I've been looking into getting a used 03 base or enthusiast model. I found one at a local dealership with about 52000 miles. As I test drove it the clutch felt really heavy compared to another model I drove and the shifter felt more notchy than usual. I ground 3rd gear a few times like it was my first time driving a manual. There also seemed to be a slight whining sound in the cabin as I drove without the radio or air on. The car also had a JWT intake but I could not feel/hear a difference with it on. I've seen several posts about transmissions in 03's needing to be replaced. Could this be signs that it needs to be replaced or that it was not properly adjusted? Hopefully I'll be able to test drive another 03 later today to compare against before I go back. Thanks

 

Welcome. Its difficult to judge a car that you are not familiar with. Drive several. You will find the one that feels right to you.

 

you really wont feel a difference from one that has an intake and one that does not, since the intake will only give you about 5whp which really isnt noticable. I would acutally try to find a used stock one with no mods becuase you know if the car has mods on it then chances are that it has been beaten on like all of our cars here

 

Yeah I figured the used ones would all drive a little differently, but after reading all those transmission replacement posts I didn't want to get stuck with a car that needed a replaced transmission off the bat. Is there a way to adjust the clutch pedal so it would feel a little lighter?

 

that noise is common with z''s. i jsut turn the radio up

 

If the noise is common, what causes it? Maybe some sound dampening later on would help.

 

Try not buying a Z with several previous owners.

 

I'm not sure what is specifically covered in the warranty as related to manual transmission, but if something is wrong it may be covered under the 5/60,000 powertrain which is automatically transfered.

 

Don't buy a used sports car unless you know the previous owner
took better care of it then he did his kids lol just my 2cents! Save
up and get a new one where you are the sole and only person to ever
touch it, well other then the idiots at the stealership! haha

 

We do not have a used 03 but we do have a used 05 yellow black leather int. 6 speed trans brembo brakes nismo cat back nismo cold air nismo suspension 4,700miles great shape $29,995. If interested come see me first and we will get them down off of that price. My names is James in parts of the Don Davis Nissan of Grapevine.

 

I would not by an '03 350Z with 52,000 miles. My .02

 

Just an FYI i have an 05 Touring model. 19K miles. Have the Jim Wolf Intake. Selling for 26.

 

If your worried about transmission problems, pick up a nissan extended warranty with it...

 

some 03's have been known to have tranny issues.

 

Yeah the tranny issue is my biggest concern. I've been reading up on that and feathering on the 03's and I'm trying to determine if the car im looking at has the symptoms. I'd love to get it but I don't want to end up spending a few thousand more to fix a tranny down the road if it is indeed bad.

 

I'm not worried, because my '06 has a 5AT.

 

Try to get a local Z owner to come with you for the test drive. They'll be able to tell how good/bad the car you're looking at drives.

The Z transmission is not smooth. In good condition or bad. But grinding when the clutch is all the way in is a bad sign. Try another Z (any year) and compare. If you don't grind at all in another car then the 03 has an issue.

 

I paid $18,000 for my '03 Performance 6MT with factory navigation with 48k miles. I'm sure you can find a good deal on something. There were a lot of 03's and '04's around $20,000 with 30-50k miles.

 

I had one of my car buddies test drive it yesterday. Too much traffic that he couldnt test out 3rd and 4th gear much for me. He thinks all it needs is the clutch pedal adjusted and maybe better transmission fluid. He did notice the whine in the cabin while he drove and wasn't sure if that transmission whine was common or a sign it was going bad. I believe the next closest Z I can find to test drive is close to an hour away.

 

The clutch engagement is fairly high up and takes a bit getting used to IMO.

In 1st you'll hear the transmission whine if your revs are high and you let off the gas to coast (clutch not in).

Did the car you test have the Bose stereo? There have been some techincal bulletins about various things with that setup. I don't have a whine in my 03.

Is there a chance the whine is more you just not being familiar with the interior noise of the car? The 03's aren't all that quiet. But if you have any concerns, just hold out and wait for another car.