Buying an EP3R

[Jibzee]

Hey guys, first post. A couple days ago, I put a deposit on a EP3 that has just arrived from Japan. Compliance has been carried out and is waiting to go in for inspection.

Car is pretty much stock, save for some Mugen Type-S brake pads (any opinion on these?) and POSSIBLY, some Mugen suspension. (Hopefully not just a sticker. Again, any opinions on their sports suspension?)

Haven't had a chance to test drive the car yet for insurance reasons but will get a chance once compliance is finished.

03 model, very clean interior and exterior, I'm hoping the drive is as good as the rest of the car.

What are some things to look out for when doing the test drive? Also are there any problem areas I should check out? Should I get someone to inspect the car before proceeding any further?

I looked at another EP3 and there was rust on the boot hinges, and mild corrosion on the steering rack area. None of this is present on the one I'm looking at now but please bring to my attention any problem areas.

Regarding Honda's, I've driven a AUDM DC5R, a DC2R and a EP3R so i'm expecting this to be equal to (but probably slightly better than) the DC5 and EP3.

Thanks for all suggestions and comments!

[supersteve]

Hey guys, first post. A couple days ago, I put a deposit on a EP3 that has just arrived from Japan. Compliance has been carried out and is waiting to go in for inspection.

Car is pretty much stock, save for some Mugen Type-S brake pads (any opinion on these?) and POSSIBLY, some Mugen suspension. (Hopefully not just a sticker. Again, any opinions on their sports suspension?)

Haven't had a chance to test drive the car yet for insurance reasons but will get a chance once compliance is finished.

03 model, very clean interior and exterior, I'm hoping the drive is as good as the rest of the car.

What are some things to look out for when doing the test drive? Also are there any problem areas I should check out? Should I get someone to inspect the car before proceeding any further?

I looked at another EP3 and there was rust on the boot hinges, and mild corrosion on the steering rack area. None of this is present on the one I'm looking at now but please bring my attention to any problem areas.

Regarding Honda's, I've driven a AUDM DC5R, a DC2R and a EP3R so i'm expecting this to be equal to (but probably slightly better than) the DC5 and EP3.

Thanks for all suggestions and comments!

hehe congrats buddy

Just wait till u drive the car and go from there. U might b very impressed with the ep3 first up u might not even want to upgrade anything

[Jibzee]

Oh, one thing to add. These cars came with remote locking/unlocking correct? Because the dealer only seems to have the spare key. =\

[Type S Tony]

EP3 = Chick magnet!

[Philip Lee]

What are some things to look out for when doing the test drive? Also are there any problem areas I should check out? Should I get someone to inspect the car before proceeding any further?

just the usual stuff for a used car + steering column noise and engine mounts. (both are easy to fix). if u're not sure, best to get an expert to inspect it. i guess double check all the EP3 unique stuff are fine (eg. windscreen/glass, lights etc). mechanically they're similar to DC5R.

also check if you get HID as many compliance shop takes them off during compliance and don't put back in. if it's a C package (which has darker rear glass, rear screen wipers etc) then it should have factory HID>

regarding Mugen sussy, the struts are silver and non adjustable.

once u got your car, please post pics!!!

congrad.

[Mashi]

just curious - is there a reason why as to import an ep3 when there are few for sale here already in oz?

[ChargeR]

The Mugen Type S brake pads are a nice pad for street and light track use. Less dust and noise than the more circuit oriented Project Mu pads I have used but the Mugens still perform pretty well on track.

regarding Mugen sussy, the struts are silver and non adjustable.

Unless they are Mugen N1 . Mugen Sports Suspension is a nice streetable setup from what I gather.

[Jibzee]

Thanks Philip, yes it does come with the C-Package. (I think every EP3 I've seen over here so far has the C-Package)

Yeah I'll have to check the suspension again. I remember black springs but not sure whether the strut was silver or black. What colour is the normal EP3 shock? The Mugen sticker had a "Showa" sticker underneath it.

Regarding HID's, yes they removed them so I've asked them to reinstall it when I put the deposit on the car.

I'm still curious about the missing main key. Is there any way to get a replacement or am I SOL? It looks like I may have to install a aftermarket system, quite annoying if the Honda system should already be in place.

Mashi: I don't REALLY have a preference whether or not the EP3 is imported by a dealer or I buy through private sale, however this one caught my eye, and I liked dealing with the people so why not? It's a little cheaper than the other EP3's on the market, at least here in Victoria!

[Jibzee]

Good to know, ChargeR.

I came across the brake pad thread last night and was reading airbox23's thoughts on them. Should be much more than adequate.

I also read your logs of your car. You know, I think I saw you a couple months back at a car wash in Burwood Highway, don't know if you'd remember me since we didn't talk but a friend of mine mentioned that I was looking for a Type R

[Philip Lee]

I'm still curious about the missing main key. Is there any way to get a replacement or am I SOL? It looks like I may have to install a aftermarket system, quite annoying if the Honda system should already be in place.

i also only had 1 key + 1 remote and i asked a local Honda dealer if they can code a new key and they said yes. but expect to pay big $$ (possibly over $200).

[Jibzee]

no remote on this key by the look of it. sigh. well at least it can be done. ill pop by later today and see if they'll help.

[Philip Lee]

they will need your car there to do it for you if your car has factory immobilisor.

with the missing remote, if u're planning to fit an alarm then it's not a problem at all.

[Perry]

i also only had 1 key + 1 remote and i asked a local Honda dealer if they can code a new key and they said yes. but expect to pay big $$ (possibly over $200).

cant you take it to a place which does key cuts I do recall somewhere in the ct that does it.

[Jibzee]

yeah, I can do that but i still would like the ability to unlock the car remotely as it was intended! One of the things I was looking forward to was not having to manually unlock every door each time I wanted to get into the car and the fact that the dealer hasn't got the key with the remote unlocking is a bit annoying!

[Philip Lee]

^ As i said, just fit an alarm that has remote central locking.

cant you take it to a place which does key cuts I do recall somewhere in the ct that does it.

depends if your car has factory immobiliser. if it does, you will have to buy a correct geninue Honda key and get it coded by Honda dealer. Cutting can be done by lock smith.