I am still looking at STS's to replace my current car. The following from Seville Year by Year Comparison seems to be the primary differences from 2002 to 2003.

Northstar redesigned to add steel crankshaft instead of iron, and Gryphal coating for the pistons to decrease friction and wear. Magnetic ride control finally actually available.

The price differences between 2002 and 2003 in Ontario are between $5-$7,000 for comparable cars. I am curious as to what others feel about the two model years and if the 2003 is worth the extra money.

Thank you,

GG

i have the 02 and i feel its a great car.

I have 00 STS and love it and quite pleased with my car .Anyway I think 00 and up whatever you pick up you wouldn't be disappointed at your choice ;)
However if you still been on the fence between 02 and 03 , I think you should go for 03 STS .
BTW, since you live in Canada I guess you can find a pristine 04 STS also

I am still looking at STS's to replace my current car. The following from Seville Year by Year Comparison seems to be the primary differences from 2002 to 2003.

Northstar redesigned to add steel crankshaft instead of iron, and Gryphal coating for the pistons to decrease friction and wear. Magnetic ride control finally actually available.

The price differences between 2002 and 2003 in Ontario are between $5-$7,000 for comparable cars. I am curious as to what others feel about the two model years and if the 2003 is worth the extra money.

Thank you,

GG

The engine differences are not an issue... The steel cranks were installed not for strength but to reduce noise and vibration... IMO (I have driven an 04 STS and own a 02) it made no difference. The Magna ride was available in '02 though it is a rare option an all '03s and '04s have this "option" Personally I like the Magnaride many find it too firm... suit yourself...

For 5K I would go for the newer car. BTW if you are a performance nut check the door sticker of both cars and buy the one with "W" rated tires... these cars do not have a speed limiter...

And for the trivia nuts no 04 STS had speed rated tires... They all came with unrated Michelines.

I've got a 2003... Its seems they worked all the bugs out for
this year... Their last effort for the STS in this style... I like the
17" wheels too... Although I think they were optional on prior years.

I've had no issues, other than the typcial oil burn off...

Thank you everyone. Especially the advice on tire ratings. I would really like an 04 but the additional cost is out of my price range. I figure that I will look for a good 03 with "W" rated tires unless some exceptional comes along in an 02.

GG

The STS model was not available in 2004. The STS line was halted with the 2003 model year. That explains why the 2004 models came with unrated tires as the top end on the 2004 SLS was 110/112 MPH.

I have the 2003 STS and I just absolutely love the MagneRide.

See if you can find a 2003 that's still under warranty. If you find one at a dealer, see if it comes with GM's "Pre-owned Certified" Warranty. What this does is extend the original factory warranty out to 6 years and 100,00 miles. That's what I have.

The 04' STS was not available in the US, only SLS. But they were available in Canada.

MacK