Tom B517

Hi everyone! Brand new to the forums here. I am looking to buy a 2003 350Z 6MT. The car is a touring edition black in color. It has 44K on it and the seller wants 12,500. I know I can get it down to about 10,000. However there are some concerns I have. I have never driven a Z, and would be learning stick on the car as well. My main concern is the mileage. According to the CarFax report, less than 100 miles have been put on it since September of 2013, and has not had a trip to the dealership since then as well. I would like some advice and feedback regarding this issue. I am not able to locate the 1st owner to get some answers. Also, if there are other common issues or anything you may be able to add to help me with this purchase is encouraged and appreciated. Thank you everybody!

jhc

Hi and welcome.
That's ($12K) about right for that mileage. Just remind the guy the car IS 17 yrs old lol, and a lot of things can go bad on cars not driven in 7 years. Speaking of the CarFax, see if he can provide vehicle registrations from the past. Our state requires mileage on them to prevent. fraud. If it's not being driven, totally makes sense not to service it. The bad news- it seems the owner either lacked funds to operate it or worse, lost interest in it.
As far as not driving a stick, it's totally doable BUT, you'll have to get a parent/friend to both test drive it (w you as passenger) and teach you how to shift which should take less than an hour.
Lastly, make the person an offer (10K) and ask for a 24 hour test drive so you can have an independent mechanic look over every system to make sure you're not getting a money pit. It would be reasonable for sller to ask for $500 deposit or more, make sure you get a receipt for that or use PP.
GL!

Heel Til I Die

iTrader: (2)

Not sure if this is the best car to learn how to drive manual. Sure - it's doable, but you may want to practice on another one first. Also, what makes you want to buy a Z if you've never driven one before?

I don't think my Z has had a trip to dealership since the day it left in 2005.

MicVelo

He saw how cool I look driving one. That's all that's needed.

NissanTracker

iTrader: (8)

Haha +1! Satan is not getting my $$

Kinda late for the party, but I'm in Mass. If you not far, could stop by and take a look if you bought the Z. I had an 03 track edition and have an 07 nismo. Been around these for a bit.

AJ2003

I bought a 2003 MT Touring with 38,000 miles last fall. It only had 200 miles on it over the past 4 years. Have put 3K on it since then and no issues. Got an oil change right away and had to replace the tires. It still had original tires on the car from 2003. You might want to check that. Depending on tires you pick, that's another $900+ dollars on top of the price of the car.