Thinking about this 350Z (kinda long)
05-12-2012, 08:54 AM
#1
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Thinking about this 350Z (kinda long)
I've never owned a 350Z, it's the last of the Zs I have never owned. Right now I've got a pearl white twin turbo and it's my dream car, but this one left a sour taste in my mouth. It test drove 100% perfect but it's almost as it if had a sense, not unlike a piece of electronic equipment that knows to fail just a week after the warranty runs out, on the drive home the common failing injector problem reared it's ugly head. Also, the clutch started slipping near the end of the 45 minute drive home with it. So all the extra money I was making last summer to get suspension, or wheels, or bigger turbos, went into fixing the thing. $2500 in parts/labor right after I got it kinda turned me off to the Z32.
Now, enter the 350Z. I've been checking into Porsche Boxsters or 350Zs (and a few BMW or Benzs) and found a clean looking black Enthusiast 03 model. I spent most of last night on here looking through the forum, reading posts, etc and it appears the VQ is built pretty strong, and can handle the miles since it's also in family cars and such. This particular Z has 189k, which is really high for a 10 year old car. Nearly 19k a year, he must have been driving this thing on road trips every weekend. Here is his description of the car:
Selling my 2003 Nissan 350z. 6-Speed manual.
Leather, power windows, locks, mirrors. Black exterior & interior.
Three tires are very good 75% tread, one has about 50% tread left.
Pioneer aftermarket CD/GPS touch-screen stereo (need to buy the CD for navigating in the south region if you intend to use it. You can get it from ebay.).
Used car so expect scratches and few dings. Hood has a ding from knocking a post in the driveway, not major, but it's there. Driver seat has some light tear on the side.
Within the last year: clutch replaced, aluminum flywheel, brake pads and rotors, and all gear lubricants (rear end, trans, etc.) were checked.
188K.
Never wrecked. Couple of blemishes on hood and front bumper (small cut).
Asking $8,500.
I emailed him about a possible trade on my 300ZX. He says the car has no maintenance records, but bought it from a friend of his. He knows for sure the water pump has been replaced. Also he mentions it has the dreaded 5th gear grind at higher RPMs. He says it comes with an overflow exhaust system (whatever that is, Googled it and found nothing about it) but there are no issues, leaks, hesitation, or smoking and both windows work. Has cold a/c, all lights work, tight steering, and manual seats with slight wear on the driver side.
Now, enter the 350Z. I've been checking into Porsche Boxsters or 350Zs (and a few BMW or Benzs) and found a clean looking black Enthusiast 03 model. I spent most of last night on here looking through the forum, reading posts, etc and it appears the VQ is built pretty strong, and can handle the miles since it's also in family cars and such. This particular Z has 189k, which is really high for a 10 year old car. Nearly 19k a year, he must have been driving this thing on road trips every weekend. Here is his description of the car:
Selling my 2003 Nissan 350z. 6-Speed manual.
Leather, power windows, locks, mirrors. Black exterior & interior.
Three tires are very good 75% tread, one has about 50% tread left.
Pioneer aftermarket CD/GPS touch-screen stereo (need to buy the CD for navigating in the south region if you intend to use it. You can get it from ebay.).
Used car so expect scratches and few dings. Hood has a ding from knocking a post in the driveway, not major, but it's there. Driver seat has some light tear on the side.
Within the last year: clutch replaced, aluminum flywheel, brake pads and rotors, and all gear lubricants (rear end, trans, etc.) were checked.
188K.
Never wrecked. Couple of blemishes on hood and front bumper (small cut).
Asking $8,500.
I emailed him about a possible trade on my 300ZX. He says the car has no maintenance records, but bought it from a friend of his. He knows for sure the water pump has been replaced. Also he mentions it has the dreaded 5th gear grind at higher RPMs. He says it comes with an overflow exhaust system (whatever that is, Googled it and found nothing about it) but there are no issues, leaks, hesitation, or smoking and both windows work. Has cold a/c, all lights work, tight steering, and manual seats with slight wear on the driver side.
05-12-2012, 10:08 AM
#3
You are crazy if you buy that car.
You are correct about the VQ engine.
Pretty bulletproof.Can easily go 200k with
out any major problems(kept well maintained/
not abused).With the miles on the Z you are looking
at and the "care" the car has had,You could not give
it to me.This car is no bargain.You should be able to find
a 350 in reasonable condition for 3-4k more.You are not
far from Atlanta.Many Z's available in the market.
Good luck on selling your car.FI cars,especially a ZX is
gonna be a hard sell.
You are correct about the VQ engine.
Pretty bulletproof.Can easily go 200k with
out any major problems(kept well maintained/
not abused).With the miles on the Z you are looking
at and the "care" the car has had,You could not give
it to me.This car is no bargain.You should be able to find
a 350 in reasonable condition for 3-4k more.You are not
far from Atlanta.Many Z's available in the market.
Good luck on selling your car.FI cars,especially a ZX is
gonna be a hard sell.
05-12-2012, 10:43 AM
#6
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budget 14000 and get a car thats 200% percent newer and in great condition. DOnt buy a car with over 60-75k miles on it.. why?
I mean, i work hard for MY money, im sure you do too.. there are finds to be had.
look for a 2007 best case scenario.
I mean, i work hard for MY money, im sure you do too.. there are finds to be had.
look for a 2007 best case scenario.
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05-12-2012, 11:57 AM
#9
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For 189k miles? I wouldn't buy it, the car is shuffling off it's mortal coil.
You should raise your budget a bit to $10k and buy a low miles 2003-2005 (perhaps 30-40k miles).
You should raise your budget a bit to $10k and buy a low miles 2003-2005 (perhaps 30-40k miles).
05-12-2012, 06:42 PM
#10
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Personally, I wouldn't settle for anything over 80k miles.
For 12k you should be able to find a Z for sub-80k pretty easily.
Good luck with your search. Wait a while and save up a little more if you have to! You'll be thankful.
For 12k you should be able to find a Z for sub-80k pretty easily.
Good luck with your search. Wait a while and save up a little more if you have to! You'll be thankful.
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