What problems can I anticipate?

[Exp_Steve]

I have a 2003 V8. It has 111k miles. AC compressor went out. Had that replaced. Radio CD changer got a CD stuck. Having that fixed. Both seat warmer buttons got stuck. Fixed that. So far, that's been the extent of the problems.

Are there any other "known" problems that I need to anticipate?
Any problems I can avoid with some preventative maintenance?

PS: I really like the car and plan on keeping it till it becomes "unreliable". It's paid for, is in great condition, and I still like the body style and features more than any other car on the market.

 

[Black Dynomite]

Cracked applique :

 

[Robsbrd99]

trans. Service

 

[ydoc39]

Oxidized pillars because you are in texas and probably park outside some of the time. The wheel berings tend to go out if they havent already. Power window related issues. I have 109k miles on my 02'. Transmittion has been taken care of and oil changed regularly and I havent any other major issues other than the berings

 

[gm558]

Your rear coil springs will break, all wheel bearings will need replaced (rears first most likely), a/c will need work. Change your rear diff oil along with front diff and transfer case; put a new high quality trans filter in and flush your trans. That'll get you started

 

[ademily87]

That'll get you started

Started being the key word there haha

 

[Exp_Steve]

Transmission problems as needing replaced/overhauled? Or just serviced frequently.

I'm getting some noise when turning and such, so, I'm thinking I need to look at the bearings. Maybe just replace them as part of my next maintenance.

I've also had the AC compressor go out. Locked up. So, that's out of the way.

Hoping that the electrical problems, computer and such, are reliable.

I have the V8, all wheel drive, limited, fully loaded. Still runs great. Still love the looks above any other car out there. And I put under 10k a year on the car. So, I"m hoping it will last another 5-10 years.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[jayton]

put a new high quality trans filter in and flush your trans.

All good advice, except that I would NOT recommend getting the trans flushed. Every time I have heard of someone having that done, their transmission needed a rebuild about 2 weeks later. A trans flush can knock any sludge free, which will clog a high pressure passageway.

It is recommended to drain all transmission fluid and refill, run for about 50-200 miles, and then do it again. Use only Merc V. and like gm558 said, a high quality filter.

 

[jrford]

Mine is an ’04 with 90k. Just my opinion:
Transmission - hit or miss, mine went at 50k, some have over 150k, just save your money

I'm getting some noise when turning and such, so, I'm thinking I need to look at the bearings. Maybe just replace them as part of my next maintenance. - Unless its really bad or loud I’d hold off, there might be more pressing issues, before they fails.

Hoping that the electrical problems, computer and such, are reliable. – I’ve read/found these to be reliable for the most part, only common one seems the wires between the door/pillar, easy fix, then an odd ball here and there.

Rear Springs where more of an ’02 issue, for the most part.

I have the V8 – good motor, if taken care of it should last.

all wheel drive, Viscous clutch might be a long term issue, especially if the tires weren’t rotated.

I"m hoping it will last another 5-10 years.- imo you should be OK with an ’03, if you have a Lemmon you will know it.