2003 Cavalier Question

I'm new to the board, and figured this would probably be where to post something like this as this does seem to be a "general" cavalier board. I was wondering about the mechanical reliability of the 2003 Cavalier. I've heard some good and some bad. I really want to get a newer Cavalier and the 2003 seems good because I can get one with about 20k or 30k for $7k, LS even. I've heard of rattling dash boards, tail lights failing every 2 months, and even acouple of engine problems (although many cars can have engine problems, there are lemons afterall). Let me know what you've heard about this year if you would. Thanks.

I have an 04 which is pretty much the same thing and I have yet to have a problem one with it. Only thing I would say you need to do if you do get the 03 is first thing you need is to get a new IAT sensor. They use such a small wire on the damn thing it goes out in no time flat and that will lead to "rpms too high" code as well as "bad IAT sensor" code. Other then that mine has been good to me and I beat the shit out of it. :lol:

That sounds like it would make sense. Small wires don't take any type of abuse afterall. I'll probably have to do that then. Hopefully that isn't too much money. The car itself will take enough cash. I don't even know how much insurance will be. Im 18 and have never been in a wreck so Im hoping the "no accidents" thing helps. Plus I took drivers ed which is supposed to lower it a hair. Yay...

An IAT sensor with the better wiring is I believe like $15 give or take. Its been a while since I did mine. I just knew when I first got the car and saw that little tiny ass wire hooked to my stock intake I knew that thing had to go. Damn thing is made from house hold speaker wire for gods sake. :lol:

I have a 2002 with no problems. I take good care of it such as doing the required maintenance and not trying to pretend it's a pseudoracecar. You will see a lot of anti-American crap on the internet for some reason. I guess it's just some people trying to justify buying an import and sending their money and our jobs and future overseas.

Wow 15 dollars is no big then. And its good to hear some good things about the cars. I do know that in the 2003 the cup holders are in a bad place. I also know that when the driver visor goes down it kinda knocks the rear view mirror but as far as Im concerned those are minor problems. I dont even really care much about climate controls. I have an 88 Beretta right now and the thing dont have AC or heating right now. Im not wanting to put much cash into it anymore and my parents are probably going to take it anyways once I get the Cavi.

Just wondering where is the IAT sensor located exactly? Had the 03 cavalier for 6 months and i never realized about it.

Its the little grey plug that hooks into your intake about half a foot down the intake tube from the throttle body.

There was a recall on the taillight issue.
In my case, aftermarket bulbs from Wal-Mart seem to have cleared up the issue. They fit tighter. I took mine in for the recall, which I got AFTER I had problems with the taillights, and all they did was look at them and put new bulb grease on. :screwy:

i just got an 03 cavy and it seems to be an oddball cause nobody makes stuff for it.....any ideas?

don't know how it is in nebraska, but I live in Norman, OK and had State Farm insurance with comp/coll and liab only and it ran me 200/month, now me and wife have AAA for 250/month.

I have a 2002 cavy ls 2dr and she has a 2002 cavy 4dr.

I'm 19 she's 21

Hope that helps

i just got an 03 cavy and it seems to be an oddball cause nobody makes stuff for it.....any ideas?

Check the j-body book thread at the top of the forum. There is plenty of stuff out for the ecos. You just have to find it.

i just got an 03 cavy and it seems to be an oddball cause nobody makes stuff for it.....any ideas?


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