I'm looking at a 2003 Z with 32,000 miles on it and........
 

I'm not sure what I should keep my eyes and ears open for before purchasing.
I read about some typical things that happen to the 2003 models like tire feathering. Is there anything else I should look for before this purchase?

This is my first used car experience. I come from a series of Audi S4 and A4's.
I'm just trying to start with a nice base for my daily driver 350Z.

There are some really good deals out there on used Z's.

I've also heard of transmission probablems on M/T but i got a 03 touring model with 75k with no problems.

I have an '03 Touring and my 3rd gear syncro is failing. 35K mi. I'm waiting for it to go completely before getting it replaced. :o

So i'm guessing that it is luck of the draw with this year cuz some people have problems and some don't....lol

No Problems on my tranny yet (O3' 45k). Tire feathering yes.

With this tire feathering issue, how extreme is it? Also, are you on stock suspension or OEM? How many miles can you get out of a set of tires before it gets out of control?

thanks.

I got me an 'O4 Touring Coupe with 13,201K (!!!) on it. Keep looking, it's out there waiting for you, dude!
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'O4 Touring Coupe: NO feathering, NO oil-consumption issue, FLAWLESS AT...NO PROBLEMO!!!

Get a professional alignment and you'll be fine. For me- that meant NOT having a Nissan dealership do it. Had it done by a professional tire shop and no problems in the last 20K since.

After that, tire wear depends on how you drive.

Thanks Z'd. I guess it doesnt sound that aggressive as long as you stay on top of the alignments mroe often then normal.

Hey J. Arnaldo, my name is Jonathan Arnold..LOL

I'm totally going to stalk you now

^^ lol ^^

Join Date: Feb 2003

How long have you been shopping? 6 years?

He's a really careful buyer. :icon17:

lol,

I currently have a 2007 Audi A4 Quattro. I am getting out of it and want to purchase something at the sametime lower my car payments. I was looking at either E36 Ms or the Z. I believe the Z would be the wiser choice for the simple fact of cost per fun factor and also up keep and maintenance costs in the long run. I was also thinking future and eventually turning the Z into a track car. I've been tracking the Audis for years now at Homestead, Sebring, and Road Atlanta. I would be using the Z as a daily driver now that I'm not putting on so many more miles as I'm use to doing and probably the occassional autocross.

I was just doing my homework before making a decision on a certain year or model. The funny thing is that I was on this site 6 years ago when it just formed looking at the Z but ended up staying with my Audi's. lol Now, I'm back on here and the Z is ah callin again. lol

i have a 03. i got it used with 24000 miles and had to have the tranny replaced at 27,000 miles. i am at 53000 and i am afraid i will have another new tranny soon

Why do you feel you might need another one soon? Wouldn't they have replaced the old tranny with maybe an updated version? Whats going on?

they dont upgrade it. they just use the same stuff. and i need to get it fixed because it grinds when i down shift and it is hard to get in gear

I have an 03...not problems with tranny at 42k (knock on wood). Did have tire feathering but if you plan to get after market wheels, this will eliminate it completely. Good luck!

I have an 03. I have feathering (fixed with a few more alignments than usual 100 dollars well spent) I have a synchro problem and some gear whine (soon to be fixed with cd009 tranny hopefully) and the one thing that pisses me off the most is the window streaking. Im just too lazy to replace the brushes. If you buy an 03 roll the windows up and down a bunch of times and see if you can see any lines or anything.

Part of me wishes I wouldve waited to get an 05. To be honest though there comes a time when you gotta just pull the trigger and start having some fun. Even with all its problems I love MY car.

Don't get an 03 6MT. Just don't do it. The tire cupping issue eats tires like candy and the trannys used on this model year just don't last. I went through three trannys in a year on my 03.