Hi,

I've seen some clean 03s, 04s and 05s for sale. Still deciding which year to get.

Does it matter?

Any help appreciated.

 

well there is a huge difference between 03 and 04. 04 and 05 are basically the same.

Don't ask me to list the differences, there are FAR too many. They are almost 2 different cars.

 

Thanks for the response.

Personally, which do you think is "better"?

 

This question comes up very frequently around here, and IMO the best thing to do is drive both versions (AP1 and AP2) and decide for yourself. Or, if you do a search, you'll find numerous AP1 versus AP2 threads with plenty of opinions as to which is "better." And you'll quickly see "better" is a very subjective term.

You can also find plenty of info in the FAQ at the top of this forum. Here's one link from the FAQ which covers the main differences between the 03 and 04 model years.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=483593

Good luck

 

It depends on what you want. Most people think of the AP2 as a better daily driver and the AP1 as a more dedicated track car.

I have a 2002 AP1 which I DD 46 miles a day and it's fine for me. Not very practical but luckily I hardly ever have to haul stuff around.

 

IMO, the differences aren't that tremendous, it's largely the same car. Biggest differences between '03 + '04:
2.0 -> 2.2 liter engine (more torque)
9000 -> 8000rpm redline (less revs)
revised spring rates (less oversteery)
revised rear suspension geometry (reduced rear toe change with bump)
16x6.5 16x7.5 -> 17x7 17x8.5 wheels
205/55-16 225/50-16 -> 215/45-17 245/40-17 tires

Overall straight-line and handling performance is virtually identical.
Generally, earlier cars will have a greater propensity for oversteer. In particular, the AP1 ('00 - '03) cars can bite, as if you lift off the gas or stab the brakes while cornering, the changes in rear toe geometry due to rear end lift act to encourage the car to come on around. Almost like it was specifically designed to punish the uninitiated!

 

What do you guys think about this one? Looks good.

http://www.carmax.com/enUS/view-car/defaul...43-77b57f26c6ca

 

Looks nice in the photos, but I think it's hard to get a real assessment unless you see it in person and drive it. And that price -- diggity DANG I guess cars are more expensive in CA. I bought my single-owner garage queen last year for $16,500 (2002 with 4,700 miles on it, never driven in rain or snow). Purchased directly from the owner, who lived not too far from me in southeastern PA.

 

I have an 2005, but I think the 2006s allow the Hondata re-flash doohicky thingy. I would look down that road if your choice is between a 2005 or 6, I don't know too much about it, but I think it is something I'd like to do, but can't.

Enjoy car shopping!

 

2002 I think is the best year. 3 years to get the kinks out. 03 and up just upgraded knockoffs.