NEED HELP!! how to spot problems during test drive?
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From: vancouver
NEED HELP!! how to spot problems during test drive?
hi guys,
im planning on test driving a second hand 2003 6mt z. im aware that there are tranny, tire feathering, and window motor problems.
if anybody could advise me as to how i can spot the tranny and tire feathering problems during the test drive that would be great.
where do i look? ?
PLEASE HELPPPPP!!
im planning on test driving a second hand 2003 6mt z. im aware that there are tranny, tire feathering, and window motor problems.
if anybody could advise me as to how i can spot the tranny and tire feathering problems during the test drive that would be great.
where do i look? ?
PLEASE HELPPPPP!!
Last edited by biggdizz; Oct 16, 2008 at 11:48 PM.
if you need more info on the tranny and tire feathering, go to the maintenance & repair section, they have tons of info on these problems.
as for the test drive, make sure all shifter goes into all gears smoothly, especially third (i believe most people have complained about the syncros for this gear). for tire feathering, look at the inner tread-wear on the front tires. if it seems a lot more worn then the outsides, this is an indication of tire feathering. another indication would be excessive tire noise at low speed levels, i.e. 0-15/20mph (the noise itself isnt an indication, because it could also mean the tires need to be replaced).
and remember to put down the hammer, cause you want to know what you're getting into! have fun
as for the test drive, make sure all shifter goes into all gears smoothly, especially third (i believe most people have complained about the syncros for this gear). for tire feathering, look at the inner tread-wear on the front tires. if it seems a lot more worn then the outsides, this is an indication of tire feathering. another indication would be excessive tire noise at low speed levels, i.e. 0-15/20mph (the noise itself isnt an indication, because it could also mean the tires need to be replaced).
and remember to put down the hammer, cause you want to know what you're getting into! have fun
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Tennessee
Make sure to drive next to a wall or something, something where the sounds of the car will reflect back on you. This can help you notice any strange sounds the car is making while driving.
This is how I first noticed the rear axle clicking in my Z.
This is how I first noticed the rear axle clicking in my Z.
the way i was told to do a quick tranny check was to go through all of the gears from a stop while never using the gas. apparently a bad clutch or one thats about to go out cant do this. you will wind up going like 30mph in 6th
^ +1
Check if it's certified before you buy any vehicle so you don't have to worry about the enigne, tranny..these are the most expensive things that you don't wanna mess with, cluth and all other stuff are cost a lot too but it can be fixed so easily compare to the engine, tranny.
Good Luck.
Check if it's certified before you buy any vehicle so you don't have to worry about the enigne, tranny..these are the most expensive things that you don't wanna mess with, cluth and all other stuff are cost a lot too but it can be fixed so easily compare to the engine, tranny.
Good Luck.
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best advice you could get.. why does no one actually do this? if you are about to drop this kind of money, is 100$ really a big deal?
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Cali
Just take the car before you buy it too your repair man. thats what i did i had everything check out on the car just learn what problems the 03 Z's have and tell your repair man too check all that stuff out.
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Joined: May 2006
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From: sims, nc
I have no idea where you heard that (some message baord I suppose) but is completely false.
bill
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From: riverside
Check the tires. They should have plenty of tread on them.
Check the brakes. They should also have plenty of material left on them.
During the drive, check for drivetrain slack. Go to about 40mph, in 3rd, and let on and off the gas, putting a slight load on the drivetrain, then no load, and vice versa. Any severe bumps are a sign of drivetrain slack.
Go through all the gears, both at low and high speeds, shifting up AND down. You should be able to get into 2nd gear at 55, and 1st gear at 30.
Smell for problems, watch the exhaust.
Feel the clutch grab and uptake points. If possible, contact a local Z owner and have them go with you and drive the car as well (be sure to supply lunch/dinner/beers).
Look for repainted panels; feel the panel gaps. A grainy feel is the sign of a cheap paint job. If it has been painted and you can't feel the grain, then it was probably a good job anyways. Check panel gaps; they should be consistant throughout the car.
Pop the hood. Look at the air filter. It should be clean. Look at the bolts holding down different components of the engine. Important bolts will have been painted over from the factory. If any of the painted bolts have marks on them, then something has been removed before and possibly replaced.
my $.02
Check the brakes. They should also have plenty of material left on them.
During the drive, check for drivetrain slack. Go to about 40mph, in 3rd, and let on and off the gas, putting a slight load on the drivetrain, then no load, and vice versa. Any severe bumps are a sign of drivetrain slack.
Go through all the gears, both at low and high speeds, shifting up AND down. You should be able to get into 2nd gear at 55, and 1st gear at 30.
Smell for problems, watch the exhaust.
Feel the clutch grab and uptake points. If possible, contact a local Z owner and have them go with you and drive the car as well (be sure to supply lunch/dinner/beers).
Look for repainted panels; feel the panel gaps. A grainy feel is the sign of a cheap paint job. If it has been painted and you can't feel the grain, then it was probably a good job anyways. Check panel gaps; they should be consistant throughout the car.
Pop the hood. Look at the air filter. It should be clean. Look at the bolts holding down different components of the engine. Important bolts will have been painted over from the factory. If any of the painted bolts have marks on them, then something has been removed before and possibly replaced.
my $.02
grab the VIN #. take it to a nissan dealer. pull the service history
on the vehicle. i have been on nissan lots and blatantly lied to. any
nissan service dept should be able to handle this. look for scary
visits - you'll see what was repaired under warranty and otherwise
if performed by nissan dealers. see if items similar to those discussed
above were treated. anyone that owned/leased the vehicle under
warranty likely serviced the car if any major issue arose, and now
you'll know.... and yes, have a geniune mechanic check it out and
drive it if possible. someone familiar with 350z's preferrably. our
cars often have very similar issues. gl!
on the vehicle. i have been on nissan lots and blatantly lied to. any
nissan service dept should be able to handle this. look for scary
visits - you'll see what was repaired under warranty and otherwise
if performed by nissan dealers. see if items similar to those discussed
above were treated. anyone that owned/leased the vehicle under
warranty likely serviced the car if any major issue arose, and now
you'll know.... and yes, have a geniune mechanic check it out and
drive it if possible. someone familiar with 350z's preferrably. our
cars often have very similar issues. gl!
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