I've owned a 4th gen & a 5.5 gen. Looking to get back into the game and I was thinking originally 4th gen. But now I'm thinking 5th gen, 2000-2001. What are your thoughts on this model? I know it's got considerably more power than the 4th but much less than the 5.5. I like the interior much better than the 5.5 (one of the things I didn't like about the 2002 I owned). What do I need to look for if I choose to go this route?

 

What's up, Holman!?!

I'm partial to the 5.5 and the power bump over the vq30de-k...less complicated to work on (thinking intake manifold removal mostly). If you're worried about the interior then switch it out with 5th gen.

 

2k and 2k1 do not burn oil so that's a plus. As Eous said, you don't have to remove the intake manifold to change out spark plugs or ignition coils. Also, there is no drive by wire system so you can't really screw up the idle and what not when you clean the throttle body.

I've had my 2k for 12 years. This doesn't have the #1 engine for nothing. It has been very reliable overall.

I would say if you get one, try to find one with a manual transmission because the auto is not as reliable unless the previous owner was immaculate in maintaining it and used sythetic tranny fluid.

 

If I was purchasing a 00/01 the things I would look at are:

- Is it still original struts/shocks/LCA/endlinks/tie rod inner and outer. having just replaced my entire suspension, that can be a substantial cost - less if diy.
- Is it leaking anything, if so where? typical to see valve covers but are those leaks disguising others?
- maf ever replaced?
- coils ever replaced?
- If auto, IACV?
- If manual, how much on the clutch?
- motor mounts original?

One big difference between the 00/01 and 02+ is the quality of the materials used in the interior. The 02+ is better. The center console next to the shifter and the clock on the 00 get soft and sticky. you can literally, put a fingernail mark into them. Also, the window switches will look like crap inevitably. All of those can be replaced fairly easily with 02+ parts.

 

Goes without saying that I would look for a manual. Early stages right now of getting back in the game (saving $$ first & paying off current dd) but trying not to lock myself into just getting a 4th which was my original plan.

thing I didn't like about the 4th was how the power drops so significantly in the higher RPM range. I'm assuming the VI in the 5th gen fixes that. Also, didn't care for the throttle in the 2002 I owned (assuming it was the non-throttle by wire that i didn't like)

 

What up, Jeff. I'll gladly go find your old SE-L!! Would love to find a 4th Gen RED SE-L m/t. that would end the search for real.

 

The VI definitely fixes that IF it is working properly. In fact, that's the difference between performance on the two. Best way to test is to put it in 3rd at 80 and see if it launches. If it takes off, VI works. If it feels like it is just making noise, then it doesn't. Not too bad to fix though.

 

Man...I forget all these little fixes I've done along the way with my 2K.

Max_Gator has several good points. I would also add potential rear deck rattle problem with the subwoofer and lots of wind noise with the door seals. Both are relatively easy fixes though.

If you want a nicer interior you can find a GLE with the wood trim and auto A/C. The downside is it only comes in auto.

 

Another thing is the 2001's have no EGR, where the 2000's do. I've never liked stinking EGR valves...

 

I've got a 2001 5speed SE and always wish for a 2002+ with the 3.5L engine, but that may just be because I crave more power. The plain old 5th gen is a good car, engine is smooth and reliable, moreso than the 5.5. But power and mods are lacking, plus most of the stuff that applies to the 5th gen only seems to apply to the 5.5Gen. Sometimes I feel left out...