I have been considering a Vibe and notice a lot of 2003 seem to be for sale. I have just been passing over any of them since it is the first model year I figured they would have the most problems. Did we every figure out if that year the engines tends to burn more oil? I also hate the all red instrument panel.
Is the 2003 going to be that much different than a 2004 besides that red panel?
I know that many consider the 1.5 generation (2005) to be more desirable because of the changes including drive by wire but if don't think I would rule out a good 2004.
Nothing wrong with 2003's. At that age, the care given by the previous owners is the most important factor. Seek out good service records and knowledgeable sellers.
Jbenrod wrote:
Is the 2003 going to be that much different than a 2004 besides that red [instrument] panel?
I know that many consider the 1.5 generation (2005) to be more desirable because of the changes including drive by wire but if don't think I would rule out a good 2004.
I like my 2004:
* Drive by cable (eliminates virtually all possibility of sudden acceleration)
* Higher (2-section) center console
* White instrument cluster illumination
* Front-end looks awesome!
That which may be known of God is evident within man, for God has shown it to them, so that they are without excuse.(Romans 1:19-20) What do you want most in life?
I don't think I would pass up an 03 that was well maintained, and actually, that is exactly what I bought this last time. The prior owner took very good care of it and told me everything he could remember that was done to it during the time he owned it, from 24K miles to 207K miles. It had some AC work ($200-300, so it was not major), a clutch job at 40K and 198K, which included slave cylinder and MC the second time, a couple of recalls, and the usual wear/maintenance items like brakes, belts, coolant, etc. He used Mobil 1 for every oil change.
The only thing I would stay away from is an 03-04 with the 5 speed manual if the transmission has not been rebuilt or replaced with a new one due to the problems with them. Otherwise, they are just as good as the later ones. And I thought I would not like the red lights either, but I've gotten used to them.
Good luck in your search!
Thomas
the "Mustang Guy"
1987 5.0 LX Mustang
2016 Mustang GT - current daily
2004 Satellite Vibe &
2009 Red Vibe GT -twin's cars
2003 Neptune Vibe GT - prior daily
2010 Red Vibe GT - RIP 6/16/14
2006 Platinum Vibe - son's car