Ep3 type r question
Discussion
Hi guys, I'll try and give you the short story here.
A friend of a friend owns an ep3 type r which he is selling in six months as it's a bit boy racer for his tastes now, and he's waiting on his friend selling him his car.
He knows that I've always fancied them and has given me first refusal on buying it. He's currently on holiday and has given me the car while he's away so I can see what I think.
Now it's been a while since I've owned a fast car and it has a couple of traits which I'm not sure about whether they are traits or faults.
Firstly, it's a bit flighty. Even at about 8/10ths Gets a bit twitchy on the power over rises, rises/turns combinations. I've heard they can do with getting the geometry checked as even from the factory they are quite a bit out. Also seems to have a little bit more resistance turning left than right, I've checked all the tyre pressures and they're spot on.
Secondly, when starting from cold the starter takes a second to disengage. Heard this is common, will it cause any damage/ need sorted?
Thirdly, although it may be connected to the first issue, is when getting on the power with a bit of lock on it really pulls the steering wheel straight.
I would obviously have the geometry checked before buying it but what do you guys think? Got a tiny niggle that says it might have had a wee front end shunt. It's done 64k miles and doesn't have one stone chip, respray? I trust the seller implicitly, although he doesn't push the car so might not have encountered these problems. Saying that I've not really pushed it hard myself as I don't believe in treating a car like my own, more like treating it like it's someone else's!
Actually heading out just now so won't be able to answer any questions but thought I'd get this up just now and see what people think. Also would have posted in the Honda section but there doesn't seem to be much traffic through there.
A friend of a friend owns an ep3 type r which he is selling in six months as it's a bit boy racer for his tastes now, and he's waiting on his friend selling him his car.
He knows that I've always fancied them and has given me first refusal on buying it. He's currently on holiday and has given me the car while he's away so I can see what I think.
Now it's been a while since I've owned a fast car and it has a couple of traits which I'm not sure about whether they are traits or faults.
Firstly, it's a bit flighty. Even at about 8/10ths Gets a bit twitchy on the power over rises, rises/turns combinations. I've heard they can do with getting the geometry checked as even from the factory they are quite a bit out. Also seems to have a little bit more resistance turning left than right, I've checked all the tyre pressures and they're spot on.
Secondly, when starting from cold the starter takes a second to disengage. Heard this is common, will it cause any damage/ need sorted?
Thirdly, although it may be connected to the first issue, is when getting on the power with a bit of lock on it really pulls the steering wheel straight.
I would obviously have the geometry checked before buying it but what do you guys think? Got a tiny niggle that says it might have had a wee front end shunt. It's done 64k miles and doesn't have one stone chip, respray? I trust the seller implicitly, although he doesn't push the car so might not have encountered these problems. Saying that I've not really pushed it hard myself as I don't believe in treating a car like my own, more like treating it like it's someone else's!
Actually heading out just now so won't be able to answer any questions but thought I'd get this up just now and see what people think. Also would have posted in the Honda section but there doesn't seem to be much traffic through there.
Steering could be the rack, they start to get a bit squeaky (as mine is) but not sure on getting that bad. Could be a number of bushes/balljoints etc but wouldn't worry me too much.
Starter issue is pretty common, mine does that too, sticky bendix I think. You can pull the starter out and get it refurbished for £50ish if you have a local place that does it.
Front end is pretty prone to stonechips. I've had my bumper painted but the bonnet now looks even worse!
What year is the car? What colour? These cars can be a bargain or you can spend forever chasing small problems around.
Starter issue is pretty common, mine does that too, sticky bendix I think. You can pull the starter out and get it refurbished for £50ish if you have a local place that does it.
Front end is pretty prone to stonechips. I've had my bumper painted but the bonnet now looks even worse!
What year is the car? What colour? These cars can be a bargain or you can spend forever chasing small problems around.
Irrespective of the suspension shortcomings, the car should run true. The EP3 is very tyre sensitive and prefers stiff sidewalls, as per the OEM RE040s. Soft sidewalls will introduce tramlining and hunting under power.
Also, check the front ARB, as these can work loose.
One thing to best in mind, is that the car is relatively light and relatively stiff (overly so for bumpy roads). It also has a very responsive engine and a relatively short wheelbase. All of this means you want to drive it smoothly and purposefully. Jerky and/or tentative inputs will result in jerky and tentative responses, more so than in something softer sprung/damped.
FYI I ran a 2002 model from new to 125,000 miles.
Also, check the front ARB, as these can work loose.
One thing to best in mind, is that the car is relatively light and relatively stiff (overly so for bumpy roads). It also has a very responsive engine and a relatively short wheelbase. All of this means you want to drive it smoothly and purposefully. Jerky and/or tentative inputs will result in jerky and tentative responses, more so than in something softer sprung/damped.
FYI I ran a 2002 model from new to 125,000 miles.
Cheers tenpenceshort. The car doesn't pull to the side when cruising with hands off the wheel.
There is a slight knock from the suspension over bumps, I pointed this out to the guy when I picked it up so he didn't think I had caused it when I handed it back. He said it needed the drop links doing and was sorting it when he got back. Could this be the cause? Forgive my ignorance, always been more into my bikes than cars. Will get under the car tomorrow and see if I can see any movement in the ARB.
Car is currently on Bridgestone potenzas, not on the legal limit but not far off, maybe 2.5mm left on the fronts.
There is a slight knock from the suspension over bumps, I pointed this out to the guy when I picked it up so he didn't think I had caused it when I handed it back. He said it needed the drop links doing and was sorting it when he got back. Could this be the cause? Forgive my ignorance, always been more into my bikes than cars. Will get under the car tomorrow and see if I can see any movement in the ARB.
Car is currently on Bridgestone potenzas, not on the legal limit but not far off, maybe 2.5mm left on the fronts.
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