I'm considering the purchase of my friend's 2004 350z enthusiast roadster and I'm looking for some advise.

• Is this a good deal?
• Is there anything I should consider?

Here are the details:

• Asking price: $10,000 (KBB: ~12K)
• 75,000 miles (KBB "Good" Condition)
• Owner says that mechanical is solid. (but do I take his word for it?)
• Test drive was good. (no noticeable issues)
• Minor interior/exterior blemishes and wear. (eg. shift *** is worn)
• Interior passenger door panel indents and handle scuffs.
• Driver side electronic seat adjustment issue (has issues leaning forward, but not back)
• Tires have about 50% tread left.

Should I buy?

 

Is it a 5spd a/t? And what color is that? Looks brown or maybe its just the pic. 75k on an 04' isn't too bad.

 

Pic has a "rose" cast.My guess the car is Silverstone?
Driver seat back does not adjust.Thats why it does'nt work.
Not a bad deal if the car drives out right.
6MT or,5AT?
I'd check the top operation thoroughly.With this many miles has to be some wear.

 

I was just in the market and your price sounds very good. I would take it to your local Nissan dealer for a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection). This will give you a good feel for the car and a price to fix the drivers set electronics.

 

Does this model year have front suspension issues that cause uneven tire wear? Or was that just the on the Track model? Also this isn't the year that burns oil right? I know my '03 Track had manual seat adjustment, not sure about the '04 vert.

 

03-04 models have tire feathering, have it checked like was stated above to see if it was fixed beforehand by your friend.

2006 rev-up engines have oil consumption, only engine with it, and they only came on the manual trans Zs for that year.



drivers seat have no back adjustment like stated above.

 

Color: Chrome Silver Metallic
Transmission: 6MT

Would that change the value?

 

Really?! when I tested it: buttons to the right of the seat moved it forward/back and angled the backrest front to back, but the angle forward was only working intermittently. I assume this is an electronic/wiring issue.

Is this a common issue?
How much would it cost to fix it?

 

The seat angles,not just the back as in a car with a "reclining"seat
back.Its probably the switch not the wiring.This and,the window
switches in the door are a common problem.Easy fix.

 

Paint color will not change the value.Silver is a very
common color.Reason being,its a very neutral shade.
Its easy to match wheels and other mods...conservative
vs a Daytona Blue or,L.S.

 

That's the word I was looking for. Thanks

 

I don't know. Do your "friends" generally try to screw you over?

 

Was gona say the same thing...

OP, do you really want a roadster vs. coupe? I'd say wait it out for a coupe with similar options.

 

that's a good price for a vert... if you decide you don't like the vert you could sell in the spring and make some money... I'd never trade my vert for a coupe... roadsters are awesome, but there are a lot of haters of the verts, lol, let them hate!

 

They ride better but don't look better IMO

 

Get a coupe verts can have water leak problems

 

And coupes ares lighter Nd safer

 

roadster will have a higher resale, and the weight difference is very minimal, and it doesn't matter because you and most in hear are not racing and if they are it's not a Z, mine doesn't leak, never even sees rain, mine is an HR and is better than any 03-06, I say by the car and sell it make some money and buy an 07-09

 

[LIST][*]Asking price: $10,000 (KBB: ~12K)[*]75,000 miles (KBB "Good" Condition)[*]Owner says that mechanical is solid. (but do I take his word for it?)[*]Test drive was good. (no noticeable issues)[*]Minor interior/exterior blemishes and wear. (eg. shift *** is worn)[*]Interior passenger door panel indents and handle scuffs.[*]Driver side electronic seat adjustment issue (has issues leaning forward, but not back)[*]Tires have about 50% tread left.

Sounds about right to me. Just do a search for "Z" issues and pay close attention to those items when test driving the car and looking it over. You could also ask to take it to a mechanic for a mechanical inspection. You'll probably have to pay some cash for that, but it may be well worth it if you are not too well versed when it comes to mechanical things.

 

1. Tire feathering - just needed re-alignments on the 2003/2004 models. That was a given known back then.
2. As mentioned above, take it to Nissan and have it checked out. Know costs ahead before purchasing as noted in Post #4
3. Post #12 is right, that is a question to consider, and once you visit the Nissan Dealer you will have your answer.
4. I bought my 2003 Track Model new in 2003 and I don't consider anybody's better than mine or mine better then theirs. You buy a car, remember, "If you take care of your car, it will take care of you". a: Keep maintenance up on it, keep good records, wax it and keep the exterior nice. Mod or not Mod the Z's are beautiful cars if well kept.
5. If you decide to buy it and decide to mod the engine, do it right, "No short cuts". I actually did mod mine, had to have that 500hp, but--- it was done by a shop that builds Z's for the track and street properly, making sure everything is done, not just the engine. (All it takes is a few $ (a lot of $ maybe), but if done properly it will then give you a great enjoyment. My car since 2003 has been in the rain maybe 3 times. It's kept in the garage on carpet and covered when not driving it. And yes it is a pleasure to drive a Z, any model. I've owned the 260Z, 280Z, and 350Z. I loved them all.
6. ZCargarage.com is an excellent source on information, suggestions, and assistance in helping you to understand the car, and if it's a good deal. Rob (owner) is great source of information.
7. Lastly: Don't plan to buy a car to just resell and make money, buy it to drive and enjoy it. I have many friends that kept them stock, modded, bodykits, 700+ hp, etc. etc. They bought them to enjoy as I did mine. Stock or modded all cars loose value with age. But a nice one ages like wine, leaving a fine taste.
Note: Being in S.F. area, check out ZONC.org, also ZCargarage.com (Santa Clara), who would be a great place to do anything you would like with your Z and give you a good estimate on anything needed done on the Z.
**Hope this helps a little** I am a Area Representative for Monterey/Santa Cruz Counties here in California for the "Z Owners of Northern California "ZONC", which also includes G's. Also mention "Warren" they know me and will give you sound advice.