Hi all, i'm about to buy my first Z around 40 days but im not sure what model to pick. I'll probably get a 03-04 model because it costs alot less and its in my budget, but do the 04's have the same problems as some 03's had? also do the 04s have extra stuff then what the 03 has? And i want to get leather seats, are the extra options like vdc and viscous limited-slip really worth it? I plan the buy engine mods later on and a turbo kit.

 

Get the 04 model if you can. Less problems. If you want leather I sugest that you get the Touring Version. Or get a Enthusiast/Performance and put Aftermarket Leather seats for around $600. Those models also come with VDC/TCS. Have fun shopping for the Z (except the Base.)

 

search

 

ohhh I almost forgot. Welcome to the Boards!!!!

 

Welcome aboard...but always remember to search before you you post. 99.8% of the times someone else already asked your questions. Plus there are a lot ot A Hs on here that will give you a** answer just because you are new. Trust me I learned...

 

Thanks, is getting the track for the brembo brakes and viscous differential over the touring model worth it for performance? and the enthusiast has traction control but the touring doesnt?

 

What are you looking to get out of it?

I bought the base model. I didn't need HID's, had no use for the LSD, no need for Brembo's....

The only thing I regret about the base model is not having cruise control, other than that I'm personally glad I didn't spend the extra money on a bunch of stuff I didn't want or need.

 

Well i like the leather seats and the little extra options, but also better performance on the tracks for the weekends, but im not sure if the viscous,VDC and traction control really make a difference or will i regret not getting them after if i go NA

 

If I get a touring model would I be able to put in LSD? and how much around does it cost to buy and put it in? Also can I buy the 06 gps from nissan to use in the 04?

 

Welcome! It all depends what your gonna do. If your gonna be doing ALOT of canyons or track or anything like that, look at a track model. Track comes with Brembos and bigger tires. The base model doesnt come with LSD and for MOST people its almost a must.

P.S. Your gonna get a lot of "Do a search" so you might wanna try it.


WELCOME ABOARD!!!

 

VDC is basically traction control. I havent driven a Z without it but i wouldnt want a Z without it.

 

Welcome.

Please do a bit of research here. A complete list of model differences has been posted several times. For reliability check Consumer Reports.

 

If you get an 03 try and make sure it has warranty left. Drivetrain lasts till 60k (I think) bumper to bumper is 3yr/36k. I bought my 03 last may with 16k on it from a dealer. Ive had both window motors replace, the amps for the bose system, and the transmission. I LOVE the car, very happy with it, no Tire Feathering as of yet. To me the price difference was worth the use of the warranty...

P.S. I am also a fan of the VDC if you live where you get "bad" weather. we get rain and ocasional snow... its worth it.

 

Most of your 03s warranties will be running out this year unless you get an extended warranty included or purchase it afterward.

If you had considered getting a G35c, then I'd go with a Touring model. If you have been deadset on a Z all along, I'd get the track model. If you are thinking of still getting an 03 but don't want the extra cost of an extended warranty, then look at G35c since it comes with a 48 month/48,000 mile warranty instead of the 36 month/36,000 mile warranty for the Z. That will at least give you until sometime in 2007 (depending on in-service date) to make a decision whether or not you will want an extended warranty. Hope that helps.

 

What kind of race track? In a drag race, you don’t need the Brembo brakes. VDC equipped cars have the ABLS (Active Brake Limited Slip) to help the VLSD distribute torque. You’ll want that.

If you plan to go to a road race track, get the Brembos or budget for a BBK.

Putting in an aftermarket LSD is very expensive, unless you find a fully built assembly. 5-7 hours of work to swap and balance the internals. Not an economical solution, but you’d get a better unit than the OEM one.

 

So I should get a track or enthusiast for the lsd, and I could buy leather 350z seats from the dealer? Im not big on the brembos but I would like leather seats and lsd, lsd seems to be a nice performance part.


or does the 2004 touring come with lsd?

 

All Z but the base comes with the LSD.

Try and find a used 35th anniversary

 

I thought that was only the 05-06 models that come with it except for the base.

The 2004 touring doesnt say it has lsd.

 

bumps