ive been looking around the market for sports cars. ive been looking at mainly rx8s and 350zs. i know the 350 is a much better car in many ways (engine mainly) but what are some things i should look at when im buying one. im 19 years old looking probably for an 03 04 not looking to spend alot of money. like 15 max.

ive found some 350z's for 12000 with about 100k.. what is considered a good amount of kms to buy them at (max) also how is it on gas (kms per tank on avg)
any info about the car will help.

thanks alot

 

my first car was an 04 Rx8, and i now have a 03 350z.
350z is way better. piston engine > rotary.
350z was always my favorite car, just got the rx8 cause the seats in the back.
Im glad i have a Z now.
& ur talking kms?... what country are you in?

 

rotary is trash my friends rx8 stayed in the shop if u need to move ur car real quick then turn it off not letting the engine warm up will F it up its BS

 

yep... when i had it i always had to let it warm up, and u cant use synthetic oil in it.

 

the OP already knows which engine dominates. I'll try to answer your exact question....

In my opinion, the first thing you should look for is the previous owner/owners and determin how good/bad they treated the car. A car with 100,000 miles is going to need some love but a car with 100,000 miles thats been driven like a rally car will probably need a whole new engine within a year.

Then you would want to pull the carfax report to make sure it has not been wrecked, and if it was, what was the extent of the damage/repair.

After that, bring the car to a good mechanic and let them give you a good assessment of it.

If everything checks out and the price is right, jump on it and pray for the best.....

 

also, take a good look at all the nuts and bolts for exhaust manifolds, exhaust, suspension, and everywhere else which might show signs that they modified the car at one point and possibly parted it out, bringing it back to stock, before trying to sell it to you... I wouldn't buy a car that someone is trying to BS me about.

If they are honest and tell you they had this and that but sold everything, thats another story....

 

The 350Z (2003 and 2004) has some unique potential problems. Read and study here. Lot of helpful information.

 

Don't jump on the first one you see. Take your time and do your homework. Some good advice has been given. Take it and don't impulse buy.

The Rx8s are very different. Lots of things to them. Cold starts, add oil every couple of fillups. The spark plugs...Headaches.

I know this first hand because I owned a new one for 6 months and traded it in on a new Z. Its been 4 years and have never looked back.

 

I was also between the rx8 and the Z. But, the rx8 has one of the worst rated engines for reliability and I don't like having my car in the shop if it can be avoided. The only good thing about the rx8 are the back seats and suicide doors.

 

#1 who actually bought an RX8? Total Girls car for one. Next thing is that garbage engine they through in it the "renesis" or whatever is garbage as well. I'd rather pick up an RSX!

Now if you find an 3rd RX7 (FD3S), despite the 100k oil issues i'd get that over anything.

#2 PM DUKEENTDOTCOM, he is selling his 03 Z for i believe 11k. Nothing is wrong with it. I personally know. If you want more info and he does not get in touch cause he rarely goes on anymore then ask me.

 

Moved...

 

Personally I would look for a 03/04 enth/track or GT. I have a 04 base and while I love the car I really wish I would have researched longer as the lack of Cruise Control and LSD are very very annoying. You should be able to find one with 40k or less in your price range. Was a 03 track in my area w/ 62k that just sold for 12k. Take your time figure out whats important to you and soak up the info on this forum like a sponge before you purchase

 

Completely agree. Have no clue what I was thinking. I must of banged my head getting out of my car going into the dealership.

 

thanks for your help everyone!
greatly appreciated

 

Did you go with the 350Z?

 

Outstanding gonnaget thread!