i just replacedmy 04with 40,000. meet an 03 owner whos on this 3rd. i have zero mods andstop lightrace every now and then, but i do drive around 100 mpheach way to work; about 25 miles. he had a few mods. when i took it in, i also noticed that the coolant tank had a pin hole. got both replaced for 800. about a month ago, the driver side strut busted and almost went through the hood. i got Ford to warranty these since they must be replaced as a pair and there's no reason for it to have failed like that.
on second batt, 4th set of tires and brakes, new alt, and coolant tank. 46,000 miles.
i think it's time to trade her in.