You might want to consider stretching to a used '04. The '03 was the first year of the 7th gen, and had quite a few "new design" issues. The most serious was brake problems, but there were also a lot of little squeak and rattle issues.
It is important to note that the certified used car coverage is drivetrain only, and will not cover structural or body hardware problems (squeaks and rattles, etc.) Buying a 2004 would give you roughly 12 months of manufacturer's bumper to bumper warranty to sort out any surprises. Also, you can buy an '04 from a private seller and save thousands, because you will still have warranty left to fix any hidden problems.
If you wait a couple of months until the "refreshed" '06 is released, the '04's will drop in price a little too....