Is it too late to get into an EP3?
Discussion
Looking for a solid upgrade from my MK2 1.6 Petrol Focus and I've got a real WANT for an EP3 Type R.
I'd be looking for the last of the facelift models, 05 plate - there's a good few with a tidy 70-80k miles on the clock.
Any thoughts as to how this would pan out as a daily driver? Is 10 years getting on a bit too much and should I be looking for something newer? The FN2 maybe and throw the extra 2-3K at it - would it be worth it?
From what I've found online, generally the EP3's are mechanically sound with few major issues - anything specific I need to be aware of 10 years on from production?
I'd be looking for the last of the facelift models, 05 plate - there's a good few with a tidy 70-80k miles on the clock.
Any thoughts as to how this would pan out as a daily driver? Is 10 years getting on a bit too much and should I be looking for something newer? The FN2 maybe and throw the extra 2-3K at it - would it be worth it?
From what I've found online, generally the EP3's are mechanically sound with few major issues - anything specific I need to be aware of 10 years on from production?
CallorFold said:
Looking for a solid upgrade from my MK2 1.6 Petrol Focus and I've got a real WANT for an EP3 Type R.
I'd be looking for the last of the facelift models, 05 plate - there's a good few with a tidy 70-80k miles on the clock.
Any thoughts as to how this would pan out as a daily driver? Is 10 years getting on a bit too much and should I be looking for something newer? The FN2 maybe and throw the extra 2-3K at it - would it be worth it?
From what I've found online, generally the EP3's are mechanically sound with few major issues - anything specific I need to be aware of 10 years on from production?
This thread will obviously have the potential to turn into the usual Ep3 vs Fn2 debate, but as all I ever seem to post about on here is Type Rs I may as well chuck my opinion in. I'd be looking for the last of the facelift models, 05 plate - there's a good few with a tidy 70-80k miles on the clock.
Any thoughts as to how this would pan out as a daily driver? Is 10 years getting on a bit too much and should I be looking for something newer? The FN2 maybe and throw the extra 2-3K at it - would it be worth it?
From what I've found online, generally the EP3's are mechanically sound with few major issues - anything specific I need to be aware of 10 years on from production?
This is based on owning two EP3's and one Fn2, covering over 30k miles in those cars and doing all sorts of driving in them.
An 05 plate Ep3 will be more than good enough as a daily driver, it is comfortable, fairly economical, very reliable and still looks good. Of course it also is a quick good handling hot hatch. So if you fancy one, then yeah it is a great choice.
Onto whether you should spend a few thousand more for an FN2? Well if you can afford it then certainly yes.
The Fn2 will do all that the Ep3 will do, but in a nicer interior, a better looking car, with more creature comforts and believe it or not a better handling car.
Regardless of what Clarkson said:
- The Ep3 is no quicker than the Fn2 in a straight line
- The Fn2 is the better handling car, and has far better steering feel.
- The Fn2 sounds better and has a lot more usable torque so is much easier to driver briskly without hitting vtec.
However those things are what you pay the extra for. for £3-4k the Ep3 is a bargain and is still a great car.
Drive both and see whether the Fn2 is worth the extra to you, if not then go for the Ep3, simple.
Also common issues are best found on owners forums:
civictype-r.co.uk
civinfo.com
Have fun with the rest of the replies!
CallorFold said:
Looking for a solid upgrade from my MK2 1.6 Petrol Focus and I've got a real WANT for an EP3 Type R.
I'd be looking for the last of the facelift models, 05 plate - there's a good few with a tidy 70-80k miles on the clock.
Any thoughts as to how this would pan out as a daily driver? Is 10 years getting on a bit too much and should I be looking for something newer? The FN2 maybe and throw the extra 2-3K at it - would it be worth it?
From what I've found online, generally the EP3's are mechanically sound with few major issues - anything specific I need to be aware of 10 years on from production?
I do 60 miles a day in my 52 plate EP3 and it's been extremely reliable in the couple of years I have owned it. It returns 30-33mpg, and as high as 36mpg if I restrain myself.I'd be looking for the last of the facelift models, 05 plate - there's a good few with a tidy 70-80k miles on the clock.
Any thoughts as to how this would pan out as a daily driver? Is 10 years getting on a bit too much and should I be looking for something newer? The FN2 maybe and throw the extra 2-3K at it - would it be worth it?
From what I've found online, generally the EP3's are mechanically sound with few major issues - anything specific I need to be aware of 10 years on from production?
Specific issues mainly relate to the steering rack, some of them become tight with age which makes the steering pretty horrible at speed, and the sliding bush arrangement where the track rods attach can wear, which causes rattling over bumps etc.
Clutch change is a PITA (and therefore relatively expensive labor-wise) on the EP3 compared to previous models of Civic, and they can wear fairly quickly if the previous owner was unsympathetic. A clutch nearing the end of it's life will drag slightly, which makes gearchanges noticeably stiffer, especially at high RPM.
Timing chains can wear and require replacement at ~100k miles, depending on regularity of oil changes etc. Mine is just starting to get a bit rattly at 117k, and I have the parts ready to fit. Not that big a job to do.
The ride is fairly hard, so not the most enjoyable if most of your driving is on bad roads, but it's great on decent A and B roads. Gearing is pretty low, so motorway work means revving the engine pretty high which is not a problem for the engine but isn't the most relaxing. 6th works out to just over 20mph/1000RPM.
Just make sure you shop around. Went looking for one with a friend a year ago, and he eventually ended up buying one from a work colleague which had been fastidiously maintained with a full and thorough service history. We went to see a couple of others though prior to this which were total dogs - badly done paintwork, bad mechanicals, and hosts of other issues.
I use my 52 plate pre-facelift as a daily with no issues. It's ace.
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&...
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&...
I have an 06 premier in Cosmic Grey, used it as a daily driver/fun car since 2007.
Brilliant to drive, very responsive, super reliable (nothing has gone wrong), cheap to run apart from insurance which can be high.
I think the main problem i see now is finding a good one as many have been owned by people who don't love them and get abused, even though they can take it with regular servicing, I'd defiantly buy on how well its been looked after not mileage.
Brilliant to drive, very responsive, super reliable (nothing has gone wrong), cheap to run apart from insurance which can be high.
I think the main problem i see now is finding a good one as many have been owned by people who don't love them and get abused, even though they can take it with regular servicing, I'd defiantly buy on how well its been looked after not mileage.
CallorFold said:
Thanks all for the replies, I need to get out and start looking at a few - FN2 and EP3
2nd Gear synchro and the steering rack are 2 primaries I'm aware of.
As touched on above, biggest concern is finding one that hasn't been ragged silly by a mechanically unsympathetic driver.
I got lucky and found a one owner, FSH car. They are out there.2nd Gear synchro and the steering rack are 2 primaries I'm aware of.
As touched on above, biggest concern is finding one that hasn't been ragged silly by a mechanically unsympathetic driver.
Loved my FN2 for hooning about but hated it, nay, loathed and detested it for long journeys (which it obviously isn't designed for). Very crashy especially over the slightest bumps.
It just depends how much fun driving you intend to do I guess as opposed to functional commuting (if any).
It just depends how much fun driving you intend to do I guess as opposed to functional commuting (if any).
Mephistofleas said:
Loved my FN2 for hooning about but hated it, nay, loathed and detested it for long journeys (which it obviously isn't designed for). Very crashy especially over the slightest bumps.
It just depends how much fun driving you intend to do I guess as opposed to functional commuting (if any).
Nice short commute to/from work, 5 miles each way. It just depends how much fun driving you intend to do I guess as opposed to functional commuting (if any).
Longer trips at weekends/each month or so. Average about 8-10K per year.
^ Primary reason for wanting a hot hatch really.
CallorFold said:
Mephistofleas said:
Loved my FN2 for hooning about but hated it, nay, loathed and detested it for long journeys (which it obviously isn't designed for). Very crashy especially over the slightest bumps.
It just depends how much fun driving you intend to do I guess as opposed to functional commuting (if any).
Nice short commute to/from work, 5 miles each way. It just depends how much fun driving you intend to do I guess as opposed to functional commuting (if any).
Longer trips at weekends/each month or so. Average about 8-10K per year.
^ Primary reason for wanting a hot hatch really.
I prefer the ride in the EP3, but the seats are better in the FN2 which can even things out a bit.
Ali_T said:
Ep3 is over-rated IMO. Had one of the very first and, bar the superb drivetrain, was a big disappointment.
In what way? They handle well, they are quick enough, very practical, reasonable on fuel and they are reliable. With the exception of the steering issues, what didn't you like?Ali_T said:
Ep3 is over-rated IMO. Had one of the very first and, bar the superb drivetrain, was a big disappointment.
I remember reading a review when these were first released that said that the drivetrain was so good, that the reviewer would still love it even if it came with square wheels. I felt the same when I had mine because the engine and transmission were on another level compared to contemporary hot hatches to the extent that the slightly duff steering just didn't matter 99% of the time.It's all horses for courses though and perhaps for some people the steering was sufficiently flawed that they couldn't see past it. I didn't feel that way.
I would definitely recommend one. Bought one in November, upgraded from a Saxo VTR (first car), 05 plate with 51k miles on it and it's amazing.
HOWEVER,
I find it can be a PITA to drive in traffic, compared to the Saxo anyway, and you do need to work the engine to drive anything more than very slowly. The steering lacks a bit of feel day to day as well, very artificial.
But outside of this, it's amazing. I've found it very easy to ignore all of what I've just said as soon as I find a nice open B road.
Best thing to do is to test drive one and see how it makes you feel.
HOWEVER,
I find it can be a PITA to drive in traffic, compared to the Saxo anyway, and you do need to work the engine to drive anything more than very slowly. The steering lacks a bit of feel day to day as well, very artificial.
But outside of this, it's amazing. I've found it very easy to ignore all of what I've just said as soon as I find a nice open B road.
Best thing to do is to test drive one and see how it makes you feel.
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