I got an 03 z w/ 85k for $10k from the dealership and I bought the car without even driving it first, trusting the salesman and the dealership mechanic. It was lifted up so they could install new brakes. The first thing I noticed once I drove it was that there was a slight tractor-like sound coming from my transmission, and I later found out it was the throw-out (release) bearing in the clutch. The guys at the dealership said that I could return it within the week if there was anything wrong for them to fix and so I returned it a few days later and after a week I got it back. It was fine the first day or two and as of yesterday and today I noticed that the same sound came back and it happens the same way it did before (like if my rpm's were at 1.8k or less and I'd try to hit the gas a bit too hard, or when it's idling and the clutch isn't in). So as of now I'm not really sure what to do, I don't want those guys screwing up my car for returning it again after making them fix my windows, handbrake, and driver seat (wasn't bolted in properly), but I wish they would have fixed the problem all the way. I'm thinking about just dealing with it and wait until I'm able to get a stage 2 clutch kit or better and then fix all the other stuff such as the bearing.

 

Rule #1 - never buy a car without test driving it.

Rule #2 - have your own mechanic check out the car.

Rule #3 - never trust a salesman at a used car dealership.

 

Was this an actual accredited dealership (any brand) that sells NEW cars also?

Or was this like one of those small independant dealers that are prevalent in low income areas (outside military bases, in the hood, etc), like "Ralph's A1 Autos" or " Habib's House of Fine Automobiles"?

It's sounding like they just poured a can of gummy stuff into the transmission to make it last until your check has cleared.......

 

the throw out bearing is a common issue among Z's. don't worry about it too much as it hasn't proved to be an issue to anyone (that I know of) other than the annoying noise it makes.

 

my throw out bearing has been making a noise for the last 20k miles i have a friend who has replaced his 3 times in the last 80k miles since he has had the car dont really worry about the bearing

 

Without hearing the noise, I couldn't say if its a problem. Have you had a manual transmission before? Some noise is normal if you lug it especially if you give it some gas. I mean like driving 25mph in 6th gear.

As for idling, my 07 is noisy if its idling in neutral without the clutch pedal depressed. Its more noticeable beside a wall like at a drive thru or if the car has just been started and the idle is still high. Is this the situation you're describing? If so, I don't think there's anything wrong, and I think its the transmission rather than the TOB making noise.

 

lulz were had

 

http://media.merchantcircle.com/1028...0024_full.jpeg

http://www.habib-bros.com.au/photos/team.jpg

 

Ron, If you plan replacing the clutch assembly, I wouldn’t be too concerned about a noisy TOB. The clutch should operate well (other than the noise) for an extended period, and at least until you select and purchase your aftermarket clutch assembly.

Don’t let this small problem spoil your buying/owning experience.

--Spike

 

I would say cut your losses and don't let those hacks put a finger on your car again. You should be fine. As long as you realize cars with 85K on them need work now and again you will be fine. That's a lot of car for only 10 grand. Enjoy.

 

^^ Well stated and very good advice. --Spike

 

My car has been making a noise while idling since I bought it and who knows how long it happened before that. It seems very common with these car and isn't a big deal really, I plan to fix it when I need to replace my clutch or transmission.

 

My car has the same noise, and it's an 08

 

Sounds like flywheel chatter. Common problem, and there's no "fixing" it, it's just there. Becomes amplified when you upgrade to a lighter flywheel. Mine sounded like a tractor at idle until I had the idle speed bumped up a bit.