I'd get an 04-06, and ideally an early 06 for the following reasons

I think it's April 06? Any car after that, you're in a hideous tax band paying twice the amount, so I wouldn't get anything newer.

VSA on the 06 is nice, somthing I'd like but don't have.

Lightest alloys (when including the weight of the tyre) on the 04 (unless you get a JDM with the BBS 16's)

Stiffer chassis (better welding) on the 04+.

04+ engine has oil jet revision but most importantly uses very little oil (in my case none, unless I rag it round a track).

04+ has carbon syncro's for smoother gears

04+ has nicer interior

04+ has better stereo

04+ suspention setup reduces bump steer

You can change ARB's (or in my case, get coilovers) to have the suspention however you like on an 04+, which makes any argument about the older car being more hardcore irrelevant.

 

Actually went from an 06 to an 03.
(dont ask why , but I am mad , and it made sense at the time??)

In terms of driving fun the earlier car feels more connected, it actually does what I want it to when I expect it to, brilliant fun ! and it has a glass screen in the rear too ! + a funny thing but the seats dont give me chronic back ache like the 06 did.
The 04 + cars are a very different animal,
yes 17 inch wheels = better
suspension a bit softer ( personally I didnt like it, wallows in fast corners, never trusted it fully)
body ? well thats personal taste, I actually prefer the look of the older one.
06 had better lights (brighter) and generally a few updates like clock etc on dash + the adition of VSA if you feel you would like it.
+ if money is an issue, march 06+ have to pay £400 road tax, prior to that its half !

thats my 2 penneth anyway.
to be honest, if i icould afford it I would just go for as later model as poss and just mod it to suit my taste.

 

what is very clear is that with a bit of investment beyond the initial purchase you can basically get what you want.

on early cars you retro fit the good bits. ie hood, alloys, radio etc and still maintain the general sharpness of it.

on the newer revisions you get the good bits as standard and could change the suspension to aftermarket and to your taste.

really it comes down to how much you wish to keep the car near stock and your initial outlay.

 

The door cards were scooped out to give more elbow room - much needed in a cabin that is far too cramped for such a large sportscar.

 

Budget for me was the important factor. I had about £12k to spend 6 months ago.

Stereo is rotten if you like decent music and the general sound proofing in the car is below par - both can be improved on irrespective of model year. Not a major choice factor. The later model cars have seperate mids and tweeters which does help but the sound is hardly quality - this either bothers you or it doesn't.

I like the ride in mine, i've been in a couple of earlier cars and whilst it may feel more connected to the road, the ride is noticeably harsher. Since mine is a daily drive, i'd prefer a little more comfort. I really don't find mine that 'desensitised' and it's a cracking drive compared to almost anything else I could afford so complaining that the 04 is not as nice as the 00 if all you've driven is mk4golfesque stuff is also unlikely to be a concern.

True that the 04 cars have different front and rear lights, bumpers and wheels - FWIW the earlier model lights are more practical, the 04+ cars have useless reverse lights - not a major issue but a practical consideration. I personally prefer the look of the earlier bumpers, mainly because you can install driving/foglights in the front of the car and achieve a factory finished look. I also prefer dual reverse lights and a central fog lights. Since neither bumper affects performance, it's all about cosmetics - personal preference.

Mine uses almost no oil - i have a mate with an 02 car and his drinks a litre or so every 1000 to 1500 miles - it's an additional expense that i'm happy to avoid.

Mine is £215 for 12 months tax.

I've spent a little money but more time addressing my personal issues with the car, FWIW these would have been issues i'd have had with any model year.

Do not waste your time or hard earned buying from a dealer unless you can afford brand new and need that warranty. Always worth buying from an established member on here and sourcing your own 3rd party warranty, this is all you'd get from Honda on a used car from them - it's not worth the premium.

I have a 2004 car but that's my overall preference.

 

I must say, I'd agree with a majority of Fester's last post. When I bought mine, it was a choice between an MY03 and an MY04. I chose the MY03 purely because I preferred the look.
I know people will talk about the suspension / steering etc, but as long as you're careful, MY00 - 03's will not hurt you. The oil burn from pre MY04's is an issue, but £15 every 1000 miles isn't exactly a bank breaker, is it?

Good luck with your choice!
Andy

 

That is going to change next year

 

Get an MY04/05 then get Cusco ARB's and a decent coilover package + bumpsteer kit.

Job done.

 

Rates effective from 1 May 2009
Date of Registration 6 Months 12 Months Band CO2 (g/km)
15 Mar 2002 – 23 Mar 2006 £118.25 £215.00 K 236-237
23 Mar 2006 – 31 Dec 2008 £222.75 £405.00 L 236

Rates effective from April 2010
Date of Registration 6 Months 12 Months Band CO2 (g/km)
15 Mar 2002 – 23 Mar 2006 £134.75 £245.00 K 236-237
23 Mar 2006 – 31 Dec 2008 £233.75 £425.00 L 236

I can live with that ... it's only another 30 quid.

Can't see the point of band M though as it's the same as band L, I guess those band M cars will be due another rise unless we kick Labour out - roll on election day.

 

Any idea where I can get the Cusco ARB's? Reading the forums, some recommend an uprated front bar leaving the rear stock...or softer.