I test drove a similar model a few days prior and I dont remember much whine/noise in the cabin with the radio and air off. The clutch on this model feels really heavy and short so it doesnt take much to get it in gear. I wish there were more models close to me that I could test drive or pick otherwise ill end up taking hour trips to different dealers to find the perfect one. I think im going to give the car one more test drive and bring someone else with me to see what they think. I'm tempted to have the dealer bring it to a Nissan repair shop to get it inspected for the transmission, clutch, and any other TSB items.

 

i know what your saying i have been looking around for deals and i can't find to many close by. my closest is 25 miles but every other one is like 100+ i really want the touring and i want an 04 too so it really limits my search. havent decided if i want an AT or MT. im leaning more towards the MT though. i don't know to much about the noise your talking about but could it be coming from the fuel pump? like i said i don't know to much about nissan but in alot of hondas ive drove and been in i here a hi pitch sound and found it was coming from the intank fuel pump. but honda and nissan are two different cars and honda don't compare to the Z so it my

 

The clutch pedal is heavy and your left calf will definitely grow by driving this car but....the normal engagement point is about halfway up. It sounds like someone adjusted this lower, which is a good mod actually. But stock it shouldn't engage untill you're well off the floor. I wouldn't consider this a problem unless it's causing you to grind gears.

Most dealers won't take on the burden of this expense just to potentially get your sale. But if you love the car and think it's OK overall, just get things in writing. In the past I've gotten stuff in writing where I bought a car and had them write in that they would address X, Y, and Z. We ended up getting a new A/C unit out of it (my wife's 2002 3-series). just be specific and say things like "will investigate and repair/replace X as necessary" or something. Some dealers give like a 3-month used car warranty as well. That might cover things but check into it first.

 

Well I called the local Nissan repair shop. The previous owner had a few things done there but no big recalls other than the power window. I also did not see any transmission work show up on the carfax report. Hell I might just be going crazy after reading all 22+ pages of tire and tranny problems. I'm almost tempted to get an 05 instead just so I can have the peace of mind that there arent any recalls and repairs needed. But theres only 1 reasonable 05 near me and its still a bit more than the one im looking at right now.

 

Don't let this site bias you too much. You're not going to see posts about the positives (how great the steering wheel is, how good the suspension is, etc.). People only post here to complain or see if others have the same issue.

Don't be afraid of an 03 or 04. They are perhaps more likely to have a known issue but it's not a guaranty. I bought my 03 w/ 6k miles on it...becoming it's 3rd owner. Zero problems in the past 2 years.

(Side note: I eventually met the previous owner at a Z meet. He had traded my car in to get a different color!. )

 

It looks like im going back to the dealership to have my dad test drive this car and see what he thinks. I guess if i think the tranny is going bad i should look too see if the gears grind in 3rd or higher. Any other advice?

 

Ok well i bit the bullet. I retest drove the car with my dad and he enjoyed the hell out of it. I listened hard for anything out of the ordinary and it all sounded good. I've got my self a sweet 03 enthusiast!! I'm posting this now because I dont wanna get a ticket on my first night of owning it

 

berralman
Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: maryland
Posts: 9
iTrader: (0)

That is too cool. It has been 29 months since you registered. You are very patient. Where in Maryland are you?

 

Color:
blue Z/G Owner:
yes Trim Level:
track Location:
maryland

And I see that you wasted no time changing your profile.

 

lol, I was anxious to get some dinner and go out for a spin. Its the dark silver color which i love. Im definately happy I got the enthusiast model but having the tourings heated seats would be a nice plus since i just bought a rear wheel drive right in the winter. Gonna show off the new car to some friends!

 

Maryland is a 350Z enthusiast state. Check the regional forum for local meets. On Sunday several members will be at Maryland International Raceway. I will be racing at Cecil County Dragway. Hope to see you soon.

 

Hey, congrats! Enjoy.

 

Thanks, I cant wait to get off of work and drive around.