Hey there! New here. I've been looking at getting either Cobalt SS or 350z for the longest time now. I have a couple questions about the 2003 350z.

Is there a high chance that the synchro will go out on the 3rd and or 5th gear on the 03 models? Because my friend just picked up an 03 350z with 80k miles but it grinds into 3rd so you have to pop it into neutral and then shift gently into 3rd.

With gas prices rising, is the efficiency of your car taking a toll on your wallet or no?

and finally, anyone know of a good place to finance without a cosigner? My parents have crap credit. I work part time bringing in about $1300 a month and have my own credit card but can't seem to get a bank or credit union to side with me.

Thanks!

 

I have a 2003 with 120k miles and on a rare occasion it will sometimes grind into 5th. All other gears go with no problems. The OEM clutch lasted 120K miles as well and I drive the sht out of my car cause she begs for it

 

get a caliber or neon srt-4 of course.

 

A big question you should ask yourself is, do/will you have a need for a back seat?

I don't know what kind of grade of gas is suggested for cobalts, but premium is a must (imho) for Z's.

I have an 04 and it, on occasion, grinds going into 5th.

 

At $1300/month I wouldn't recommend either vehicle. My '03 pretty much never grinds, and when it does it's usually my fault letting the pedal out too soon. I'd honestly suggest something easier on the wallet...sporty civic or integra would be cool, maybe a 240. Could you afford unforeseen maintenance issues? What about insurance? The 350 is an awesome ride, but I've always got money in the bank to handle any issue that might come up...hell, I just ruptured and a/c line and had to order a dealer only part to fix it, and still have to pay to have it re-charged too. Gas prices pretty much suck now, but my commute is short so a tank lasts me about 2 weeks as long as I don't hot rod it around.

Just some thoughts...Last thing you want is to be extremely low on funds which could result in something staying broken or your car just sitting and you not being able to get around.

Best of luck though...I'd definitely choose a 350 over a Cobalt FYI

 

as for tranny grinds, it all depends on the car. you can go on someones opinion , but thats all it is. Id buy a 350 over a cobalt any day, just not a fan of gm. Go with what your gut tells you

 

I have an 03 it never grinds unless I fud up.
Get a civic or cobolt.... The 350 is expensive: $1000 or so for tires, mods are expensive, and insurance is expensive. You will be happy about the 350 when you slam on the gas. You will be happy about the cobolt/civic when you have to break out your wallet. Just look at the price for after market parts, the 350s are not cheap to replace parts.
If you can't obtain financing it is for a reason.... The chances of default are high and the bank is doing you a favor by not setting you up for failure.
If you make what you say you do, save up put a fat down payment on a cheaper newer car and you won't be sorry. Then in time you can by the sport car of your dreams.

 

A 350Z cannot do a Chicago winter, FYI.

 

Very very true^^^^

 

Insurance would be covered by my parents. I have a clean driving record and when they went to price out insurance for an 06 SS it came out to be 2400 a year...it was ridiculous.

As far as Chicago winters, my friend seemed to get through it ok. However we didn't get that much snow.

 

I used to live in Madison, so I do know what the winters are like up there. And I do know how horrible Chicago is to drive in, just in general. Trust me, if you value your life, you will not want to do it.

 

I made about 1200 a month when I got my 03 z....insurance was 109 a month and payment was 256...so 365 a month...I financed through usaa (for military and military families). I couldn't get any regular bank to finance because the car being 8-9 years old -__-

 

Jesus, I'm 27 and I pay $400 per YEAR with full comprehensive.

 

Don't do the 350.
Several reasons:
Not a practical car for Chicago weather(unless you plan on storing in the winter).
Does not appear that you have the bucks for a Z& maintain.

Hello Cobalt!

 

Yes, this winter wasn't bad. It was a treat. But living here in Syracuse, or just CNY in general, I would never think about driving my Z in the winter, even with the best snow tires. Just don't want to take that chance. I'm sure Chicago can get pretty nasty too at times.

If you're hesitant about the financial part of it, that's a clear sign to not do it. You'll be happy in the end to get what you can afford, and then keep working towards something greater for in the future.

 

i heard Chicago didn't have much of a winter this year. would've been great to drive a Z.

 

I have an 03 Z that never grinds unless I fudge up but it's a CD009 transmission which any 03 Z would hopefully have in it. If it has the transmission that originally came with an 03 expect problems. It's my DD and I get on it daily because it's a very fun car that is meant to be driven

nobody on the internet can tell you what car to get. Go drive both of them and see which one you like better fool.

 

Chicago is the worst place I've ever had to drive in my life. Horrible potholes, horrible construction, rude speed demon assh0le drivers... winter just makes it worse. I've driven in a lot of cities but Chicago is the worst.

 

I live in the NW suburbs its much nicer out here haha. So even if I told you that I don't have ANY expenses other than gas and a cell phone bill, I still can't afford a Z on 1300 a month?

 

Depends on how much your insurance/payment is per month. Do you plan on keeping it for awhile? I assume you still live at home, will you be moving out soon? There are a lot of factors at play here, especially if/when you decide to move out on your own. You need solid numbers before you deal anything at all.

Everyone has a different experience no matter what. Ask your parents for financial advise, hopefully they know best. This is for you to decide, not us.