Hi a few weeks/months ago I posted a thread asking questions about buying a Z. I have been looking for one since then. I was close to purchasing a track model a few days ago but someone beat me to it. I'm close to considering an Automatic but at the same time, I'd still like my manual. My budget's been moved down to $18,000 due to insurance but I'm still okay with that. It seems as the best mileage I can find for that much money is around 30k+ so I'm trying to look for under 50k and I've been checking Autotrader,carmax,cars.com,yahoo,kbb and many others. Still no luck.. Should I widen my choice? I'm still plan on purchasing a 350z but should I look at some salvaged titles, other colors instead of white;black;silverstone and should I look for cars exceeding 50k mileage?

 

I'm sorry but the impression I get from your message is that you are very tight on budget, with not much wiggle room. That alone probably narrows your choices and if you are looking for specific colors, mileage ranges, etc. it gets even tighter. I'm guessing you want to spend the minimum amount and get the most for it. (doesn't everybody?)

You either have to wait it out till you find the perfect match, or be prepared to spend more. If your budget is truly that tight, you may want to wait and save more. That will extend the time to find something that fits your requirements and while you wait, you're saving more cash which in turn expands the pool of possible cars.

I'm concerned by your budget amount being governed by insurance, that tells me that you'll be stretched to the limit financially. With the current economic conditions I'd move very cautiously in that situation.

 

My budget is the cash I recieved from my grandparents to drop on a car, which would be in cash and not financing.

 

I've read in these threads that '03s and '06s have bugs that '04.5s, '05s, '07s and the newer ones don't have. Corroborate this data, guy, 'cause I sure ain't no expert. Just passing on some info' I've read here. G'luck!

 

if my GP gave me that kind of jack i would blow it on a asset and buy a beater and a couple year from now buy what i want and not settle. imo
also patience help.

 

You can buy a very nice Z for $18k, take your time, research and shop around!

 

Should I consider getting a salvaged title? I've found one here
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb low mileage and good price but it was hit in the front.

Edit:nevermind it's a Base model.

 

No, 06=bad and salvage=bad. good rule of thumb is never pay more than 50% of Private party value for a salvage

 

So 03 and 06s are both bad?

 

people say 03 is less desirable becuase its the first year of the 350z. 06 might have the oil consumption problem. if you've got the $18k in cash i'd just offer it to a guy selling a 07-08 enthusiast. remember cash talked ******** walks!

 

Touring is the most popular model.
Silver is the most popular color.
Probability says that you will find a Touring Silver that suits your needs.

Mileage is a personal choice. I would choose a 2003 with 30,000 miles over a 2005 with 60,000 miles.

 

Don't settle for a salvage, just be patient. If I were you, I'd not worry about color, a Z is a Z no matter what color you get, they're all awesome.

 

Can anyone give me advice on looking for a Z? Mostly I've done my searching online through; carmax,autotrader,yahoo,cars.com, and kbb. Any other sites I should know about or any other methods of searching?

 

Check the Marketplace->Cars for Sale forum here...

https://my350z.com/forum/cars-for-sale-81/

You're in Calif. There are a lot of Zs in Calif. Check large newspapers for local sales, etc.

 

i would say look on the forums for a good deal. "good things come to those who wait"
a prime example, this man who paid 19,500 for this lucious beauty

 

he got a bad azz deal , u can try craigslist.org or com i cant remember

 

woahwoah.. Ur considering salvaged cars? You can get a 07-08 base with less than 20k miles for right around that price, and they come with the HR motor

 

Don't get an auto..... you will regret it.

 

You may regret it, but not necessarily the OP. Note that the OP is from CA. Depending on where in CA he is, he may spend a significant amount of time stuck in heavy stop and go traffic. I've got a fair amount of experience with that in the Seattle area. Believe me, a MT in stop and go traffic is a real pain. If I had to spend a lot of time on the road in traffic jams, there is no way I'd get a MT.

 

About wilsonzhuu
Z/G Owner
Z
Location
California
Color
Silverstone
Trim Level
Enthusiast

Congratulations.