I was looking for an '05 Daytona Blue Performance when I happened to come across an '03 Daytona Blue Touring for a good price (from a non-Nissan dealership.) I've read about the problems with the '03s (i.e. tires and trans.) My question is with the manufactures warranty (~3 years I think) approaching its end, and not having a good way of knowing if the car has had the trans replaced/worked on is it a smart idea to buy an '03?

I have seen but not paid attention to some warranty extensions from Nissan on the tires and trans, can someone list what these extensions are?

Also, do the touring editions weigh that much more than a performance editions?
Thanks

 

My 03 has been fine but I think I would avoid buying a used one at this point; Id hold out for at least an 04.

Touring is less than 100 pounds heavier; not a biggie imo.

 

At 14k miles on my 03 I haven't really had any issues. If you're looking at on 03 then just be sure to really check everything out. If it drives smooth, shifts smooth, and the tires look good (but aren't brand new) then you're fine.

And if it has less than 36k miles on it it's still under the original warranty so just take it to a dealer and have them address any known issues.

And don't worry about weight differences...all trims are about the same.

 

Concur with Maxim. I have 13K on mine right now without any issues. Did have some feathering at 10K, but that seems to be resolved with new tires, alignment, brake pads and shims. Nissan paid for all that. I say if you can get one in near perfect condition with low miles at a great price get it. I have no regrets.

 

Is there anyway to look up a vehicels repair/service history fromt the VIN number? I'm assuming only repairs done at a Nissan dealership would be logged.

 

I've got 26K on my 03 and it still feels like a brand new car but I know that quite a few of them had problems of some kind so maybe just get an 04. The difference in price shouldn't be much.

 

Just get the 03, I'm having ALL the problems 03s are having in my new 05

 

I was looking at '03s before I bought a new 04, but all of them had brand new tires on the front of them. That threw up a red flag for me. However, I am still having the usual 03 problems with my 04!

 

I got a used 03 it had the factory tires on and no sign of feathering so I took the dive. Now with 35k no sign of feathering (knock on wood) or any trans problems I feel great about my purchase.

I did get an extended warranty though just in case.

 

Bought a used 03 Touring

Nothing major yet... Too early to tell for feathering.. (6200miles)

 

"not having a good way of knowing if the car has had the trans replaced/worked"

couldnt you just get a carfax of it?

 

Hi, I have a 03, and there are tons of problems.

1. window streaks (fixed)
2. window pop/creaking (fixed)
3. tire feathering (on-going)
4. transmission grinds on 2nd gear (on-going)
5. car pulls to the right (tsb done, but still on-going)
6. right side window won't go up completely after existing the car (on-going)
7. both headlights show stress crack (fixed)
8. cloth seat frayed (fixed)

is that enought for you?

but I still LOVE it! It now has 47k miles so only powertrain warranty is covered.