Looking into importing EP3R

[danielwardaa]

Hey guys, just looking into importing an ep3r, so if anyone has any tips or suggestions on what to look out for, that would be great.

Also if people can tell me any common problems with ep3r.

much appreciated

[knobosaurus]

There are so many for sale in aus. Much simpler to buy locally where you can pay a mechanic to do a once over on it to check for problems. Wont have to pay import taxes either.

[DC2R]

There are plenty of 2002-2003 EP3s around in white.. They look hot in the later series in black/silver/red... Look for one of them!

[dnapol]

Find a low kms series 1 here in Aus that has some goodies and mugen parts and youre on a winner!

[stienerv2]

Things to look out for:

1. Engine Mounts (because of its age)
2. Clutch (because of its age)
3. Service history
4. Second gear crunch
5. Door window seals
6. Oxidised headlights
7. Rust from Japan (normally not a big issue compared to Evos)
8. Aircon needs to be regas (because of its age)

If there is anymore issues i can remember, i will add them onto this list.

[danielwardaa]

You save a heap of money if you import, plus aus dealers are known to wind back kms's and am worried that private sellers have thrashed them. I am looking for a different color, such as silver or red to be a bit more unique.

thanks for the tips if you come up with any more please let me know. Thanks.

[butter]

Whats the main concern with thrashed cars? Not like you're not going go thrash it yourself anyway.
Unless by thrashed, you mean well maintained?

[45SET]

Because they don't thrash them in Japan?

I'd prefer to buy a EP3R I can look at and inspect in Australia, then importing one.

Also, are you saying they are cheaper because that's what you've seen on "Import Monster", or because you've actually sat down and spoken to an importer?

[M@lew]

More or less on agreement with most here, the price of an EP3 has dropped significantly with the amount in the market you're probably going to find a good one here.

When they first started being imported to Aus it was quite a bit cheaper to import them but less so now.

If you want a really specific one (like silver or red which is slightly rarer) go for it but otherwise it's easier to just buy local. Especially as you'll need to get it complied and such.

[stienerv2]

I'm pretty sure most ep3s were thrashed or tracked when it was Japan. Not being to physically inspect it could be bad because auction papers can only say so much. Further, the amount of cars that goes the the auction lot, do you think an inspector has a lot of time on his hands to thoroughly look at the car?

What you can do is ask some dealerships to see if they have any red or silver ones coming across.

[dnapol]

Buy a local one you can look at and inspect. No hidden surprises. Buy mine

[tRipitaka]

Buy a local one you can look at and inspect. No hidden surprises. Buy mine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89hkmQKx9p4

[eskimo_firefighter]

My EP3 when I had one was definitely tracked in Japan. When I removed my rear seats the racing harness eybolts were still installed, haha.

[nic11]

Does anyone know if Edward Lee's is any good? are they reasonably trustworthy?

[DC2R]

Does anyone know if Edward Lee's is any good? are they reasonably trustworthy?

LoL... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NAg7pjip5k Only a face a mother could love.