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after that hub-bub with that used nissan SE-R Spec V, i just started thinking. i think i'm better going off with my first instinct and getting a 2002-2004 used EP3. i can find 2002's with low mileage for $14,000 and i probably could bargain on that price.

so i'm on the hunt. 2002-2004 EP3, preferably white, but i like all the colors. trying to keep the price at around $14,000. keep your eyes peeled for me hehe.

 
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Good choice. I was lookin at a spec-v before i got my civic, started don research and there big pieces of ****. The trannys in then suck, that is if u were to get a stick. Test drove one, pretty fast, but a lot of complaints about the trannys shitin out at like 20k. good luck on the hunt!!!

 
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yeah, i heard about the tranny probs too. and also apparently they have a problem with burning oil fast. i guess someone was lookin' out for me haha. gotta go honda! i love my 2001 ex, no problems with it what-so-ever. i just need something faster and with more potential.

 
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yeah se-r are quick but they have a lot of problems. my friends bf had a 2002 spec v and the engine broke twice. i dunno exactly what broke down but they had to change the whole engine. when he got i back the second time he sold it

 
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I had a 98 nissan 200sx, never again will I buy a nissan in my life. One day on the freeway, the motor just decided to blow up on me for no reason. I had ZERO mods done, other than a system. They said a screw fell off of somewhere, and got caught up somewhere else. I dont remember what exactly, I was like 17. I bought my civic after that. No problems at all, going on 85,000 miles. had 18 mi. when i bought it.

edit- I put a whole new motor in it, and sold it in like 20 days. nissans are POS IMO.

 
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Engine oil burning problems in 2002 and prior Spec V were owing to a faulty ring installed for the USDM market. The particualr ring in question was designed to have more durability and a longer life than a standard one, but the catch was that it took longer to expand whislt being broken in.

Apparantly though longer was too long and a long of Spec V engines died. The rings on the JDM market equivalent were different, so the problem was solely a USDM one.

As for the tranny, I believe the 6spd is borrowed from the Maxima (or Altima w. a 3.5L engine?) I've heard of peole solving the clunkiness with a wide variety of aftermarket lubricants, I'm not sure what exactly the problem ones.

After 2002 they fixed the problem with the rings, unfortunately, the car also got a lot uglier. Go with the EP3, avoid the Spec V, messy history, crappy tranny, that engine doesn't need a 6spd quite frankly and could do w. a 5spd.

(Edit: 'ring' refers to piston ring)