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EP3 Advice finding a car I've been a fan of for years

E

EP-Lee

Messages
12
Hi all. If you haven't got all day, skip to the 6th paragraph :) Looking for a bit of help finding a car I've wanted to own for quite a few years now(15 years to be exact).

I've been a big fan of the EP3 ever since 2002ish when I saw my first one on the roads. I hadn't saw many Type R's on the road at this point, or knew that much about them but instantly fell in love.

I currently own a EP2 which I purchased a couple of years ago after finally getting my licence. The plan has always been to get my NCB built up and finally 15 years after first seeing the EP3 on the roads, buy one.

I'd like to get a nice facelift 'CLOSE TO STOCK' at least cosmetically, In Cosmic Grey if possible. I don't mind a Silver or Black one but I do prefer them in Grey.

I'll be looking to buy one in October when my insurance is up for renewal...



So I guess what I need from you guys...

I have a budget of around £3000-£4000 could go to £4500 at a push. Will I be able to find one for that money with decent miles 70-90kish and will she be ok as a daily drive. Are my chances of finding a decent one good? or slim to none.
I've had a good read of guide of the buyers guide? But......

I've never actually been in a EP3 Type R so I'm hoping this isn't a purchase I regret especially as all my work colleagues are saying get a brand new rental as all your have, is issues with an old performance car, and all my friends are telling me get a S3, GTI, 1series, 3series etc etc.

There all a bit samey and boring and id like to get a good EP3 before I do something I forever regret and buy something sensible never month like a Golf :D I know Ill always wish I purchased an EP3.

Also whats the best place to look for one thats not been thrashed to death if any are out there? Trade Dealers, Autotrader, PistonHead, Ebay, facebook groups? another option...?

Anyone know of any decent garages that specialise in Type R's local to the West Midlands where Im from.


Any help would be extremely appreciated.
As I feel like I'm going into this a bit blind and hope I don't end up buying a bad car.

STILL AFTER A CAR
 
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Welcome Bud. I should think it's perfectly reasonable to get one in that price range.

I'd always favour buying over leasing, at least you know you own it and are not tied in for years (if you get bored of it, or just fancy a change you can do as you please).

Hope you find a nice one, don't hesitate to post ones you find in here I'm sure people will say if they see any causes for concern from any pictures/ adverts.

Cheers,
 
Hello bud. £3-4500 is a great budget to find a good car. For that you could easily get hold of a Cosmic, but be aware, that colour only came on facelift cars. The only downside I can foresee is 99% of EP3's have had some sort of modification to them, be it low end things like springs, air intakes, exhausts etc.
As far as disappointing, you'd be hard pushed to get bored of a well sorted EP3. Even simple things like a Fast Road Geometry Setup will transform the car, and that can be done for a tiny sum of money. Add in decent tyres and the thing will out corner far more expensive machines.
I'd go for an EP in a heartbeat over any of the boring middle management cars your friends are pushing you towards. The EP can be driven to work and back every day, it will eat up motorway miles, yet can be driven to a track on the weekend, thrashed the life out of, and still get you home without breaking too much sweat.
Keep an eye on here and Civic Type R Owners forum for cars, if you get an enthusiast owned one, it's more likely to have been treated better. Also as you have a higher budget than most, you'll have more chance of avoiding the ones that have been owned by little d!cks that will limiter bounce them from cold.
Best of luck with the search, and ask any questions you need, we're a good bunch round here and someone will always be able to provide you with any info you may want ;)
 
Hi mate,

It took me months before I bought an ep3. I was looking for one for ages. Best thing to do is not rush and keep searching every day for decent ones to come up. Keep looking on the forum for ones coming up for sale as it will probably be well looked after.
I found mine from a trader on autotrader. It was only a small garage but he specialised in cars with full main dealer history and low amounts of owners. You should be able to get a decent car for your budget.
Hope you find a good one soon.
Cheers
 
Cheers for the reply's guys. One thing I won't be doing is rushing and ill be taking a friend who knows a lot more about cars than I do with me before making any purchase.

Can anyone clear up something I read somewhere that mentioned a recall on all facelift models regarding the steering racks ? I've tried a few google search to find this information again but my google skills failed me. If this was carried out should there be a document to prove this ?

Also the forums to mention for cars for sale can anyone link me to any decent boards to check?
 
Do some obvious checks. Turn lock to lock at slow speed (where you can) and feel for clunking, check for notchy gear changes, smoke,, smells etc. Look for any signs of leaks around the engine bay, plus look around the wheel arches and check for wear and tear on springs, shocks, brakes etc.
 
Ho,
When you have a car in mind if you do need any help with insurance then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.
 
DAN@ADRIAN FLUX said:
Ho,
When you have a car in mind if you do need any help with insurance then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.
Click to expand...

I was going to give you guys a call today at work actually. Don't want to rush this so will insure my current car a EP2 (current policy expires next week), making it easier to go view cars.

Then switch the policy straight over to an EP3 as soon has I buy one. Whats the cost involved when swithing cars with you guys? Would it also be possible to get the EP3 quote done in advanced so I know in advanced what my new monthly payment would be as soon has I got the new car?

And should I say Dan sent me?
 
NYA said:
Hello bud. £3-4500 is a great budget to find a good car. For that you could easily get hold of a Cosmic, but be aware, that colour only came on facelift cars. The only downside I can foresee is 99% of EP3's have had some sort of modification to them, be it low end things like springs, air intakes, exhausts etc.
As far as disappointing, you'd be hard pushed to get bored of a well sorted EP3. Even simple things like a Fast Road Geometry Setup will transform the car, and that can be done for a tiny sum of money. Add in decent tyres and the thing will out corner far more expensive machines.
I'd go for an EP in a heartbeat over any of the boring middle management cars your friends are pushing you towards. The EP can be driven to work and back every day, it will eat up motorway miles, yet can be driven to a track on the weekend, thrashed the life out of, and still get you home without breaking too much sweat.
Keep an eye on here and Civic Type R Owners forum for cars, if you get an enthusiast owned one, it's more likely to have been treated better. Also as you have a higher budget than most, you'll have more chance of avoiding the ones that have been owned by little d!cks that will limiter bounce them from cold.
Best of luck with the search, and ask any questions you need, we're a good bunch round here and someone will always be able to provide you with any info you may want ;)
Click to expand...
This is my first ever post or question on any car forum. I just bought an EP3 pre facelift one owner no mods. I was planning what you called low end mods but was curious what you meant by "Fast Road Geometry Setup" Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Signed late life midlife crisis.
a3a4eecd2a76b50b889cf242c48234ef.jpg


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I bought my EP3 premier 2006 cosmic grey a couple of months ago, had one before and sold my FN2 recently. I have already bought new tyres all around (AD08r) and will be changing the oil and transmission fluid this weekend. I've already checked the spark plugs and air filter, and all is good (the plugs are ngk laser iridium and only look a few months old so won't need changing for quite some time). I'll be undersealing the car and replacing the catback soon as well as looking into further modifications (already got the tegiwa induction kit). My primary aim is to make sure the car is refreshed with the usual checks and ready for when I start to modify. Bear this in mind and have a bit of money in reserve to cover the essentials.
 

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Flashy said:
A 2004 CG has just come up on eBay for £2600, in Cannock.
Click to expand...

Can you pm me a link? Wouldn't it of been to the moon and back at that price?

edit
Found it. Will call him tomorrow and pop over. A lot more miles than what I was looking for but worth a look. Cheers for the link mate.
 
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EP-Lee said:
Can you pm me a link? Wouldn't it of been to the moon and back at that price?

edit
Found it. Will call him tomorrow and pop over. A lot more miles than what I was looking for but worth a look. Cheers for the link mate.
Click to expand...

No worries bud.
Looks tidy and same owner for 4 years.
 
sevensamurai13 said:
Who can you recommend in Lancashire for engine and suspension work?

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Grinspeed in Leyland. I and a lot of other members have used them loads and they're always top notch.
 
EP-Lee said:
I was going to give you guys a call today at work actually. Don't want to rush this so will insure my current car a EP2 (current policy expires next week), making it easier to go view cars.

Then switch the policy straight over to an EP3 as soon has I buy one. Whats the cost involved when swithing cars with you guys? Would it also be possible to get the EP3 quote done in advanced so I know in advanced what my new monthly payment would be as soon has I got the new car?

And should I say Dan sent me?
Click to expand...

Hi again,

Yes by all means give us a call on the club Freephone number - 0800 916 1288 - and advise them of the likely scenario. I'd definitely get the EP3 quote as well so you know what likely costs will be.

Many thanks,

Dan
 
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