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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Might be a dumb question, but how do tell if it is a 2004.5 just 2004??

 

a. Set a budget.
b. Decide which model is appropriate
c. Check reliability data at Consumer Reports.
d. Go shopping

 

Search is an amazing tool. Very helpful.