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Buying guide

Honda Civic Type R EP3 (2001 to 2005): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Honda Civic Type R EP3 was built from 2001 to 2005 as a hatchback, with a manual gearbox, front wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis code: EP3. Redline has a curated guide to its 7 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2001 to 2005
Chassis codes
EP3
Body types
Hatchback
Gearboxes
Manual
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

No Honda Civic Type R built 2001 to 2005 found on the NZ register under that model name. Some imports are registered under another model name.

Source: NZTA Waka Kotahi Motor Vehicle Register open data (opens in a new tab), CC BY 4.0. Vehicles on the register now, counted by build year.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Honda Civic Type R EP3 (2001 to 2005). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Timing chain and tensioner

    Chains and tensioners are the main issue, with failures from about 80,000 miles. Specialists suggest replacement at about 75,000 miles.

    Where to look
    The timing chain at the end of the engine, and chain invoices
    How to test
    Listen for rattle from the top end from cold. If the car is near 100,000 miles without a chain, budget for it.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost genuine chain and tensioner with labour

    Sources: evo.co.uk (opens in a new tab), pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. 2nd gear

    2nd gear reluctance and crunching are common, worst when cold. Honda recalled some 2004 cars for 2nd gear jumping out.

    Where to look
    The gear lever, and the recall record
    How to test
    Test from cold, since a pre warmed car hides it. Accelerate hard in 2nd and check it stays in gear.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost gearbox rebuild

    Sources: evo.co.uk (opens in a new tab), pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. Steering rack

    Racks creak and do not self centre, more so on pre facelift cars.

    Where to look
    The steering rack
    How to test
    Listen for creaks turning at low speed and check the wheel returns to centre.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a new rack costs four figures

    Sources: evo.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  4. Oil consumption

    Revving hard causes wear, so oil use needs watching.

    Where to look
    The dipstick
    How to test
    Check the level and ask how often the owner tops it up.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost engine wear

    Sources: evo.co.uk (opens in a new tab), pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  5. Engine and gearbox mounts

    Mounts fail on abused or tracked cars.

    Where to look
    The engine and gearbox mounts
    How to test
    Rock the engine or watch it while blipping the throttle for excess movement.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost mounts

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  6. Heavy clutch and idle control valve

    A particularly heavy clutch often means replacement is due, and stalling when warm points to the idle control valve.

    Where to look
    The clutch pedal and the warm idle
    How to test
    Feel the clutch weight and check the car idles steadily when hot.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost clutch replacement

    Sources: evo.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  7. Rust prone alloys

    The alloys are rust prone.

    Where to look
    The wheel rims
    How to test
    Look for surface bubbling on each wheel.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost refurbishment or new wheels

    Sources: evo.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 1 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Has the timing chain and tensioner been replaced?
  • Has the 2nd gear recall been done?
  • Has the steering rack been replaced?
  • Has it been tracked or remapped?

New Zealand notes

  • The EP3 was built in the UK. Check the 2nd gear recall against the VIN with a Honda dealer.

An EP3 suits a driver who wants a practical, high revving hot hatch and can check the chain history.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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