Well after sitting down and talkin to my parents, it seems the correct thing to do would be to sell the 03 Grand Am this year and get a Z in February-March. I need some advice on what to look for and what to be careful with. It seems that finances will allow me to possibly get the Enthusiast with preferrably the aero kit and kick panels. But I have read a thread or few about some issues with the Z's. Should I wait and see if they fix the issues or are these just common? I've never owned a Z and my 03 had issues. I am switching sides to the import world, seeing how owners rave about their rides and their reliability and dependability. The Z just teases me and i'm so interested. So...as a newbie, help please! All advice is appreciated!

See, for everyone who welcomed me in my thread in the first place and asked when i'd get the Z, it might happen sooner than I thought! The 03 Grand Am has gotta go first though. First and foremost.

Seems like people are having issues with the transmission, tire feathering, headlights and some other issues. I also noticed alot of people have special ordered their rides. Would it be better to do this or just get it at the dealership?

 

look for one made later in the year of '03. My track was made in 05/03 and has had zero problems that others who purchased early seemed to have. Looks like they've perhaps figured out the problems and corrected or I'm just lucky. But it sure seems later made cars are avoiding a number of headaches....might be worth paying a little more or waiting a little longer to get it.



--edit, actually it looks like you're buying new in which case the '04's seem to be in good shape and have a few minor improvements (interior, door handles, etc.)

There is talk of the mid-year '04's getting a different suspension setup that might be worth waiting for but it's sorta unknown if it'll happen and if it will truly be an improvement.

 

Definitely get a used '04 model, save yourself some $$$

 

From personal experience used=headaches. It will be extremely rare that you will find a used Z in good condition that was driven correctly and has no problems this early on. It does happen, don't get me wrong, its just rare. If you pre-order yours (which seems like you have the time to do so) you can ensure that your car was not test-driven like a bat-outta-hell too much.

 

You should not run into many/any problems with an 04. I don't think it makes any difference whether you order or buy off the lot.

 

Not sure when mine was made, but I have had no problems.