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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

2003 Z. How are they?

Old Mar 27, 2006 | 02:13 PM
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Default 2003 Z. How are they?

Hello, I am new to this site and am about to buy a 350z. I have some quick questions.

Are there any major problems with the 2003 year Z?

I have the choice between a manual with 48k miles or a auto with 38k miles. I believe that the manual has 300-290hp and the auto has 280 or so hp, correct?

The manual is black, which I love but the auto is a dark grey color which I hate, but it does have 10k less miles.

Is a used 2003 worth it?
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 02:18 PM
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There is no 2003 Z with a 300HP engine. They started using that engine in 2005. All 03's have 287HP/274TQ. The "rev-up" engine has 300HP/260TQ. All automatics have the 287HP engine.

Can you get more specifics about the 2 cars? I'm not sure you have the year correct.

I have an 03 and love it.
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 02:35 PM
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Well you have to think about, Stick is fun but if you have alot of traffic in your ride, You might get tired of it, Automatic is good if you want to put a twin turbo, i heard it works very well for the auto. 03 you are going to see problems with federing in the front and maybe tranni problems. But the car is still a very good car. You will be satisfied. Do some searches before buying. Just get ready for all eyes on your Z.
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 02:41 PM
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I bought an '03 and I love it. This is the second '03 that I have owned and I have never had a problem.
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 02:42 PM
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how can we know if its worth it without a price?
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 02:43 PM
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I am all about performance and I would easily go with a manual over an automatic if there were drastic power differences, but I guess this is not the case with 03s. Both are enthusiast models. One is manual and my favorite color, but the other is an automatic with 10k miles less in a color I don't like or hate. I won't be stuck in traffic a lot, it would be enough to deal with. Hmm, if I spend 10k more I could get a base model manual with the 300 hp engine, but I heard that the newer models are a lot heavier so it might just balace itself out.
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 02:44 PM
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BTW...both cars are going for $20k.
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 02:47 PM
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03 here, 20k mi, goes great!
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 03:27 PM
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+1 03 base here
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by jordanair45
I am all about performance and I would easily go with a manual over an automatic if there were drastic power differences, but I guess this is not the case with 03s. Both are enthusiast models. One is manual and my favorite color, but the other is an automatic with 10k miles less in a color I don't like or hate. I won't be stuck in traffic a lot, it would be enough to deal with. Hmm, if I spend 10k more I could get a base model manual with the 300 hp engine, but I heard that the newer models are a lot heavier so it might just balace itself out.
You won't really notice a difference between the two engines. Really.

Instead of spending $10k more to get an 06 Base I would look at 04 or 05 Enthusiasts. You can get one of those for only a few $k more with much less miles. My 03 only has 17k miles on it so keep looking...there are a ton of Z's out there.

P.S. Get the manual.
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 03:36 PM
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[quote=El Guy]Well you have to think about, Stick is fun but if you have alot of traffic in your ride, You might get tired of it, Automatic is good if you want to put a twin turbo, i heard it works very well for the auto.quote]

uhh....no. Most turbo kits specifically say "for manual trans only". As far as buying an '03 Z, I did and I love mine.

p.s. Don't buy an automatic-(this is a sports car)
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 03:59 PM
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03 6spd. touring here. love it too much
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 04:00 PM
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pain in the ***, get a late 04.5 or newer
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by jinsei888
pain in the ***, get a late 04.5 or newer


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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 04:31 PM
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03 Track and no major problems.....little quirks, but those quirks werent limited to the 03s
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 05:28 PM
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03 DB Touring-30K & no problems.
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 11:12 PM
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i have an 03 DB Touring with 34K.. i've had a few probs.. but they're covered under warranty or tsb.. u can probably find a z with less miles.. and if u dont like the color, don't get it. also, get a manual over an auto (shouldn't even be brought up imo)
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Old Mar 27, 2006 | 11:33 PM
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Got an 03 touring last week...19k miles 21k and is SUPER clean. love it.
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 09:24 AM
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An 03 with 48K miles doesn't seem like it should cost $20K still. I have an 03 with 31K miles. You should talk them down with that kind of mileage on it.
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 09:34 AM
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03 Ss Touring, 32k Miles, No Problems That Arent Covered Under Warranty. See If Your Dealer Offers An Extended Warranty, If They Do Get It. I Got Bumper To Bumper For 5 Yrs Or 60,000 Miles.
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