I'm going car-shopping tomorrow, '03-'04 G sedan: Blk/Blk, sun roof, Bose, etc.. hey, maybe even a navi....

My budget is around $25k for a G w/ less than 45k miles (navi doesn't fit in this budget )
I've been searching the coupe but decided that for my daily car in nyc area, I'm better off w/ a sedan. I personally think that the coupe is way too sexy for my taste.
I do not want to purchase the wrong car so I was wondering if you guys can point out some useful facts that I should know.

Thank you.

 

I love the sedan and the 5AT.. If I wanted a toy I would have got the coupe 6MT but Ineeded the back seat. mines loaded. even though its cool, i only use the Navi when i go out of state, which I haven't yet, but I'm sure I will sooner or later.
Try to buy from a private owner vs. a dealer, you may get what you want for that price. I dont know how much they are going for on the east coast, but out west they seem to be expensive, especially new.
To get the Nav you will need the premium pkg, but I would get the premium pkg even if I couldnt get the Navi..

 

Like any other used car, do a thorough inspection before buying. Specifics things to look out for on a G is any sort of interior rattling. There have been a few complaints about that. Another is to check the brakes. All '03 and '04 sedans have the brakes covered under warranty for 3 years or 36k miles. If the pads and/or rotors are at or under the minimum spec level they will be replaced for free. Another thing that comes to mind is see how you feel driving around with the seat controls on the right side of the seat. A small number of people have complained that the unorthodox orientation of the controls makes contact with their legs and causes discomfort. One last thing, if you are getting a manual just know that a small group of people here have had their trannys replaced because of grinding in various gears. I believe those were mostly related to earlier versions of the tranny. You can do a search here on these topics I've mentioned. They have been plenty talked about and you can get more information.

 

I love mine-without the Nav unit. If you really need one, you can get a portable one later. With the well-marked roads and great directional signs here in NJ ): ): you won't need one.

Things to watch out for? Speeding tickets! Seriously, I don't have any major problems, but see the above post. I don't know your car buying experience, so if you know all this, don't be insulted: Ask to see the maintenance records to be sure required stuff was done and to see if there were other repairs. Some people recommend carfax for a report on that particular car (by VIN). Look for tire wear-new ones are expensive. Look at body panels at different angles in daylight to look for damage-repainting. Have an independent mechanic inspect it if buying from a private party. Be sure there is a clear title. Get a receipt. Remember you'll have to pay sales tax to register it.

Good luck!!

 

In addition to the map, the Navi also gives you the a few extra features, such as an approximate gas mileage value (which overestimates it by about 1MPG), and your next oil change (when you clear it after the oil change), as well as an improved trip odometer.

The oil change service level is normally easier to figure out by looking at the sticker on your windshield

 

I might consider getting a base leftover 04 if you can find one. Ray Catena usually has a bunch, but you have to fight them on price. You might be able to get a base model for 27K or so maybe less with the 06s due out shortly. A leftover 04 with under 100 miles and a new car warranty is much better than an 03 or 04 with 30K miles on it.

 

i just purchased a 9k mile '04 for $26k, premium pkg and sport suspension. there are lots of them out there.

 

i got lucky and picked on up on ebay... 26500 graphite, black leather int, NAVIGATION, and a premium package.... less then 15k miles... sedan of course...