nick120580

Hows everyone doing? I just joined and havent looked around much so sorry if the answers have been answered before.

Im moving back to the states in 3 weeks and need a car. Wife wants me to get a 4dr, I want a sports car. So I am considering a 2003-2004: 350Z, Evo VIII, IS300, S2000, Celica GTS, Acura RSX.

I realize that is a very wide range. But i have reasons for wanting each. Wife likes the Lexus and the EVO. She hates the Z,S2000. She kinda likes the Celica.

What ever I get I will be autoxing. And it will be my daily driver. I have no kids yet so I dont need a 4dr. I can finally afford the car I want. And I want a sports car. Thats why i am looking at the z.

Now my Z questions. I want to spend between 20 and 26 grand if I go used. If i go new I want to keep below 30. Is this realistic? What model level do you reccomend?

I am sure i will have questiosn later. But everyone hate reading a book online.

*cliffs: Give me your opinion on what Z to buy.

FairladyZ

First of all out of all the cars you listed only two of them are considered sports cars. The 350Z and S2000. I personally like the 350Z better.

I say buy a used vehicle. Why pay full price when there are plenty of good quality used 350Z's with factory warranties. When I went and looked at the dealer I couldnt believe the asking prices of used 350z's compared to the new ones.

good luck.

nick120580

I will probably buy used. 2003 probably. I just dont want to get a lemon. I am just keeping the new car option open if i dont find used in the condition I want. I have been looking at the Autotrader online because I am still living overseas. I will look more seriously when I get back.

What kinda problems should I look for on a used 350

FairladyZ

Dont look for problems because you will find them on any car. Just test drive it and see what you think. You car will be under warranty so dont worry about it. Like I said mine didnt have any problems. I think you will be surprised at the used prices at the nissan dealer. I bet you end up with an 04.

Try to buy from a nissan dealer that certifies their cars.

nick120580

Is there any advantages from 03 -04...other than a year newer and lower models

FairladyZ

The 04's have the seatbelt extender, knee pad, little interior changes that most people dont even notice. I like the idea of the seatbelt extender because the belt buckle slams back and can hit the window if your not careful on the 03's. It also makes it easier for a larger person to reach back and grab the belt.

nick120580

Thanks for the help

liquidsilver350

i bought a 2004 liquid aluminum touring with 5,995 miles on it for 25,750. It was aprivate sale. So im sure you could find something in your price range!

nick120580

That is good for my price range. I didnt think I would be able to get an 04 below 26. But i have been looking online all day. And I think the wife wont be to mad if i go with the 350Z instead of the EVO VIII. I am trying to cinvince her that if I dont buy a sports car while we are young. I probably wont be able to get one....you know kids and car seats and all that.

kpiskin

iTrader: (5)

You could also think about getting an 03 G35 coupe or maybe even the sedan. The coupe will give you a back seat and is basically a stretched 350Z. The sedan will give you similar performance to the coupe but will be four doors. Plus you can get the sedan version for less money. Just some food for thought.

FairladyZ

The G35c back seat is a joke, go with the sedan if you really want the seats. Personally check out the Maxima. I bet your wife likes that better than the 350Z. We traded our Z in for the 05 Maxima. It feels so much "nicer" and has a lot of extras. Check one out in person.

zand02max

iTrader: (22)

Dump your wife and get the Z!

r26

forget what the wife wants (easy for an unmarried person to say) and get what you want. Imagine later on when you're driving a second-choice car and see a z or an s200 and say, "That would have been nice".

that is why i drive a z. i first bought a scion tc (don't get me wrong, it's a great car), but i was always looking back at the z. when i had enough money, i traded the tc in and grabbed an 03 touring with extended warranty for 24,500. i lost a lot on the trade in, but is well worth it.

Landbarger

iTrader: (2)

I bought my '04 almost 9 months ago (13k miles) for $25,500. Shop around and I'd garrauntee you'll find a Z in your price range.

LugZ

I'm 24, just bought Z about 2.5 months ago. Dumped in a custom system, ordered KVR brakes [(rotors, calipers, ss brake lines) x 4] and after an awesome long drive, I've realized that the Z has to go. The car brings out the beast in me and I friggen love the car, but I need something that will work for me. I'm working for my car right now. Tire roar is a major **** off and believe me, I am still trying to get the dealerships (in Canada) to do their job. But all flaws set aside, winters are hard and long. Car's going into storage this year, but it will also be the last year I will have it. I plan to make it pretty during winter and sell it and hope I get something more versatile. I'll miss the looks, the compliments, and leaving tread on the hood of car's behind me but unless I am making some good cash, this car has just sucked my wallet like a cheerleader on prom night.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Now my Z questions. I want to spend between 20 and 26 grand if I go used.

$20 - $26,0000 for a used 350Z is possible

If i go new I want to keep below 30. Is this realistic?

Less than $30,000 is possible.

What model level do you recommend?

Research the various models at nissanusa. Decide which is most suitable for you.

Happy shopping.