Hi Guys,
I have been looking to purchase a daily driver for some time now. I had looked at the Ford Focus SVT, but after hearing of all their crappy workmanship, I have decided to stick with Honda.
I am looking at the 2002-2004 civics. There is a nice 2002 Civic with 11k miles
for $13k at the local chevy dealership. It seems like a good price.
My main issue though is should I wait for a 2004 SI?
I understand that the 2004 have a larger engine (2.0 vs 1.7).
In your opinions, is the larger engine worth the wait. What about any other options that differ from 2002 to 2004?
Also, are there any 'problem' areas that I should look at when looking for these cars?

Any advice would be appreciated guys!
Thanks,
Tommy

 

I'm surprised nobody's noticed this thread to correct you, yet.

All EP3 ('02-'05) Honda Civic Si in the USDM have the K20A3 160 Hp motor.

It's certainly not a Type R by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a pleasant, torquey motor to drive everyday, and if you're looking for a daily driver it's very decent.

Unlike most Honda marques, the EP3 USDM started seeing changes right away. For example, it's a standing joke on the British EP3 CTR forums that there are 3,027 changes between the UKDM '03 EP3 and the UKDM '04 EP3.

In the USDM, there was even a change mid-year and there's an early '02 USDM EP3 suspension and a late '02.5 USDM EP3 suspension. LOL...

Basically, if you have a good buy on an '02 EP3 USDM Si, I can't think of a particularly big reason to get a later model. Although the changes were all made for good reason, there's no over riding and important reason, IMHO, to go for the latest model.

Your mentioning the 1.7 D series motor makes me think you're comparing a modern "EX" model against the 2.0 K series motor "Si" model and, IMHO, there is no comparison and the "Si" (USDM EP3) is a much better car to own and drive.

 

yep!

 

slap yourself for even thinking about the SVT focus, go honda or if money is not a problem go to the top, STi, EVO

 

no wait i'll slap him for you
stick w/honda or you'll just be stuck with the focus and have to go with ford's problems
Fix
Or
Repair
Daily

 

Hey poopie pants Not all fords are crap, the F150 is the shiet, ford cars suck though.

 

Hey now, I'd get me a Mustang Cobra R or Saleen any day!. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with an SVT Focus, in fact I drove one, and that car is mighty fast! I drove the '03 Si, Focus would kill it, and I am just being honest! Now, relaibility is the question, because there are a lot of electrical problems with even just the standard Focus, where the Si, well...it's a Honda and there is practically nothing to worry about as long as you take care of the car. My choice for the long haul would be the Si for sure.

 

Only 1 real difference between '02-'03 and '04 is the '04 has a 5x114.3 pattern and '02-'03 is 4x100. Also '04 has UGLY projector headlights. So, if you want aftermarket JDM wheels, you have a better selection with the 5x114.3 bolt pattern.

 

I don't see the 5 bolt pattern as any kind of advantage unless you also own an ITR or an RSX or something else. It'd be nice to be able to move wheels between my ITR and EP3, I guess.

However, the 5 bolt EP3 have ths same brakes the 4 bolt EP3 have, and there's actually a bigger selection of wheels in 4x100 than there is in 5x114.

(This from the guy who's probably still going to end up w/a 5 bolt conversion on his EP3. )

 

ahh forget the Si get a RSX