I need a nice reliable car for school with a budget of 15k. I've come to love the 350z but I'm just wondering if it's the right decision. I currently drive a bmw 330xi and it's pretty darn fast. Also I heard that 06 is the model to get because the older ones had some problems or something. I don't want to end up buying the car and then regret it when the prices for the 370 fall. Any suggestions? Oh yeah, I also looked at the infiniti g35. It's also a possibility. I'm most likely going to buy the car by January the latest.

 

You have plenty of time to research and test drive. If you do get a Z go for the 07+.

 

What are the chances of finding a 07+ for 15k, I been looking for weeks and 06 is the newest i find within my budget :S

 

I think I saw an 07 go for $14k in the classifieds on here. Forget about finding one at a dealer for anywhere close to this number. Good new is that you have time to save more $$. I would stay away from an 06 unless it has had the engine replaced. Search "oil consumption".

 

The BMW is not reliable?

 

There are alot of factors...for 15k,you should be able to find a good used Z.
Depending on the area of the U.S. you live,the prices will vary.I live in the Atlanta area.Due to the short supply of new(370's)due to the problems in Japan,the prices for new and used have really gone up.If it were me,I sure would not get hung up on staying away from the 03-05 models.I've had a 03,
bought new...no problems.There should be some low mileage/well maintained Z'S out there.I'd stay away from one that had alot of mods.If possible,get one close to stock and go from there.On the g35,its a matter of taste.To me,
the looks are more conservative.There options such as rear seat,sunroof..
if that interests you.The rebirth of the Z with the 03 model was important to me since I once owned an original 240Z(Datsun).Many things with the 350
were in the design(body/interior) of the 350.
Good luck!

 

I bought an 04' a month back and havent had any problems with it. What problems are you talking about?? i just wanna know for what to expect. I got it with only 35,500 miles on it

 

Thats some low miles for an 04! Lucky guy.
Hey,the only major headache with the 03-04 was the legendary front end-out of alignment-tires wearing out on the inside.I'd think your Z,even if its got the 35k
miles would have had this fixed.The original Bridgestone tires are not very good...would think the previous owner may put on a different brand?
The other annoyance was the grease streaks on the windows(door).You have probably noted this..someting inside the doors rubs against the inside surface of the windows..leaves a verticle mark...easy to rub off but a pain
in the ***.you may have a problem with your rear hatch lift springs.They get weak..have to press the button 2 times.The rear lifts may need replacing also
(have a spoiler?)
Thats it...from my 70k experience