Hello all, I'm not exactly sure how to word this question (google didn't help guide me, surprisingly and unfortunately), but is there an advantage of buying a 2004 over a 2003? Were the common problems in the 2003 (tire feathering, alignment, etc) fixed with the introduction of the 2004?

I'm currently looking to buy a new Z, and I always filter my searches to show 2004+. I see that 2003 models sometime go for a great deal, so I would like to know if there's any point in looking at 2004 and on if 2004's share the same problems as 2003's. Thanks Z folks!

 

There's a ton of info on here regarding model year differences if you look.

Between 2003 and 2004 there aren't many differences, if any. Just try to find something that wasn't abused and doesn't have a ton of miles...that'll be the hard part.

 

what is your budget?

 

If you get a 2003 04 I would think the suspension would be time for an update anyways. If it hasnt already been done, and any of the problems it might have had 12 or 13 years ago probably have been addressed by now...

But if your buying a 12 year old car expect to deal with problems that 12 year old cars have, things stop working, sensors stop, motors fail, **** breaks... They are good cars, they are fun cars, they have a lot to offer especially at the low price point...

However they will easily take whatever money your willing to throw at it and will keep asking for more... The purchase price is not the total cost unless you find yourself a garage queen jem.

Just my 02

 

Speaking as an '03 track model owner (pre-ordered in '01), there's no significant differences between the '03-04 Z33s. This is an instance where the OP might consider assessing the owner as well as the car. If the Z is clean, well-maintained, has good service records AND has an owner who is organized and knows the car well, that would be worth a bonus.

Also, a word to the OP: drop the "new car" references. While the 350Z remains a worthy link in the Z car line, it hasn't been produced for years. The first gen Z33s you are considering are used cars and as others have said, are going to need some TLC to function near their potential. That means you have a lot to learn about the car, both in terms of learning to drive it, but also with taking the time to learn about its history and mechanical goodness.

 

Most notable changes from 2003 to 2004: 2004.5 models (after production date of 04/04) had revised suspension (better shocks) but as was stated above, even the "better suspension" will likely need re-working.

Also, 2004.5 improved transmission - Nissan moved from use of CD0 6MT trans to CD5 which helped to eliminate (but not entirely) the notorious 3rd gear grind due to faulty synchronizers prevalent in a lot of the '03-early '04 cars. (Not all but many.)

In choosing any model Z33, here's a couple of other key things to look at by year:

2005 - saw introduction of the Anniversary model with 300hp Rev-Up engine (manual transmissions only); DE used in automatic models. Also began installing CD008 and CD009 (the most desirable manual trans) 6MT transmissions but not clear on when this happened during the model year.

2006 - Mild facelift including revised front fascia and improved bi-Xenon headlights (the most desired ones). All models used VQ35DE Rev-up (300hp) engine. Something to be careful of: '06 models had their share of problems, the most discussed is the "oil burner" status of the "newish" engine. NOT ALL of them had this but a fair amount will use an inordinate amount of oil between oil changes.

2007-08 - New engine, 306hp VQ35HR coupled with revised CD009 6MT transmission (revised bell housing to mate up to new engine). Moved to internal concentric clutch slave cylinder which are/were problematic - but can be replaced with a heavy duty aftermarket unit to cure that for good. Replaced Track model with Nismo. Note: Most parts for HR engine are NOT backward compatible with DE as it was a new engine, however evolutionary it was.)

2007 also introduced new Grand Touring model. Most prominent visual feature of that car (to look for when shopping), the use of double stagger wheel/tire setup carrying same specs as the Nismo models 18x9F, 19x10R. They are nearly identical to the Nismo wheels but for the "dots" on the wheel instead of grooves (Nismo) and the color, Hyper Silver versus anthracite.

Given all that, the most desirable Z33s are going to be the '07-08s but as with ANY car purchase, it's all about how well the car was maintained. An example, just for comparison, I'll take my fastidiously maintained '03 (even with mild 3rd gear grind if I'm not careful) over any '07-08 which has been neglected or salvaged.

It's also a good thing to pay attention to the trim levels. If you are considering any performance enhancements, would suggest you start with a car above Base level due to all trim levels above that having VLSD and depending on the Trim, defeatable TCS (traction control) and VDC (vehicle dynamic control) which cannot be entirely shut off but even partially disabled, it's not bad. But both good to have for the other 97% of the time you're driving it "normally" - whatever that is. Laff.....

Hope this helps.

 

^^^ Like Mic said, transmission is the only notable difference. My 03 grinds into 3rd gear when cold, but it is more than manageable and has not gotten worse in the 6 years I have owned it.

 

Excellent summary, Mic. There's also the chance to ask the seller a question about what model transmission is in their Z. If they have no clue, or simply say something like: "I dunno, it's a manual", maybe it's time to move on. Take the time to get to know the seller a bit, this is an important factor in your buying decision.

 

This^ and the other great posts above.


Id say just find one or the other with the best condition and maintenance record and a solid price.


I think the 04 to 05 and up is where big changes were made at least the ones I focused on when figuring out what year I wanted.

 

If you are not going to get an HR motor (2007-2008) It doesn't really matter much.

The 2006 Will be the only other real stepping stone. Many of the 2005 rev ups had oil burning issues that may or may not have been fixed, but at least with the 2006 you get the best transmission the cd009 (Less grinding issues but an abused one might still grind) you get all the improved looks, the better headlights, and speed sensitive steering. Standard side airbags and the interior was spruced up a little bit. Nothing huge but the small changes addup.

I personally would rather have a nice clean track or grand touring 03-04 then a base 2006.

 

not all model uses the rev-up for 06, automatic ones still use the regular DE

 

No 6 speed no care

 

Thanks for the responses everyone! I'm definitely going to be taking my time scouting out my first Z.