Hey there,
I'm new to the z's and I've wanted one for a really long time. I currently lease a 06' MX-5 and I want to upgrade to a white Z roadster. But I can't afford a new one. I SHOULD be honest with myself and only limit myself to an asking price of no more than 14k (which seems impossible), but technically I could swing 17-20k. This seems impossible. I know that would limit me to a used one. But can anyone give me advice as to which year would be best?
I'm all about going fast!

Thanks!
mymooser

 

First year (2004) ZRs are approaching your budget. The significant changes were in 06' then 07', but I think they'll be well above your budget. You could try waiting until the winter when no one is buying ZRs and try to score either a newer one for less or an 04-05' nearer your realistic budget.

GL.

 

I see 04 roadsters with around 40-60k miles in the 20k area.. sorry, that probably doesn't help a whole lot, but with the way the Economy is you might luck out and find someone willing to sell it cheaper

 

Use AutoTrader dot com and widen up your search. I found my roadster in Orlando. (1100 miles away from my home in Michigan.)

Car Fax a potential ride, ask the dealer / owner lots of questions and heck, see if there is anyone in the area of the dealer that is located far from you. Maybe a member would be willing to check it out for ya if you offer to paypal $30.

Take a one way flight to see the car and have a great time driving it back.

Mine had just under 50k miles and I bought it for under $18K. (Touring model with Navigation) and 18" wheels.

 

18k you can buy a ZR...ill sell you mind if you like

 

I got mine for 19,900 with 39K miles. Flew to Orlando and drove it 25 hours home to Kansas. A great trip well worth it. I found it on Auto Trader. A Volvo/BMW dealer had a few on the lot.

Keep looking there are some great deals on ebay too. Now with winter approaching that should drop the price a bit too.

 

So you suggest the first year it was released? 04'? For some reason I thought they were a lot older than that?...
Are there any flaws in the 04's that might make it worth forking out more $ for a newer year?

 

That's a Sweet deal! But I don't think the gas & plan ticket is within my budget either.

 

Oh yeah, tell me more!

 

Yes with winter that gives me the fear of reselling my leased MX-5 for lower than value...the timing is a ***** to deal with!

 

You made a wise decision setting a budget. Although considerably flexible its still a budget.

I recommend that you shop by mileage not model year. In other words a 2004 with 30,000 miles is a better deal than a 2005 with 60,000.

 

With a limited budget, you should focus your search based on the price, regardless of what model year 350ZR is. Your best bet is probably eBay. A quick search of completed eBay sales shows several 350Z Roadsters that recently sold within your price range:

$11,600 - '04 with 49K mi - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissa...spagenameZWDVW

$14,000 - '05 with 33K mi - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissa...spagenameZWDVW

$16,600 - '04 with 22K mi - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissa...spagenameZWDVW

$16,695 - '05 with 37K mi - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissa...spagenameZWDVW

Good luck.

 

Oh yeah, I will definatly consider the miles. The only reason I ask about the year is because I don't know if there are any veriances with year in terms of recalls or even features. If 04' is the first year then that makes me think that first years usually have more problems mechanicly than newer years...

 

^^ You'll be just fine. Be thorough in your search, ask lots of questions, keep emotion out of the deal and prepare to walk away at any moment.

If everything looks great, have the dealer look it over before you buy and check the service history for bad stuff.

 

Is that because you were looking locally to Everett? I looked locally around here too (Renton) and I couldn't find anything locally in my price range
Driving a long distance to pick up a car is not realistic for me.

 

A side note: If your budget is REALLY tight, I suggest you pass on the 350Z convertible. Go with a used coupe or another car.

Remember to check on your insurance. That is one expense that most over look.

 

If I were to look at a coupe, I would consider something besides a z. My MX-5 is so much fun as a convertable, I really don't want to give that up.
The insurance isn't too bad. I've checked already. It's already higher now cause of the miata I currently have.

I'm buying out my lease.
I am anticipating my sale of the miata to come even or more with whats left on the lease if sold private sale.
So my goal is to remain even. I'm flexible a couple thousand...

I totally forgot to consider the navigation! That would be nice.

 

Waiting is the hardest part, I know...
With that in mind, why don't you save a few more pennies through the winter. That way you might be able to find a later model at a price you feel more comfortable with.

Just my $.02...

Steve in So Cal

 

You can probably find an '04 roadster with like 60-70k for like 20k

 

oh hey didnt even notice you were local - there is a roadster listed @ 20k at honda of everett right now. they will negotiate with you on price for sure - i had a brother in law that worked there for a while..

their goal on used cars is always 1k over what they paid, so just tell them what you're willing to pay and they will be up front with you most likely - say they can't go that low, they paid blah blah, need to make blah profit..

I would hope you could pick it up for about 18. I think it has 40k miles but I could be wrong..

I almost picked up my Z from them a few months ago- they couldnt go less then 18.1k on it (wasnt the roadster..) and I didn't think it was a good enough deal so I walked.

*edit* holy **** they might have finally sold it. I don't see it listed.