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I want to be as informed as I can because this is the first car that I am paying for. What are somethings to look for or ask previous owner about like notorious problems etc.
I would not buy a vehicle with 97,000 miles;however, if your budget is limited this may be the best you can do. Learn the various models and amenities before shopping. Believe you are looking at a Base.
The car is a strong car and high mileage Z's don't tend to have many problems. Although you can find a better deal with less milage, Especially since that is a base model.
No cruise control, No HID's, No LSD. I wouldln't pay more than 9k for that car.
__________________ 20. BonesZ33 --------------------03 Track 6spd 13.381@103.35mph2.000 60ft Street
The car def has been played with a lot and carries a story, but I like the way it looks. It's pretty nice and well kept. Although it's a base model, it has leather seat put into it and maybe a few hidden mods. I'd say check it out with carfax, if it drives smooth its a good deal for a sharp looking quick car.
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2003 SS Enthusiast - JWT Pop Charger - ICHIBA Test Pipes - 2007 Transmission - 19 inch Stilauto Wheels - 2006 Bi-Xenon Headlights - Painted Engine Covers - Greddy Front lip - Stillen Type 1 Spoiler - Nismo Clear Corners - Billet Grille - Grille - PowerSlot Rotors - Hawk HPS Brake Pads
Welcome to the forum. 350Z's on the used car lots seem to be a dime a dozen. As I drive down Highway 70, I see at least one Z on virtually every used car lot. I would definitely check out the local cars before thinking about cars that are over 2000 miles away. A quick search of the St Louis Craigslist lists about 73 entries for 350Z. I don't know where you live within the St Louis area, but Autotrader shows 22 350Z's for sale within 25 miles of zip 63367.
High mileage cars should not be a problem. There were a few problems with the early cars like tire feathering and transmission problems. I suspect most if not all of those problems have been fixed by now. Having said that, not all cars had problems so you might be able to find a trouble free car.
Good luck with your search. You might also join the Gateway Z club to get additional information. Lots of knowledgeable people there. www.gatewayZclub.com.
I want to be as informed as I can because this is the first car that I am paying for. What are somethings to look for or ask previous owner about like notorious problems etc.
The tailights are a little tacky but nothing that cant be fixed. Basically i just wanna know if there are problems with buying 80-90k+ miles 350's
I would say that car isn't the greatest deal, but its not bad either......
as for the miles, i wouldn't let it scare you as the car, engine can handle much more as many have shown already on the forum.
Things as far as maintenance on a higher mileage Z you can look out for are bushings..........the car you linked seems like the owner was an enthusiast and may have changed some of the known bad bushings out, but a bone stock Z you find for sale out there might not.
Look for the front lower control arm bushing when buying.......if you find it failed, use that as a negotiating point to bring down the price, then do it yourself with the how to here: http://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-s...translink.html
The other bushings with higher mileage Z's that are common are the rear diff bushing that leaks black oozze out on the diff cover and the rear subframe bushings along with the front diff "ear" bushings.
In general, If i were to purchase a high mileage z, the first things i would do is replace all the fluids in order to ensure i know where im at on everything to get a start date and rest assured that those fluids arent old already...
good luck bud...
-J
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04 PPW Touring - My favorite mod is my short Dodge Avenger antenna
that car u posted is in cali??? u can find a much better deal for an 03-05 with like 50k miles for around $13,000 its definately worth a little extra cash for 40k less miles.
Good luck, bro. Take no prisoners when you talk to those b@stard salesman
Oh wow...this is an incredible response you this is way better my last car forum. This is exactly the kind of stuff that I am looking for, bushings, tire feathering problems etc. that I should be on the lookout for and ask about. Yeah I think local will be better its just that I don't want to miss out on a deal when I could have a car shipped for about $600.
I know that I want a VLSD equipped car and 6 speed. Those are my only limitations (besides price haha!). I am going to test drive a few of these local cars this weekend and see how it goes.
Thanks for the crazy amount of help guys, this is definitely a plus point in a Z, all the support and information thats on here.
hey man, good luck with finding the one you want! I have an 04 base with 102,000 on it now. +1 on the bushings , I would also have a look at the trans. See if there were any synchro problems in the past. Definetely get all the fluids changed and I would opt for a tune ( osiris made my car feel like new)
Just sold my car, Looking into 350Z's
