Hello all,
I picked up a 2003 SLE with 54,500 miles a few weeks ago to use as my daily commuter. Gotta say, I'm impressed with it. Only two real issues, the headliner and the taillight water retention problem. I had the headliner redone and drilled holes to relieve the water. Engine runs like a dream and everything else seems to function as it should. The cloth interior is near perfect. Just an overall nice car to drive!
Wow! Welcome to the club. Haven't seen a low mileage car like this one in a bit.
As someone who has driven a 2003 SLE as a daily from ~40k miles to almost 220k miles, you're going to love it. They eat miles like a champ.
You will want to do a few things immediately:
Replace the upper intake manifold assembly and lower intake manifold gaskets.
Do a transmission pan drop, install a TransGo shift kit, refill with fresh fluid. Do not flush it!
Check on your door splash shields and sunroof drains if applicable in your case. Water leaks lead to all kinds of nightmares on these cars. Best to stop it right away.
Are you in a place where salt is used? Would recommend covering her bottom in fluid film if so.
Check on the front transmission mount. They tear frequently.
There is a great thread to review at the top of 2000-2005 section with all of the common problems outlined.
-Car Guy Carl "Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles "Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
