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  • 1 month later...

what are peoples thoughts between the 02 model and the 04 model EP3s? every one I see for sale here is 02 model but I really like the 04 model updates, the seats look better being black and red instead of all black (and I think they are a slightly newer model recaro) plus the front bumper air dam part is different and makes the car look heaps more modern and tough.

for the guys that have bought a few now, what are you paying in japan at auction for 02 models (clean 4.5, around 50kms) vs 04 models (again around 4.5a or b and around 40kms or so)?

would love to get a ball park of what I should be bidding on these as I'm about to buy one. I just haven't looked at enough post auction to see what the good ones are going for.

and a follow up question if I may, to all and sundry. who thinks it's worth the extra 300,000yen or so for an 04 model over an 02 model? judging by the stock in aus I would say most importers don't think it's worth it. I guess given the average customer wouldn't know there was an update for the 04 models then they probably wont pay any extra for them. but if you were buying one for yourself, not to sell, would you spend the extra for the 04? I do like the 04 front bar a lot more, and I like that the seats are newer styler recaro's with black and red trip as opposed to the all red trim in the 02 models. any other changes between the 2?

hmm, so even if it was for you to keep and drive you wouldn't splash out for the later model? my quick survey of local NSW importers agrees with you that for sales/profit wise you are best off with an 02 as bugger all people will know the difference here and even less are willing to pay $3700 more for a car that is basically the same thing with a few cosmetic differnces (and of course newer/less kms). buuutttt. I just can't help myself, I want the newer seats and I really do like the newer look front bar. I think maybe they have different lights too?

does anyone actually know all the updates on the 04 model? I'd love to get a list if anyone knows what they all are.

looks like I will keep an open mind as always and buy a good car, not a specific car. limiting yourself means less chance of getting a good car/bargain. so if a good 02 comes up at a good price I'll just have to live with it. :mrt:

thanks, always good to chat.

Courtesy of Wiki lol

2004 saw this successful CTR updated with many improvements - revised EPS with quicker steering, revised suspension settings, projector headlamps (JDM=HID, EDM=halogen), lighter clutch and flywheel assembly etc; based on Honda literature, this facelifted (FL) model was targeted at addressing customers' and critics' feedback such as understeer on the limit (due to the front Macpherson strut setup), numb steering response and lack of low end torque.

  • 4 weeks later...

hmm, thanks mate. damn, that pretty much cements my want for a 04/05 model then. :( I was just starting to talk myself into settling for an 02 and saving some bucks but it seems the 04 is worth the extra dough. and I'd say as they get older the gap between 02s and 04s will only widen.

  • 3 weeks later...

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