So I'm going to buy a 2003 Z soon..
 

What should I expect? I've read that there are some tire feathering problems, window streaking problems, and the tranny issue. The car I want to get has about 34k miles but it is over 5 yrs old and the warranty is finished. How bad is the feathering/streaking? Should I not get?

i bought my 2003 Z on 12/20/05 with an extended warranty (WELL WORTH THE MONEY) with 25,000 miles on it
i never had the tire feathering problem (i guess the first owner got it fixed),
but i have had problems with the window streaking + i had to get the motor replaced becuase it kept winding itself down..and it sucks.
i had my tranny replaced twice (after the first time, it was hard to get it into reverse), but now it works great
i now have 47,xxx miles on it, and everythign seems to be fine

if the price is right, get it.
but i would definately recommend getting an extended warranty if possible

How do I go about getting an extended warranty for a car without a warranty?

i bought my 03 pereformance a few months back, i bought it from a used car honda dealer. they offered me an extended warranty but i turned it down. have not had one problem with the car. it had 20,400 miles on it and now it has a little over 35,000. btw i paid 20,800 ttl included (8months ago)

I bought my 03 about 2 months ago, I had my window motor replaced, I still have streaking though, I bought the extended warrenty, deff get that

only problem that i had wth my 03 was the stupid window streaking. only on the driver window

http://www.nissanextendedwarranty.com/

or just call your dealer for a quote... easy to do.

yes you can buy the warranty even if the factory warranty already expired.

what do ya'll mean by window streaking?!

If it is over 5 years old there's a high chance the original owner encountered all the problems associated with the 2003 models. If you can find a good owner, ask for service history/records --- he probably fixed all of the problems for you.
As far as the tire feathering goes, you shouldn't have to worry about it if you plan to get aftermarket suspension.

The grease from the window motors was getting on to the side windows when being rolled up/down. There is a TSB for it. Not that big of a deal IMO.
I have a 2003. I bought it new and it has been very reliable.

I got this problem on both windows on my 03... the B to B warranty is up but i still got 5 months for drivetrain....

what is TSB? is there a simple way to fix the problem?

TSB = Technical Service Bulletin

e.g.: 350zmotoring

:dunno: I don't know how simple it would be. I am not sure, but I believe the TSB was basically putting felt strips inside the door panel on or near the window motor where the grease was making contact with the window.

Seems the tranny is weak on the 03-04 Zs 6mt. I still have the powertrain warranty. I got all the minor issues fixed. Currently have 34xxx miles. Try not to get a really low mileage Z without the ext warranty.

Make sure the recall of the fuel hose was done.

if ur buying a 2003 soon, EXPECT anything, lmao
with no warranty thats the life i live with baby, rofl
:(

I've owned my pre-order 03 since Nov.2002, (4 and 1/2 sweet years).

Had driver side window motor replaced myself a couple months back($140, broke after warrenty)

Recalls it had(no charge dealer services):
1. feul line hose replacement.
2. front tires replaced and alignment for feathering(no problem since)

And yes I have window streaking, but doesn't bother me. I guess I could have had the dealer fix it.
Tranny has yet to failed me(knock on wood), and I am not easy on my tranny at all times.

Other than that it's the best car I've owned, most fun for sure(right up there with 240sx I had, but I was younger than too).

Enjoy

Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 95
iTrader: (0)

WOW! Are you the first forum member?

I joined in Dec 2002 and not enough posts. Members must live here to get 10s thousands posts.:icon11:

I have no life. Thanks for reminding me.:)