I have been looking around for an '03 or '04 touring, but prior to today (when I found out that adding eibach springs cured feathering) I had thought that the '03s had too many problems. Is there any reason why I should opt to get an '04 instead of an '03? Because the 200 something I would pay for the springs would be a lot less than paying for an '04. What other known problems are there with the '03s that are fixed in the '04?
Thanks.

 

I'm fairly sure that some 03s have tranny issues. Although I don't have any, I have a few friends that have gone through a few. As for the tire feathering, I've had no problems after paying for a laser alignment that brought the toe in condition back to spec.

G

 

04 is safer bet

 

yea, if you can afford it, try to get an 04...

... either way you're getting a z, but of the two, the o4 should have less issues.

 

If you even have to ask that question, you haven't read enough posts on this forum. While some '03 owners have not had any problems with their cars, personally I wouldn't feel comfortable buying one. I'd even be suspect of some early 04 cars. Check the service history of any car you buy. See if you can find out exactly what warranty work has been performed it.

 

Get an '03. First, the ECU's are not ULEV2 and are easier to work with. Second, if you don't have the DVD Nav, the '04 door sucks. Third, tire feathering was never fixed, because my '04 has it, and you actually get reimbursed for tires and a extended two year warranty if you have an '03. Fifth, brickyard.

The only plus about the '04 is the seat belt extender thingys, which I assume you could buy.

 

03s had tranny issues but I'm hoping anyone who has had any issues would have been smart enough to get a free replacement there for no more issues, at least not any more then an 05 would have.

 

I have 03. No feathering and I have Eibach-prokit but aftermarket wheels are a must(makes it look better) as far as tranny mine has never had an issuse just that darn power window motor had to be replaced oh yea and the fuel door but there are TSB on those problems. No complaints here...

 

'04:

1. Less chance of feathering. From what I've read, it seems much more prominent in '03's.
2. Better resale value.
3. Better reliabilty rating, which leads to #2.
4. Not a first year model.

 

I have an 03 with 31000 miles an no feathering yet, there is a grease streak on the window, really no big deal. The gas lid doesnt pop the first time always but I just push it again and sometiems the trunk wont pop the first time. as long as you still have the warranty you might as well go through as many trannys as you can! (IMO) So far I havent had any trannyt issues but you never know

 

you get an extended 2 year warranty for an 03????