Hi, I'm new to these forums. I've been looking at a Z for a little bit and have determined that I can't afford a new one. I was just going to hold off til next year when I could afford a bigger down payment but tonight I was at the gas station and saw an 06 Daytona Blue Z. I want either blue or black so I went up to the guy and asked if he was thinking of selling the car anytime soon. He told me he was considering it. It's an 06 with about 21,000 miles on it. The only car I've ever bought was my current one from my dad so I have a few questions...

1) He told me that the 06s had some sort of oil issue but that he wasn't sure if it affected his since he always changes the oil...is this something I need to worry about?

2) It is the base model, I was looking for the enthusiast. How important are the rear differential and TCS? I would like cruise control and aluminum pedals but I can probably live without cruise control and I imagine it is pretty easy to add aluminum pedals. I live in AZ so no leather is probably a god thing and I don't care about Bose audio as I will probably install a new stereo so I can listen to my iPod. That being said, will I regret getting the base model?

3) Is the warranty transferrable? In the same area what do I need to do to make sure everything is in good shape? Do any members of the forum know of somewhere in Phoenix that I can take it to to have it checked out?

4) As I said it has 21,000 miles, it is owned by an older guy who I imagine treated it very well, assuming the interior is nice what is a reasonable price (KBB is just under 22k)?

5) I think I want the Nismo exhaust, how much does that run and are there other exhausts that sound better?

Any advice is greatly appreciated...as I said this will be the first car I buy on my own and I don't want to get screwed. Thanks.

 

as a guy who has a 06 DB Z, i can answer some of your questions.

1. i would really get the motor checked out anyway... i dont care if you change your oil every 3000 miles, the car shouldnt be eating oil. yes 06 MT's are notorious for oil consumption, so if he said it is having that problem, notify your nearest dealer right away (assuming warranty carries over which i think it does, not 100% sure)

2. this all depends on what kind of driver you are, if you like the fishtailing action and canyon runs, i dont think you will miss the TCS much. the TCS has gotten me out of predicaments before such as hydroplaning and slippery starts when the road is wet. cruise control i only use on long trips which is very rare in this car. aluminum pedals is just for looks, doesnt affect the cars performance what-so-ever.

3. take it to a dealer or mechanic you trust, see if there is any frame damage or salvage title or anything like that. try carfax or another method. you can probably ask the guys in the regional forums if they know any places in the phoenix area to have the car checked out before you buy.

4. cant really answer this question because it really depends on how the car runs and if it really has been taken care of, dont just take the guy's word for it, test drive it and have another person or 2 look at the car for you as well. if it is private party i assume his price is OBO so you can probably strike a deal with him.

5. i like the nismo exhaust as well and i am planning to get it as well. nismo's usually run about 900-950 new shipped from the guys at west co nissan here in so. cal. used, you are looking around 600-800 depending on the seller and how much it has been used. exhaust sounds are very subjective so my advice is to go to a local Z meet or something and ask to hear various exhausts and you pick which one makes you smile the most. nismo has a sound that amplifies the stock sound and in some cases makes it sound a little bit meaner than stock. like i said, this question is very debatable. most guys on this forum like the HKS or the greddys.

 

Welcome.

The 2006 does have oil consumption problems that are seen here. Considering that this is an enthusiast forum, I believe that the problem is exaggerated.

The warranty belongs to the car not the owner. No need to transfer.

 

+1 its exaggerated.....but have a z with OC and the exaggeration isnt so much an exaggeration....its a huge PITA. but the OC is hit and run and as seen on this forum not everyone has it....so you can take the gamble and or get a different year z

 

You've covered the major differences with the base model.
Most people that want to have traction off the line will need a limited slip differential($1000+/-).

For freeway driving, trips and to avoid speeding tickets by inattentiveness, cruise control is really nice(you can't add it after market for practical purposes).

TCS is most debated by aggressive drivers, but its value in rainy weather or snow isn't debated much. Arizona is not known for that type of weather.

The '06 rev-up engines(red line is 7000) are more prone to be oil-burners. My calcs are about 10% experience some consumption above norm, but most aren't more than a qt/4000 miles so you aren't really affected if you change the oil at recommended intervals. Again, an educated guess is that 3% consumed like 2-cycle engines and are being replaced. My estimates are only based on my Dealer's number of sales and service department dealings. There is a huge thread here on the issue posted almost entirely by those that have been in the unlucky group.

The oil consumption risk of the man. transm. '06 is offset by the upgrades that were done in '06 to the interior, lights, and brakes(most noticeable changes).
Good luck.

 

In reference to the 21,000 miles on the car, I think how the car was driven is way more relevant than the mileage. These cars tend to last a long, long time if not abused...and I don't think driving a sports car hard is abusing it. Naturally, some things will wear quicker if high demand is placed on them.

 

how much are you getting it for?

 

How do you like the new ride?

 

I love the follow up David. Now only if NNA was so prompt.

 

LOL. Maybe I should work for Nissan. If I can follow up on a 100 members, certainly Nissan can follow up on 100 350Z complaints. Its not rocket science.