I own/owned all generation Zs (240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX and 300ZX convertible) except 350Z. Now, have deal on used chrome silver 2003 Track with 9,000 miles for $26,700. Any worries/concerns from you experienced Track owners? Should I consider any other edition or roadster? What issues/concerns/checks would you recommend? (sale by Nissan dealer)

 

That sounds like an oddly good deal.

I bought mine with EVERY OPTION minus NAV.

$36,514... what all options does this one have?

 

Your price for an 03 sTRACK sounds great when you compare I paid 35k for my 04 CS TRACK.I have just 1,600 miles on the car in 2 months. 9000 miles on the 03 is nothing.
Some 03's have had issues. tire feathering, Notchy tranny,
window grease, seem to be the common ones. After 9000 miles all those issues should have been exposed by the original owner if they occured on the car. All Z's have poor paint and front bumper paint chipping is common.(get a clear bra)
Otherwise if the car is trouble free Go For it!
The TRACK model is awesome. I love it! I have no issues with the car worth mentioning.
I'm sure some 03 TRACK owners here will give you a shout.

The Z is a beautiful sports car.

Here's my 04 CS TRACK chillin in SoCal !

 

Sound like a great deal...just make sure its not because the car is on its 3rd tranny.

 

The Track edition is awesome, and with that price it is a pretty good deal. I paid about 34k for my 03 last year. You may have tranny problems like I have had and maybe some seat fraying, however all of that is covered under warrenty so just make sure the dealer you go to is good. Become friends with the service manager thats what I did and i get treated like I am at a Lexus dealer.

 

it's a steal!
i got my 03 track with all options except navi with 7300 miles on it and paid a little under 31k otd.

check the vehicles history and if it's clean, snag it!!!

 

I'd do. I paid 29K for a 03 Touring with 9K miles on it here in the Bay Area. For a Track model.....do it, I would.

 

How do I tell if it has side impact bags? How does the track compare in performance and stability to the roadster version? I have a 93 300ZX convertible which is a great runner--has 145,000 miles yet runs and looks new except---lots of squeeks and rattles from the convert. mechanism--I fear the same with the new roadster after 50K miles.

 

Check out the side of each seat. There should be the signs. Also, Check out the A-pillar (dunno if I called it right) inside the car, and there should be also signs of airbags.
I have Track, and the only difference of it is it has a OEM Brembo Brakes, which are more than enough for streets, and perhaps on track applications with little mods, and lightweight forged RAYS 18" rims. I do not own roadster and hasn't driven one, so I can't answer that question.

 

The Roadster aint gonna cost 26K.
If your looking to spend the $ on a new car why bother with an 03 anything. get an 04 Roadster or 04TRACK in that case.

If you need more input, the fact that this site exists should do it for you. I'd say that the overwhelming majority of Z owners
have a serious passion for this car. We know how crazy this car really is. Add some mods and DAMN!

We're all gonna say if the car is clean to do it.

As for issues with the roadster I doubt there is an owner with 50K miles yet. Check out the Roadster threads.

I wanted a new car. but if I was going to go used that $26,700 TRACK would have already been in my garage.

Get the 03 TRACK and treat yourself to some mods.

 

Be careful the car wasnt in an accident. Check all the lines of the car. Drive it! There is a BMW new/used car place around my house. He spealizes in selling high end beamers. But he also sells other high end vehicles. He buys smashed up vehicles, repairs them, and sells them for cheaper than the car is worth. All the titles are clear b/c the accidents were not bad enough to total out the vehicles. Not all his vehicles are used, and not all have been in accidents. Also some of the beamers he sells have had engines replaced etc. He warranties all his vehicles and he seems like a nice guy, but I would be weary of buying a clean smashed up car or one thats been in the Nissan service department longer than a garage.

 

Run a CARFAX on the VIN#

 

Thanks for the good advice. Carfax was run and all clear. 1 owner car, original 9000 miles. I'm buying but very concerned with the Edmunds report re: teeth-rattling, jarring ride of the Track on city streets. Is it true?? Track owners please reply with the inside scoop. Also, any fool-proof way of checking whether car has side airbag option? Dealer says yes but it wasn't listed as an option on the Carfax report.

 

The ride is a little stiff you could say. On a bumpy road your gonna feel the bumps a little more than you would on a BMW.
Feels just like a sports car should. I really dont have any rattling issues. Take it for a nice long test drive. I am surprised the dealer hasnt sold it already.

 

Have the dealer print you a build sheet, that will tell you everything on the Z. Also have the dealer print a service sheet that shows all the work done on the Z. That along with an inspection for damage should do it. Good luck.