350Esprit

Hi I'm going to look at a white 03 automatic 350Z with approximately 50,000 miles. It comes with Navigation and as far as what ad says it has no exterior damages. It is being sold at a dealer and those are all the descriptions that I know so far.

Can someone with experience chime in on what I should expect to pay?

My mistake if this is in the wrong section, I'm trying to get quick answers. If it is, the mods help direct me to the right direction.

Thanks for any help

pmab9918

iTrader: (3)

kbb, edmunds

adamc

I havn't even looked up the value but me personally I would say do not go over $13,000 if you really want it

1) its a 2003
2) its an auto
(not that either is bad.. but its the oldest year and an auto which is less desired)

They will probably have it priced way over what they took the car for (trade in). Dealers seem to do this a lot with Z's They gave 10,000-11,000 for this car.. if you are firm Id say you could walk away with it for $12,000 - $12,500.. but at $13,000 it would still be a good deal.

but yea if they wont budge and go down to a good price.. leave it... and search autotrader, ebay, cars.com often! it may be this week or 3 months from now but you will find a good deal within 300 miles of you..

350Esprit

Thank you (adamc) for your help,

Now are there any popular defects/wear and tear signs that I should particularly pay attention to? Any kind of mechanical sounds that indicate a future problem? How should the drivetrain feel on an automatic? Will it have a small earthquake effect going from Park--> Drive? All advice big or small is greatly appreciated.

Are there any long time 350z owners that can put some input on things they noticed wore out really quickly, had to be replaced/revised could be interior wise, electronically wise..etc..


pardon for the quick questioning, I'm currently researching (here,kbb,edmunds) as I post...

silvertouringz

i bought an '04.5 with 62k on the clock back in christmas for $13.8k...touring, auto, 18 inch touring rims...whats ur zip?..try to go with an 04.5..03s have some issues concerning tire feathering, popping the trunk after pushing the button twice, seat belt squealing..u know its the 1st year of production and everything wont go perfectly..

adamc

I can't think of anything that you wouldn't want to check for on any type of car. but im not a long time Z owner.

Id check out things like the power windows.. the radio.. fuel pressure.. check the fluids..
drive it.. make sure it drives straight and sounds/runs good.. pay close attention to how it shifts.. unless you take it to a garage for inspection there is only so much you can find yourself..

look under the car if at all possible to see if you see anything leaking.. (engine, transmission, rear end,)

check it all tho.. leave no button unpushed to see if it works.. anything that you do find wrong will help you bargain a lower price

im sure someone else can tell you more specific Z problem areas to look for tho

davidv

iTrader: (2)

adamc

tire feathering is the only thing that comes to mind right away.. I have an 03 and I do not believe it suffers from this tho..
this is something you can check for by looking at the tires on the car to see if the are indeed feathered.. but if the dealer has changed them then you will never know..

its a common issue that can be corrected

as for the auto tranny.. i cant help u my car is a stick and have only test drove sticks

take it for a long test drive.. try it out for an hour or so.. tell us what you found from the test drive and your own inspection

Jennifer 2

I’m in Vancouver, and since Canadian taxation and currency exchange issues cause automobile pricing to be so different, I can’t give any guidance on US values. However, one thing that will be universal to all locales, is the notion that a Z is a driver’s car, and as such 99% of buyers are seeking a manual transmission car. People, who have the unfortunate task of trying to sell auto equipped Z, find that they have to discount the car 10 to 15 percent to make a sale. Keep this in mind when formulating a price for this car, as you will face the same discount when you want to resell it.

adamc

quote that when your sitting at the desk talking over a price...

sevensinz79

confused... how does that work? I didn't realize that i could get a whole 10-15 percent off a car just because its auto? in that case im gonna go hastle the ferrari dealership to take off 10,000 dollars

Jennifer 2

Sevensinz, this situation is unique to second hand Zs. The type of automatic transmission used in the 350Z works well enough, but as a 5 speed with old school style mechanicals it’s definitely “your father’s Oldsmobile”. In today’s world, even SUVs and minivans have 6 speeds, not to mentions all the 7 and even 8 speeds available. The super cars you’re referencing use completely different types of sequential style autos that are worlds different than the humble 350Z slush box.

It’s just a fact that the young boys and girls looking to buy a used Z don’t want an auto, hence the lack of demand = lower selling prices.

adamc

yes like all things in a that sell.. there is supply and demand.. autos are less desired.. hence what they are going for is lower than the manuals..
its not a mater of the blue book value on the car.. its a mater of what they are selling at

its the exact opposite on non-sports cars.. sticks on those cars are quite cheaper

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Did you go with the automatic or manual transmission?

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Excellent choice.