After owning a 1973 240z when I was 16 I have decided to go ahead and buy a used 350z now. I am looking to spend around $20,000 on the car and the begin engine mods afterwards. I am looking for opinions on what kind of deal people think I should get for that price. I have seen a few nice 03' and 04' cars with low milage for this price. Any help would be great. Next project will hopefully be a supercharger or TT. Thanks in advance!! So much info to read now that I found this site. Peace

 

i would say get 04 or newer, even if you have to save up a bit more, and traction control if only for resale value

 

Im in the same boat as you. Try to get an 04.5 of higher, only if you want a manual. From what I have heard, the 03 6mt models have had transmission problems, however both the automatic and manual models have tire feathering problems. So stay away from 03s. Also get anything higher than a base. This has made my search very frustrating and Im sure it will do the same for you.

 

When you say low mileage for $20k what do you mean? As in 20k/30k miles low mileage or 10-15k miles low mileage?

There are quite a few 03/04 models from base-touring with 30-40k miles going for around 20-21k right now.

Forget trying to get anything above an 04 Touring for $20k regardless of mileage.

As for NOT starting off on a base model, you have the same engine all the way up to the top tier model so if you're someone who likes to build up then that should not be an issue.

My friend does not like the factory HIDs, does not care for leather, installed his own HU, subwoofer; so for him buying a base model over anything else made sense to him. He even upgraded the wheels/tires and right now, his looks BADASS and has more options and trinkets than my 03 Touring

So, for $20k, you'll get what you pay for. If possible, shell out another 1-2k and get a later model or that 03/04 but with just less miles.

For the price of 22.5k-23k, you open up your window of lower mileage 350z SO MUCH.

Good luck with it.

Tony

 

hell i just saw a 04.5 roadster with 23k miles on it for under 20 grand from a stealership on either ebay or autotrader i cant remember.

 

touring, with nav as well

 

Not doubting you that it is POSTED for that much but it either has something wrong with the title or is still being bidded on.

You can ask any board member, regular market value of a roadster either be 04-06 will NOT be under 26k.

If you feel I am wrong, prove me wrong and post the link. I'll call it up, verify the price and buy the car myself.

Tony

 

WOW!!! Way more help than I expected. Thanks! I think I will be planning on spending a little extra money so I can get something 04 or newer with under 20k miles. I dont really want to pay much over $24,000 now. I would like leather and nav but I am not too picky. I have awful news though. I will be needing to finance some of the car so I will be shoping a dealership. Hurts my heart to have to do that. I live in Cali so I have a lot of places to look. Any other info would help that much more. THANKS EVERYONE!!! Nick

 

Oh yeah manual tranny of course and does anyone have good info about warranties? If I buy a z used can I get a 100,000 mile warranty? Is it worth it?

 

My guess would be rebuilt or salvage title.

 

You cant get a loan from an outside source? (bank, credit card co, credit union, etc)

 

^ thats what I suggest

 

I have found a source for funds. Go ol friend!! There is a 05' 350z performance in my local automag for $26,500 with 11k miles. All black with cold air and 18" rims. Looks to be a nice car. What do you think would be a good offer? I was thinking around $22,000. Also there is one in Autotrader an 05' with 8500 miles enthusiastic that looks too good to be true for $24,000 obo. I could get that for 20K maybe. What a headache, trying to get the best bang for the buck.

 

How do I keep my thread from dissapearing to another page and why does it not say how many responses I got??? I hate being new to something but its gotta happen sometimes I guess.

 

I think you are trying to lowball them by too much. I mean, go for it, but I doubt that they will actually sell it for that price. Also, I would try to find another source for a loan outside of a friend of yours. That has trouble written all over it.

 

How is the shopping comming alone?

 

Found an 04 in Vegas on Autotrader for around $23k with 18k miles. Still shopping for the best car. Trying to figure out what main difference in 04 and 04.5 are. Any input would be great.

 

Don't quote me on this, but I think they fixed the tire feathering problem.

 

I'd say if you're buying an 03, and it has mid-high mileage it's pretty safe to say that it has been problem free if the guy was willing to keep it for so long. It'd make for a good project car too if you want to go FI and build the engine. Remember not all 03' had tire feathering & tranny problems.

 

I would be VERY selective! do not settle.

I was shopping for over 2 months last summer, almost bought new. I was able to purchase a 2004.5 Enth. 6MT w/ 3K miles for $21K out the door from a Nissan dealership. I had the tires and axle TSB done, perfect other than that.