TheOg350z

Ok so I'm looking into picking up a 350z. Before I go out looking at cars for sale in my area I want to know what to look for. Such as common issues in the 350z generation. Engine, transmission, suspension. I don't want to be taken by someone telling me that "don't worry, that noise is normal"
So any feedback would be helpful. Thanks!

Justin100

What to look for when buying a used 350z ...?

Superlegerra body kit
Black paint
Black rims
Carbon fiber vortex spoiler
Greddy tt, power lab st, momentum tt
Full catless exhaust system
Bride seats...

The list goes on

Jk....

Ummm rule of thumb,

High mileage = worn car

Most likely a car with high mileage generally needs parts that need to be replaced soon
Stay safe look for cars with 60k mileage and below

I can't really give you a definitive answer because every owner is different you got good ones and bad ones. And honestly it's really noticeable if the exterior and interior looks like crap you can safely assume he doesn't really care about the car. If you find a guy with a clean 350z with a clean title car fax....different story...

winchman

This is what you should look for...a car with low mileage, nicely equipped, in excellent condition.

https://my350z.com/forum/zs-and-gs-f...miles-20k.html

There are no noises that need investigating, and everything works like it should.

KingBaby

iTrader: (3)

I see your location is located in the middle of ridiculousness and may make it diffuclt to find a clean 350Z. Please take caution and post links to potential buys, we'll try and help if we can.

remo1356

Definitely get an HR. 2007-2008 .

bleclair00

1. have someone else start the car while ur head is under the hood...before and after the test drive.... listen for any engine noise.

2. put the car on the lift. You can tell alot about how the car was taken care.

3. basic items like inner tire wear... your never going to be able to isolate every problem with a car till you put some miles on it.

4. if you are truely interested after you have looked over everything then take it to a trusted mechanic of yours. He can give u some possible parts that will need to be changed in the near future giving you some more haggle room.

other than that open her up on the road and enjoy the ride

forgot to add, window issues.... bring them down and up multiple times.... when i purchased mine i only rolled it down and up once and about a day after when i started rolling it down more than once a drive the window would get stuck down..... there have been alot of Z's with this issue if u look around on the forum for more common issues.

also the only "normal noise" you should come across is rattling from the clutch when its not depressed.... Its normal after only a couple houndred miles and that is also posted in other locations in this forum.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

What year cars and milage are you looking at

gabez33

iTrader: (7)

1. main things i look for are mileage relative to age
2. If its been modified or not. ( if it has I usually move on)
3. Obviously any funny noises and AC abnormalities--the engine should purr...07-08 Z's have way more NVH than the previous years so dont discount on that
4. If your getting a 6spd, take that test drive VERY seriously and feel for slippage, ...chatter is pretty common on Z's too

I guess lastly over all paint and body condition and cost to restore it as close to ideal as possible

harmony350z

06, but 07-08 best yrs to get. hr motor(has dual intake), all updates and most bugs from previous years fix, exterior and interior looks better than 05 and below.

TheOg350z

All info taken in, thanks for everyone's input. Yea I'll try to stick to under 100k miles. In my general area (Boca Raton) it's hard to find anything under, what I usually see is between 60-100k miles on a Z.
And yes my goal is to get an 07/08
If I can I'll post the ones that I find that fit the standards.
Thanks again everyone!

chaseAD21

I live in north port and had to go all the way to pompano beach for my Z and that was after waiting like 3-6 months for the right one to come along. As with everything else people have said PATIENCE is key when looking for a new car, and not regretting one you just jumped on because you got tired of waiting

travlee

iTrader: (8)

don't forget the lube when you might get screwed..... know the models and features of the car before you go.... often people try to pass off a car as a different trim level to make more money

TheOg350z

Yea, I'll make sure the car is what it is as far as trim model.

Zmandriving

how much you looking to spend?

Sleepiedaze

iTrader: (3)

first rule should be if the car is slammed to the ground or "hella flush" walk away. most of those cars have been abused and lots of issues with there under carriage, dented oil pans physical damage to tranny and diff.

TheOg350z

Completely agree, don't want something used and abused. Looking to get something unmolested.

Also probably between 8-11k for my budget might be a little low. But it's what I'm working with now.
If I have to I'll get one from a dealer.
I want a Z! Lol

MonkeyMagic72

iTrader: (2)

You won't be able to find an 07-08 350Z HR with that budget, maybe a wrecked one. So realistically, you can only be hunting for a decent unmolested 03-05 350Z DE, and if you are lucky, you can score an 06 350Z DE Revup.

Zmandriving

gonna be able to get 350z de with that budget. Hr engine is probably out of your budget. I got a 2007 carbon silver 350z with 45k miles and I live in Parkland FL. I bought it about 3 years ago for about $20k from Hgreg in Miami FL with about 28k miles on it. Keep looking you will find one. Oh one thing to think about is that Base 350z like mine has no traction control, no cruise control, and comes with open differential. the other models come with vlsd which is okay but I went and upgraded my differential to quaiffe lsd which is superior to the oem vlsd and I ripped right through the rubber differential subframe bushing. So when you go and look at 350z look under the car at the back and make sure there is no black silicone leaking on the rear subframe. look for black streaks on subframe. Since you will be looking at older cars before 2006 subframe bushing might be blown. I just got done putting all polyurethane bushings in my car. It was expensive but now i dont have to worry about the bushings going bad for a long time. I got solid differential bushings that increase the nvh but it isn't unbearable.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

that would be a really nice down payment on an HR.... but you won't get one for that price

TheOg350z

Yea I was thinking the same thing monkey. Couple years ago that's what I did. I bought a 2006 subaru wrx for (2000$)from an auction site through a buddy of mine who has a dealer license. Which needed work of course, but street value was around 12-15k at that time. Think I might do the same and check some out with him. It's hit or miss at the auctions. You eaither find a diamond in the rough or polished turds. Well see what's available around me. If I have to I'll make payments...