Well, I am this close to buying a Z for my birthday present from my husband. Been test driving all week and trying to distinquish which model, year, features, accessories and "extras" I want to spend money on. What do you think about the 2003 Touring? I heard that I shouldn't buy this year model because the engine was new in 2003 and its best to get a 2004. Any ideas? The used prices are ranging from $23,900 up to 27,000 with approximately 25K miles on them. Is this reasonable from a private party? Can't wait to own my very own Z and absolutely love the grip and the sporty-ness it offers.

 

good choice in vehicle and good luck with the purchase. you'll love it!

ps
welcome to the forums

 

hi, welcome to the forums!

i don't know how useful this information might be to you, but i just visited the nissan website, and there's a year-end sale going on right now. 27,650 for a new 06. i don't know what your price range is, but that might be a good option! check out the nissan site for some more info. good luck, your husband's a lucky guy!

 

There are issues with every year Z, as well as every other make and model automobile made. Z's are notorously know for they're faulty 6 speed trannys, if your husband prefers automatic, you should be fine. I have an 03 and yes the tranny has been replaced under fact. warranty, other than that no issues. A used Z has a fact. drivetrain warranty for 5yr/60,000.

 

i wish i got mine as a birthday present

 

For reliability data check Consumer Reports. I used to post the data, but after 100 times I got bored.

 

The engine is fine on the 2003s, there are some other issues, like the front end, if taken care of by the dealership shouldn't worry you. My 03 Touring has been a wonderful car so far. If you arereally concerned, go with an 05 or newer. Good luck and Happy Birthday!

 

dont pay that much for an 03! And the 03-04 has feathering issues, not to big of a problem. But the dealer DOES NOT always fix it. They claim its supposed to be done before 16K. at least my stealership. The 06 base is about 26-27K. And you could get the 05's for around 24-26 with around that mileage. I bought an 04 at the start of 04 performance. It had 29K and I paid 22K

 

Frined of mine just bought an '03 Track for $22,300 - loaded including navigation and only 23,000 miles. You can find a better deal I think. maybe an '05 to avoid the feathering issue if that is a concern. My '03 Performance has had almost no issues other than the feathering and that seems to be solved with aftermarket wheels/tires and alignments every 6 months, which is no big deal.

 

Welcome!

After living for half a century, you deserve a nice car!

My vote would be for an '06 or an '07 Touring model with a 5 speed automatic transmission [If you're going to have monthly payments].

They have the best features and the fewest problems.

Improved Bi-Xenon headlights, LED taillights, leather/heated/power seats, etc.

 

Congrats! Welcome!

 

+1...I have the 03 Touring also. No engine problems here, just the normal quirks that came with the 1st model to come out. I still love the car. Search the site a little bit. You'll find all the little problems the 03 models had.....Welcome to the forums.

 

I gave my wife a 35th AE 350 for her 40th birthday.

 

congrads and good luck with your choice!

 

I have no problems with my 03 touring except for the occassional passenger window noise. Other than that, my transmission hasn't given me any problems yet with 31k on the clock. Overal, the car is solid as you can get for the price. I say go for it and get the 6mt.

 

I love my '04 Touring. I think there are better deals to be had than what you listed. I got my '04 Touring w/ 12k miles for 21.5k Welcome to the forum.

 

I bought my '06 z with 6000 miles on it for $24,900. DO NOT pay 24-27 k for an '03 or even an '04.

 

I also have a '03 touring 6 spd pre-order. I love my car; I had many of the early quirks and recalls, etc but the trans has been fine. An '03 should be ok if the previous owner took care of all the TSB's and recalls. Happy Birthbay.

 

To avoid possibility of issues, I'd go for an 04 or later. As for model, the best bang for the buck is the Enthusiast model.

Here are clues to model(s) you may be looking at (do not take seller's word for it....we've seen many on here...including dealers...who had no clue what they were selling):

Base model: No cruise control on steering wheel

Enthusiast: TCS but no Bose stero

Performance: VDC but no Bose stero

Touring: Bose Stero

Track: Brembo brakes

There are other differences but those are fairly bullet proof in terms of telling which model.

If your paying over $25,000 I'd look at getting a new Enthusiast for not to much more. (Maybe a left over 2006 Enthusiast)

Congrats to you & your hubby!!

(To the leg humping members on here...go easy; she is a married woman looking for CAR advice!! LOL!)

 

Guilty....