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Looking to buy a 2003 Z

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Old 05-28-2009, 02:36 PM
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jrod1981
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Default Looking to buy a 2003 Z

Hey,

So i'm looking at a 2003 Z for 10k. It was a 1 owner car and they put 108k miles on it. I'd love to hear some opinions and advice on what to look for. Are there any problematic areas i should look for pertaing to a Z? i know the miles are high, but the car looks and runs great. just wanted to get some info from owners.

Thanks,

jared
Old 05-28-2009, 02:52 PM
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juju
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If you're willing to spend more money, I'd look for something with lower miles. I bought my last car with 80k and later regretted it.
Old 05-28-2009, 03:00 PM
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Chaser720
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Well quite honestly, there would be too many concerns to list starting with the tranny.

If you only have 10k to spend on your car... look into another car. Your going to spend 5K fixing stuff that breaks in the first year anyway.
Old 05-28-2009, 03:27 PM
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SdwysFairlady
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I have a supercharged 03 with only 33,000 miles I'll sell ya for only $19,000
Old 05-28-2009, 04:07 PM
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JEKL
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Originally Posted by Chaser720
If you only have 10k to spend on your car... look into another car. Your going to spend 5K fixing stuff that breaks in the first year anyway.
+1

And this car is not cheap to mod at all. Nothing personal, but the Z just might not be your best option of that is your price range.
Old 05-28-2009, 04:52 PM
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BrokenVow
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+1 on looking for another kind of car. Try a new Versa.
Old 05-28-2009, 04:58 PM
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cubs4worldseris
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I would stay away from a car with 108k miles on it. Your taking a huge gamble investing 10k into a car with that many miles.
Old 05-28-2009, 05:16 PM
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3-fifty-WeEe
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its fine man i have an 03 with 155,xxx on it and it runs mint. go ahead and get it for 10k thats a steal
Old 05-28-2009, 05:25 PM
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silver350zz
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I just picked a 03 with 19,000 miles on it and only paid 15300 so keep looking bro. Trust me there are better deals out there than 10k for one with that many miles on it
Old 05-28-2009, 05:58 PM
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yoshe77
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dont do it i just got rid of my 03 windows,power seats, trunk falling,and the air bag sensors cost me big. find your self a 06+
Old 05-29-2009, 07:10 AM
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TJGILROY
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you're looking at a 6 if not 7 year old car, a nissan at that(which is better than american)...you buy any car with that many miles on it expect some problems, but maybe try to talk them down a little on the price then you would get a good deal
also, just take it to a mechanic you know or trust before you buy it
Old 05-29-2009, 07:17 AM
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ZBigDog
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whew id want to see all the service done to it...if its had ALL it's regular maintenance...and the clutch and tranny come back clean after having a mechanic look at it....id maybe give them 8500...also get low and put your hands to the inside of the tire tread...many 03's if not aligned properly had tire wear issues...like mine when i bought it...and the tires may look good on outside, but are wearing hard on inside

really tho you should look for something cheaper

i just bought an 02 pathfinder, one owner, mint, only 72k miles for $7,800 out the door including tax
Old 05-29-2009, 07:31 AM
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VO...
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Moved...
Old 05-29-2009, 08:26 AM
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Complaints will be very difficult to find her.

Old 05-29-2009, 02:50 PM
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jrod1981
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Thanks for the info. I've owned many a car so I do know 100k for a used car can be a potential headache. I am probably going to pass on it simply because I found an 04 with 80k for the same price. I am just wondering what problem area's should i look out for that 350z's are known to have. Sounds like so far its tire wear, obvious wear points like clutch and brakes but what about the motor and tranny. Are they generally stong units?

Thanks,
Jared
Old 05-29-2009, 04:22 PM
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350ZToeRing
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hmmmm problems...

clicking rear axles (easy to fix but expensive if you don't know how to do it yourself)

power window motors

lift supports for the rear hatch fall (heavy hatch = FAIL , go CF!)

6 disc Bose cd changer sucks and skips...

gear box is not as smooth as say, the 06+

...these are a few of the well-known problem areas. Nothing too bad though.

EDIT: oh and about the motor...the VQ is praised as one of the best motors of its time. But you will hear some clutch rattle.

Last edited by 350ZToeRing; 05-29-2009 at 04:24 PM.
Old 09-02-2009, 02:49 PM
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davidv
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What did you get?
Old 12-02-2009, 08:06 AM
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davidv
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TSX for you. Sorry.
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