Major differences between '04 and '05?

**brider** · 12-06-2012, 02:08 PM

I suppose I should just read the Edmunds report, but aside from the nicer console, what are the differences between the '03,'04 and the '05? Looked at an '05 today with wood inlay around the stereo console, and a WOOD steering wheel. Was that an option? Looked AWESOME, but unfortunately the rest of the car was trashed from a dog, and the doors on the outside looked like they wheeled it thru some mesquite bushes. Of course, the lot owner couldn't see any of these scratches.

**JRL** · 12-06-2012, 02:26 PM

Wood wheels always were an option, back to 1998 (standard on 2000 SEs)

**acools** · 12-06-2012, 02:30 PM

05+ have plastic headlights, 04 and earlier had glass
05+ have a revised engine mgmt system.
05+ had square upper engine mounts, alot of 04 and earlier cars have had them replaced due to failure or cracking.
05+ have a plastic 'skid plate' on the rear bumper, cosmetic only no real function
05+ have 'jeweled' rear lights

Anything I forgot?

**brider** · 12-06-2012, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by acools

05+ have a plastic 'skid plate' on the rear bumper, cosmetic only no real function

That fake rear skid plate looks WAAY cool to me.

So no major engine, drivetrain, or suspension mods? Good. Thanks!

**JRL** · 12-06-2012, 02:50 PM

Timing belt Tensioners changed mid-late 2004
Electrical system is a bit different in general

**acools** · 12-06-2012, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by brider

So no major engine, drivetrain, or suspension mods? Good. Thanks!

Engine block and transmissions as well as suspension are grossly the same.
However fuel management and the electrical system are different. This is not insignificant.
If you have the option for both, and 05 and later is better, but a good number of the 04 (as long as they were looked after) are very good.
Some 2004 XC were subject to the fuel pump recall, check the breather, TB and tensioner and whether they replaced the upper engine mount.
If they were cared for, this has been done.