[Arsenal]

What would you do? I can spec out a CR/B to my specifications for a little over $26K (inclusive of all fees) or opt for a '03 in same color but for $3K less and more options. Exterior and interior in excellent shape.

Specs for new car:
CR/B
Premium package
Sport Package
cloth/leather seats
Anthracite headliner
Chrome Line Interior
carpet mats

Specs of '03
20K miles
CR/B
Premium, Sport & Cold Weather Packages
Aero kit
Navigation system
HK audio upgrade
Rally Lights

 

[Arsenal]

Omissions:

'03 has leather seats
don't mind waiting for production of new

 

[xianqi]

Up to you, new tranny helps the 05 out of the hole better, plus 7 extra hp.

For me, the deciding factor really was the wait, I opted for a car on the lot that day.

Benefits of 03 - Slightly lower insurance (since it is older car)
More features for less money (since it has depretiated a little bit)
If you're like many and want to mod it, but want to wait til after warranty, you're that much closer.

Benefits of 05 - Quicker transmission.
Extra 7 HP
1st Owner
Longer Warranty period
Later model (i've read on hear that the 04's/05's have less interior rattles than 02-03's credited to working out the kinks.

Either one is great car though!