So I've been doing some research and I've heard numerous issues, particularly with the 2003 Transmission gear grinding, and the Clutch/Flywheel disintegrating while the 05-06 burns excess oil!

My budget is around 15k - I live in Vancouver. I personally like the 350Z looks more, but it seems that Infiniti G35 has "less" issues than the 350Z, alteast for the 2003 model.

Does anyone know what year Nissan fixed the transmission, or would atleast recommend which model/year would be best within my price range?

 

G35's share all the same issues and 04.5 and up have the newer transmissions.

 

04.5 would be the BEST bet, but I found a 2003 Brickyard Touring that I couldn't pass up. I'm aware of the transmission issues with so many of the Z's, but have had zero issues with my 03 and it's at 70k. Stock clutch is still flawless, and it runs like an absolute dream. Don't be scared of horror stories - but do take them into consideration. I test drove my 03 hard for the simple fact that if that tranny was gonna grind, clutch was gonna slip, etc, I wanted to know BEFORE I handed over the cash for it. I have yet to have a single hiccup. Good luck!

 

The 350Z is a fun car to drive, but, as you mentioned, spends as much time in the shop as it does on the road. Have you looked at the RSX. Performance AND reliability all in one package.

 

My Z has had absolutely zero downtime. For $15k, you should be able to score a low mileage 04 or 05 easily, maybe even an 06. It sounds like you've done your homework, so you should be just fine. The key thing to remember is that there are a bunch of these cars out there, so don't feel like you have to jump on the first one you like. If anything feels off, then pass on it.

I know there were a couple minor recalls for my 07 model year, which my local dealership fixed without issue.

A couple other tips:

1. If you can find one with a clear bra installed, it a major bonus. 350's have notoriously soft paint and the nose gets chipped easily.
2. If limited slip and traction control are important to you, make sure you don't get a base model. You'll be able to tell by the lack of cruise control buttons on the steering wheel.
3. Maintenence records are the only way to tell if the car has had issues. be sure that the seller has them

 

^ I should add something regarding maintenance. If you have any good dealer hookups, give them the VIN. A buddy of mine works at the local Nissan dealer, and he checked out the VIN of my Z before buying it and told me all the warranty work that had been performed, along with checking if it had any outstanding TSB's or recalls that hadn't been performed. Every bit of info you can gather helps out.

 

so would looking at 06 350z track edition for 15k with 67k miles worth it?

 

i got to know the market a month ago and thats the right price for those amount of miles.
30-50k miles=18-19g's
50-90=17 (saw A LOT w 70k miles goin for 17 prolly most common price)
90-120=16
120+=14
the ones around 10 are f'd up no matter the miles.

15k sounds fair just inspect how the previous owners took care of it. best tip, pay 1000 more for the one that has better paint. period. its worth it. they all run the same unless its got an obvious problem.

and buy one with a warranty from a dealership no matter what. its paying for piece of mind and reliability, there are enough out there at the dealers (for good prices, may have to pay 1k more for the same miles but thats for the warranty) to not have to buy from a highschool kid thats selling one thats knocking.
dont rush, but but if you see the right one dont wait lol

 

That is a pretty fair price for that particular model. Just be sure they have the original RAYS Forged wheels with it. Remember the Track model is pretty much stripped as far as options in the interior.

 

I bought a 2004 base model with 56K miles on it for $14K from a dealer. It is all original. Has nice paint and runs great. It has new brake pads and tires and drives great. The only two issues were the rear speakers being pretty well trashed and the front rotors were warped. The did the brakes and turned the rotors too much so they warped quickly. I replaced the rotors and the rear speakers and it drives and stops like new now. Mine is a six speed manual.

 

thanks for the info. Yes it has the rays wheels still. The current owner (soon to be previous tomorrow) took very good care of it and still have a year left on warranty with option to extend, which i most likely will do. Front bumper has minor paint chips but nothing major.

Again thanks for the info and ill be sure to post up pics tomorrow when i bring home the lady.

 

careful, warrantys dont transfer to new owners, not how it works, doesnt matter what the owner tells you as a sales pitch. it MAY be under warranty now but the second he sells it the warranty is voided. you will need to pay to have a --- point inspection and then an extended warranty=1-2k
paint chips are inevitable what color are you goin for?

 

honestly, I have an 03' with 35,000 miles on it, when i bought it almost 2 years ago it had 28,000 miles, it is not my daily driver and i maintain it very well. I haven't had problems with it.. there good cars, but when things go its pricey to fix.. but i bought an extended warranty from the nissan dealer near me thats good until 2014... good luck!

 

how much was the extended warranty?

 

Good luck! Remember, the first thing you do when you start the car... turn off VDC...

 

post pics when you get it

 

pm me, i have a 350z soon to be for sale

 

Will do a noob intro when i do!

Track edition...none of that vdc non sense.

And it is pullme over redline red. haha

 

it was 1,200$ at the time which was 2 years ago. to me its worth it, besides i bought the car for a steal so the purchase price plus the warranty, i still got a good deal for the car.. Always car fax before you buy though to make sure the title is good because if there are problems i don't think they can warranty anything... not sure though

 

Just a question.

I noticed a lot of people talk about the "little" 6 hp increase, or LSD features, tire performance etc etc. Do most of you guys drive on tracks with your 350Z's to notice this difference?

I plan to just use this car as a Daily Driver.