How iffy is 2003 used? (First Year Blues? Ex-rentals?)

[Klystron]

I'm looking to buy a used automatic 6s or 6i, and like the price tags on the 2003 models. Also 6s-es are harder to find, and there're more 2003s out there.

Consumer Reports gives a black mark for 2003 on the transmission, fuel system, and brakes, and half-black on cooling and AC. What problems came up, especially on transmission? Are they things that would be worked out already by 40k miles, or gotchas further down the road?

Also: there're tons of 6i-s that were rental cars, especially from Hertz and Thrifty. How sensitive is the 6i to being driven hard during break-in?

Thanks!

 

[Klystron]

2003 is time bomb

To answer my own question, I called a mechanic at a Mazda dealership. She said she sees the transmissions on a lot of 2003 automatics "take a dump" sometime after 60k miles. So yeah, 2003 is out.

I talked to another mechanic who didn't like the reliability on Mazdas period, recommended a Nissan Altima when I offered that as an alternative. Too bad Altimas look like bloated ass. (butt) Bloated ass with tinfoil pasties on the cheeks.

I'm looking to buy a used automatic 6s or 6i, and like the price tags on the 2003 models. Also 6s-es are harder to find, and there're more 2003s out there.

Consumer Reports gives a black mark for 2003 on the transmission, fuel system, and brakes, and half-black on cooling and AC. What problems came up, especially on transmission? Are they things that would be worked out already by 40k miles, or gotchas further down the road?

Also: there're tons of 6i-s that were rental cars, especially from Hertz and Thrifty. How sensitive is the 6i to being driven hard during break-in?

Thanks!

 

[CHICO2003]

love the title of of this post.... 2003 used?!! as opposed to.. new?

but seriously... u can take what CR says to the bank. If they give it a black mark, stay away. I'm assuming the 2004 has better reliability ratings and isn't that much more $

Regardless, if you're on a budget and want an ultra-reliable (if treated properly) vehicle that's really fun to drive, looks great AND is a bargain to boot.... find a "used" '03 MSP For various reasons, these cars dont' sell well. That means the prices owners are sometimes willing to let them go for are ridculously low. Bad for them, great for the consumer who's "in the know". Good luck

 

[Da 6]

6s and altima basicly had the same tranny. Both 6 and altima have since then abandoned that tranny I like my 03 cause it's special. All the major bugs are worked out of mine. Theres goning to be build quality issues as any economy car or car in general under $50K. Best bet is test drive and research the maintnence history if you can. As for mpg the automatics for both i and s are night and day of the manual tranny.