i feel kind of sad having to write this...considering how happy everyone in this forum is about their 350z, and that my 350z is due to arrive in a month, but, i must express my thoughts and questions to you guys, in the hope you can help me come to the best conclusion. i put $1,000 down payment for a touring SS 6 spd. i am interested in the e.c.u. when ever they come out, also in putting 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 wheels on. With this talk of perhaps next year's car(2004), might come out with a more powerful 350z (due to an upgrade in the e.c.u.), and the kinks that the car has so far(i.e., orange peel, tranny problems, bose system, etc.,), i'm debating now, whether, or not, to hold the purchase of the car till next year. Do you guys think i'm overreacting, i may have legitemate reasons, or, what:confused: can i have the dealer 'carry' the $1,000 down payment towards next years car(will they do that?), or, i may lose the down payment? again, i'm very sad that i'm even considering this situation, but, i feel that i have to do the right thing here...it's $35,000!!ouuch!! but, well worth it..i'm sure. thanks a lot guys
Gerardo











1

 

papo..

i am waiting for the next year model because of the reasons you described. ...

yes.. indeed it is kinda hard to wait, but like you said... 35K isn't a small amount of money...

i want to make a right choice....
i just have to deal with my thumping heart for another 8 months or so...

does this mean waiting is the right thing to do?
only you can decide!

i can live w/o the Z for few more months...

hope you make the right decision!!

 

I'm in the same boat as you. And hopefully my car will be on the same boat as yours! I put my deposit down in early Oct., the order looks like it went in at the beginning of Nov., the car is probably a month out and I've had nothing to do in the meantime but surf this forum and get all worried about things that are potentially wrong with the car. I think I've come to grips with most of it though. I think the tranny issues were only with a very few of the earliest cars delivered. The orange peel issue has probably been dealt with as much as it's going to be and from the cars I've seen, it won't be an issue with me. as for the tire wear issue, I'll have them check the alignment as part of the PDI and keep an eye on them. If they go bad, free tires, if not, I'll put on S0-3s when they wear out. I'll chip it when Nismo comes out with one. I doubt the car will change at all for the next model year except for maybe a couple of colors; they'll keep the chip as an upgrade. The Bose on our cars will already have the new amp, which most people are happy with. they are still working on the unresponsive treble/bass issue and will offer a fix when they get it right. As for fit and finish, the only issues are some rattling sun visors, which they are working on a fix for and a couple other rattles that have been identified here which should be an easy DIY fix, as I doubt Nissan will concern themselves with such things. The only concern I have is that the rear shock valving and spring rates may not be matched up correctly, providing a bouncier than necessary ride, but I haven't heard of them loking into it, so that just may be the way it's going to stay. Bottom line is that I don't think there are any issues with the car that warrant putting it off for another eight or nine months. Any issues that have popped up, Nissan has been very receptive to and is working them out. You have to realize that the problems are what tend to get discussed here most; just about everybody who is perfectly happy with their car is too busy having fun in it! My order stands!

 

This car is great . Unless you have money problems I'd go for it now.

 

Most of these problems are only happening to a select few. Unfortunate for them, of course, however these other, more minor problems are going to happen no matter what. Keep in mind that this is a brand new car being produced and they need time to work out the kinks. I've heard nothing but praise about Nissan's willingness to work with people on these problems, so I'd say we're pretty lucky.

Bottom line, it's your choice on whether or not to wait, but more than likely, the car you ordered will be fine. And even if it's not, Nissan has been doing a good job of taking care of those with the major problems.

I doubt that you would be able to get back your deposit, even if you were willing to roll it over to the next year's model.

Good luck with your decision, though.

 

Guess it really depends on how badly you have Z fever. For me it was too much. You are right, 35K isn't cheap, but I have to tell you that was the easiest check for me to write ever...As far as the concenrs go, there really isn't a guarantee that the problems that bug you most will even be resolved by the time the new model comes out. Plus on top of that, most folks here seem to have very positive results with service.

 

Tranny problems - early cars mostly, later cars have been fine.
Orange Peel - not going to go away ever.
Bose - well, you got me there, but the new amp fixes most of it.

More Power - this argument doesn't hold for me because every year the power will go up. You can be guaranteed that whenever you buy, the next years model will have more HP or Torque. This time next year, you'll be thinking you should have waited for the 2005.

If got my car in mid-October, and have only the BOSE complaint, which is getting replaced soon. No rattles, no trans problems, nothing. If you want to raise the chances of your car being perfect, then you should wait. I pre-ordered knowing there would be some minor glitches, because I wanted to have one of the first of the new model. I think it depends on what is most important to you - having a car from the first year, or having the "perfected" version of it. There's not a lot wrong with the 2003s coming off the line since late September.

 

papo470


Most 1st year model runs go through some teething problems. In the past, I purchased a '92 328 and '97 528. Both were new model year cars, and had a few problems. But that didn't stop me from enjoying the cars.

I researched the Z and felt very comfortable placing my order the first week in Nov. Nissan has a lot riding on this car. I'm sure they will do everything possible to get this car right. Their hefty sales goal won't be reached if they don't.

So, sit back and relax. When you get your car, you'll be so busy driving!

Also, on your $1000 deposit, check with the BBB in your state. It is illegal, in some states, for a dealer to keep your deposit if you don't take the car.

Thanks

 

My car is number 869 off the line.
Tranny Issues: None
Orange Peel: Less then a 996 Carrera 4 I saw at lunch today (OUCH!, actually two silver side by side at Katsu-ya, both were super peely.)
Alignment/Tire Scalloping: None
Blose: Got the Enthu. model, no complaints.

Overall, I've had the car for 5500 miles, no issues, I love it, it looks great, plenty of power, wouldn't trade a thing.

 

Hi,
Well there is always a risk involved in buying a new car.Maybe
the next year model will correct everything that the 03 has or
then again, at what price. The Z history has been faulted for
starting simple, then becoming an ultra expensive 2 seater,
to the point of extinction. Once it became a 300Z bi-turbo,
folks just could not afford it. The 35Thou- starting point can
be more difficult for some people and there will be other cars
at that time price range which are attractive. I've read that
widening the tires more than the current track model makes
the car rough for daily use. I like the idea of kicking up the
HP to 300, but do I really need it or will my MPG suffer. I think
the current 03 Z is awsome, if they can just correct the small
bugs of initial production. I don't expect this 30T car to be like
a 45T Lexus. I expect a firm ride, taut steering and good
cornering. You just have to find a happy medium. The decision
is yours.

 

Hi,
Well there is always a risk involved in buying a new car.Maybe
the next year model will correct everything that the 03 has or
then again, at what price. The Z history has been faulted for
starting simple, then becoming an ultra expensive 2 seater,
to the point of extinction. Once it became a 300Z bi-turbo,
folks just could not afford it. The 35Thou- starting point can
be more difficult for some people and there will be other cars
at that time price range which are attractive. I've read that
widening the tires more than the current track model makes
the car rough for daily use. I like the idea of kicking up the
HP to 300, but do I really need it or will my MPG suffer. I think
the current 03 Z is awsome, if they can just correct the small
bugs of initial production. I don't expect this 30T car to be like
a 45T Lexus. I expect a firm ride, taut steering and good
cornering. You just have to find a happy medium. The decision
is yours.

 

I waited for this car for 7 months and 26 days and I have had a few of the teething problems and I have the Bose and the bass sounds fine on a setting of -3 and the compliments from other drivers never stop. Not one of the problems has kept me from enjoying the car and as for more power, I have quite enough to blow the doors off most of the cars on the road right now. Maybe later I will decide to want more power, but it is irrelevant now.

Boomer--do what you need to do, but don't think the car has german car type issues, it doesn't.

 

You guys are overreacting. I will bet you right now that nothing will change for the coupe in next years model except for maybe the seatbelt rattle. Care to wager?

 

I also don't think that next year's vehicles will be significantly different. I would be that it won't be until 2005 that more power gets added, and so far most of the problems have been pretty insignificant (the type of problem that can happen at any time). However, if you CAN wait, you might as well, since it will increase the chances of improvements. I on the other hand, have never been that good at waiting.

I love my car, and have only had the following problems (5700 miles in 3 months):
Rattle in visor
Rattle in rearview mirror
Drives seat clunk

I drive the car pretty hard, and on bumpy roads, so I'm quite happy with the low number of rattles given the tight suspension.

I haven't taken my car in to the dealer yet, but I'm pretty confident that all of these components can be replaced until the problem is solved.

Good luck either way!

-D'oh!

 

I'm a fairly conservative guy on car buying.....which is one reason I read these boards. I wanted to see what kind of problems Zzzz owners are having. Actually, I've been reassured by the posts on here. Most of the complaints are minor.

Keep in mind this board has 4000 fanatics posting on it......all capable of picking the fly manure out of the pepper.

I'm waiting, check in hand, for the tub to show up with my "Brick".

 

I just picked up my CS Performance on Tues. 12/17 - - all I can say is "don't wait" - I'm really impressed with the car, the paint is beautiful, shifts are notchey but nice, doesn't pull to the right, etc - I'm very very pleased - - as far as more HP, who wouldn't like to have 320 and if an upgraded ECU is available in 6 months I'll probably be looking at it - - I'm only at 180 miles so I've got a wait to see what it will really do, but you can tell by driving it easy it wants to run - I can't wait for 1200 miles - - but mine will be pampered. Good Luck with your decision and have a great Christmas.

 

look at it this way. The faster you get the car, the faster you pay it off. The faster you pay if off, the faster you get your next 400Z hehe.

 

450hp? Hyperdrive? Flux capacitor?

BTW, do you own a computer? Why, there is one coming out tomorrow that is better than the one you have today. Granted they don't cost 35K.

CARPE DIEM (will you be here to buy next year?)

Loving my Z.

 

I agree, seize the day or life will pass you by. If you wait until everything's perfect, you will wait forever.

 

It has been my experience (with cars in general) that usually the third year model of a design is the best. Perfect example, the 1972 240Z was, in the opinion of most, the best year (it debuted in 1970). The designers have to lock things down too soon for them to be able to really respond to user input and make signifigant changes in the second year. By the time they're making decisions for the third year they have a good idea what was right and what needed improvement in the initial design. By the fourth or fifth year, it seems that they aren't as sharp, I don't know if they hand it off to second-string designers or what, but things seem to slide a little after the third year.

That said, knowing that it might have quirks, I placed an order and am currently driving a 2003 350Z. You know what? There's nothing that says I can't trade it in for a 2005. In fact, there's about a 50/50 chance that I will do just that! Meanwhile, I am enjoying the sh*t out of my Z!

You never know, they may ruin the Z in the next few years; it has been known to happen. They may make stupid decisions based on competition or economy. The 2005 may in fact be worse than the 2003. In that case, I'll keep my 2003.

But if history holds true and the 2005 turns out to be a primo car, I'll sell a beautiful, well-maintained 2003 for as much as I can get for it, and buy the right 2005. I will have two years experience knowing what to do and what not to do (mods, etc.) with this car, and the 2005 will be a long-term, maybe lifetime car.

Go for it! People get this idea stuck in their heads that cars are permanent. They're not. Do you think there's any possibility that you would have a hard time selling your 2003 350Z in 2004 or 2005? You won't. You could even take delivery of this car, drive it for 18 months, and trade it for a 2004.