I'm looking to buy a Z. I've owned old cars in the past and had always wished I had joined the forum prior to buying them to learn the ins and outs of what I should be looking for when comparing cars.

Well I'm looking to buy a 350Z sometime in the next month or two. I'm only looking to spend around 15,000 for the car. It's going to be my daily driver during the summer months. What do I need to know about these cars? I would like a convertible I think but I'm open to about anything. I just want to make sure I don't buy a lemon. Also maybe the positives and negatives to the different models. I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
Erich

 

follow this

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z-2/


scroll down and read the last 2 of the 3 sticky threads at the top of the page.

 

03-05 models: 287 hp, 274 torque
06 model: 300 hp, 260 torque
07-08 models: 306 hp, 268 torque (HR motor)

difference of opinion on just about everything. Just search.

 

Search.

 

You have come to the correct place.

 

So I read the other threads and they helped some. I was just wondering if there were certain things you should look out for when purchasing one. Like I used to own a 79 trans am. I had a 403 big block. Normally an engine leaking oil would be a big deal but it's not in the 403. Or I used to own an MGB and when looking for one, if it has rust in the rocker panels, don't buy it. It'll cost you twice as much to fix as to buy an already restored one.

I was just wondering if there was that type of thing I needed to know about buying a Z or perhaps they are new enough that there really isn't anything i need to look out for.

 

get a s2k if you want convertible. they are nice.

 

STAY AWAY FROM THE S2K like jedixsole said. remember one thing when looking a car. NO HONDAS.

 

i said get one lol. s2000, and NSX are the only hondas i would actually buy..lol and the s2k is pretty fun to drive. lol.

 

If you buy 03-04 manual make sure the transmission has been replaced under warrenty (pref with a cd009) If it hasnt been then make sure there is no grinding in the gears. (syncros go out on the 03-04)

Tire feathering is common on the early models. Just something to keep an eye on regular alignments are a must or aftermarket camber arm to help eliminate the issues.

 

 

Welcome. The entire forum is dedicated to the 350Z. Take a look around. Read. Study.

 

I do like the looks of the S2K and it would be the only Honda I would own. I once bought an accord because of it's reliability and that turned out to be a lemon. Crazy as it sounds, I have the best luck with American cars. So I'm actually a bit nervous to buy a foreign car. Did have luck with a Nissan altima though... except the sun visors were broke and would fall and hit me right in the nads if I hit a big bump, LOL. The sun had to really be in my eyes before I put it down! Probably should have just had them fixed but I'm cheap ****. But I've always wanted a Z and I just got a new job so this is going to be my first big purchase.

Thanks for the heads up on synchros! That's the info I'm looking for. I've never heard of a camber arm, I'll ask about it. Is there a average range of what it would cost to have camber arms put on if I buy one without the upgrade? Of course having the alignment checked once a year isn't too rediculous. Thanks for all your help guys, I hope to learn a lot from you about Z's and the aftermarket world. I've been more of a muscle car guy but I'm ready for a change.

 

Remember its not a Honda... this car isn't cheap to own
.

 

compare models, read the faq's, search for good deals and do some test drives.

save some $ if you can for mods...

 

What about it makes it expensive to own? I own a harley are they aren't cheap but it's fine as long as you stay up on the maint. But I'm not looking for a car that is going to be in the shop every other week either. I'm looking for something that I can use as a daily driver 6 months out of the year.

 

Parts in general are a little bit more expensive just because. Tires are not 100$ a piece, brakes tend to wear out a little quicker.

Its not more maintenance or odd repairs its just that everything on the car cost a little more to do. Its a very reliable car it wont be in the shop much if at all.

 

If I find tires for $250 each I consider that about normal. I haven't had any major issues with mine other than the transmission not wanting to go into 5th or 6th gear at over 100mph. But yea, everything is just more expensive.

 

That is the best advice I've seen. It's 100% truth. Most of the time costly maitenance is bc of the owner. Not always abuse or ignorance maybe just not paying attention. My Z has 104k miles. I've owned it since 2k. Nothing out of the ordinary besides at TPS problem bc my ignorance let a buddy install a nitrous kit and he spliced it to thin. Besides that not a single problem. By far best car in owned.

 

If you want extra power make sure its a 3.5 and manual.