hello im a noob here. im currently driving a 2002 honda civic si with alot of bolt on mods . i love the car! its the best car ive ever owned.

now why im here. i went with my father today to look at new altimas. i just happened to be looking at a 350z on the lot . i started to talk with salesman about it .

its a touring model with no nav sys. it has the auto sequential shift . the car is used. it has only 630 miles on it. it was just traded in.

i dont understand why someone would trade a car like that in before the break in peroid. is there a problem with the 03s i dont know about ?

he said he can get me in it for about 29 28 0000. so i went home and, checked it on kelly blue book. the value of that exact car was 32500 . so now im starting to wonder if it has some sort of problem. why else would he sell it for less then its worth ? right. i really like the zs and, wanted one to start with. this deal is just right for me finacially.

im a memeber on a honda board and, learned so much about my car there. which is why i came here. my main question is are there any real problems with th 03 since it was a new design? i know my honda was a new desgin and, it has some quirks .

i saw a couple threads about 3rd gear tranny problems . just wondering if this might be it .

any thoughts, or reason to buy it other then its real fast, handles like a dream and, is sexy as hell.

hows the after market mods so far? is there a lot of stuff out for it yet like bolt ons?


any info could be a real help in getting me in this fabulous car. its going to be hard part with my civic since i have alot of cash dumped into it already

thank u so much gabe

 

Gabe:

Ask the dealer for the previous owners name and phoen number and call him to find out why he got rid of the car. With only 600 miles on it, I doubt it was because of any of the typical problems that have shown up on some 2003's. It's more likely an incompatability issue between driver and car.

 

hey thanks dave , never thought of trying that. so what are some of the problems with the 03s have?

gabe

 

Don't jump into something too quick. You could find a deal on a slightly used Z that isn't an automatic. Biggest single problem is tire feathering with the 03s'. Click the resources button at the top to check out the TSBs'.

 

Yes you can get a really good deal on a used Z, like at or around $20,000 flat.

The very early VIN 03s had sporadic transmission troubles, sometimes the NAV door won't open properly, and tire feathering is another somewhat sporadic issue.

Don't get an automatic. You'll regret it later. The transmission in the Z is one of the best ones I've driven in a sports car; easy to shift, easy to find the gears, and the clutch is pretty light for the power it has to hold.

 

if you can find another z thats stick for less, which im sure you can, go for it but don't let these guys make you think the auto is a pos i had a early vin automatic and had no issues at all with it. you just wont have all that lovely power to the floor and the ability to take turns faster =]

 

hey thanks for all u comments
going to argue with the guy today and, test drive see if i like that auto.

gabe

 

just got back from the test drive. sweet car. has plenty of power from factory and, i can tell there a lot there to unleash. handling is fantastic.

i however was not imprerssed with the auto trans at all. i did not like the hestation between gears when shifting manually. so i decide to wait for the 04s to come out . that way i can get the 6 speed. ill probably get a base . i dont need all the bellls and, whistle that come with upgraded models. will the 04 base have the lsd?.

anyone know how much heavier the 18" wheels are apossed to the 17s?

thanks gabe and thanks for the insite .

 

No lsd on Base.

 

I think the 04's are already out.

Anyways, it looks like you're in the Philly area. There is an 03 Track edition (6spd) for $28 and some change in Maryland. Just do a search on cars.com. I was looking at this one for some time before I decided to go with an 04 Enthusiast. The track models are definitely sweet though.

I'm pretty sure the Rays 18's on the Track edition are the lightest 350z oem wheels too. Don't quote me on that though.