OK so I've been looking everywhere and for a while now for a good price on a "z", with no luck until I found a private owner selling an '03 touring with 59k for $12000, its got leather interior, MT, bose system..checking out like touring should be. I haven't seen the car in person but I am going tomorrow. I know '03-04s are known for tranny issues and tire feathering but other than that what else should I look for when I inspect the car? should I take it to a local Nissan to inspect it as well? Does the price sound like a good deal? or to good to be true? Some advice guys please?!

 

low miles and prices is nice! id say do it man!

 

350Z asking prices can be ridiculous. Drive the Z. If you like it offer $10,165.

 

The axle clicking issue, I have an 03 touring but never had that issue though.

 

So I test drove the "z" today, the clutch didn't feel as smooth as others I have driven. Extra clean was really happy until the guy told me it had a rebuilt title. He bought it at an auction and rebuilt the bumper and the left headlight area. Then my day turned to sh**. He took the price down to 11gs I told him 10500, he wouldn't budge. I'm still '"z" less.

 

At least you can search right now...I know I wont be going out looking at cars for another year....

 

Congrats to you for standing your ground. From what I've read on here it there is a difference in the clutch feel between '03 and '04.5(?) or '05.

 

If at all possible be patient with your search for your Z. I'm currently experiencing the clicking axle issue on my 03. Other than regular maintenance the car is a blast to drive.

 

$11k is crazy for a rebuilt title. Pass.

 

Maybe widen your search area. There's a of track up here for 11.995 at a small lot w/ 62k which inst bad for a non being private party sale. Best advice is to be patient but you may want to enlarge the area your searching sometimes if your willing to travel farther you can find something to your liking GL

 

I just picked up my chrome silver 03 350z for 10800, 65k miles, touring, and have a few aftermarket mods such as a kenetix plenum, japtrix y-pipe, helix test pipes, ingen CAI, all JL component speakers with a 4-channel amp and a 2-channel amp powering 2 JL subs in a custom stealth box, I thought I got a super good deal but then now the transmission is having synchro problems with 4th and 5th gear, also has a noise in the rear, now that you guys mentioned it, it is probably a axle clicking noise, also the exterior paint has seen better days and the door vents are missing..

So I suggest you to be patient and wait for a good deal, mainly find something that runs good mechanically, my Z drives okay but I worry about The tranny and the rear axle

 

Maybe the 350Z is not for you. Have you looked at the RSX. Performance AND reliability in one package.

 

I like the idea of widen your search area. Don't be afraid to maybe go up to 200 miles via autotrader or another search engine. Also, make sure before you pull the trigger. Take your car to a shop that specializes in Z's or G's. I'm lucky, I live in San Jose, CA and I have an awesome shop in ZCarGarage. Rob the owner is awersome. Additionally, and this is just my personal preference. Stay away from any vehicle that has a salvage title. There are too many cars available with clean titles without having to go that route.