Voland

Good day,

So I’ve been lurking on this board for a while now and I think I’m finally ready to buy a Z. The question that I have is as follows. Should I go for an 03 for around 20k or an 04 for around 23k. Both of them are the enthusiast and have 24k miles. The 03 is the first year production run for the Z and I’ve read that there where a few issues with the 03’s. I’m not sure what the percentage of “problems” really get resolved between 03 and 04 so I’m here to get your opinion. Is the 04 worth the extra cash and will the 03 really have the problems all the “experts” say it will?

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Voland

BigMike

No offense to '03 owners, but I would be extremely skeptical about buying an '03. If you decide to do that, go to a dealer and ask them to give you the warranty information about the car before you buy it. The information should be in any dealer's computer by VIN. Personally I never buy a first year model of car. Its like their Beta model.

jrd33

iTrader: (3)

'04 has the extra cup holder.

desiZ

iTrader: (2)

and don't forget the knee pads and the extra power outlet up front for ur radar detector

The Brickyard Rat

iTrader: (1)

Get the 04.

MirZa w da Z

mine is 04 but don't know whether it's 04 or 04.5
how 2 tell the diff ? ne1 knows ?

all_bark

iTrader: (5)

all good points but the nav. compartment is much more accessible in an 03 than in the newer 04. If you plan on adding DVD or something to the like, 03 is better!

desiZ

iTrader: (2)

someone posted that if you have the knee pads its an 04.5 .. plus there's something about the vin number last few digits beyond a certain number... i can't remember where the thread is though...

n8236

I'd get an '04 to avoid the major production problems of the '03. Just a piece of mind.

ssk0771

iTrader: (5)

ditto

Read my Sig

NorCal350

05, oh wait im biased

1000HP

Dang. Did you buy the car new? What parts weren't functioning?

Nano

iTrader: (1)

It's not like every 03 is a lemon. 99% of them are perfectly fine, and there have been issues with 05, so I wouldn't count on the year to be 100% safe.

I have a 03 with 30K miles and haven't had a single issue with the car except feathering. Nothing, car runs flawless.

More than 03, 04 I'd look at the vin number. Above 14000- 15000 you should be ok. Most of the issues have been had with pre 10000 vin

And even if it's a 03, powertrain is still under warranty until 2008.

chose the one you prefer, 03, 04 is irrelevant. If the 03 looks cool and is a color you like and has a good history, that makes 3K in your pocket for a nice set of wheels or something.

zmespeed

use the extra 3,000 you save on the 04 to fix anyhting rong on the 03. should be about to get some sweet suspetion parts with 3000 bones if you have tire feathing..
btw i have an 03 the guy i bought it from said that it had tire feathering but he took it to get fixed, it has not come back and im at 30k. only had the window sensor problem.

WSchli1672

Agree with Nano, mine's a ''03 Track Model. Took it in, soon as the feathering problem notification came out. I haven't had a single problem. Tire have no unusual wear at all and no car problems at all. The was the only real problem that was known and dealerships took care of it at no cost. After all, isn't that why cars have warranties. Choose the one that fits you. Also look at what kind of wear and tear is on both of them, i.e. the wearing of the brake/cluthc pads, the floor mats, look along the side of the body for dents to see if any repair done to it indicating minor fender bender, etc. These are the things to look at when deciding which car you want. Check interior for scratch, cigarette burns, stains, roof lining for markings, etc. Look at the shift know and steering wheel for wear and tear. Have a mechanic check under the hoods for your own peace of mind at a minimum cost for the long run. Just a few pointers that will help you to decide.