Will be test driving an '03, any advice on things to look out for? Besides a carfax report, any problems these cars are prone to? Its a Honda dealer and Honda certified, but I'd like to hear from the "experts" (owners). Thanks.

 

Buy new!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mine was certified too and carfax was clean(bought it from the dealer) but when I startred having problems I dug a little deeper and found out previous owner crashed it at the cork screw at Laguna Seca

 

Check the car with a fine toothed comb. You should look for all ten VIN stickers around the vehicle (one on each body piece). If all of those a present, then you can be pretty sure it hasn't been involved in an accident (granted, nothing is 100%)

 

yep...carfax doesn't get everything.....

 

I am in the same position. To me it depends on what you want to do with it. If you want to keep it for a long time and keep it in mint shape, go new. If you like to save money and don't care then go used.

I have wanted the car since it came out and have decided to bite the bullet. You do see lots of cars out there with low miles roughly. My gut instict says go new if you want to keep it for a long time which is what I intend to do. So still I mull over these things

 

I, like you, hope to be buying soon and have put a lot of thought into the process. Most of it has been inspired by discussions here. The suggestions to buy new are certainly worth considering if you have the money and are partial to the changes made in 04. I intend to buy an 03 simply because it is more to my liking and more affordable. With all that said, any 03+ is a good place to start, simply because it has all the crucial upgrades, lets start a list of changes from the early models:

improved clutch
improved ECU
upgraded spark plugs
upgraded synchros in the tranny
improved oil-jet bolts
higher axle-nut torque spec right from the factory
glass rear window

most of these were in place in the 2002 except, I believe, the oil jet bolts which came into the picture half way thru the 2002 model run, a 2003 just makes it a sure bet

Things you should check for in any used model year might include the following:

- vin number decals on all body panels and engine (should be 10 total)
- spring spacers
- a-arm bracket separation ( https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...pic=50244&st=0 )
- VTEC transition
- shifting grinds (especially 1-2) or lockouts (especially 5-6)
- top rattles and condition, inside and out
- clutch slippage (test this with full throttle while cruising in 5th or 6th gear, if engine accelerates but the car doesn't, clutch may be on it's way out)
- from a stop, roll forward, stop, reverse, stop (listen for a single click from rear which may indicate some bearing or hub problems, this really should not be a problem in the 03 with the 220 torque)
- do a series of straight, left, and right acceleration and deceleration runs in a parking lot, noises or vibration from rear may indicate either CV or diff problems
- feel wheel hub temps after driving (severe temperature or differences in temperature between rear wheels may indicate a hub or bearing problem)
- check for play in rear wheels with car raised (again, hubs and bearings)
- check CV boots for cracks

also a good idea:
oil level and analysis ( http://www.blackstone-labs.com/auto.html )
compression test (checks valve and cylinder condition)
all service records
documentation of fluids used
and soon after purchase, I would pull valve cover and inspect retainers ( https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...f=133&t=236314 )

Is all of this overkill? Many would say yes, you need to decide. As for myself, when I scrape enough together to get this car, I need to know I did all I could to insure I made a good choice. If anyone has suggestions or comments, I welcome the feedback. Good luck and ENJOY your drive.

 

I wouldn't necessarily do all the steps you listed, but I think any used car is worth checking out thoroughly before buying.

 

dont get new cuz u cant get a 9000 rpm just jk
but yeah i think u should really inpect the car well when u buy used cars