Hey guys,

I'm new here to the 350Z forums, but not new to forums in general. Please forgive me if these questions have been asked before, I have searched the forums here.

I'm in the market for a used 350Z and I've been searching to try to find out the subtle differences between all the different model 350Zs. So far everything I can come up with is:

Leather seats in certain models.
Touring models seem to be automatic only.
Bose audio system (how good is it compared to a car with a non-Bose system?)
TCS in certain models.
Viscous diff. in certain models.
Steering wheel controls in certain models as well.
Homelink unit & dimming mirror on certain models.

Are there any other options? Exactly what models are there from between 2003 and 2004? These two years are more of what's in my price range.

Anything the 2003-2004 years are infamous for that I should look for when test driving? (This I have not searched for, but will after I post this thread.)

As far as colors go...is the White a Pearl White? Or is it a flat White?

That should be it for all the questions.

Thanks!

 

1) Leather in Touring & GT Only
2) You can get 5AT or 6MT in all Models
3) Bose Blows but is way better than non-bose
4) TCS on Enth, VDC on Touring, Pref, GT & Track, None on Base
5) LSD (of some form) on all models but Base.
6) If it has cruise, it has steering wheel controls
7) Correct

From '03 - '05 you could get HID in Enth or better only, now it is standard.

 

Almost except for number 2. All base models are 6MT.

 

Also, radio steering wheel controls are now on all 06 models, except base.

 

Sounds good, thanks for these quick replies guys!

Is there any way for me to tell what I'm looking at from just pictures and a breif description (example: ebay)

Some ads say what model they are, but most don't. Automatic would obviously be in Touring models, but can certain base models have the luxury of radio controls on the steering wheel - etc?

Also, it sounds like a Base model isn't really the way to go...no VDC/TCS/LSD...?

 

I have an 03 touring and its a 6spd

 

Correct. If you want to get a cheaper model, and dont need leather, bose, etc. I would recommend getting the enthusiast package. If you have any questions about a car online, post a link to it, and we will be able to tell you what model it is.

 

I have 04 Touring with 6MT. One other thing, I believe Track model only comes in 6MT, no auto.

 

My fault, I was under the impression the Tourings were all automatic, I think I heard that through the grapevine of car meets/friends/somehow. I was wrong!

camaro194: Thanks, I have about $19,500 to spend. I know that's not too much and there's not many Z's in this price-range, but I'm only 19 and unfortunately don't have any more money than that. I can do $20,500 at most, but I'd like to walk into a dealer and talk them down anyway.

The Enthusiast model will offer just traction control? Or will it offer a viscous diff. as well?

 

Yes, the Enthusiast has the diff. If you want to spend near $20K then look for an 03 Touring model. When buying the car new, the different trim levels can make as much as $10K difference. When buying used, they're basically all the same. I would aim for a higher used model than Enthusiast because it will be about the same price as Touring anyhow. Just find something with power leather seats. Some people put aftermarket leather in their cars but they aren't power. That will let you know it's touring along with the Bose system.

 

Rank in order of price:
Base
Enthusiast
Performance
Touring
Track
Grand Touring

 

Sounds good. The only thing that I suspect is that I'm going to pay a bit more for a Touring model with more miles than a lower mileage Enthusiast package. Is it safe to say this sounds right? In that case I would probably end up looking for an Enthusiast model, leather seats don't really matter to me. If anything I think I'd like cloth more. I've had cloth and leather in my cars, the cloth looks nice in the Z though, and things like steering wheel controls don't matter too much to me as well. If I can save some money by going Enthusiast I think I'd rather do that. Don't get me wrong I appreciate your information though.

 

Chancy from 3si?????? My board name is Scrmn3k on 3si. I just picked up a 350z as well. I bought a 2003 track model with navigation, black leather, brembos, track wheels. I love it. Just go to any dealership and test drive the different models. I had to have leather, the stealth RT/TT spoiled me, some people on the boards said track models don't come in leather but I found one. Good luck with your purchase, I love my 350z (almost as much as my 3s)

Ian

 

Yep from 3Si. I looked at "spnall4" and just said to myself "now that's a name I'd see on 3Si..." LOL...

Good choice man, I was just looking into Typhoons as well (have always loved them) but I realized it's time to step things up and purchase something newer that won't give me too many problems. A well maintained Typhoon won't give me problems, but they're far and few between.

It doesn't matter to me if I have leather, I actually like the leather in the VR-4 but I think I'd like the cloth in the Z. The leather gets HOT, and I have 5% tint on the VR-4...it's also hard to keep looking nice, I spend too much time on paint and not enough on leather. Cloth is easier for me.

Sounds like you picked up a nice car! I'm jealous!

 

you'll love the 350z. If you went to ECG this year you would have seen shervins single turbo 350z roadster lol. I was looking forward to seeing your insanely clean 93. I think you'd be happy with an enthusiast model. I just couldn't pass up the 350z they were selling it for 28919 with 29k miles already about 800 under blue book. I walked out the door purchasing the car for 25250 plus they repainted all the scratches on the car, got me new brakes, changed all four tires as well. I went to the dealership (on a rainy day) around 8:15 they closed at 9 i didn't leave till 10:15. I'm sure they were happy to just get a sale.

Ian

 

Sounds like you got a great deal man. I'm definitely jealous...unfortuantely I wasn't able to attend the ECG because I had damn finals that week. I'm still bitter I wasn't able to go. I actually have a picture of that roadster saved. My jaw dropped when I saw it. GORGEOUS car. Fortunately and unfortunately I think it's time to unload the '93 - cut my losses and walk away with something new. I'd love to own a 350Z and I think I can pull it off for sure. I also think I'd be happy with an Enthusiast model. I just need to find out if the White is a Pearl White or not.

 

Sounds like your an Enthusiast model kind of guy! Best bang for buck.

I believe the white is a Pearl white.

 

Thanks for the information!

 

Like they have already told you they mainly just go on options not trim levels for the used cars, and if you stick to it man you will find your car I bought my 03 track with 18000 miles on it for 20,100 out the door.... its doable

 

How about a used SRT Neon?