Notices
Buying/Leasing 350Z/370Z Purchasing Info

What to look for?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-01-2006, 09:04 AM
  #1  
shinkuu
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
shinkuu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default What to look for?

I am going to join you guys in purchasing a 350z, either new or used. I need to know what to look for if I'm getting a used 350z. i.e. what model year and why? I haven't done my share of research on this car yet but that comes with time. I'll be reading the forums more but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Old 03-01-2006, 10:45 AM
  #2  
pbn85
New Member
iTrader: (2)
 
pbn85's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Bayside, NYC
Posts: 652
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

If you want to get 6mt then get the 2004.5 or higher. All the tranny problems and tire feathering problems have been fixed by then. For automatic, still stick to 2004.5 b/c the tire feathering problems were fixed. Its up to you and how much money you have to decide on what kind of model you want. Base is the cheapest, then enthusiast. Track, touring and performance are among the highest (im not sure of the order). Track has nice brembo brakes and rear spoiler...touring has leather. I think I got it right, if not, someone correct me.

good luck
Old 03-01-2006, 01:44 PM
  #3  
shinkuu
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
shinkuu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks a lot for letting me know about the problems with pre 2004.5 models. I want a 6 speed MT. Also would like the model with LSD, i think that is the enthusiast. Any additional input on the car would be nice. I own a Scion tC and know just about everything on that car, with time I will know about the 350z too. Are there any clubs in SoCal, specifically San Diego area?

Right now it looks like either the Enthusiast or Touring Models.

Last edited by shinkuu; 03-01-2006 at 01:48 PM.
Old 03-01-2006, 06:25 PM
  #4  
FreeBaGeL
Registered User
 
FreeBaGeL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Looks like you're on the right track....like enycepunjabi said if possible you want to stick with the 04.5 or 05's as that's where the feathering and tranny problems seem to go away. Those are the only two real major issues I can think of offhand.

You seem to already have the trims narrowed down.
Old 03-02-2006, 09:00 AM
  #5  
shinkuu
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
shinkuu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Last part is finding a good price, I've been reading around what others have payed. I just went with my girlfriend last night to get an RX-8, will go to a Nissan dealership sometime this week for my purchase. All the results I find online are mostly 03 Zs. Is $23,000 a reasonable offer for a 2004.5+ Touring with under 30K miles?

Can the problems in the 04 and 03 models be fixed? Has there been a recall on it?
Old 03-02-2006, 09:57 AM
  #6  
The Brickyard Rat
350Z-holic
iTrader: (1)
 
The Brickyard Rat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Sacramento, Ca.
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Most 03/04 problems can be fixed but why bother?

The advice of the guys above is dead on. And, yes. get Enthusiast or higher model.
Old 03-02-2006, 10:56 AM
  #7  
shinkuu
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
shinkuu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

There is an 03 Track model with less than 10k miles for $25k. I know the problems exist, is that an offer I should take or get an 05 in a lower trim model.
Old 03-02-2006, 11:02 AM
  #8  
Wired 24/7
Dr. Wired
iTrader: (2)
 
Wired 24/7's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: San Mateo, CA
Posts: 17,582
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Biggest difference going to track model is the Brembo brakes. The brembos have a higher maintenance cost. MUCH HIGHER. If this matters to you, get an 05 enthusiast or touring.

If you want a pseudo-big brake kit and don't mind the higher maintenance of the brembos, get the track.

And if I were getting an 03, I'd look into getting an extended warranty ASAP.

Last edited by Wired 24/7; 03-02-2006 at 11:05 AM.
Old 03-04-2006, 11:32 PM
  #9  
big papa
Registered User
 
big papa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: az
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Might be a dumb question, but how do tell if it is a 2004.5 just 2004??
Old 03-05-2006, 12:19 PM
  #10  
davidv
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
 
davidv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 42,754
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

a. Set a budget.
b. Decide which model is appropriate
c. Check reliability data at Consumer Reports.
d. Go shopping
Old 03-05-2006, 12:20 PM
  #11  
davidv
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
 
davidv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 42,754
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by big papa
Might be a dumb question, but how do tell if it is a 2004.5 just 2004??
Search is an amazing tool. Very helpful.




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:41 PM.