Hey everybody.

My name is Matt and I'm not yet a Z owner, but I'm looking to buy one in the next two weeks. After a months long discussion with the wife, we've finally agreed on the 350z... now to where I need help.

I'm working with a $20,000-$25,000 budget. I have been reading these boards the past couple of days and have found them to be very knowledgable and helpful so I've come to you all with my question.

Here's what I definately want...
-Must be 2006 or newer
-Must be a manual transmission
-Must have low mileage (Under 40,000 is what I'm comfortable with)
-Must be a coupe (hardtop)
-This car will be a daily driver and will NOT be modified. I've done the aftermarket thing with my past two cars, not looking for the best model/engine to modify. The way I buy the car is how it will stay for the most part.

Where I really need help deciding is on which year and which trim level to go with. I've heard there are some issues with oil consumption and manual transmissions in the 2006s. Are these problems large enough to warrant staying away from the 06 altogether? Which trim level would you reccomend? I am somewhat hesitant to get a base model because I'd like to get the LSD and the Traction Control System. Do you think these options are worth the difference in price? The side airbags are a definate plus to me, but not a necessity. The Bose system, navigation, and leather seats are all positives, but from where I stand perhaps not worth the money...unless you talk me into them I have a Tomtom GPS, and I could get an after market stereo. The leather seats I could take or leave don't truly care either way.

3 that I'm currently looking at (not the only 3...also they all happen to be at the bottom of the price range but all the more expensive ones I found were automatics). All are in perfect condition and have clean carfax(which doens't always mean anything).

2006 Touring, 39k miles, Comes with the additional extended warranty (until 2011 or 60,000 miles everything included) is this enough to offset my fear of the 2006? ($20,000)

2007 Enthusiast, 33k miles, No additional warranty ($18,900)

2007 Base, 19k miles, No additional warranty ($18,500)

Other option is to wait until a different one becomes available, I'm not in a huge hurry since my current car works. Thanks in advance for your time and help.

 

Just do your research, you will see on this website pro's and con's to everything. Don't just settle for the first Z you see, save up and by what model you really want. Get an idea in your head also how much money you're willing to spend and how much your gonna invest in mods. That's just my 2 cents though good luck....

 

i'm in the same boat as you are. did a little research so far. i'm leaning towards an 03 touring w/ 16k miles i found but the tranny and the oil consumption issues have me worried. might have to get the extended warranty

 

2007+ simply for the HR motor...

remember the Z has a 5 yr/60K mile powertrain warranty.... you'll be good..

 

i had an 03 and never had any problems with my tranny even after 85xxx miles, nor did i have any problems with oil consumption. but my advice would be to get an 07+. but just do some research as stated above and stick with whats in your budget and keep in mind that if you dont want to mod the car get it with all of the amenities.

 

Thanks for all the responses so far, and please keep them coming.

Could someone give me the quick version of why the 2007+ engine is considered so much better? On paper i see the 2006 has 300 hp vs. 306 hp for the newer ones. 6 hp isn't going to sway my decision, but I'm sure theres more to it than just the extra 6 hp. Fill me in please...what makes it that much better? Does it feel/handle/drive differently? Is one more fun/louder?

Thanks,

Matt

 

there is actually alot different in between the motors for example:
New block with taller deck height and full crank brace integrated into the block, instead of DE's crank girdle.
New crank with larger main and rod journals
Longer conrods that are forged
New asymmetrical pistons (ala GT3)
Different front cover to accommodate new block and heads
New head design with square intake ports and different combustion chambers
New electromagnetic exhaust cam phasing and different location of CVTC solenoids from DE engines
Of course new composite intake manifold with twin TB's
New serpentine belt system replaces dual belt set-up on the DE
As mentioned, new exhaust manifolds

 

As far as reliability goes, I’ve read that the ’05 is a good year. I bought mine with only 25,000 miles on it and paid $20,000. I’ve had NO issues with anything on it. Many users are going to tell you that certain models have more power and this and that about the engines but if you’re not looking to mod it and just want a sweet but reliably ride, why not get one of the best rated years. By ’05, Nissan had the Z figured out. In ’06, they started changing and updating things. Plus, you can find fully loaded ‘05’s all day long in your price rage with low miles. That’s just me though. I own an ’05 so I’m bias.

 

You might try looking around at a new '08. I know the pickings are getting slim but there are still a few around. I suspect you can get a brand new one for under $25K and maybe even lower if you are good at negotiating.

 

I don’t know which model suits your needs, but I can tell you what members are driving.

 

Telm,

I am in the same position as you but I am not buying a 350z until I am 100% certain that is the trim I want within my budget.

With a $25k budget, you can get a brand new 08 350z Enthusiast/Touring model if dealers are desperate enough to let them go that low (try at the end of June) However, you can also find a 05 Z touring for just around $18k if you expand your "radius/range" Can't go wrong with a 05 Z since they are one of the safest year models. I am also looking at 07 Z mainly because of the "rev-up" engine and the list BlueZ33 posted above. They also don't have the tire feathering issue or the oil consumption problems that the 04 and 06 may have (doesn't mean all of them do). Since there is a 5 year/ 60k warranty, I wouldn't be too concern about the oil consumption issue since it can be fixed at the Nissan Dealership at no cost (I think).

Right now I am leaning towards a yellow 350z w/mt and the price range for these are ridiculous. Research about the models before jumping into the car. The last thing you want is purchasing a base model that you thought was a touring. Good luck!

 

Thanks for all the feedback everybody. I took my wife to a nissan dealership about an hour from here and they had a 370z there. We both fell in love with it and ended up just biting the bullet and getting a silver 370z. I look forward to seeing you all around the boards.

Grateful new owner,

Matt

 

Thats the way to do it!

 

Wow congrats! All of this excellent information and you made the best decision on your own.

 

congratz on the purchase

 

They made a 370Z?!?!?!?

 

Special order. JDM.

 

wow, nice buy!