I am aware of the oil pump issue. I am just trying to gauge how prevalent the problem is/was with the affected VIN Range. I need to purchase in the next few days and there isnt a whole lot to choose from for the right price in my NE area at the moment. However there is an 03 w/ 80k for 7k. I have driven it, and while i wasnt able to speak with the previous owner, I was able to get some info from the dealership who serviced it. They said no real problems yet it hadnt had its 60 k maintenance yet which is extensive i believe, correct?. So the last 30k miles are unnaccounted for. What % of the cars really had the oil pump issue? I mean is it totally ridiculous to even consider the 03 line within the VIN range? are we talking 50%? 5%? and is there anyyway of telling whether this on might be prone to the issue? All things being perfect i would rather an 04 or 02, but as i mentioned nothing available at the moment. Is teh fact that it has 80k mean it has passed the trouble zone? Could the dealer or owner in any way know that the car was about to have the issue? Thanks guys.

 

Can you afford that roll of the dice???
The good news is, if you did have a problem and caught it as soon as it showed a light on the dash, you can replace the oil pump and let the engine try and wear out another pump.