Which 'Type R' Honda?

[JulianCRX]

Hello, long time lurker here - thought there may be some Honda owners who could share their experiences on owning / driving the various Type R's.

I used to be very much into Honda and went through a long peroid of Mk2 CRX ownership. Its been 5 ish years since and have been bumming about in daily beaters more than anything. I'm looking to get into a Honda again and want something thats a little more bearable on the daily commute than a CRX. My shortlist is: EP3 Type R or DC2 (both UK and JDM, would consider either).

The weigh offs as far as I can see -

EP3:

K20 engine.
More modern / newer
Slightly more insurance friendly? (prob wrong on this)
Easier to live with (again, an assumption, please correct me)


DC2:

Better looks (imo of course)
VTEC crossover more pronounced (noise factor)
Better interior
Less common.

I have never driven nor been in either and am likely to change my mind on above points if I actually spent some time with them. However I am currently 50/50 so would appreciate some input if anyone has any to share.

Thanks and regards

Julian.

Edit - would also take other suggestions for other models/marques. Also budget circa 3-4k.

[the chav]

if you put some more money down my friend is selling his dc2 its on ebay at the moment

[madal]

hi ya o about a accord type r ...

[Alex]

DC2 is a much sharper drive, but the EP3 is slightly faster in a straight line.

All DC2s have an LSD, most EP3s do not.

[motor mad]

If both cars were new, I'd probably go for a DC2. However it's becoming harder and harder to find a Teg in decent condition that doesn't need a fair bit spending on it. For the low mileage good condition cars, they go for between £4 - £7k

There are a lot of EP3's around and whilst there's a lot of dogs, you should be able to find a cared for car. As standard the vtec cross over isn't as pronounced as the old B series engines. There are loads of mods that can be done to the air box or aftermarket induction kits which make a big difference.

EP3's are a bargain buy, but my recommendation is to go and test drive a few different cars and see which you like the most.

[the chav]

this is the car
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280738425374?ssPageName=...

[madal]

the only problem is with the ep3 is everybodys got 1
my next honda will be a dc5 but i have just got a atr wich is very fun to drive ..

[Lewtyper]

DC2 obviously

[hondafanatic]

DC2

[tommy turtle]

I own both and the DC2 is head and shoulders above the Ep3. I have never had them both side by side but I'd put money on the DC2 being faster. It handles miles better too. In fact the DC2 is the best standard front wheel drive car I have ever driven. However if you are after a quiet and more refined drive then the EP3 is nicer. DC2 for me everytime.

Tommy

[tommy turtle]

I own both and the DC2 is head and shoulders above the Ep3. I have never had them both side by side but I'd put money on the DC2 being faster. It handles miles better too. In fact the DC2 is the best standard front wheel drive car I have ever driven. However if you are after a quiet and more refined drive then the EP3 is nicer. DC2 for me everytime.

Tommy

[Squirrelofwoe]

If it's of any use I can offer my experience; A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to get the opportunity of a decent drive in both an EP3 and a DC2. Being something of a fanboy of RWD and laggy turbos I wasn't exactly anticipating being bowled over by either.

Needless to say, I was absolutely loved the EP3 (I think it looks great too). However, I spent the next 8 months scouring the country for my desired spec DC2 at a time when I already had two cars and a 3rd was neither needed nor entirely convinient. But it was 'that' much fun I had to have one.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to anyone, regardless of an individuals motoring preferences, they are held in such high regard for a reason. However, as as been said, an 11+ year old car isn't for everyone, in which case the EP3 makes great sense (but I'd go for one with an LSD).

An EK9 could also be worth a shout, although they do seem to have a premium over the newer EP3.

[Alex]

tommy turtle said:

I own both and the DC2 is head and shoulders above the Ep3. I have never had them both side by side but I'd put money on the DC2 being faster. It handles miles better too. In fact the DC2 is the best standard front wheel drive car I have ever driven. However if you are after a quiet and more refined drive then the EP3 is nicer. DC2 for me everytime.

Tommy

I had a couple of side-by-side races, er, performance tests in my DC2 against my mate's EP3 and the EP3 was faster in a straight line.

[fuchsiasteve]

Go Accord Type R

[Marcus R]

DC5 could be the best compromise?

[madal]

dc5 or accord r all day end off

[TotalControl]

OP has stated he has a budget of 3-4k. Try and find a DC5 for that price.

My money would be on the DC2. Although MR2 Turbo's are in that price range too.

[the chav]

my friends dc2 didnt sell on ebay if your interested i can pass his number on to you

he does need to sell it

[Johnboy Mac]

Another vote for the Accord.

[fuchsiasteve]

owned both an ATR and an MR2 turbo. Both great cars but the Accord gets the nod everytime (more engaging to drive as with all type Rs). With the budget the OP states he could get a decent ATR and still have tuning/running costs.