[4th Gen : 01-07]: Looking to buy
Veteran
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 5
The biggest factor by far with this or any other older vehicle is rust. Rust will take out the rocker panels and begin to work up the rest of the body as well. And there will also be rusted-out heater and brake lines. And of course suspension and steering components get hit hard as well.
Beyond that, the only specific problem in the '01-'04 that I'm aware of is the melted wiring harness. It's very common in the early 4 gens, and can be diagnosed by pulling out the section of wiring harness which runs under the PS reservoir, removing the outer covering, and inspecting the individual wires. Then re-wrap in something like hi-temp heater hose, in order to better protect it. Leaking water pumps and groaning power steering are problems common to a 4 gen, but are not big ticket items.
If the engine oil was changed reasonably close to schedule, and the tranny wasn't messed up with something other than ATF+4 fluid, the powertrain has a reputation for being nearly indestructible.
Beyond that, the only specific problem in the '01-'04 that I'm aware of is the melted wiring harness. It's very common in the early 4 gens, and can be diagnosed by pulling out the section of wiring harness which runs under the PS reservoir, removing the outer covering, and inspecting the individual wires. Then re-wrap in something like hi-temp heater hose, in order to better protect it. Leaking water pumps and groaning power steering are problems common to a 4 gen, but are not big ticket items.
If the engine oil was changed reasonably close to schedule, and the tranny wasn't messed up with something other than ATF+4 fluid, the powertrain has a reputation for being nearly indestructible.