Please check this lemon squad report of Z I want to buy!
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From: CA
The consensus? You've been spending too much time on worthless social media where people destroy their cars with pointless things like unnecessary coilovers and flame maps. Snappier, burns oil less, more efficient, and dual air intakes?
It's not aggression. It's frustration. People like you come in here periodically and ask for advice. When it's provided by some OG members who know more about this platform that probably 99% of all the other worthless commentary on the internet and you dispute it, you're going to be met with some resistance. This is the internet. You need to have some thicker skin.
The HR is "better." That's a completely subjective opinion. Ultimately what are you trying to do with it? Is this a daily commuter that you plan on leaving 100% stock with no modifications? Do you care more about getting swag points "because HR"? There are clear pros and cons to both.
Obvious differences (since you failed to mention anything empirical other than two intakes): The HR has a compression ratio of 10.6:1 versus the DE's 10.3:1. The HR has a slightly taller block. The HR has a rev limit of 7500 RPM versus 6600 on the DE (or 7000 on the rev-up DE). There is variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust side of the HR (rev-up DE has this, too). HR has more hp than the DE but less torque. The torque curve on the HR is more linear than the DE. The Rev-up DE is more prone to oil-burning issues than the HR and the non rev-up DE. The concentric slave cylinder found on transmissions in the HR model is trash. HR has issues with oil gallery gaskets failing. The HR runs hotter than the DE. While all interior pieces on the Z33 aren't made from high-quality materials, the interior pieces on HR-equipped models are worse.
So, which is better?
If you're going to drink the HR kool-aid and suck on all the HR fanboi's ********, then, by all means, spend more money on a 07-09 Z33. The fact is that all the hype about the HR being "far superior" or "significantly better" has artificially driven up the price. You're going to be paying a premium. Yes, the HR is a newer engine. But, it's only 3 years newer than the DE. Both are going to require maintenance. HR parts and aftermarket support is limited and more expensive. There is more available for the DE if you plan on modifying or just general maintenance. OOOooOooh, the HR has TWO intakes and a higher redline?!? That doesn't mean it's better. Are you seriously going to be constantly bouncing off the rev limiter on a regular basis when you drive? If so, the HR is going to live in limp mode since temps will get too high.
Feel free to disagree with me. It sounds like you don't have a lot of knowledge when it comes to cars or buying cars in general since you thought a y-pipe was the rear resonator/muffler section in your other thread. Also, it seems like you're overly concerned with the appearance of surface rust on the undercarriage.
If you want the better Z, and this is likely an unpopular opinion, get a 370. It's in your price range (I think). It's newer. It has plenty of aftermarket support for whatever you want to achieve. If you ask me, going from your current DE to an HR is really a lateral move. If you want an upgrade, get the next gen.
It's not aggression. It's frustration. People like you come in here periodically and ask for advice. When it's provided by some OG members who know more about this platform that probably 99% of all the other worthless commentary on the internet and you dispute it, you're going to be met with some resistance. This is the internet. You need to have some thicker skin.
The HR is "better." That's a completely subjective opinion. Ultimately what are you trying to do with it? Is this a daily commuter that you plan on leaving 100% stock with no modifications? Do you care more about getting swag points "because HR"? There are clear pros and cons to both.
Obvious differences (since you failed to mention anything empirical other than two intakes): The HR has a compression ratio of 10.6:1 versus the DE's 10.3:1. The HR has a slightly taller block. The HR has a rev limit of 7500 RPM versus 6600 on the DE (or 7000 on the rev-up DE). There is variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust side of the HR (rev-up DE has this, too). HR has more hp than the DE but less torque. The torque curve on the HR is more linear than the DE. The Rev-up DE is more prone to oil-burning issues than the HR and the non rev-up DE. The concentric slave cylinder found on transmissions in the HR model is trash. HR has issues with oil gallery gaskets failing. The HR runs hotter than the DE. While all interior pieces on the Z33 aren't made from high-quality materials, the interior pieces on HR-equipped models are worse.
So, which is better?
If you're going to drink the HR kool-aid and suck on all the HR fanboi's ********, then, by all means, spend more money on a 07-09 Z33. The fact is that all the hype about the HR being "far superior" or "significantly better" has artificially driven up the price. You're going to be paying a premium. Yes, the HR is a newer engine. But, it's only 3 years newer than the DE. Both are going to require maintenance. HR parts and aftermarket support is limited and more expensive. There is more available for the DE if you plan on modifying or just general maintenance. OOOooOooh, the HR has TWO intakes and a higher redline?!? That doesn't mean it's better. Are you seriously going to be constantly bouncing off the rev limiter on a regular basis when you drive? If so, the HR is going to live in limp mode since temps will get too high.
Feel free to disagree with me. It sounds like you don't have a lot of knowledge when it comes to cars or buying cars in general since you thought a y-pipe was the rear resonator/muffler section in your other thread. Also, it seems like you're overly concerned with the appearance of surface rust on the undercarriage.
If you want the better Z, and this is likely an unpopular opinion, get a 370. It's in your price range (I think). It's newer. It has plenty of aftermarket support for whatever you want to achieve. If you ask me, going from your current DE to an HR is really a lateral move. If you want an upgrade, get the next gen.
It's a fair question, yet I'm being called aj idiot and talked down to for asking about it.
You seem to know more about these cars, can you pleass tell me what to look for when buying a 350z?
And btw the surface rust wasn't me making a big deal about it, it was everyone else. When I tried debating back saying it doesn't look too bad and comparing it my 2004, then I'm being hard headed etc
Which one is it ? Is that rust bad or not? Now your telling me it's surface rust when I gave up the car precisely because of that and how people told me the car wasn't cared for?
And i know 370z is better, but i just dont like how they look outside of inside, unfortunately
Last edited by Kf2024; Dec 12, 2024 at 05:43 AM.
Best advice when buying a used vehicle, in addition to a PPI unless you feel mechanically inclined to do it yourself, is to drive it. Listen for noises or strange sounds and issues with how it drives. Make sure the oil pressure and the fluids look good. A healthy and well-documented maintenance history is a good sign. Easy stuff to see. My view is that if something small has been neglected or overlooked, then it's likely larger and more significant things have been as well.
I have an '05. I bought it used in 2012. It has basically been trouble-free other than normal expected consumable items. These include the cam and crank sensors (two of them on the non-rev DE as opposed to four on the HR and rev-up), window motors, and rear differential bushing. All iterations of the Z will need these eventually. Unnecessarily, I have replaced the OEM dual mass clutch and flywheel with a lightweight JWT, whiteline bushings, Bilstein struts, Hotchkis springs and sway bars, Akebono BBK, Motordyne exhaust, 3.5" Admin intake, 75mm TB, upgraded lighting, and so on and so on. It's my fun car and more of my hobby. I've done all the work myself. I've always had a separate DD.
So, I guess my main question is, what are you trying to do with this new Z33?
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 129
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From: CA
This is a pretty common question. Unfortunately, the answer is always the same whenever buying a used car in general. You're getting PPIs, so that's a good start. Most don't even do that. Personally, I tend to stay away from dealerships. I prefer private party sales because I can talk to the owner and get a feel for how they've treated a vehicle and either appreciated it or didn't. I also hate dealership markups. I also buy used from private parties because I am an "amateur mechanic" with essentially a fully-equipped shop and a lift in my garage. The truth is that no used car is going to be perfect. They're all going to have issues. It comes down to whether they're the "right issues" or the "wrong issues." Many things that go wrong with the Z can be easily fixed with some basic hand tools. If you're comfortable doing work yourself, then get the Z that is cheaper to maintain. If you're going to be outsourcing every maintenance or repair item, it doesn't matter.
Best advice when buying a used vehicle, in addition to a PPI unless you feel mechanically inclined to do it yourself, is to drive it. Listen for noises or strange sounds and issues with how it drives. Make sure the oil pressure and the fluids look good. A healthy and well-documented maintenance history is a good sign. Easy stuff to see. My view is that if something small has been neglected or overlooked, then it's likely larger and more significant things have been as well.
I have an '05. I bought it used in 2012. It has basically been trouble-free other than normal expected consumable items. These include the cam and crank sensors (two of them on the non-rev DE as opposed to four on the HR and rev-up), window motors, and rear differential bushing. All iterations of the Z will need these eventually. Unnecessarily, I have replaced the OEM dual mass clutch and flywheel with a lightweight JWT, whiteline bushings, Bilstein struts, Hotchkis springs and sway bars, Akebono BBK, Motordyne exhaust, 3.5" Admin intake, 75mm TB, upgraded lighting, and so on and so on. It's my fun car and more of my hobby. I've done all the work myself. I've always had a separate DD.
So, I guess my main question is, what are you trying to do with this new Z33?
Best advice when buying a used vehicle, in addition to a PPI unless you feel mechanically inclined to do it yourself, is to drive it. Listen for noises or strange sounds and issues with how it drives. Make sure the oil pressure and the fluids look good. A healthy and well-documented maintenance history is a good sign. Easy stuff to see. My view is that if something small has been neglected or overlooked, then it's likely larger and more significant things have been as well.
I have an '05. I bought it used in 2012. It has basically been trouble-free other than normal expected consumable items. These include the cam and crank sensors (two of them on the non-rev DE as opposed to four on the HR and rev-up), window motors, and rear differential bushing. All iterations of the Z will need these eventually. Unnecessarily, I have replaced the OEM dual mass clutch and flywheel with a lightweight JWT, whiteline bushings, Bilstein struts, Hotchkis springs and sway bars, Akebono BBK, Motordyne exhaust, 3.5" Admin intake, 75mm TB, upgraded lighting, and so on and so on. It's my fun car and more of my hobby. I've done all the work myself. I've always had a separate DD.
So, I guess my main question is, what are you trying to do with this new Z33?
I'll also outsource all maintenance and repair. Ive been very honest about my embarrassing lack of knowledge when it comes to cars. I also live in a condo so no garage to work in etc.
Since you asked what my goal was with the 2008z, Ill be honest with you, getting this 2008 350z was some kind of therapy after my difficult divorce. I got cleaned out a bit so money I was saving up for 2 years to get the New Z is completely gone to the lawyers. So instead of being depressed about it I decided to get a 350z (I just love them), a Base model, and do things like add leather upholstery , get the Z1 cold air intakes, get a new exhaust that closely matches my 2004s Nismo S-tune (got good recommendations on other thread I made) and Maybe get new wheels, add OEM spoiler, add an Car Play wifi screen, update sound system, etc
It was going to be fun to build my dream 350z, and i felt better pouring so much into a "newer" 2008 model rather tha my rebuilt salvage 2004 350z with 154k miles on it.
Not sure if any of that makes sense, but it would have added aome positivity and aomething to look forward to and be excited about after 3 years of absolute hell.
I could just keep my 2004 350z. I took it to Nissan dealership and it needs about $3-4k of repairs, including rear brake pads and all 3 of the 4 tires. They heard rattling but need $180 diagnosis for that and that can be anything. Even if I do all that, I worry ill do all these upgrades I want then the engine randomly dies out on me and suddenly I need thousands more to fix or replace it.
The sales rep I've been working with for a month with the 2008 I backed out on yesterday text me this morning asking me there are 20+ people who called about the 350z last month but he's holding out a couple of days to give me time to think it thru. Honestly the guys been so nice and honest so far. Other dealers don't even respond to my texts or emails about Zs they have, make me feel.like I'm doing them a favor trying to give them my money .
Last edited by Kf2024; Dec 12, 2024 at 08:41 AM.
It's all good. At the end of the day, it's up to you and your personal preference. If you want to get that '08, then go for it. We're all geniuses over here on this forum just in case you didn't figure that out.
Divorce is tough. My condolences for that. Thankfully, my wife hasn't left me despite my unhealthy obsession with cars. The garage/shop build that took several years was in anticipation of basically building a stable for more cars and fun stuff. I guess it's my own therapy for sitting at a desk all day. I think it's going to be a little tough for you without a dedicated space to work, but I get it that not everyone wants to be hands on everything. Despite living in a condo, a lot of places will allow you to rent out shop space if you ever want to get your hands dirty. There are tons of write-ups/DIY guides on here from basic repairs to the extreme. A basic socket wrench set and maybe some PB blaster, and you can swap over that S-tune exhaust in about an hour.
It really is tough buying a used car these days. Way too many variables, dishonest sellers, mark-ups, unknowns, etc. If it gives you better piece of mind to spend a little more to get what you really want, then do it.
Hopefully, we didn't scare you off.
Divorce is tough. My condolences for that. Thankfully, my wife hasn't left me despite my unhealthy obsession with cars. The garage/shop build that took several years was in anticipation of basically building a stable for more cars and fun stuff. I guess it's my own therapy for sitting at a desk all day. I think it's going to be a little tough for you without a dedicated space to work, but I get it that not everyone wants to be hands on everything. Despite living in a condo, a lot of places will allow you to rent out shop space if you ever want to get your hands dirty. There are tons of write-ups/DIY guides on here from basic repairs to the extreme. A basic socket wrench set and maybe some PB blaster, and you can swap over that S-tune exhaust in about an hour.
It really is tough buying a used car these days. Way too many variables, dishonest sellers, mark-ups, unknowns, etc. If it gives you better piece of mind to spend a little more to get what you really want, then do it.
Hopefully, we didn't scare you off.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 129
Likes: 4
From: CA
It's all good. At the end of the day, it's up to you and your personal preference. If you want to get that '08, then go for it. We're all geniuses over here on this forum just in case you didn't figure that out.
Divorce is tough. My condolences for that. Thankfully, my wife hasn't left me despite my unhealthy obsession with cars. The garage/shop build that took several years was in anticipation of basically building a stable for more cars and fun stuff. I guess it's my own therapy for sitting at a desk all day. I think it's going to be a little tough for you without a dedicated space to work, but I get it that not everyone wants to be hands on everything. Despite living in a condo, a lot of places will allow you to rent out shop space if you ever want to get your hands dirty. There are tons of write-ups/DIY guides on here from basic repairs to the extreme. A basic socket wrench set and maybe some PB blaster, and you can swap over that S-tune exhaust in about an hour.
It really is tough buying a used car these days. Way too many variables, dishonest sellers, mark-ups, unknowns, etc. If it gives you better piece of mind to spend a little more to get what you really want, then do it.
Hopefully, we didn't scare you off.
Divorce is tough. My condolences for that. Thankfully, my wife hasn't left me despite my unhealthy obsession with cars. The garage/shop build that took several years was in anticipation of basically building a stable for more cars and fun stuff. I guess it's my own therapy for sitting at a desk all day. I think it's going to be a little tough for you without a dedicated space to work, but I get it that not everyone wants to be hands on everything. Despite living in a condo, a lot of places will allow you to rent out shop space if you ever want to get your hands dirty. There are tons of write-ups/DIY guides on here from basic repairs to the extreme. A basic socket wrench set and maybe some PB blaster, and you can swap over that S-tune exhaust in about an hour.
It really is tough buying a used car these days. Way too many variables, dishonest sellers, mark-ups, unknowns, etc. If it gives you better piece of mind to spend a little more to get what you really want, then do it.
Hopefully, we didn't scare you off.
I dont know what to do. The sales guy said he will give me 2 days if I change my mind and want the car after which they will stsrt calling the 20+ people who were interested in it. I dont know if this is normal, but I missed out on this same exact car twice within a few days of them being posted online because other people bought them. Don't know if that kind of demand is normal or what.
I might order a second prepurchase inspection if they all me to. It's $220 though. I already did 2 of them of 2 different cars and they vary wildly in detail based on inspector.
And thank you for the kind words about the divorce. It is hard, especially only seeing your kids one week on and one week off, but i guess im lucky to even see him 50% of the time. A few of my friends didn't even get that. It is what it is and you just have to find new hobbies or interests to keep you busy and not wallow
Last edited by Kf2024; Dec 12, 2024 at 10:06 AM.
at the end of the day, it is your money, spend it on what you want.... trust me i get it, after my last break up know what i bought... a corvette (mainly because i got rid of my first one since she had kids), and then dumped 10k into it making it faster and mine.. for the last 4 years i have made me happy buying toys i want (all of them were unfortunately lost in a boating accident... if you get the reference, you know)
on the white HR, the interior door handles are easily replaceable via conceptz
https://conceptzperformance.com/zspe...84_p_75321.php
on the white HR, the interior door handles are easily replaceable via conceptz
https://conceptzperformance.com/zspe...84_p_75321.php
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 129
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From: CA
at the end of the day, it is your money, spend it on what you want.... trust me i get it, after my last break up know what i bought... a corvette (mainly because i got rid of my first one since she had kids), and then dumped 10k into it making it faster and mine.. for the last 4 years i have made me happy buying toys i want (all of them were unfortunately lost in a boating accident... if you get the reference, you know)
on the white HR, the interior door handles are easily replaceable via conceptz
https://conceptzperformance.com/zspe...84_p_75321.php
on the white HR, the interior door handles are easily replaceable via conceptz
https://conceptzperformance.com/zspe...84_p_75321.php
I know the door handles are super easy to replace, it's just that people here and elsewhere always pointed to the interior condition of the armrest and other trim as indication the car wasn't cared for and/or has more than the advertised 25k miles. I never saw it as an issue until it was pointed out to me
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Joined: Dec 2024
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From: CA
I sold off all my guns 15 years ago to get enough money as a downpayment for my condo. The only gun I kept was my prize original mint condition Colt Python Elite 6 inch barrel. Heard they reissued them recently so no idea if that affected the value of my Python. Last I checked way back in 2015 a gun like mine could easily net $7k
Last edited by Kf2024; Dec 12, 2024 at 10:59 AM.
For what it's worth, I think the 07-08's interior scratched more easily than the previous models.
I wouldn't be too concerned with the "20+ potential buyers" line. Sounds like used car salesman tactics 101.
I wouldn't be too concerned with the "20+ potential buyers" line. Sounds like used car salesman tactics 101.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 129
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From: CA
I normally wouldn't believe sales tactics like that, but like I mentioned ive been monitroing car apps for months now looking for Zs and I found this same exact 2008 350z twice and within a day or 2 I called and they were already sold. I put my name on list in case they back out but they never did.
It's kind of why i sort of believe him.
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z33chillin
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Aug 24, 2006 04:32 AM