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2005 3K miles, what do I need to do now??

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Old 09-16-2015, 10:17 AM
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SonnyWu
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Cool 2005 3K miles, what do I need to do now??

Update - I have purchased the Z below.

Hello folks, I just lucked up (if the owner will part with it) on a 3096 original mile 2005 350Z owned by neighbor. She never drives it. LOL The other day I changed out the original battery (mistake not original) and detailed the car. It drives great, actually like a new car. Heck there's not even soot in the exhaust tips. She's letting me keep the keys and drive the car to work (only 8 miles round trip) but I really want to buy it.

My question is what should I do to the car maintenance wise because it hasn't been driven much. I was told not to flush the brake fluid. Not broke don't fix it! Oil was changed ahh... maybe twice a year. Funny this years old change sticker says change at 6000 miles. I'm thinking of maybe just a lube job, air filter, radiator hoses and possibly new belt.

Thanks again for your help.

By the way I'm the proud owner of a 1970 240Z. Owned the car since 1982.

Last edited by SonnyWu; 10-29-2015 at 08:22 PM. Reason: Ownership update.
Old 09-16-2015, 10:58 AM
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PP08HR
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Originally Posted by SonnyWu
Hello folks, I just lucked up (if the owner will part with it) on a 3096 original mile 2005 350Z owned by neighbor. She never drives it. LOL The other day I changed out the original battery and detailed the car. It drives great, actually like a new car. Heck there's not even soot in the exhaust tips. She letting me keep the keys and drive the car to work (only 8 miles round trip) but I really want to buy it.

My question is what should I do to the car maintenance wise because it hasn't been driven much. I was told not to flush the brake fluid. Not broke don't fix it! Oil was changed ahh... maybe twice a year. Funny this years old change sticker says change at 6000 miles. I'm thinking of maybe just a lube job, air filter, radiator hoses and possibly new belt.

Thanks again for your help.

By the way I'm the proud owner of a 1970 240Z. Owned the car since 1982.


Ah ha... A sugar momma. Yeah dude service the owner up and get the car lol.


Maybe check tires. They can dry rot over time.
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Old 09-16-2015, 10:59 AM
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franknstn
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check if all the TSB's were even done for it? :O
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Old 09-16-2015, 01:06 PM
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travlee
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tires and fluids...., i read somewhere that the fluids can (not always) start to break down after 7-8 years
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Old 09-16-2015, 01:12 PM
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dcains
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Definitely change the brake fluid - it absorbs moisture, and should be changed regularly. Also, regardless of how they look, trash the tires. I'd also do all the oils and coolant, filters, hoses, and belts. Techron in the gas tank, too, and only use a good high-detergent gas from now on. I might also have the alignment checked, and you may end up replacing some suspension bushings. If they're not degraded, they may have become distorted from sitting for so long.

Good luck, and post up some pics of both cars.
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Old 09-16-2015, 02:41 PM
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icer5160
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Congrats on an awesome find!

Basically everything that everyone else said above. You have a good start already with the battery, oil, filter, and belts.

To add to that, I would highly recommend replacing the coolant and doing a flush for good measure. Engine coolant breaks down after about 3 years of use and this is one of the most common areas I see neglected on cars. While you're at it I would also replace all the rubber coolant hoses.

Good luck and Enjoy!
-Icer
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Old 09-16-2015, 02:49 PM
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icer5160
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Another thing I just thought of. If you end up replacing the tires, I would also take that time to replace the TPMS sensors. The batteries on those things are probably shot if not very close to it. Best to get them taken care of before they start dropping off 1 at a time.
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Old 09-16-2015, 04:56 PM
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SonnyWu
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Originally Posted by PP08HR
Ah ha... A sugar momma. Yeah dude service the owner up and get the car lol.


Maybe check tires. They can dry rot over time.
Too funny dude! Not the case we are about the same age. LOL

I'm going to check the tire code for a date. Thanks for the suggestion.
Old 09-16-2015, 05:04 PM
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SonnyWu
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Thanks for all of your tips and suggestions. I will post some photos of the car tomorrow. Until then here's today's work. Detailed the engine compartment. I'm acting like this is my car. LOL

Oh, and she still had the plastic wrap on the brake pedal.

Tomorrow, restore faded headlights!











Old 09-16-2015, 05:21 PM
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Damn looks good. Doesnt even have mouse poo or anything in their. Always nice when people actually buy a nice car not too drive. I see low miles buick junk boxes all the time and its a bit sad.
Old 09-16-2015, 05:28 PM
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travlee
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womp womp.... its an auto, but still not bad if you can snag it for a decent price
Old 09-16-2015, 05:32 PM
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SonnyWu
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Originally Posted by dboyzalter
Damn looks good. Doesnt even have mouse poo or anything in their. Always nice when people actually buy a nice car not too drive. I see low miles buick junk boxes all the time and its a bit sad.
That was after a few hours of work. It wasn't oily or greasy just plain dusty and dirty from sitting under a tree. It's amazing how tree stuff finds it way into every nook and cranny. Now the body looks great but it needs serious buffing and a few spots need some touch up work. Look for pics of body and interior tomorrow. The interior is basically flawless.
Old 09-16-2015, 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted by SonnyWu
Thanks for all of your tips and suggestions. I will post some photos of the car tomorrow. Until then here's today's work. Detailed the engine compartment. I'm acting like this is my car. LOL

Oh, and she still had the plastic wrap on the brake pedal.

Tomorrow, restore faded headlights!











I've seen tons of ways to clean engine compartments but I feel like most are overboard. What did you do to clean it?
Old 09-16-2015, 06:17 PM
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35th4me
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Greatness!
Old 09-16-2015, 07:58 PM
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SonnyWu
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Originally Posted by UZ_
I've seen tons of ways to clean engine compartments but I feel like most are overboard. What did you do to clean it?
Old school way. A bucket of water and Dawn. Didn't need to use anything harsher. Just scrubbed with terry cloth then lightly sprayed with water hose. Of course keeping away from any electrical connectors. Then dried and polished with microfiber towels. Any body panel metal got Meguiar's ultimate quik detailer including the hood underside. Plastic and hoses received Mequiar's natural shine protectant. Intake manifold was just washed and nothing else applied but I might try to remove the spots later.
Old 09-16-2015, 08:14 PM
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Hmmmm, no sugar momma cuz she's "about the same age".... and she's letting you detail her car.... and you're putting a lot of elbow grease and time into it with no automotive upside assured...

Yet, you say you want to try and buy the car....

Hmmmm, I suspect there's another ulterior motive.

Hahahahahaha......... I keed!

That's a sweet clean ride, dude. Good luck on.... uhhhh, getting the car??

Mic
Old 09-16-2015, 08:17 PM
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SonnyWu
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I found the window sticker and this is the Enthusiast model. Now I have learn what's the difference between that and the others. Aren't all Z drivers enthusiast?
Old 09-16-2015, 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by SonnyWu
I found the window sticker and this is the Enthusiast model. Now I have learn what's the difference between that and the others. Aren't all Z drivers enthusiast?
Here ya go....

This is based on the 03's and 04's but not much was changed for 05's

BASE MODEL

6-Speed MT Only - $26,269

Engine

Longitudinally-Mounted 3.5L 24-Valve DOHC VQ35DE V6 engine producing 280+ horsepower and 260+ lb/ft of torque
Drive-By-Wire Throttle
High Flow Intake System
Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVTCS)
Micro-Finished Crankshaft and Camshafts
Molybdenum Coated Pistons
Sequential Multi-Port Electronic Fuel Injection
Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS)

Transmission

6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
Short Throw Linkage

Drivetrain

Mid Mounted Front Engine/Rear Wheel Drive
52/48 Front/Rear weight balance
Carbon-Fiber Driveshaft

Braking System

Power-Assisted 11.65" Vented Front Disc Brakes & 11.5" Vented Rear Discs
Anti-Lock Braking System (4-wheel ABS) w/ Brake Assist
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

Suspension/Chassis

Unibody Construction with Corrosion Resistant High Strength Steel
Lightweight Aluminum Hood
Power-Assisted Engine-Speed-Sensitive Rack-and-Pinion Steering (15.9:1
steering ratio)
4-wheel fully independent Multi-Link suspension
Lightweight Aluminum-Alloy suspension components (suspension arms, entire rear subframe, etc)
Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars
Rear Strut Tower Brace

Aerodynamics

Low coefficient of drag with under car air management system
Flat underbody design with deflector and diffuser plates

Exterior

Aluminum-Look Door Handles
Full Body Color Mirrors and Bumpers
Flush-Mounted Headlights
Dual Outlet Exhaust
High Output, Flush Mounted Halogen Lighting System
17" X 7.5" 7-Spoke Aluminum-Alloy Wheels
P225/50WR17 Front & P235/50WR17 Rear High Performance Michelin Tires

Comfort and Convenience

Tilt Steering Column and Integrated 3-Bay Instrument Gauge Cluster
Automatic Temperature Control System
3-Guage Cluster with Oil Pressure, Voltmeter and Trip Computer
Power Windows, Locks and Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry System
Variable Intermittent Front Windshield Wipers
Rear Intermittent Wiper
Overhead Sunglasses Storage Compartment
Electric Rear Window Defroster
Leather Steering Wheel & Shifter
Aluminum Interior Accents
6-Way Manual Adjustable Driver’s Seat
160-Watt AM/FM/CD w/6 Speakers

Safety and Security

Dual Stage Supplemental Air Bags
Vehicle Security System
Seat Belts w/Pre-Tensioners & Load Limiters
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System

ENTHUSIAST
6-Speed MT - $28,249
5-Speed AT - $29,219

Includes Standard Equipment Plus:
Xenon 4-Bulb High Intensity Discharge Headlights
Traction Control System (TCS)
Viscous Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Cruise Control
Homelink Universal Transceiver
Aluminum Pedals
Day/Night Automatic Rear View Mirror
Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors

Optional:

5-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with Manual Shift Mode

PERFORMANCE
6-Speed MT Only - $30,429

Includes Standard Equipment Plus:
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
18" X 8" 6-Spoke Aluminum-Alloy Wheels
P225/45WR18 Front & P245/45WR18 Rear High Performance Michelin Tires
Tire Air Pressure Monitor
Xenon 4-Bulb High Intensity Discharge Headlights
Traction Control System (TCS)
Viscous Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Cruise Control
Homelink Universal Transceiver
Aluminum Pedals
Day/Night Automatic Rear View Mirror
Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors

TOURING
6-Speed MT - $33,179
5-Speed AT - $31,589

Includes Standard Equipment Plus:
Touring Models w/5-Speed Automatic Transmission:

Bose 7-Speaker 240-watt Audio System w/ In-Dash 6-Disc CD Changer, AM/FM Stereo and Cassette Player
Leather-appointed Seats
Power 4-way Driver’s Seat
Power 2-way Passenger Seat
Heated Seats
Heated Mirrors
Xenon 4-Bulb High Intensity Discharge Headlights
Traction Control System (TCS)
Viscous Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Cruise Control
Homelink Universal Transceiver
Aluminum Pedals
Day/Night Automatic Rear View Mirror
Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors

Touring Models w/6-Speed Manual Transmission Additionally Include
:

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
18" X 8" 6-Spoke Aluminum-Alloy Wheels
P225/45WR18 Front & P245/45WR18 Rear High Performance Michelin Tires
Tire Air Pressure Monitor

TRACK MODEL
6-Speed MT Only - $34,079

Includes Standard Equipment Plus:
Brembo Brakes with 4-Piston Front Calipers, 2-Piston Rear Calipers
Front 12.75" Vented Front Discs and 12.67" Vented Rear Discs
18" X 8" 6-Spoke Super Light Forged-Aluminum Alloy Wheels by Rays
P225/45WR18 Front & P245/45WR18 Rear High Performance Michelin Tires
"Zero Lift" Package for high speed stability including:
-Rear Drag Reducing Spoiler
-Front Spoiler
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Xenon 4-Bulb High Intensity Discharge Headlights
Traction Control System (TCS)
Viscous Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Cruise Control
Homelink Universal Transceiver
Aluminum Pedals
Day/Night Automatic Rear View Mirror
Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
Tire Air Pressure Monitor
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Old 09-16-2015, 08:53 PM
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SonnyWu
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That's exactly what's listed on the window sticker. Thanks!

Last edited by SonnyWu; 09-17-2015 at 11:43 AM.
Old 09-17-2015, 12:06 PM
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Wow, deja vu. Haven't we already had this conversation like a million times already?

Doesn't this string belong in the maintenance forum?

OP: Tell the owner it's time to take the car to a dealership to have all the fluids changed. They're old, some are hygroscopic, so they could cause premature part failures (yes, I'm talking brake fluid). The car needs some love. Then after she's paid for everything, offer to buy it.


Quick Reply: 2005 3K miles, what do I need to do now??



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