Notices
Other Marques Non-Subaru Vehicles

Test drove an EP3 today.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 02:46 PM
  #1  
tony de wonderful's Avatar
tony de wonderful
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,329
Likes: 0
Default Test drove an EP3 today.

Was thinking of getting some sort of sub 5k thrasher.

Even though it looks like a bread van it was actually not bad. The one I looked at was an 05 plate and had 75k. Yeah they are very Baz and Daz but I'm not too bothered.

It really picked up speed when the V-tec kicked in. I thought it would be slower.

I didn't buy it cos it's the first one I drove, and 1st and 2nd felt very sloppy to me, like the gear box was well worn, or the clutch had a ton of wear on it. It just wasn't slotting home like I thought a Honda should with precision.

Anyone owned an EP3 can advise?
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 03:28 PM
  #2  
Steve's Sti's Avatar
Steve's Sti
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 848
Likes: 0
From: Fraserburgh
Default

Clio 182.....
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 03:33 PM
  #3  
tony de wonderful's Avatar
tony de wonderful
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,329
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Steve's Sti
Clio 182.....
I'd worry about the electrics.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 03:38 PM
  #4  
Steve's Sti's Avatar
Steve's Sti
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 848
Likes: 0
From: Fraserburgh
Default

Im on my second only thing that has went wrong with them is boiling the brakes lol
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 03:39 PM
  #5  
marshall332bhp's Avatar
marshall332bhp
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle
Default

I had an ep3. Great cars and surprisingly nippy. But I had a nightmare with the engine. Head gasket went and then the bottom end. My mates has just spun a bearing as well. So don't listen to the "bullet proof engine" pish. No that am saying keep away. This can happen to any car. My gearbox was sloppy i thought and my other friend had one which I drove and that was sloppy.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 03:44 PM
  #6  
tony de wonderful's Avatar
tony de wonderful
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,329
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by marshall332bhp
I had an ep3. Great cars and surprisingly nippy. But I had a nightmare with the engine. Head gasket went and then the bottom end. My mates has just spun a bearing as well. So don't listen to the "bullet proof engine" pish. No that am saying keep away. This can happen to any car. My gearbox was sloppy i thought and my other friend had one which I drove and that was sloppy.
Yeah even the best engine will let go if someone doesn't service it right or they lose coolant or something and let it overheat.

I thought the gear box would be better, felt like stirring a drum full of stones with a plank.

The gear **** is in a weird position too but it didn't bother me.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 03:49 PM
  #7  
marshall332bhp's Avatar
marshall332bhp
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle
Default

Originally Posted by tony de wonderful
Yeah even the best engine will let go if someone doesn't service it right or they lose coolant or something and let it overheat.

I thought the gear box would be better, felt like stirring a drum full of stones with a plank.

The gear **** is in a weird position too but it didn't bother me.
I loved the gear stick position. But the gear changes were like shagg1ng a shoe box full of liver!
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 03:54 PM
  #8  
tony de wonderful's Avatar
tony de wonderful
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,329
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by marshall332bhp
I loved the gear stick position. But the gear changes were like shagg1ng a shoe box full of liver!
That's not an image I wanted in my head lol.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 04:08 PM
  #9  
marshall332bhp's Avatar
marshall332bhp
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle
Default

Haha.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 05:00 PM
  #10  
sovietspybob's Avatar
sovietspybob
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Near Conwy
Default

Gear change should be super smooth if the 'box is in good health. They do wear engine mounts though so could be moment of the engine & gearbox that's causing a sloppy feeling?
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 05:17 PM
  #11  
the shreksta's Avatar
the shreksta
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,445
Likes: 497
From: hinckley
Default

I put a new clutch in my ep3 with 76k on it aswell as new box oil and uprated mounts and it completely transformed the gear change, it was precise as a firing pin, there is also an uprated shifter bush kit which can be installed.when I got my ep3 the gear change was awful but after I changed the above it was bang on.i got all my bits from unit 8
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 06:22 PM
  #12  
marshall332bhp's Avatar
marshall332bhp
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle
Default

Mine had new clutch and gearbox oil when I got it. I had it fitted. Was still pony. Must have been something worn somewhere
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2013 | 10:18 PM
  #13  
zip106's Avatar
zip106
Scooby Regular
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,623
Likes: 1
From: ....
Default

I bought a new one 10 years ago. (RD03 CZV)

Couldn't be doing with the lifeless steering and hitting vtec became a bit of a bore - had to be doing silly speeds to enjoy it.

A nicely engineered engine and gearbox though.
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2013 | 10:55 PM
  #14  
shooter007's Avatar
shooter007
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: west yorks
Default

Originally Posted by zip106
I bought a new one 10 years ago. (RD03 CZV)

Couldn't be doing with the lifeless steering and hitting vtec became a bit of a bore - had to be doing silly speeds to enjoy it.

A nicely engineered engine and gearbox though.
yep very good when newish gets a little stiff when cold but suspension is terible on newer models not a scooby eater (wish i still had my ep3 ) and eats front tires
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2013 | 11:21 PM
  #15  
bustaMOVEs's Avatar
bustaMOVEs
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (31)
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,979
Likes: 30
From: The 2dr club
Default

Most of the ep3s are like this afaik, think its down to the long gear linkage etc, however the s2000 and integra are not I belive as the stick is lower down close to the box.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 06:27 PM
  #16  
k9l3's Avatar
k9l3
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: cardiff
Default

Hi I have bought a s2000 and my mate has ep3 and they are great cars gear changing is a plesure such nice gearbox especially on the s. Engine is brilliant mine is 46k and drives spot on my mates ep3 is on 70 and is like new . The ep3 is light so can be decent on fuel and. I was going to buy one because I wanted 4 seats preferred but love the look better on s2000 so took the plunge. Civic is also very roomy inside I thought
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 06:49 PM
  #17  
bustaMOVEs's Avatar
bustaMOVEs
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (31)
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,979
Likes: 30
From: The 2dr club
Default

I think the ep3 got car of the year at some point (2005 I think)

The extra 40 ponies in the s2k is gotta be worth it though?
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 06:58 PM
  #18  
tony de wonderful's Avatar
tony de wonderful
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,329
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by bustaMOVEs
I think the ep3 got car of the year at some point (2005 I think)

The extra 40 ponies in the s2k is gotta be worth it though?
The S2000 is still a bit 'hairdressery' being a convertible. I can really be dealing with convertibles.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:06 PM
  #19  
k9l3's Avatar
k9l3
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: cardiff
Default

It might have 40bhp more but is a lot heavier then the ep3 so not too much difference apart from higher up. but the s is alot more fun car to drive by miles although the ep3 is also very good too
And this thing with 2 seater convertibles being heardresser cars is only becuase people are not man enough to drive them personally . silly thing to think I say
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:07 PM
  #20  
bustaMOVEs's Avatar
bustaMOVEs
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (31)
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,979
Likes: 30
From: The 2dr club
Default

Originally Posted by tony de wonderful
The S2000 is still a bit 'hairdressery' being a convertible. I can really be dealing with convertibles.
can't ?
You've bought your car now so why worry about that?

Rwd ftw! Totally different driving experience to fwd

Last edited by bustaMOVEs; Jul 21, 2013 at 07:10 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:09 PM
  #21  
bustaMOVEs's Avatar
bustaMOVEs
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (31)
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,979
Likes: 30
From: The 2dr club
Default

And I have a gay hairdresser car and couldn't give a toss, it's the driving experience I'm more bothered about.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:17 PM
  #22  
tony de wonderful's Avatar
tony de wonderful
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,329
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by bustaMOVEs
can't ?
You've bought your car now so why worry about that?

Rwd ftw! Totally different driving experience to fwd
Yeah I meant CAN'T lol.

It's hard not to look like a bit of a **** with the top down IMHO, and the folding roofs leak and shrink over time, etc.

I used to be very anti-FWD but now I'm not too bothered. A RWD without a proper LSD is a nightmare to drive for me and very bad in the wet. At least FWD is safer in the rain.

Getting a JDM EP3 would be very cool as they have a tad more power and a front LSD. They are twice the price though.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:17 PM
  #23  
bustaMOVEs's Avatar
bustaMOVEs
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (31)
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,979
Likes: 30
From: The 2dr club
Default

Originally Posted by k9l3
It might have 40bhp more but is a lot heavier then the ep3
are you sure, a quick search on autotrader suggest that the s is 1535kg and the ep3 is 1550kg???
But then autotrader is never accurate.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:20 PM
  #24  
k9l3's Avatar
k9l3
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: cardiff
Default

Ep3 is 1210kg
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:24 PM
  #25  
bustaMOVEs's Avatar
bustaMOVEs
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (31)
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,979
Likes: 30
From: The 2dr club
Default

Originally Posted by tony de wonderful
Yeah I meant CAN'T lol.

It's hard not to look like a bit of a **** with the top down IMHO, and the folding roofs leak and shrink over time, etc.

I used to be very anti-FWD but now I'm not too bothered. A RWD without a proper LSD is a nightmare to drive for me and very bad in the wet. At least FWD is safer in the rain.

Getting a JDM EP3 would be very cool as they have a tad more power and a front LSD. They are twice the price though.
I'm the same with the roof tbh, I just keep it up. Apart from this really sunny weather we are just having, with my roll cage I get a lot of looks, I think are they looking at me cos I'm a **** or admiring? **** it, it's the fun that counts. If your going to worry what folk think of you then tut tut tut.

Jdm are the best of course, I think the s2000 in a jdm might have LSD (not 100%) but the best of all would be a dc5 jdm with rwd
I have LSD

And depends on your use age wether its rwd or fwd tbh weekend car or dd.

Last edited by bustaMOVEs; Jul 21, 2013 at 07:25 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:26 PM
  #26  
k9l3's Avatar
k9l3
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: cardiff
Default

Originally Posted by bustaMOVEs
are you sure, a quick search on autotrader suggest that the s is 1535kg and the ep3 is 1550kg???
But then autotrader is never accurate.
1210 I think it is s2000 is definetly heavier its a suprise to me when I found out but I raced my friend alot of times and was very similar
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:27 PM
  #27  
bustaMOVEs's Avatar
bustaMOVEs
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (31)
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,979
Likes: 30
From: The 2dr club
Default

Originally Posted by k9l3
Ep3 is 1210kg
What's a s2000?
Where's the info from?
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:28 PM
  #28  
k9l3's Avatar
k9l3
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: cardiff
Default

I heard from my nowledge with the s2000 uk is better the jdm unlike the civic
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:31 PM
  #29  
k9l3's Avatar
k9l3
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: cardiff
Default

Originally Posted by bustaMOVEs
What's a s2000?
Where's the info from?
1321 sorry I talking about the civic. I not sure what the s is but sounds like what you said above
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:34 PM
  #30  
tony de wonderful's Avatar
tony de wonderful
Thread Starter
Scooby Regular
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 10,329
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by bustaMOVEs
What's a s2000?
Where's the info from?
1,321 kg for an EP3 according to Wiki.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Civic_Type_R
S2000 is between 1250 kg and 1299 kg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_S2000
Reply



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:32 PM.