Hello, first post, name is Dawn. I'm getting ready to deploy in two months and decided to sell my beloved '06 SI. Well, actually, I didn't intend to sell it until I "accidentally" wandered into a Nissan Dealership yesterday, drove an '08 Grand Touring and fell in love. It just felt right. I'm very active over on some of the Honda forums and I know how biased owners can be. I still say coupe over sedan SI but that's just me.

Well, anyway, I've already started parting out my SI. I plan on saving up the $ for a Z while I'm on deployment rather than having it sitting in my garage unloved and unattended for a year. I know most first year cars have issues, even Hondas so should I steer clear of an '03 Z? I'm looking to either purchase a Touring or track. What year do you current owners recommend? I'm a 32, married female and a full time student when I'm not playing dirt sailor. I drive spiritedly and not like a maniac but I'm not a grannie driver either. This car will not be going F/I at any point in it's life and I plan on doing very little appearance mod wise. Thanks.

 

Look for 05; fewest issues reported on here.

Good luck on deployment; keep your head down.

 

Thanks. I'm going to Kuwait though. The only reason we keep our heads down there is to keep the constantly blowing dust and sand out of our eyes. Don't want to steal any thunder from the guys and gals who really deserve it.

 

Sell a car that's 2 years old, and a year from now buy one that's 6 years old? That doesn't sound like a step up to me.

 

I just went through the whole "shopping for a Z" process and let me tell you what I came up with:

As far as model years go, steer clear of '03 and '04 if you can afford newer. 2005 was a good model year and avoided both the tire feathering problems of '03 & 04 and the oil consumption problems some '06's had. If you're planning on staying N/A (as am I) then you should STRONGLY consider maybe waiting a little long and picking up an '07 or '08. The new engine goes from 273HP of previous years to 306HP and from what I understand is just an all around better and smoother engine with more useable power.

That being said if you do your homework on ANY used car you will be rewarded. Make sure you do a CarFax and have a mechanic check it out, however much it costs it'll be worth it for the piece of mind alone.

The Z is an awesome car and like I said: do your homework and I promise you'll be happy!



PS- If you plan on listening to a lot of music steer clear of the basic system or plan on upgrading. I can't speak for the BOSE but my Audi had an incredible sound system (stock) and switching over to the Z it leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Thank you for that advice. Something tells me this is going to be a long drawn out process. Lol. Compared to the stock system in my SI, the Bose sounds like gold to me.

I appreciate your insight but I never mentioned I was looking for a "step up." Different strokes for different folks, eh.

 

Yeah it's a process which is why I made the decision easier and just got an '08.

 

'O4 Touring Coupe: AT--FLAWLESS!!!/15+k/$2O,5OO!!!/ NO FEATHERING OR
OIL-CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

 

Lucky.

 

Im trying to sell my 06 si for a 350z as well, I just got my insurance quote yesterday, and its only 200 more a year for a Z, so now i need to find a buyer ASAP for the SI....but i think im going for an 04 enthusiast, im not a fan of leather seats, but i do want controls on the steering wheel, unless i find a base at a ridiculous price

 

The older I get, the lazier I get. I love steering wheel controls. I test drove an '08 Enthusiast 6spd MT yesterday and made up my mind. I'm staying manual for sure. I'm not that lazy. I'm leaning towards a track 6sp. People keep telling me to look at the G35 coupe because of what I want in a car but I've never really cared for it. I've always preferred the way the Z looks.

are you on 8thcivic by any chance?

 

yep, with the same name....

also, I love g35 coupe looks, but 350Z is sex performance wise and looks wise

 

I thought your name looked familiar. Check your visitor messages on there. I just sent you one.

 

Is there a reason why one should steer away from the 03 350Zs? Is there a major defect with that year Zs?

 

I'm in the habit of avoiding first year models. Most first year models have issues (little nagging ones) that will just frustrate you. My Si is a first year model and I just had to have it because it was the newest most fantabulous thing since the invention of the car. I haven't had anywhere near the issues some '06 owners have had but it's enough for me to steer away from buying another first year model anything. But I ask here because I want to know what to look for.




And I have to add that I love this car, the Z that is. I get excited when I see them.

 

So, you have a habit of NOT doing something but then so ALSO DO it because of whatever reason it is?

Then how do you advice other people out of this conflicting personality?

 

Lol. Dude, you totally confused me for a minute. No, I got into the habit after this car. It was my second 1st year model car and since my husband and I agree to avoid them. Unfortunately, newness catches my eye sooo quick that I have to remind myself to watch it.

I do confuse myself at times. The two personalities can be fun. One is logical and the other is really impulsive. lol.

 

^^^
lol, Just poking ya for a little bit, hehe!

 

I figured as such. I'm a goof ball so have at it.