Hi guys, ive been jumping around on the idea of purchasing an STR.. 03-04 models....though im not sure how reliable they are. I live in NYC and do a moderate amount of driving..nothing crazy, though i do my share of road trips(about 200 miles?) every now and then. I am 23 years old a EMT with the FDNY and i dont make alot of money....the car is amazing and i REALLY love the price point with these cars, very cheap for what u actually get. My worries are how reliable these cars are? Ive heard that they are very costly to repair and that they mess up alot? I dont want to spend 14,000 bones on a car that will prove to be a pain in the butt later on. Id like a decently reliable car..hopefully the STR is??

For you STR owners...whats your take on the reliablilty?

im totally WANT to be sold on this car...but the reliability factor mixed with the expensive repairs are driving me away.....any advice/input???
thanks

 

I love my 03 STR. These are sexy powerful beasts, and reliable when properly cared for. Believe it or not, a regular mechanic can perform most services on this vehicle. An 03 STR will typically have between 65-95K on the clock, and if its engine and drivetrain are properly cared for I wouldn't be surprised that it she'll go around the clock twice. My STR has 118k daily driver miles and still belts out 450+ hp and burns very little oil. It recieves stares and compliments almost daily. Be sure you and a trusted mechanic look over the cat carefully. Don't completely trust CarFax too. Let us know what you dig up.

 

Thanks for the reply bfs...these cars are truely beautiful...im inlove with them...but how are the repair costs on this thing? are they really expensive?...i plan on looking for a STR with about 50k on the clock...im also considering getting a warrenty with it aswell.

I just want to drive this beaut as a daily driver without it throwing codes on me constantly..and when it does i dont want to spend an arm and a leg because its a "jaguar"....how has ur cat treated u thus far interms of reliabilty and costs?

thanks for your input!!!!

 

ive had mine for almost 3 years now. If you understand the car and its points of failure, it is much easier to deal with it. This forum would/will be the greatest assest to an STR owner. If it is something common you will find it on here. My 03 has 57k on the clock. I am pretty **** about maintenance on it and anything that has gone wrong i have fixed myself (other than the warranty work on the torque converter). It isnt too bad if you like to work on your car. I have seen most of the STR's anywhere from 10k to 17k depending upon mileage and options.

If you are looking for one, they are around, however make sure you know the history on the car also. Remember the 03-04 design is coming up on 10 years old, so most of them will need little things here and there. Just my 2 cents.

EDIT: i am looking for 12 for mine. And it has a warranty for another 2 years or 35k miles. My own shameles plug, now back to your regularly scheduled program.

 

To add to the good advice above - the biggest issue you'll have is parking your STR in NYC, because you will be nervous about something happening to it constantly. You'll love it that much.

Repair costs are a relative term. Expensive...compared to what? Run of the mill Chevy sedan - yeah probably more expensive. Versus a similar MB/BMW/Audi - the same or possibly less or more depending on what it is. If you don't do any wrenching yourself, any of those brands will drain your wallet. I have a low mileage model and it's been fine, rock solid.

Knowing the history of the car helps.....in my opinion, if I were you'd I'd be talking to the guy above about his 03 for sale....

 

I've had mine for a year (bought with 47k miles, currently 63k), and the only out of the ordinary items I have replaced have been a coil pack (prone to fail), and heater valve. If you know how to work on cars, you can save quite a bit, but the parts can be pricey. It has been cheaper than when I had my BMW 540i though.

 

STeer, you want phDvolt's low mileage, $12k, with warranty 03 STR. His is primo and only $12K with that low mileage? Heck, buy mine and I'll buy his?

 

If you can afford it consider 2005 and up. They made less of them and they are a bit more improved and reliable. Remember the 2003 STR was the first year and did not have the bugs worked out as much. Really very little difference other than looks.
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