So i've been on the search for a Z for a couple months now. I really value any of your opinions since i've only been browsing here for a shorter time.

I'm looking at a 6MT 2003 Z with 115k (dad test drove, i'm in another town), and its a white coupe which is exactly what I am looking for. I believe it is actually the track model because it has the brembo brakes and track wheels. However, it does not have leather seats and the ad does not list cruise control or LSD, but does list traction control.
Looks to be lowered a good amount. Has a black roof, never seen this before, so guessing its custom. Advertisement just says "coupe" and hesitant to ask dealership in case they find out its a track and want to raise price. It's going for $11k

It has an racing aluminum radiator but unfortuantely the thermostat got a bit hot when test driving. The coolant was bubbling like crazy, but their shop did an inspection today and said the headgasket isn't blown. They want to sell it so bad that they will give a 12month 12k mile drivetrain warranty through Nissan. We plan to put it under hard acceleration to see if there is any smoke coming out the back. Hopefully isnt consuming oil :X

The body is in good condition with a couple small dings on one side.. typically cars in this price range are pretty rough, even one with a lot less miles. They said their guy will pop the dents out and you won't even be able to tell.

Very tempting, only drawback is the strange radiator and about 20-30k miles more than what I aimed for. The front bumper doesnt fit like stock, looks to have been wrecked. But if its a track model, i'm pretty much sold, going to call Nissan tomorrow and give VIN. Also curious on your opinion of value. Definitely will get a carfax before buying.
Thanks!

 

brembo + rays forged wheels + cloth seats are all track. if it has traction and cruise control, it's a track. if not, it's a base or enthusiast with swapped brakes and rims. with that year and mileage, i can't really see the price going that much higher tho

 

^^ agree for this many miles, this isn't an amazing deal especially if you saw temp spikes on a test drive. 03's were not known oil burners but that doesn't make it impossible.

 

I looked at one for $13k w/40k miles on it.

 

yeah if you look you can locate a nice 03 for right around 10k

 

With those miles in perfect running condition i may give them $10k for it.

 

you're comfortable buying a high mileage car that probably was involved in a front end collision, and could not make it through a test drive without overheating?

 

Actually, there are a fair number of 2003 oil consumers out there. I personally know of four of them, and that's just in my area.

 

Thanks guys

My fault, father said that the temp gauge read slightly below normal (so slightly cold) but that he smelled coolant and it was bubbling over the reservoir on the aftermarket radiator. Not sure what that's all about... keep in mind my dad ran an auto shop for over 30 years. They say it doesn't have a blown head gasket after testing He walked away from it but the salesman is persistent (warranty, lower the price)

The car does have higher miles (I mean it's 8 years old by now) but the car as a whole is pretty clean. He said that the front bumper wasn't perfectly lined up with the hood, i'll get a carfax on it first

If I can get the 12k/12month warranty and bring it down to $10,500 or even 10 (they just reduced it from 11,600), it seems like it cant get much better that that. The track model is quite rare... even on a nationwide search there are only a few. it looks awesome

 

Who cares , the only main differences between a track and any other Z is the Brembo brakes and the lightweight wheels. The Brembo's are good for track, but it your serious they still get swapped out. The wheels will also get swapped out they are only 18x8 and 18x8.5

 

I say keep on looking. Sounds like it could be a headache

 

When I got mine in March it was listed at $11,500. I have an 2003 Touring 5AT with 120k miles. I got it brought the price down to 9999 and i think it was worth it. Since then I did a couple mods and it still runs hard. I'm pretty sure that you can find a touring one at a great price for about the same I bought, If you find a private seller it would probably be even cheaper.

 

Ok, I had to chime in. Go to my thread. I was in the same boat as you. I waited and looked very hard and as you will see there ARE very good deals out there.

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...-shopping.html

Mine was $11.8K and only 86k miles but it was the 07 w and HR of course.

 

nice. the cheapest i've seen these in my area is $10k for a black touring with 90k miles, with lots of dings and scratches on it, which was the deal breaker. Everything else has been closer to $12k (one had a bad transmission, one had all kinds of airbag/checkengine lights, one had some ugly body repair)





That's just insane, I skimmed through that the other day. Anywhere you look, an 07 with those kind of miles can bring $15-$18k easily. You struck gold. I live in Oklahoma so there isn't an abundance of Z's... I'm tempted to keep looking but if this one is mechanically solid with the warranty, I may have to get it.

keep in mind, my options are quite limited with 6MT and coupe (not roadster) being requirements. Color is secondary. TONS of auto roadsters, right now there's probably 6 auto roadsters for sale in my area

 

Here is a tip, try thinking and looking outside your area, i.e. shipping. Yes its a little stressful at first, but just have good communication with the seller and should be easier on both sides.

Also I have done it a few times and my biggest tip I could give is have the person do a video walking around it and under it, in it heck anything you need video have it videoed. Also have them video on morning starts and warmer starts. Have them vedio going through every gear and also going down the gears using them to help slow the car. Lastly, have them start and rev it a few times.

Key thing is to do as much video and pictures as possible before you take on something like shipping. Again, it is not for the faint of heart. You need to know what to listen for and look for that some people might not.

OHHH, and if the seller is hesitant on taking videos or pics of ANYTHING on the car, chances are they don't want you to know the truth and just say thanks and move on.

Good luck and just keep a running log of all the cars you find, helps with comparisons.

 

Definitely try to steer clear of this one. I know the 'rarity' of the track model is driving your desire for this one, but seriously, be patient. If you get this one, you are stuck with it and any problems it may have. There are always more Z's to look at.

You stated a lot of reasons why its a bad bet, but you're "pretty much sold" due to one of the least important factors.

 

just my .$02, but i picked up a 2007 with 80k miles for $13500 out the door. Clean title and from a dealer. Like everyone is saying it is going to be a headache and not worth it.

Best of luck!

 

My recommendation is to be patient. I did a nationwide search and ended up flying down to Miami to pick up my Z. I paid $17K for a 2005 convertible with 9K miles this past spring. The $125 plane ticket was well worth it. Know what you are looking for, and don't be afraid to travel if you see one you like.

 

look for a home link mirror. Folk don't usually fake that. If it has it, you're at least at performance level.

 

I'd have to agree with u (wwilde001) on this way to go as an option too. People can really save looking else where state wise and find really great deals.

All in all, take time and I did, granted it was like a 2/3 week find, I looked everyday and everywhere. Do as much research as YOU can as at the end of the day YOU have to drive it.