Buying a high mileage EP3
Discussion
Hi All
I'm considering a high mileage EP3 as a second car, it has around 90k on the clock and is a 2003.
I've had a EP3 before so know what they are suppose to drive like, but just want an idea of what I should be specifically looking for on a higher mileage example.
It's been reguarly serviced so thats a good indication, but someone suggested I check engine mounts, how would I do this? Also are there any areas of the body or underside I should be checking for rust/corrosion?
I'm considering a high mileage EP3 as a second car, it has around 90k on the clock and is a 2003.
I've had a EP3 before so know what they are suppose to drive like, but just want an idea of what I should be specifically looking for on a higher mileage example.
It's been reguarly serviced so thats a good indication, but someone suggested I check engine mounts, how would I do this? Also are there any areas of the body or underside I should be checking for rust/corrosion?
If it's been serviced regularly by a reputable garage, then you shouldn't have to worry too much.
Things that I'd look for personally would be to check the engine oil level to make sure its not been running low; check for any crash damage and knocking from the steering rack. Uneven tyre wear is something else to keep an eye on.
The service history will confirm whether the valve clearances have been done, but obvioulsy the K20 doesn't have a cam belt, even though some Honda dealers might tell you otherwise!
Things that I'd look for personally would be to check the engine oil level to make sure its not been running low; check for any crash damage and knocking from the steering rack. Uneven tyre wear is something else to keep an eye on.
The service history will confirm whether the valve clearances have been done, but obvioulsy the K20 doesn't have a cam belt, even though some Honda dealers might tell you otherwise!
I wouldn't say 90,000 miles is a loads for a 2003 car, it's 8 years old now, so say about 11,000 miles a year, not much above average really. As for the car, look for the same problems you would look for on any Type R - the gearbox will take a battering if an unsympathetic owner has been doing lightening-fast shifts on cold oil, so check that each gear engages and disengages smoothly.
A lot of Type Rs are bit hesitant when cold (and not at all smooth either in my experience, the only lumpier car when cold was an RS Clio 197) but once they are warmed up, the gearbox should be like cycling a rifle bolt, as you should know.
Check the condition of the oil too, apparently dirty old oil can really wear these engines down. These cars are designed to operate near the redline, and rev high. They are fairly highly strung for NA engines at almost bang on 100bhp/L, so good oil is a must - I check mine weekly.
A lot of Type Rs are bit hesitant when cold (and not at all smooth either in my experience, the only lumpier car when cold was an RS Clio 197) but once they are warmed up, the gearbox should be like cycling a rifle bolt, as you should know.
Check the condition of the oil too, apparently dirty old oil can really wear these engines down. These cars are designed to operate near the redline, and rev high. They are fairly highly strung for NA engines at almost bang on 100bhp/L, so good oil is a must - I check mine weekly.
Clunking when lifting off the throttle at full beans will be shot engine mount/s
^ a rare problem anyhow, so dont worry. Also arelativly cheap fix if they are shot.
I've heard k20a engines doing 150k with no problems......clean oil every 6 k will see em run forever.
I've put 40k on my ctr (its at 67k now) and has been bullet poof.
We will be getting rid of ours after christmas to make way for a 7 seater family slush wagon, im making sure that when my spawn are a bit older i'll be getting another regardless of milege.
Hope this helps....
^ a rare problem anyhow, so dont worry. Also arelativly cheap fix if they are shot.
I've heard k20a engines doing 150k with no problems......clean oil every 6 k will see em run forever.
I've put 40k on my ctr (its at 67k now) and has been bullet poof.
We will be getting rid of ours after christmas to make way for a 7 seater family slush wagon, im making sure that when my spawn are a bit older i'll be getting another regardless of milege.
Hope this helps....
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