f1reskies

So anyway ive been working my butt off for the past year to make enough money to buy a 350z. Im only 19 but am not interested in having my parents buy me the car, i wanted to work for something and really call the car mine. I went to the dealership today to test drive the 350z and anyway i seem to have a few options. The dealership still has a few 06 models left over brand new that they could give me a really good deal on. A base 06 coupe for 26,500 brand new, and a 06 touring coupe for 29,500 brand new. However, i was able to work them down on a 07 for a base to about 28,500. The guy is telling me that the 07 model is far superior due to its twin intake air system and higher redline and a few other things he mentioned. I was wondering if i should bother spending the extra money on a 2007 and if it is really worth it. And secondly, if not spend the extra on the 2007, i read that the 06 is notorious for oil issues but i havent seem to read anything bad about the 2005 model. Is it better to go with a 2005?
Thanks

led

iTrader: (6)

From what I heard, your best bet is either the 2005 or the 2007. 2006 had the oil issue, and 2003-2004 had the tire feathering issue.

I bought my Z used with 7,000 miles on it and I saved about $12,000. The miles didn't really matter because I put on about 2,000 miles a month anyways. If you want the most bang for your buck, I would go for the 2005. If you can squeeze a couple thousand out of your parents, I would go with the 2007.

realcom2

IMO I would not get the base model of any of the years unless all you care about is the body style and plan on stripping and rebuilding the car soon after purchasing. I got my 05 enthuiast in 05 for just under 27K. I have had no problems but I also only have a little over 8K miles.

I know you heard it before but dont forget that the Z is a totally impractical car so I would also reccomend having a second vehicle or at least access to one when you need it. Good luck.

f1reskies

yea i also have a nissan murano at my use in case of inclimate weather and such. but anyway i think im going to look at some 2005 models and see what kind of prices i can find.i just liked the fact that the xenon headlights were standard on all the 2006 models. does the oil problem on the 2006 model happen in all of them or just some of them? and im also guessing nissan dosent recognize the problem or have a recall for it because i asked the sales man and he said it dosent happen. lol dont you love dealerships.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Welcome. There are differences between each model year. I would not describe any year as being superior to another.

Reliability: check Consumer Reports.

Your budget should include auto insurance. Contact your agent for a quote.

New York and snow and the 350Z are a poor combination for a daily driver.

asuls1

Is it really true that buying a low mileage (sub 30k) 03 Z is a terrible decision? Do the majority really have major issues??

jaida86

iTrader: (2)

hey welcome! i bought my Z used, its an 03 touring. it will save you quite a bit of money buying a used car. im 19 as well and i know i would much rather have a lesser payment if you are financing. What kind of car did you have previously, driving exp etc. people our age are good targets for getting some flack unless you have some previous experience in "driving". just make sure you dont jump the gun!

ANXIOUZ

iTrader: (13)

If you can comfortably afford an 07 w/ insurance, that's the most reliable bet.

But saving $5k and getting a low-mileage 05 would be ideal. Yes the 07's are better but saving several thousand bones is nothing to sneeze at.

BRONZEE

Welcome to Z community! Firstly have you driven a 350 as yet?? If yes, which one offered what you are looking for in your new car???

+ 1, plus all your other running expenses, including tyres and servicing etc, etc if you're not intending on doing this yourself. Mods, if you are thinking about mods.

The Brickyard Rat

iTrader: (1)

I'd get a new 06 Enthusiast or higher. Any problems will be under warrenty.

xalos1

Enthusiast or higher is a no brainer... Also, listen to what everyone is telling you $AVE $OME MULA!!! get a used one, I also recommend that you don't get anything below the 05. And probably the 05 is a great choice. Will depend on your budget...

I got an 05 Roadster with 17K miles back in September of 06 for 24K... You just have to keep the eyes open and jump on a good deal the moment it comes out.

Good luck!!!

TurboTrey

I would not go with an '06 since the '07s are out now. They have been offering those same prices on the new ones for at least a year. I got offered a new '06 base a year ago for 25,800. I turned it down and went with a '03 with 45k on it. I got the Performance model which has the TCS/VDS, tire pressure monitor, and cruise control. Also it came with a factory navigation. I only paid $18,000 for it. The warranty would be nice to have on a new one but if you drive a lot those warranties can only last for a year or two.

f1reskies

yes i took the car for a test drive today for the first time and absoultely loved it. luckily also i had a 23 year old salesman with me and let me really experience the car and open it up to see the amazing power ive been hearing about. Anyway i was looking at the enthuiast package as i really dont need all the fancy stuff that comes in a touring, im perfectly fine without leather and gps and bose. and if anything i can always put in an aftermarket sound system. But by the way how is the base sound system? I would of listened to it but there was no atenna on the car that i drove. Anyway i think ill go to save the extra money as all the repairs on the car that ive been reading about seems pretty hefty. Although if i get for instance a 2005 with about
10k miles, all the issues like the transmission and window motors are under warranty for 5 years or 60k miles correct?

jaida86

iTrader: (2)

i would change out the stock system if its just the base. its not bad but on higher volumes it gets some distortion, that was in an 06 that i test drove about a month ago.

joe_blow_xbox

iTrader: (1)

My one mod so far on my 06 base. Yank out that horrible stereo and speakers and put in something that sounds better than a rental car. Did that within the first week.

Honestly, the base radio and speakers are extremely poor. Do a search for swapping out speakers and you'll see what I mean.

Put it this way, I still have stock speakers in my 01 Focus, and they are WAY better than the Z's. I only switched out the head unit to listen to MP3s.

The car is great, but the radio is unacceptable.

SOLO-350Z

iTrader: (26)

Really the oil problem is a catch or miss thing. My 05 G35 with the Rev-up had 28k of miles and I raced it. Never used oil in the 6k oil changes I did.

I used Amsoil 5w30 in it from 1000 miles.

350Z_LEE

iTrader: (9)

+1

shanki456

I own a 2001 maxima ATM, but in the process of getting an 07 Z, and in Massachusetts, the insurance rates is only 250 dollars more a year than it is for my maxima, and I'm only 19.

Fooshe

iTrader: (42)

If you were in CA, there is a dealership that has left over 06's. I found an enthus. model and they offered it to me for $26,000.

whiting002

If you decide to buy new from a dealer, make sure you do a little research first because you should be able to get this car for a lot less than 28,500. You could probably get an Enthusiast for 28,500.