Well, I am looking to get a Z and have set my budget at $25k.

It will be my daily driver and will see a couple of track days and maybe an autocross or two throughout the summer. So, VLSD is a required option.

From reading around, all have their quirks: 2003-04 have alignment issues, 2006 may have oil consumption, but has the updated interior etc. Also, I doubt I could find a used 06 with Enthusiast package for $25k and Base doesn't even have cruise control, which may make it difficult to sell later. The stability control on Touring may be nice in the winter on snow, although intrusive at the track.

As well, I would very much like to have at least one year of factory warranty remaining, which eliminates 2003 models.

I think my budget could get me one of these options:
2003 Enthusiast/Touring/Track
2004 Enthusiast/Touring
2005 Enthusiast
2006 Base

Now, the question is what are the best options for my budget based on your experiences with these fine automobiles? Although I like the 2006 wheels and interior materials, I'm leaning towards 2005 Enthusiast, which weighs less and would have the VLSD.

Thank you for any input.

 

You could probably get an 05 track in your budget.

 

Really? That would be nice! I don't suppose 06 Enthusiast under 10k miles would be in this price range?

I'm actually looking to import it to Canada, so I'm searching internet sources: cars.com, autotrader.com. Side question: if there are any other sites I should be browsing, please let me know. Thanks!

 

hey dont bash on the 03 models. mine barely has 50k miles on it and she runs like a champ. and yes she's for sale and i bought the extended warrarnty on it, so if im not mistaken it has a 100k/5yr (2yrs left) warranty on it. and yes its transferrable

nismo coldair intake, nismo exhaust, 20" axis 7mod rims.

 

Thank you. Unfortunately, I checked into warranties and extended warranties from the U.S. are not valid in Canada (unless the 3rd party provider has such an arrangement), just the standard factory warranty. That's really unfortunate, since I would consider those with a good extended warranty.

 

I'd suggest either an '05/'06 Enthusiast model.

 

Uh.. don't forget the OP is in Canada. The Z sells for a lot more up there.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissa...QQcmdZViewItem

 

2004 Touring. Better TQ than 05+ and that's what gets you rollin'. Best interior as well.

My 2nd choice of those options might be the 03 Track just for the Brembos and because that's a more rare vehicle.

 

Well you have already taken the first step: set a budget. All the options are a good choice. I recommend that you shop by mileage not model years. In other words a 2004 with 30,000 miles is a better choice that a 2005 with 60,000. Now go shopping.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone! Much appreciated.

I really want some factory warranty remaining, so now, I'm looking for 2005+ models. The 2006 is very nice, but the weight gain is not desirable.

I'm searching online hard, but it drives me crazy how much misrepresentation there is. For example, listing claiming Enthusiast, but the wheel has no cruise controls, or claiming track model, but no Brembos in the pics. Makes you think twice about the seller.

Anyways, if anyone spots one for sale in North East, please let me know. 2005-06 Enthusiast, manual, everything except white, red, or yellow is ok.

 

2006 models does NOT weight more.

 

Sounds like you know what to look for and have done your homework. Good luck with what ever you choose!


<<--- 95 240sx $5500. 04 350Ztt $25,500.

 

Whoa! If I had $$ I'd hop on your 240......

 

05 track would be your best bet. Its got the 06 engine, lighter weight (supposidley(sp?)), brembo brakes and the lightweight track wheels.

 

Hey man,

We talking $25k US? or $25k Can?...
You will not find a clean '05 with decent Km's in can, for that price.. Maybe an '03 with at least 70k+ km..

If you are looking south of the border, I am sure you can score an '05 enthusiast for $25k US, but it would probably have some mileage on it..

Good luck & happy hunting!

R

 

It will not be your daily driver for long if you drive it in the snow. It is not a winter car.

 

the Z is fine in snow as long as your not an idiot and CREEP, just like an y other car, dont take turns or accelerate too fast, and damn sure dont accelerate around corners, you HAVE TO CREEP if you plan on keeping your Z in the snow, i've driven it 100 times in the snow and not had one problem.

 

2005 Base Coupe: 3,188lbs
2006 Base Coupe: 3,339lbs

Source: NissanUSA.com or Edmunds.com

 

^people actually weight their Z on track.. Their advertizement info is incorrect.