Hello Z owners,

I am 20 years old and now saved up enough money to buy a 2003 350z with performance package.

however I have not made such a large purchase before in my life and I am concerened if I am getting into trouble with this car?

-like is this car killer on maintence costs?

-what types of problems can I expect with this car?

-anything to look for in a used Z, or worth buying a used?


also, I still live with my parents, how would I break the news to them that I want to buy this car? (as they want me to save my money) keep in mind they are pretty strict?

the Z is my dream car, and most of my friends drive civics that buzz around, something that I cant be in.

 

Whats up:

Should you buy it at 20? Depends, which answer do you want? For the long run, its best to invest your money and have it make more money for you in the future. (Invest being read as buying/selling cars, loans, property... NOT STOCKS, or putting it in the bank - both are useless IMO)
What did I do? Well, I'm 21, and I drive a Z. Sometimes ya gotta go with plan B, and live life. I started saving for this car since I saw it at the Javits Center at the NY Auto Show. MY mission was clear

Maintenance: Probably the lowest cost for maintenance issues, as parts are relatively cheap, and Nissan has used the same major parts in all the 350Z models.

Problems? I havn't had any yet. Get an 04, or refer back to the above question if you get the 03.

Used can be just as good as new. Bring someone who knows cars well, a mechanic, whatever you can.


Break the news? Your buying it yourself. With your own money. That you saved. "Arent you guys proud?" Nuff Said. (worked on mine!)

Be careful of jealous friends/haters. Keep your friends close, and your enemies (sisters ) closer.

 

I have NO problems with my Z so far. I love the car overall and get lots of attention from girls while driving it
Just an advice check your insurance rate for the Z before you buy it. Btw, do you own a car now?

 

I would love to say to everyone who wants to buy a 350Z to buy one. While I don't know how much you saved up or do you have enough to buy this 350Z out right?

As for maintenance cost is different for everyone some go to dealers which can be expensive some do their own work or STS, Jiffy Lube places. And don't forget insurance too.

As for your parents I know where you are coming from because I had to try hard to persuade them to let me buy a use old 1988 Corvette at 20 and they did since they knew it made me happy.

I know I didn't answer your question because I really don't your whole story to able to do so.

 

The Z is one of the most fun-to-drive cars out there. As far as cost of entry, it's as much fun as cars twice its cost. If you've got the means and your living situation/school is figured out, a car can be a great investment in terms of pride and enjoyment (not money).

As for the Z in particular:
Maintenance costs - frightfully expensive when compared to mainstream cars such as an accord or a civic. Even if you're not plagued with feathering, tires only last about 20k, are useless in the snow, and are pretty expensive. Brake pads and rotors tend to last about 20k...and from what I've read the clutch is short lived as well. All of these things add up quickly. If you drive the car 15-20k a year, the Z is going to be pretty expensive to own. I'm not sure it's more than other cars in its class though.

Used vs New - People on this board constantly harp about getting a new car. The truth is that if you check a used car over carefully or have it checked professionally, you can save a bundle and end up with the same result. Most of the used cars still have a warranty, and the 04s continue to have the tranny/tire issues that plague the 03s.

What to look for - do a search for feathering here and check up on that. If possible test drive the car on a cold morning when you're most likely to see a tranny grind.

As for your parents, sorry bro I can't help you there. Maybe just buy it and beg for forgiveness?

NzZ

 

It's a car, it's going to have problems just like any car. Labor rates on the Z are the same as the rates on a 15 year old Stanza. It's the parts that are going to cost you more.

Are you getting into trouble? Well, with the limited information about your finances (don't want any more information, really), it's hard to say. Just be honest with yourself (hint: write out a budget and think of EVERYTHING), then you decide for yourself if your finances can tolerate it.

Break it to your parents? Dude, you're 20 years old. That makes you a man in my book (at least chronologically). When I was your age, I was in Korea flying dead bodies off the DMZ. Get a pair, and step up. What are they going to do, kick you out of the house? If they do, good; you're old enough to make it on your own. Oh, and if they do and you can't afford the Z, then you shouldn't buy it.

Don't mean to sound harsh, I just have a hard time understanding 20 year olds who are in the "don't make mom and dad mad" mode.

 

You say it`s your dream car!!!.
Live your dream, as for the car IMO it`s the best all around, most fun to drive, outstanding great looks,not to mention pretty darn good performance.
I would do my homework, beeing 20 yrs old and Ins.
As far as your parents, tell them what your plans are, be assertive.
Remember it`s your money and it`s your dream.

 

I don't have any problems with my 350Z currently. Worst one (which I don't consider a problem), was a very slight passenger side window grease streak at around 5000 miles, which is not completely gone.

If you hate getting "nice car" compliments from really cute girls, this car isn't for you.

 

If you saved up enough to buy a Z (in cash?), then I would use that money to get out of the house and live on my own. Freedom is priceless. Better yet use the money for a down payment on a house/condo, move in, wait 2 years, sell it, then use some of the profit on a 2007 350Z and upgrade to a bigger place.

That my friend is the way better plan. Plus you and your friends will have a place to party anytime you want.

 

Hey everyone, thanks for all your supports.

My mind is basicly made up with the 350Z since I had enough cash to buy this car, and now that I read your posts I want it more badly.

I have enough cash right now to buy this car right out, the insurance costs for me on this car right now is about $280 month. BUT if I go under my parents name its about half that amount, so this is one of the main reasons why I gotta convince them about this car the right way. Just curious, what are you guys paying for insurance right now?, and whats your age just so I can compare.


Also my next question for you guys/gals is, I live in Canada and we have fall/winter in about 3 months, do you suggest I wait until after winter to buy this car? (which is in around march of 2005). and maybe the car will drop a few hundred bucks for me



I hear you on that one there buddy, One of my friends dad bought a 2003 ferrari 360 modena (leased it on his 50th birthday), and me and my buddy would take this thing out to all the local hangout places and all his buddys wouldnt even speak to him or say whatsup, as they where all jelous SOB's, well you really find out who your friends are I can tell you that.

hahaha.... when we take my buddys dads ferrari out, we get more then "nice car" from them if ya know what I mean
like if we where driving in a civic these girls would never talk to us (not that we are ugly or anything)

.nah... I am a clean cut kid, I am not the type to have some party house, just like going to them.

thanks again guys for all your replys, its giving me a better look on this car

 

NO! Dont get this car!
Lol, this is a Z forum, everyone is gunna tell you its a nice car.
So I'm gunna be the exception and tell you not to get it. Completely for the fact that you'll be another Z driver out there when i get mine, and I'll look a little less unique.
LOL.
Just get the car if thats what you really want.

 

if you can afford the car payment and the high insurance your gonna get tagged with go for it.

 

well its just going to be the insurance that I will need to pay as I will buy the car out complete (no payments crap).

 

You saved up over 30k+ US, jesus at your age that takes some hardwork to do. If I were you I'd put something like 15k down, and invest the rest. Because the minute you drive off the lot you just lost 3-4k. And if you get a loan you also start building up your credit history.

But remember buying it outright at your age is just stupid.

 

Thanks for your insight,

can I ask why would it be stupid if I bought this car outright at my age?

 

Just a complete waste of money to basically sink every penny into the car. What happens if something unexpected happens to you, the car, or your family.

If you take out a loan, sure your paying a little bit of interest, but then again your also gaining interest based on how you invest the money you don't sink immediatly into the car. Plus you have a huge safety net with not buying it completey outright.

Also what if you parents tell you, "If you can afford the car then you can afford to move out." Just alot of things to consider, one of the most expensive things with the Z I've noticed is not only the gas, but also the tires ain't exactly cheap either. Seems like alot of people are replacing their tires once a year. So thats another 1k more or less spent on tires a year. Then figure around another 1k or more in gas used a year depending on how you drive.

But I like the motto "Have fun while your young" I'm 24 and I know once me and my wife hit 30 we'll start having kids and by then the Z won't be very pratical anymore

But I guess what I'm getting is don't blow your load all in one shot.

 

Ever hear of "preaching to the choir"? Asking Z owners if you should buy a Z falls into that category. Go to a Porsche Boxster forum and ask 'em if you should buy a Z.

The smart answer? Invest/save the $30,000. Never touch it. And you'll retire at 65 a multi-millionaire with a care-free lifestyle during your golden ages. You're 20 and that'll go in one ear and out another.

Maintenance costs? The tire feathering is the worst problem. Add up all the other issues people have been pointing out like the higher costs of parts then add in the fact, at 20, no doubt you'll drive it just a tad harder than your granny drives her Caddy. Yep, you'll burn through tires and parts quicker than your average commuter in their beater.

But.... one thing I've learned. Life is short. You get one shot at it. Might as well, within sane reason, enjoy it. So, follow your hormones buy it and score with some chicks. Hmmm.... come to think of it, ever think of buying something with a back seat... a big back seat???

 

i don't think the comment about your friends buzzing around in their civics was really necessary. and maybe it reveals something about your personality...but either way, you need to do some searching. you can find all the answers to you questions with the search function.