hey guys, my name is Rahul and I'm from New York City. I currently have a 2001 Prelude 5 speed with a good amount of mods. But its time to let it go and move on to better things. Money is kinda tight right now and therefore I only want to spend 18gs or less. Im sure I can find a manual 2003 Z for my price range. However, lots of people are discouraging me from getting the 2003 because of tire feathering problems and tranny problems. Tire feathering...eh...I can live with that. Tranny problems? Thats what scared me. I dont want to be in and out of the dealership constantly trying to get the tranny fixed. I also dont want to have to pay for the tranny problems should anything happen. Therefore can someone please explain to me how widespread the tranny problems are and is there any kind of warranty that will cover such problems?

I got scared after I heard this because I just want to enjoy the car...not worry about it. Its been suggested that I get a 2004 Z or higher but I cant really afford that. I wanted a car to get me through law school (Im a junior in undergrad at the moment).

Do you guys agree that I should forget about the 2003 model and get the 2004? If so, I need to prolong it because I would have to save up a little longer. Anyway, just wanted to get everyone's opinions as to what I should do. thanks

 

I think with the 03s, it would be more of a concern on what the previous owner did to it as far as replacements go. I bought my 2003 used with 28k miles and I don't have any tranny or feathering problem anymore because I've had the tranny replaced and my feathering went away after new tires and alignment. If it is close to being out of powertrain warranty I probably wouldn't want to mess with it to be honest. I just had plenty of time left to get the known troubles replaced.

 

to my understanding 2004 models have the same problems as the 2003. I have a 2004 and the dealer fixed the feathering problem and I haven't had any tranny problems (knock on wood) The dealer can run the VIN to see if the feathering problem has been fixed and if it hasn't make them fix it or don't buy it.

 

+1

 

If you have $18,000 to spend, that is what you have to spend. Although the 2003 is 3 years old, no one is giving them away for free. Shop at CarMax and see what $18,000 will get you.

 

if i was you ....i'd only buy an 03 from a private party and original owner with all the maintainence receipts.....it all depends on how the Z was driven by the previous owner.... The Z is an excellent vehicle for the money with above average reliability. i got an 03 (bought new 3/03) except for the front tires (replaced under warranty at 9k miles)...now at 19k and its been running like a champ ...i usually don't keep a car for longer than 2 years ...i've had the Z for 3 years now...good luck.

 

+1 with this...i bought an '03 touring with only 18K a few days ago. This thing was completely stock, driven by a guy who also owned a Vette. This was just his daily put around town car. Im not too concerned with the maintenance of it. Just be careful not to buy an 03 with a lot of abuse or mods. Because then you KNOW the car was probably beat up.

 

yea...I always prefer to buy from private owners who were the original owners also. I will try to buy it from an elderly person. Hopefully he/she wouldnt have abused it. My other option is go for a 2004 from the nissan dealer, put maybe 15g's down and finance the rest. I dont know...all I do know is that I absolutely love the Z. It would definitely be the heaviest car I will have. I was so used to driving light cars. O well...thanks

 

Some risk with 03s so if you can stretch to an 04 it would be preferable.

My 03 has been problem free.

 

can someone also fill me in with the factory warranty and what it includes and doesnt include as well as how long it lasts?

 

yea man I think I will definitely try to get a 2004

 

If you can find a 03 thats in really good condition and is still under warranty, the I think its a worth while buy. some 04s still had the same problems as some of the 03s too....so you arent totally in the clear.

I just got my 03 track with 8400 miles for a great deal and it was in awesome condtion, so I couldnt pass up the deal. I wouldnt mind having an 04 (all black center console), but aside from that and that its still under warranty it was a good choice for me

 

Hey excellent choice in cars man. Didn't know that punjabis were into the Z. Lol. Try to get an 04 and pay off what you can, and do payments on the rest. I am sure you can get one for like 22-25K with under 10k miles on the clock. Good luck.

 

thanks man...just gotta try and sell the lude first. It shouldnt be hard...

 

hey I would let my 03 touring go for 19.5k. it has 43000 miles on it. I am in PA.

 

didn't read what others wrote, cause you get a mixture of good and bad.

As far as my experience goes, I bought a late model 03 (right before the 04's came out) and have had no problems other than the tire feathering. Tranny is fine, no window oil problems, etc.

Seems to be on a car by car basis, so I would suggest taking the potential car's VIN to a nissan dealership and see what all has been done to it.

 

Are you serious... I have an 03 though and I haven't had any of the problems that the majority of people have. However, watch out for window motors, transmission, and tire feathering. Search and you can find all of those in multiples, .

 

The tire and tranny problems are an issue but theres a tsb out for both so it shouldn't cost you money. Only inconvience.

My concern is that you say your money is tight. First off, good luck with finding a Z that's 18k. Second, remember that the Z is not a great daily driver although alot of ppl use it as so (including myself, in the summer). The Z also cost more money to maintain than your prelude.

The Z is not meant to be cost efficient daily driver like the accords and civics. Its market was meant as a secondary sports car.

 

I suppose your right, but I will be using it as a daily driver. I really want the car...I think my best bet will be to put 15gs down on an 04 and finance the rest. Monthly payments shouldn't be too high if I chose a 2 year payment term. I just really want the car..

 

I find the Z to be a fine daily driver, as long as you understand that it has a rougher ride, it won't go anywhere in the snow, and it has limited storage space.

I have had mine for a little over 2.5 years, have put 45k miles on it, and have loved about every second of it (except when it is supposed to snow...like tonight). The 60k mile check-up is going to be rough, but you can't avoid that with any car unless you get an Acura, whick only prolongs the pain until 90k.

I am sure that you can find a 03 for around 18 to 20k. Just look around.