I know there are small changes between 02' and 03' but can't find them posted anywhere. I want to know which is best, heard in the past 02' is best. Thanks

 

besides that the early half of 2002 was still made in japan, there wasn't much else different to my knowledge, you may be thinking 2000/01 to 2002/03 thats the big jump in difference.

only other possibly thing I can think of is a Titanium Edition, i cant remember if that was only 2003 or all 5.5 gens

 

Yep I know titanium was just 03' and I'm not thinking of 01' to 02' jump, I know of those huge changes I could of sworn when I was doing research when car shopping I was convinced on 02' vs 03'. Wish I could remember why though! Or maybe I was wrongly informed in the first place.

 

Weren't all made in japan up until 2003, then in 2004 started making in US?

 

I've always heard 04 was the 1st year in the US factory. I can't 100% confirm that but;
*It makes no sense to tool up a new factory for a model that's about to change.
*The cars early 6th gen cars would be dated late 2003 but would be 2004 models (6th gen) so there may be some confusion.
*It's easy enough to tell where a car was made. The first character of the VIN tells where the car was built. J= Japan, 1=USA, W=Germany Etc...

As far as any mechanical differences, I don't think there were any.

I would look for the best car with the right options and lowest miles. The year wouldn't be a factor for me. I know you're looking for 6-MT so that's going to be the biggest limitation.

 

All 5th gens were produced in Japan for the North American market. I can't remember if the 02's were able to tech to the Ti package OR that they added a couple things to it in 03 such as the special colour rims. I think that the Meridian package was still available as well on both.

There are SLIGHT differences between 02-03. Two off the top of my head are the master window switch as well as they added another small structural support off of the front subframe to connect to the unibody. Other than that (and any other slight changes I am missing) they are the same car.

 

I see you are in New York. I can't remember what it would cost but there is a clean 6-mt for sale on the Canadian classifieds as I see you are in the market for one.

 

I am certain that only half of 2002s engine blocks were made in japan, after that everything went to north america. This is because my car was right around the time of the switch and always have wondered if mine made it before doors closed.

There are vin lists to prove it. i saw it in a thread years ago, and wanted to look up mine , but never did. It was in mid production they switched in late 2001 (2002 models).

 

so i just wanted to clarify, i am certain on engine blocks, im not sure about all the other horse manure

 

I would like to look mine up, do you know how?

 

I have a 2003 gle. Manufacture date is Sept 2002

 

they were all manufactured in Japan til end of 2003 Model Year. Then 2004 Gen 6 is built in Tenn. As far as the engine block they were in Japan. Til 2004. Hope that helps.

 

Thought I heard the 02s have the oil cooler and the 03s do not. Any confirmation?