So ive heard that the 03 have the most problems, but its alos the lightest one, with the most lbFt, and alos cheaper becuase its the first one.

i like the small updtaes that have been done druing the year but they are no really big ones.

2003
287hp
276 lbFt
weight 3150lb

2005 35th
300hp
260lb ft
3228 lb

2006
300hp
260 lbft
3435 lb

the 06 is alot heavier then the 2003, which makes a diffrense in performance.

Is 2004 the same as the 2003? what was the minor updates? except fixes?

what model and trim is the better one?

have it in the leasing location, but got no hits

 

Your facts seem right, and you've obviously done your research.

I think the small (1 or 3 percent) differences in weight / engine should not be the main deciding factor. You should consider, rather, the large price differences between a used 2003 and a newer car.

Saving 8,000 on buying a 2003 will give you 8,000 extra to buy mods. Then performance will be Far better (As long as you're happy driving an older vehicle).

Same goes for trim... if you are upgrading parts, (especially LSD / brakes) get the base. If you're not, then get a trim level you are content with.

The final decision's really up to your own personal taste.

 

I've got an 03' and have no probs. However, I bought it w/ 8,000mi. on the odometer and the person who bought it new had the tire feathering prob. fixed. I have since put 10k mi. on it and no prob. whatsoever. I had the fuel recall done and the car runs super strong. I believe that the 03's are the truest form of performance that the 350 came. Since, they got heavier, lost torque, the suspension got more tame and they gained more civility. I love my 03' and wouldn't trade it for a newer year straight up. It handles like a beast w/ only the Stillen sways and I've got a bunch of bolt-ons. The hardest thing to lose w/ this car is weight and I love the fact that its' almost 300lbs. lighter than the 06'. There have been a lot of probs. w/ trannys on 03's so it's hard to advise you to look for one but if you do find a good specimen, it will be cheaper and allow you to add some personal touches. Sorry about the novel but just wanted to help you out. Good luck w/ your decision.

 

thank you for the input. yeah i was looking at a z on this forum, which was selling a track ed, and he said he got the tranny fixed and the fethering which i understand is the two major problems. So with those check of should be of pretty good with an 2003?

 

You should be good. I'd ask for the receipts for the work that was performed though and I'd make sure that the car was still under the powertrain warranty, just in case. Also, make sure that the warranty would transfer over to a new owner.

 

2003 Touring here with 33,000 miles. No problems at all! Car is great. I wouldn't let the first producion year sway you from buying a vehicle, you may pass on a great deal!

 

remember the hp and torque are the same as the 03 if you get an auto z.

 

Autos are for chicks

 

...and you lose an extra 5% throught drivetrain loss.

 

ha yeah i just saved 10,000 buying an auto it was worth it.

oh and Edit - https://my350z.com/forum/drag/20424-1-4-mile-time-4-5at.html

 

Between 2003-2005, enthusiast was best bang for buck. However, w/ the new editions to the 2006, the Base is now best bang. However, if you want an LSD, homelink, enthusaist is still for you. If it matters, id opt for 2005 35th or 2005 track.

 

get a 2004.5

 

2003 rocks!

 

Good to see I'm not alone. I agree with 03performz. Get receipts for all the work that was done.

I saved $10K by buying an '03 Touring over an '06, and all the bugs (hopefully) are worked out by now. It took awhile to get over the worries, but now I'm really "enjoying the ride".

 

haha cant drive AT... need MT. thanks for all the input.

 

FWIW, I bought my 03 Track w/ 6k miles on it....and I'm the 3rd owner. And yes, it's been trouble-free for the 16k+ miles I've since put on it.

Once you get the 03 issues addressed under warranty, the 03 is no different than the newer models IMO.

Please, please, please don't get caught up on the "03 problems". They still exist in 04's and 05's...they just have less of an opportunity to occur. It's more of a car-specific issue than year-specific.

 

what is better about the track 03 then the other 2003 ones, just for the sake of it say the enthusiast trim.

 

The track has Brembo brakes and 18" wheels over the Enthusiast. I can't remember what else it has over it, but it's been listed. I'll see if I can find it.

Edit: The track also has an underbody aero kit w/ rear hatch spoiler and is only available in the 6-speed.

 

Right. The Track has the Brembo brakes, the rear spoiler, and some underbody air diffusers. The one I got had rims and tires already on it so it was an even better deal.

But the Enthusiast is the best bang-for-buck Z available...any year.