Hello everyone,

I would just like to say that I am excited for my upcoming purchase here of a 350z, coming from the BMW side of the spectrum. However I have a few questions and a start up budget.

I am looking to spend at most 11,000. I am mechanically inclined and can do maintenance and repair myself, so the question is how risky is it to buy a 350z with lets say between 80k to 110k miles on it.

Very Respectfully,

Fellow Member

 

You'll be fine. However, I wouldn't pay that much for a Z with that many miles unless other factors were included such as a LOT of mods.

 

Just be ready to do some maintenance on the car. Like bushings, spark plugs, and fuel system cleaning. I am doing bushings now on my 07 with about 43k miles on it. The z is a good relatively inexpensive sports car. Parts are easy to find and there is big aftermarket. Any mods planned? Go for HR if you can.

 

Do have any recommendations on where to look, I have been scanning auto trader primarily.

 

The preventative maintenance is already planned, as far as mods go for the immediate expense I plan on doing cat back, intake, wheels and tires, and small cosmetics. Any recommendations on cat back that has bang for a buck but is also more throtty then ricy

 

Autotrader or Craigslist. With CL, you can find them locally and actually look at them in person. I wouldn't buy sight unseen unless you know the person or trust the seller.

 

With exhaust on these cars you get what you pay for. I have Motordyne TDX2 and HKS is another popular one. These run for $1500-$2200 new and have small gains if any. If you go cheap on the other hand, in most cases fitment will be bad, it will sound ricey, and you might actually lose power. Check out some videos and see what you like; in the end thats all that matters.

 

Also as I continue to do research, I notice there are two different motors. What are the differences in them and which models have which?

 

Rule #1 - Read the FAQ. No one here is going to spoon-feed you answers to questions which have been asked and answered 100's of times. Do your homework, take your time, and you'll end up with a nice Z.

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...questions.html

 

I got invidia gemini exhaust with Kinetix hfc and stillen headers and it sounds really nice but not too loud and obnoxious. That will run you little over $2k.

 

Op can't afford a hr for his max budget of 11k.

A decent one will be at least 15k.

 

I would look for an '05 if you are looking at the cheapest prices.

Usually has less issues than the '03-'04 in the tire feathering and suspension/shock issues. Doesn't have the '06 oil consumption issues. They upgraded the shocks/springs (?) in '05 I think, which people have said is better. I had an '05 and thought it was pretty stout.


Now, if you want to spend more coin, the best 350Z's are going to be the '07-'08 HR engine models. These have a different engine, which is much better performing and more responsive to modifications. Having both I can attest to the difference. The asthetics are also improved and have a more refined feeling. (LED rear lights, HID front lights, better looking interior, etc)



The difference in the motors on a pure spec:

'03-'05 "DE" Engine
287HP , 6500 Redline


'07-'08 "HR" Engine
306HP , 7500 Redline

Even thought it is only 20 horsepower it's notable that the SAE become more stringent in their requirements in 2007. Some say that if it were under the old standards it be close to 320hp. The most important difference is power delivery. The HR's power band last for a longer period of time and reaches all the way to redline.

The biggest issue I had with my DE is, if I wasn't paying attention I would hit the fuel cut because I would only start to really feel the power until the redline.


I think the DEs are OK. I'd go with '05 if I had to get one though.

 

The DE's had more torque.

My 03 is doing just fine. Can't complain since I modified my suspension, wheels/tires, sway bars. I also did some engine and exhaust mods, but they are mild. I think my DE can give an HR a run for it's money, especially since I know I can hang with or beat other VQ-engine cars with much more HP or money spent on them.

 

^
I'm not doubting that. You're experienced and know your shiz.



As a point of reference, few years back I had a couple pulls against a DE in the area. Mods I can remember him having were full exhaust, intake, plentum spacer, and I'm thinking either HFC or testpipes or headers, or some combination. I remember he had a good amount done, I was bone stock, and I pulled away maybe 2 or so car lengths, 50ish through 100ish. I also had a 115lb passenger.

 

When on the search for my z I test drove both a stock 2008 and 2004... I didnt feel any difference given the hr has more hp. I didn't see it worth the extra 4k at the time.

I love my de

 

Usually helps to put your foot down.

Having ran the snot out of both for a few years each, I noticed a difference, but usually its better to gauge when heading against another car. It's the difference between losing to a STI and beating a STI. If your modding then the 4k is worth it considering the ceiling for both.

You love your car, that's what matters.

 

I would suggest 05 and up...

Don't worry about high mileage I bought mine at 90000 miles I put almost 40000miles on it in two years... other then basic maintence and the stuff I decided to modify it has ran flawlessly...seems like everyone on keeps there car in the garage more then they drive it lol

 

FYI - Jimmy Mack's car hit a milestone, not long ago.

 

high mileage with a used unboosted, well maintained Z isn't a bad choice. I mean, you're always gunna want to get the lowest mileage Z that your money can buy, but for The motor and drive-train, they are pretty solid in these cars. Just will have to do the required maintenance.

 

since the good old debate of HR better than DE has already started in this thread.. let's go ahead and say 6MT or you're a GRANNY!

HR FTW!