Whats better, buying a low milage, good example of an 03 GT from a honda dealer

OR

Getting a private 04 GT

I'm racking my head

 

For me, the private 04.

The more I see them, the more the 16" wheels on the 99-03 looks too small and dated. I prefer the look of the 04 with the 17" wheels and the revised front end.

But it's personal taste. Others prefer the "original" look. The two cars don't drive all that differently - although if it's a an only car and daily driver, the RE050 tyres on the 04+ are a better bet than the S02s on the 99-03. Nothing that you couldnt' remedy by putting different tyres on the 03 though.

I also object to paying the dealer's mark up. If warranty is an issue, you should be able to buy Honda's own extended warranty on the 04, assuming it has been properly serviced.

 

If the 03 is the same setup as the 02 (which I thought it was (?)), then they do drive quite differently IME.

Whether the variation in driving experience outweighs condition, looks, warranties etc will depend on the individual.

 

You will get better residuals with an 04.

Also, it depends what you want it for - second car and weekend / trackday fun the 03 is best.

Everday car, the 04 is best.

 

I like the look of both, and as some people will remember i bought an 03 the other month and cancelled with the garage because it didnt have the history i was promised with it.

The fact that i will be using this car as a 2nd car (prob about 3/4 days a week, and the fact that i'll prob keep for 3/4 years makes e think the 04 will to me feel fresher in a couple of years, however today as it stands i still like the look of the older wheels etc as much as the new.

When someone mentioned if for track then go for pre 04, why is that?

 

I can't honestly say that I thought my 02 handled significantly differently to my 04, Euan. There were subtle differences, of course, but nothing I could point to as being vastly dissimilar.

That said, it's most likely just that I wasn't pushing the 04 hard enough, so I'll defer to your JockMeet experience in this regard

 

<03 cars are more fun than 04> cars. They have more feedback, and are a more raw driving experience IMO.

I have had both an 03 and an 06. I preferred the 03 to drive, but the 06 is easier to live with day to day.

 

I would opt for the 04 as long as it's in decent nick. 03 and below look dated IMO. Although stick some OEM 17s on and there's not really that much difference.

 

If both cars are UK cars the 03 will have a Honda UK, POS, alarm which is a liability. You will also have issues opening your boot with your remote.

The 04 has a factory installed alarm

For this reason alone it is worthwhile getting the 04. (Not forgetting the better selection of tyres available for the 17" wheels)

 

Absolutely no contest between the two. The pre 04 handles like a FWD car compared to the post 04. The 04 is SO much more adjustable than the 02. Quite honestly my 04 felt like twice the car the 02 was. I thought the interior in the 04 was vastly better too - Everything about it looked so much more modern.