[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by JayG

If that's the case, find a good clean 03-04 S between 40 and 70K miles.
You want one that is not a garage queen and has actually been driven. Very low mileage cars that have just sat in a garage a lot usually need all the fluids changed, new tires, some of the rubber bits will have dried out, etc. One that was driven and serviced should require less immediate service. Not a bad idea to do an oil change right away either, and that is a very easy DIY

Also if possible service records

You should be able to find one under $20k and then with the money you saved, have the IMSB replaced if that makes you feel better and have the clutch done at the same time as you need to pull the tranny to get to the IMSB

I disagree Sir! With a 00-02 S model you've largely eliminated D-chunk failure (but also true of 03-04), have a chance at landing a dual row IMS (mostly early 2000 S cars) which means much better IMSB longevity....single row bearings in 03-04 cars should be replaced every 50K miles (from what has been posted here unless you're eliminating the IMS altogether with LN Solution) and you've also eliminated specific lifter issues more prevalent in the 2003-2004 3-chain engines... plus you get a market discount in 00-02 S model over a 03-04 S of similar mileage that looks and drives likes its nearly the same car. Sure 03-04 has a glass window but that can be added to 00-02 cars in the aftermarket and a new top makes any 11 year old car look newer.