I saw a 2005 model on the lot, had 150 miles on it, and was built 08/04.
Is this something to stay away from? I'm concerened about the miles, and that it was built longer than a year ago, and stayed on the lot for 6+ or so months.


Any ideas?

 

More than likely an auto!

 

What do you mean by auto? Auto trans? It was a manual.

 

Then not sure.

 

I don't know that I would shy away. If it checks out okay, I'd just hammer the dealer on price.

 

Yea i hear you. Its just that being made in 08/04. Is that even normal? I thought that by now they would be at least built by april-may of 2005.

 

If I were you, I'd DEFINITELY stay away and be more patient. Just imagine how hard those 150 miles have been driven Unless you're getting an incredible deal, I'd stay away and keep searching.

I bought my '05 in 10/04, w/ a build date of 8/04 w/ 20 miles on the odometer (they had to drive it over from another dealership). 10k miles so far, and not a single problem.

 

Yea your purchase date matches the build date..i wonder wtf this one has been doing for a whole year. lol

 

Depending on the model, color and asking price, some 350Zs might sit on the lot for 12 or more months. Why would you be concerned about 150 miles? Is that a deal breaker for you?

 

I guess kinda the miles, but more the build date..i'd really like something made in march or april 2005..maybe its better quality. I'm just paranoid about all the issues.

 

Don’t buy a car that you consider “questionable.” You’ll be second guessing yourself long after the sale. Move on.

 

I personally wouldn't buy it as I wouldn't spend thousands on a car that has probably been test-driven the heck out of. I know how hard people push sports cars while test driving them. Heck, I've done that myself!

 

I bought my Z in June 05 with a build date of 10/04. It had 33 miles on it and was featured as a manager's special. I hammered them on the price because I knew they were desperate to get it off the lot. I left when they wouldn't come down to my price and the next day the salesman called me at home and said his manager said make the deal. They let me take it home for 3 days without signing anything. Test drive it The clutch was tight the first week, but it loosened. That is the only problem since June

 

When test driving these, what should i look out for?
Like, what do you mean by tight clutch?
What does it mean for a gear to be "notchy" and to hear "chattering" sounds.
I've never owned a manual transmission, although i do know how to drive one.

 

Maybe you should shop with someone who has more experience?

 

Just drive the car. If anything makes you go "hmm, is that normal?" then it probably isn't.

My Z was sitting on the lot for about 2 months and I was able to get a killer deal on it. A car that's been there for a year should be a steal.

 

I would stay away if you are questionable about it because you should be happy and completely satisfied with whatever you buy, not afraid you made a mistake.

 

Jump on that thing and don't look back. I bought my 04 Touring in March of 05 and I got it for under 30K...MSRP was about 34K and invoice was around 31.5. It had 500 miles on it because they had sold it to some guy over a weekend and were unable to get him financed. Did he abuse it? Possibly, but I've had zero problems with it. I couldn't be happier with the price I paid.

 

Find a buddy who is a Z enthusiast to help you out. I'm assuming it is still new, but personally for a new car that is too many miles. But if it checks out alright and the price is right, go for it.

 

That is your best bet, find someone who really knows their stuff about Z's and get them to go with you....That's what I'm gonna do whenever I buy a new car again, get somebody that knows what's up, then get them to go along and they can look for little things you may not see.