All of this is good to know. I’m having a struggle choosing my new Z. Going to test drive an 06’ enthusiast roadster tomorrow (leaning towards that). Already approved on a 03’ base, but the condition is a little beat, may have been non reported accident idk. The 06’ is clean, Cali car it’s whole life, stick, less miles & a few grand cheaper then 03’ one with 140+k on it (117k on 06’) would there be a reason to walk from the roadster? Or bite the bullet & take it?

 

As far as roadsters go... I wouldn't touch them. They weigh the same amount more as getting a g35 coupe. If I had to take the weight penalty I would grab the G car and have the back seats and fancy interior

 

Intentionally not really tracking it tho. Not in my 20’s anymore. My current 08’ R32 golf is pretty heavy, but ran 14.2 @ 98mph (2004 version was lighter/quicker worth more). It’s basically the 06’ enthusiast looking like the better deal at $6k. The 03’ coupe I was considering was listed at $8k, but he’s dropping it to $7.5 & it has obvious body damage at 140k. Broken headlight lens getting fixed, power windows getting fixed, drivers leather seat is really ripped. 06’ roadster is def in better shape with less miles & better price with the rev up. Convo top is being replaced on that, but there is also fiberglass hard top conversion like I’ve seen on S2000s.

 

My 04 Enthusiast had the original clutch and transmission in it when another driver killed it. A test drive should allow you to check out earlier models that you have been dismissing. Happy hunting!

 

Makes sense. I just thought at 1st face the older car with allot more miles & beat up condition didn’t deserve an 8k price, that’s all. That’s just a used car lot trying to swindle peeps. Private party I could get that year in manual for prob 5k in that shape. I just took the 06’ roadster for $6200 out the door with only 117k, so far pretty happy about it. Gotta fix few issues then switch insurance & sell my R32 (golf not skyline lol)

 

Forgot to mention it had 130K on it at the end. Not all early Z.s had bad synchros.
Good luck, it was the best car I ever owned.