Better deal?
 

2001 S w/ 40K miles for X or 2004 Base w/ 20K miles for X + $3,000?
Assume normal wear and tear for the year & mileage.
Both driven by reponsible adults - no track no burnouts.

Seems like 04s are selling close to trade-in while 01s are selling at private party. Comments?

There would be three points on which to decide this for me. They are power difference, rear window, and the minor styling changes in the 04. It comes down to which of those you place the most value on. For me it would be the newer lower mile base, as it is fast enough to be fun, but that's personal preference.

I guess it also depends on your ownership time horizon for the car. If it's a toy for a few years, get the S. If you plan to keep it for a long time, get the newer one.

Thoughts
 

'01 S
Pluses
Cost $3k less
More torque so easier to drive in town without shifting gears as often
Additional weakness of 6 speed CV joint boots tend to fail earlier than the base

'03 Base
Pluses
glass window, no chop
glove compartment
some say the 5 speed has better gear ratios
less acceleration so you can put your foot down harder/longer
Minuses
less torque, more shifting
costs more
MOST radio wiring troublesome

I assume they are equipped exactly the same. If not you'd have to add those differences to the list.

Drive both and decide what you like and which better fits your driving style and location. Get a PPI on the one you decide.

I always say the newer the better, but if you can use the 04 price to drive down the 01 price... I would just tell the 01 owner that I can get an 04 for x+3,000. Either way I think we are all seeing prices dropping especially with winter coming.

You also have to take in consideration of cost of tires, new top, and other things. Tires alone can run you 1k easily. Top 500 to 1000.

Keep in mind that about a week after you get the '01, you will have torn the motor mount, the coolant overflow will have cracked and started leaking, and the AOS will implode. :)

Know what I do now, I think the best option is to buy something with a blown engine, and get it Raby-fied. Will probably cost you 4-5k more up front, but you'll have way more power and can sleep knowing you won't be seeing IMS or D-chunk failures.

-james

What are the miles and price and we can give you good advice... there is a huge difference between a 20-40k mile deal and a 120-140 deal.. Same thing with a 9-12k dollar deal and a 29-32k dollar deal.