live near speed bumps, rough roads or sit in traffic. I'd take a VAG TDi any day of the week for daily duties or motorway munching.

It is however, a great B road blaster, drivers car. And on track it's brilliant.

In a nutshell, if you're concerned about MPG, comfort and aren't planning on going on track - I wouldn't get one.

Just my 2p's worth :)
 
It's a great daily driver, at least it makes the drive more interesting :p
I'm on my second and do a near 40 mile round trip daily, get about 30mpg.
 
tommyEP3 said:
I'll look into the cost of a new clutch, fitted - any ideas!?
Click to expand...

£500 ish for an OEM from a specialists in the south all in (Perf Auto/TGM). TDI North do it cheaper I believe. You can get the kit for about £180 and take it to a local place. Wouldn't even want to know what Honda would charge.

12 miles a day is fine if it's mixed with some good A/B-roads, but if it's all motorway an EP3 will do your tits in after a while.
 
I've had my EP3 for nearly three years now and think it's alright all rounder. Better at having fun though I'll admit. But it serves me well on runs down to Dorset too.
 
Thankyou all for your input so far. Really great.

I've found one in a local dealership (I'd NEVER normally buy from a dealership as I much prefer buying private from an enthusiast.) However, time is not on my side and I need a car urgently.

This is the spec, does look nice in black I suppose. How much do you think it's overpriced by?


'A Nice Example of a EP3 Type R, In Night Hawk Black, FSH, HPi Clear, Current Owner Since 2012, 92,000 miles.

Very Well Maintained with All of The Common Type R Issues Rectified Including - New Full Timing Chain Kit With Tensioners & Guides, Valve Clearance, New Clutch Kit, Custom SS Exhaust, All Work Documented,

Poly Bushes Fitted, Standard Spec Includes - Recaro Seats With no Ware on the Bolsters, 6 Speed Manual, Xenon Lights, Electric Windows, Remote Central Locking, Alarm, Electric Mirrors, CD Player, Power Assisted Steering, ABS, Airbags, Rear Spoiler, 17 Inch Alloy Wheels,


2 Keys & 2 Alarm Fobs, Looks And Drives Superb, Great Example With Low Ownership,


It's up for £3,900. Which IMO is slightly overpriced. Privately it's a £3k+ car all day long but maybe not that much more... Might go and see it.

Cheers all!!
 
My bad. It's a 2004! Yet to check the MOT history out as I haven't got the reg, I do prefer cosmic grey though haha. Sell me yours? ;) Lol.

Cheers
 
Haha, funnily enough my old Premier EP3 is on eBay at £3,495. CK55. Great car, mint, I owned it for nearly two years and it didn't let me down. It's done 119k now.
 
Hi guys


Does this all sound about right?



"The previous owner was a genuine mechanic so has completed all work in his ownership him self at the garage he works at, but has kept all of the invoices for parts that have been replaced.

The Timing chain / guides / tensioner used were as i understand genuine Honda but supplied by Japanese specialst Tegiwa Imports as seen on the following link http://www.tegiwaimports.com/search/?q=timing ch

The invoice for the chain, tensioner and guides is present and addressed to the previous owner at the same address where the car is registered to.

Invoices are also present for both engine mounts, Lambda sensor, starter motor, battery / tyres / poli bushes, Rocker cover gasket, SS exhaust with life time warranty transferable to new owner, Many other invoices and all previous mot certificates are present. The last service was done earlier on in the year and the oil still looks fresh and clean.

Drives very well, suspension is nice and tight with no noises from joints etc, and clutch bite is also perfect."


Im thinking of going to view ASAP. Black, 2004, clean MOT history,


Any other pointers to check for!!

I don't think it's £3900 worth of car, but it's worth over £3k I think. Has the nice seats too.

I'm not missing anything obvious am I? Haha.

Cheers!!!
 
I'd go and see it, if they won't come down to a price that you're happy with then do pay more than you want to for it.

Reads well though, can't think of anything else to look for so it's a matter of your opinion when you see it in the metal.
 
I have never driven/owned and EP3 but I have the DC5 (bigger brother to the EP3) I use mine for daily driving I do 10 miles to and from work 5 days a week. I love mine as a daily, they are a bit stiff on the bumpy roads.

Before you buy one, test drive it for your own sake. The gearboxes aren't week but if they've been used as they should ie changing at 8K revs they will wear. Usually second is the first to go so just make sure you thoroughly test the gearbox.

There are specialists they will open the box and rebuild it for a modest price. I would honestly try and go for a low mileage example as all your bushes, steering rack will usually be in better condition and aid the thrill of driving them on the edge.

Like I said, I use mine every day and to be honest I've never seen 250 miles out of a tank. I assume the MPG is better on the EP3. Also be wary of rust, inspect the sills as they will of been used through the winter.

Timing chains, don't touch them unless they start making noises no point replacing them at 100k unless they rattle. As long as the oil has been changed regularly the chain will last a life time.

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Hi guys,

Well, I went to see the car today after prepping myself it would be the one... as the advert looks pretty good. Here it is: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201709209477580?

Verdict?


Nah.


Visually spotted wet, oily patch underneath engine.

Coolant resembled dark brown rust colour.

Rear bumper clearly been hit and dented/creased, horrible respray job across the entire bottom section,

Scratches in a lot of places

Interior was really scruffy on the actual dash, scratches everywhere, aftermarket head unit literally scratched to the point I'm surprised it worked.. and it popped out 3 times on it's own!

Front tyres low on tread


Oil change history was a bit meh, as it looked as though all sorts of different grades of oil were used, 0/30, 5/30 then loads of 10/40, from a quick read on here it seems like 5W40 would have been the correct grade to use..


Safe to say, a deal was not done.

Went to see another one locally and it was even more of a dog, covered in dents all over


Really gutted there are no enthusiast owned ones for sale (checked quite literally everywhere including all the FB groups, gumtree, ebay motors and pistonheads.) as that's generally how I like to buy a car from someone likeminded!!


Sums up my previous experiences with 'dealers' or 'traders' I absaloutely hate having to go near them, but have no choice as I'm so desperate for an EP3! (Other car has just died)

Cheers all so far.

Hopefully one will come up!
 
I would keep your eye on piston heads mate.

I couldn't see any worth going and having a look at on EBay and Autotrader. You just seem to get a better quality on pistonheads.

Be patient the right one will come up


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If you really want a mint EP3, be prepared to go and look at a fair amount of them.

They are all over 11 years old now so finding a minter is getting harder and harder to find. Just take your time until you find the right one for you mate.
 
EP3's are really difficult to find an enthusiast example. Might be worth saving up to get a JDM example if you want one that's been loved?

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^ On that note... you could argue a JDM one will appreciate. To the point where even taking a small loan (naff all interest to pay) would enable you to buy something you can sell for a profit in time.

Mate did that on an M3 recently, it worked out he was basically paid £5k to own it for 3 years :)
 
With the prices rising for U.K versions that are low mileage, a JDM version makes much more sense to me.

DC5 gearbox
LSD
Better interior

And while being looked after better, lower mileage and you won't lose money they seem a very good investment at the moment.

Depends if you want to save up or you're in a position for a loan.

The problem with U.K EP3's is they have passed hands a lot and they've been in the hands of people who have no clue how to look after them. Not all EP's are like that obviously but finding one that's been cherished is a bit of a unicorn find now.

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