Hey guys,

I am considering buying a used 350Z and need your input as I am very confused.

I currently have a BMW 335xi on lease that I need to return in a few weeks. I am a regular user - 8-9000 miles/yr and don't drive like a madman but do like the occasional rev from a traffic light etc. I live just north of NYC and roads are fairly well kept in the winter.

I am planning to buy a used 350Z as my primary car once I return my leases car. I was thinking of a 04/05 car with 70-100k miles for a year. It is the only ones that are coming in my budget of 10-12K (wife going back to school so finances are kind of tight now).

- how reliable is a 350Z of that year with 100K miles or so ? Don't want to spend my time in the workshop every week.
- if I put on snow tires will the car be ok in the winters?
- what are the things I should ask the seller/ look into when I buy the car? Potential problems?
- I am considering a roadster? How crazy is that to be your primary vehicle in the snow of ny?

I know some of these questions may be redundant in this forum but any help would be appreciated.

 

If it's a 2005 35th anniversary edition, read up on rev up engine oil consumption issues many of the engines had.

If it isn't a 35th, then regular stuff you'd look for when looking at used vehicles. Get it checked out by your trusted mechanic if you aren't comfortable looking on your own.

 

I am assuming ur bmw 335xi is awd. Z IS RWD and not good for NY snow. I havent tried snow tires and I hope someone will chime in

 

Will definitely not recommend it for winter time use.

 

Buy a beater for winter. Rust sucks!

 

in my personal experience (my first car being a Celica convertible) don't do it. it adds so much weight and sloppiness to driving, I'm sure the z roadster is better braced and everything but still, the roof is a big chunk of metal to take away. also it's more parts to keep maintained. and plus the roadster doesn't look nearly as good as the coupe IMO.

 

350Z is excellent any year, don't be fooled, I've been in the Z world back to the 240Z and owned several, belong to several groups and currently the ZONC (Z Owners of Northern Ca. and now includes G's) for Monterey/Santa Cruz. We have all types, models, years of Z's, G's and GTR's in ZONC. The first thing would suggest is to get a car fax or a mechanic to check it out for you (any car should do). That's the basic beginning. Mileage = price (blue book). Modifications do not mean more $ either. Don't over pay. Don't use in snow, it's a pleasure sports car (just my opinion). Buy a cheap 4 cylinder for daily work, weather and have some good all weather or snow tires on it. Then you're all set. Lucky for us here we have nice weather year round except maybe a little rain a couple of times a year. Good Luck on your car hunting.

 

A 350,coupe or roadster is not a good car for driving in any area that
has snow.Rear RWD,LOW CLEARANCE...danger.Snow tires on a Z?
I'm sure there are some on the road.Does not make sense to me.
As far as reliability of a Z with 100k +,if maintained by prev owners,can
be very good.
All in all,would not recommend a Z for your area.
But,if you want to try,go for it!

 

Just take a couple hours and look into different model years. If you can, try to avoid an 06' or like iceman said, the 35th 05'. If that's all you find, I wouldn't walk away from it but just keep in mind that you should check your oil level frequently.

These cars are a great bang for your buck. Reliable and well-built, great looking, and they sound awesome. As far as winter, I wouldn't "recommend" driving in snow with it at all but with some good winter tires and common sense you should be able to handle it. That's what I'm gonna be doing

Whether or not you want a roadster is up to you. Just keep in mind that it will weigh more and if the convertible mechanism breaks, THEN you'll be in the shop.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

If your finances are tight, do not buy a 350z. They are great cars and they are reliable, but your budget is not going to allow you to buy one that doesn't require maintenance. Plan on replacing brakes, rotors, tires, catalytic converters, the rest of the exhaust...

You will be much better off taking that 10-12 grand and buying a used Honda Civic or Accord. It will be much more practical for your situation. Just wait till your wife is done with school and then buy a 370.

 

I am in Michigan and I daily drive my Z year round. I know lots of owners don't recommend it but I had a convertible in 2004, stored it and had a truck for winter and was tired of running 2-cars. I bought a coupe the next time around. The top and the motors can lead you into expensive repairs and I like my coupe better. I figure the cost of the car is not so high, I'm going to drive the heck out of it and will get a new one if I wear this one out. I did get it undercoated with Ziebart Protection to try to prevent rust. My Z is better in winter than my Cadillac CTS was. I have Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires on there and they hook up well but will cost you about $1,200 for the set. I have heard good things about Continental All Season Tires and you can save a few bucks if you buy them, but I am going to continue with the Michelins. You can do it if you want to, I have been through 3-winters in Michigan with mine now....but keep in mind it is not ideal but the z is better in the winter than any mustang or comaro you see running around.

 

Yes the Bimmer is AWD, that is what the "x" in 335xi denotes...

 

Thank you everyone for the input. This is very helpful.

So, as I continue my research I came across a pvt owner selling a 2005 Convertible with 35K miles for 16K. I have to check out the car, but it sounds like good bang for your buck?

Will ask a mechanic to check it out too.

 

Another thing -

Anyone know anything about Union Auto Sales - a car dealership in Washington TWP, NJ. Their prices are really low for used cars - makes me suspicious !

Any thoughts?

 

YOu would be better off looking for a G35x model .

 

I'd get a WRX if I was in your situation.

 

go test drive an s2000, way better than a 350z roadster. in everyway possible. had both s2k and right now have a 350z, both are nice but the fun factor for the s2k is so much more and overall better driving experience.

 

While I could argue with you about Z being better than S2k, both are equally bad in NY Snow

 

They both have there ups and downs, for a daily I would rather have a Z. For a weekend play toy ( heavy track use ) would rather have an S2k

 

Btw, is this the only car between you and your wife? I noticed you said "primary" but just wanted to check....bc as you may or may not know the 350z has very small cargo space