Ep3 or fn2

David _b · 17 Feb 2017 at 16:10

Curious
Anyone had both or experience of both ?
I have chance to buy a good late 05 premier edition ep3 with 85k on it Or a thousand pound more for a good fn2 with with 67k on it

I know neither will set world on fire. But I don't really need a diesel any more.
I think the ep3 might hold value long term better but what's the opinion. Both are standard more or less, no silly exhausts or lowered. How are they as daily use cars ? Only thing I've been told is both generally need a chain around 80-100k if you really want to maintain it properly.

David _b · 17 Feb 2017 at 19:58

Black premier edition by way or silver fn2

On Holiday · 17 Feb 2017 at 20:03

FN2 for a more refined, modern, comfortable drive.
EP3 is just too old now and people seem to be putting silly pricetags on them these days.

In terms of prices, FN2 has dropped about 1k over the past couple of years but realistically isn't going to go down anymore so you won't lose money on buying one.
They dont need a chain at 100k at all, but if you come across one that has had it done then make sure theres a receipt to say it was genuine parts.

EP3 is more "raw" yes and VTEC crossover isn't as pronounced when stock, as there are slight engine differences (although ultimately same power output).

Handling, I prefer the top speed stability the FN2 torsion offers tbh, they aren't far off an EP3 round the bends either, certainly not to the extent an EP3 could leave you.

Stormster · 17 Feb 2017 at 20:44

Having had 2 EP3's and one recently....

FN2.

EP3's are a bit too old hat now.

sovietspybob · 19 Feb 2017 at 09:13

For a daily driver FN2 all the way, i really like EP3's but at this stage they're better as a 2nd car to thrash around or if you do very little mileage imo.

Even saying that for a 2nd car there's probably better options for your cash than an EP3, better off spending a bit more and getting a DC5 but then they're terrible daily cars!

IC3 · 19 Feb 2017 at 13:28

sovietspybob said:
DC5 but then they're terrible daily cars!

Why?

Evo8 · 20 Feb 2017 at 16:49

I used to have an EP3 and sold it years ago. I bought a '55 plate Premier back in December. I've been in a FN2 CTR and they're a little too civil for me. The EP3 is a great car and not uncomfortable.

HazardO · 20 Feb 2017 at 16:55

I love my ep3, but it's getting on a bit now.

sovietspybob · 21 Feb 2017 at 08:39

IC3 said:
Why?

After using one to do 20k a year in i can safely say that the rock hard suspension, trick diff that wants to pull you into the nearest ditch and follow any road camber and high revving engine get old when you just want to get home in the evening

IC3 · 21 Feb 2017 at 11:44

sovietspybob said:
After using one to do 20k a year in i can safely say that the rock hard suspension, trick diff that wants to pull you into the nearest ditch and follow any road camber and high revving engine get old when you just want to get home in the evening

Depends whenever you want to get home quickly or not.