So I am stuck between two different 350's. One is an 03 Touring with 44K miles and seems to be a really good choice considering I would really like to have the leather seats. The only setback is it's the first year model so I'm a little worried about the issues that go along with the 03's. The other option is an 05, which the dealer says it is the performance package, it has about 43k miles. The price on both of them are about the same, I was just wanting some opinions of what you all would choose.

 

Had an 03 and it ate front tires. That was an issue with most all 03's from my understanding. I currently have an 04 and 05 both seem to be better than my 03.

I believe the biggest difference is for the Performance and the touring is leather, heated seats, and Bose radio??

IMO I would go with the 05. It would be nice to have leather but....

 

From what i understand, you only want the '03 for the leather seats? Id personally go for the '05 which will give you less problems along the way and you can just buy after market leather seats later.

 

Go for the 05. As for seats just get some seat covers. Or do like the poster above.

 

^^ 05 ^^

 

I was in the a similar situation. My friend had a well modded 03 Enthusiast (Volks, Tien, Nismo spolier, top of line Alpine, Tinted, Catback, Intake, Clear Bra, etc.). He is very very particular original owner so its in great shape with 70K miles. He wanted 16.5K. He did say that the 03's had tire feathering issues (which he had fixed with camber & alignment adjusted). Also, some had transmission issues (which he did not have an issue). At the same time, I found a 05 Touring with little mods (Pop charger, Eibach, 18" rims) and 44K miles for 14K. I was really torn. In the end I choose the 05 mainly because mileage, but also problems like 03 & 04 weren't as prevalent. Lastly, I have leather seats and in 100 degree weather - you will get a sweaty back! Anyway, I'm glad I went with an 05.

 

Any idea of the average cost of replacing the seats with leather?

 

Dont replace your seats with leather ones.. Get seat covers. I know it sounds stupid, but they make leather seat covers for $750-900 that will wrap your stock seats perfectly. Its a much cheaper way to do this. My friend got them in burnt orange on his Z and they look factory, no bubbles or loose spots whatsoever. If you wanted the stock leather seats, you could find them used, but it would be in the same price range, a pita to install, and... used. New leather seats can run you up to 5 thousand.

 

OEM leather seats go here all the time for 300-600 just FYI, check the classifieds and your local classifieds section in your regional forums, there's a set every once in awhile.

Come to think of it I saw a frost leather pair on here for 200 not too long ago...

 

yup.. i said theyd be right around the same price as seat covers..but theyre used and a pita to install

 

03 , only issues i have with it is the passenger window motor.. had to replace it 3 times @ $250.00 per motor. OUCH! OH and my factory amp for my sub likes to cut in and out
but other than that its mint, no tire issues, no motor issues.. its great for having 160,000kms on it!!!

03-touring w leather. leather is your friend i spilt grape juice all over my seat the other night and used my shirt to clean it up.. if it was cloth the seat would be stained and ruined

 

The same mileage. Your priority is leather seats. Get the Z with the leather seats of course.