Hi...my name says it all....I'm afraid. I love the look of this car. I smile when I drive it. But deep down I'm afraid. Am I going to go into further debt owning this with everything I've been reading on the web about problems with 1st generations. The carfax says it already had a engine mount and steering replaced at 13,000. The car shimmies when it drives, but the "internet dealer" said he was going to balance the tires and see if that would stop it. And there is alot of rust by the muffler. But otherwise...looks good. What should I do...run away or to the highways?

 

If you have reservations about this car look elsewhere. There are plenty to be found.

 

My '04 had eventually developed a permanent shimmy at about 70 mph. It was minimal but noticeable.

Rust by the muffler is totally normal and is to be expeted - especially if in a salt-on-the-road climate.

The engine mount and steering are two common problems. I had my engine mount replaced and never had any other troubles with it.

But like Steve said, if you have a bad feeling, look elsewhere.

 

I have an 04 purchased in 08 with 21K on it, now I have 75K on it.
1 Upper motor mount, went, changed it myself. 1 CV joint, replaced. No other major problems. I have still not had to replace the brake pads. Plenty of Mods done, and I am Not an easy driver. The car has held up well. I expect things to start to go, picked up a used SC for it, sent it to be re built so when mine goes I can swap it out.
I would not rush into one, look around and compare as many as you can. I spent 3 months finding mine.
Good Luck

 

Thank you everyone for all the advice. I appreciate your time. I have looked at others (but never drove), but this one stole my heart with it's color - liquid yellow and white roof and mirrors. It looks like its smiling at me. I've always had good luck with first impression cars, and hoping that this one is "it!" I know I'm a fool not to drive more, so I better get off the computer and go find another one to compare. Thanks again

 

Yes I would look at and drive some more. I wouldn't want any car that shimmies. If wheel balance cures it, OK, but I would still be a little bit leary. Yeah I know how you can fall in love with a color, but there is probably another Yellow one out there.

 

Thanks. I think I'm going to take everyone's advice and look and DRIVE others besides this one and see what's out there. And I do some of the other colors too!!

 

Do some reading on CVT transmissions.

My opinion...I would look at 05-06 GEN1.

I currently have an 07 R52 MCSa VERT GEN1 (Super Charger) and an 07 R56 MCSa HB GEN2 (Turbo).

 

Thanks...I just drove an 05 and what a big difference!! The ride, the interior...I am so glad I test drove more than one! I like the color of this one much better too!! You have two beauties there yourself!