big_dish

iTrader: (3)

Hi guys and gals.

I've been a member here for months, lurking and researching and spending hours upon hours learning what I can about Z's while I waited for my own car to sell.

Well, I am happy to report that it sold yesterday, and hopefully within the week I will be a new 350Z owner along with you all.

I am hoping to get some insight from some "experienced" owners, as I have a bit of a dilemma in my decision. I've tried searching for similar threads before I posted this, but couldnt find anything quite applicable to my situation.

Here goes:

In my price range I have found a few Z's in the 60-75,000 mile range, Touring, pretty much stock though (which is OK with me). I also found a member on here who is selling one that has quite a bit of engine/exhaust/audio mods, as well as very nice wheels and brand new tires. Seems to be very well cared for. BUT- it has 100,000 miles on it. And is more expensive -likely by a few grand.

If I was to buy one of the stock tourings, the only mods I would likely do is wheels/suspension and audio (and possibly intake/exhaust down the line) but it would be stock for a while. So, all of the extra mods on the highly modded car would be a nice bonus of sorts and save me from doing anything to the car mod-wise.

My real question is this: Is buying a 100,000 mile car with some valuable mods worth passing over a 60-70,000 mile stock car that is less money up front? In your opinion, of course, should the higher mileage scare me at all (I know the engines are solid in theory to 200k+)- or should I stay on the safe side and buy lower miles (and from a Nissan dealer)?

Just looking for some opinion to sway me, or rationalize to me what the better choice would be.

Thanks all!

(Oh, and when I buy one, I swear I will post pics of it up in my official "New Owner" thread when i post it up, and not wait for 20 people to demand them lol).

big_dish

iTrader: (3)

By the way, I hope I posted this in the right forum- I couldnt figure which one worked best. I'm a former 15 year, 5 time VW owner and their message boards are much more simplified (less enthusiasts, less threads, less sections)

Duckeee

iTrader: (7)

ive always been a fan of buying fully stock cars and making it into my own.

i tend to believe that modded cars have been driven harder.

what year are you planning to get and what is your budget?

big_dish

iTrader: (3)

I think thats about where I am, but normally buy new cars so I havent had to really deal with this dilemma before.

I am looking at 2003-05, and my budget ranges up to maybe $14,000 or so if I really wanted. Thing is, I'm coming from lease payments of $400, and REALLY want to just cut that money in half. So, to be honest, I'm looking for the absolute best deal I can get. If I can get a stock Z with 70k on it for $9,500, I would do that over the modded one at 100k and $12,500 (for instance)... but if they are both around the same price- the wheels, audio, exhaust etc would be very hard to pass up.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Agree. Buying a modified car is hardly a winning proposition. Is this exactly what I would do with a stock 350Z? If the answer is NO than the mods are of no value to you.

And yes 50,000 miles is a better deal than 100,000 miles.

Bmurray350z

iTrader: (34)

Get the stock one touring.

JCITY

iTrader: (2)

Buy a stock with NO mods if you can find one.You are starting with a blank sheet of paper...The changes you make,you'll know what you've got.
Besides,its more fun.
Isn't that what its all about?

BonesZ33

iTrader: (2)

get the stock one, mileage isn't too big of a deal, i have 170k on mine and going strong.

big_dish

iTrader: (3)

You all have good advice, and it makes sense, for sure. I appreciate it.

I'll stick with the stock, or mostly stock, Z's I've found.

370zforme

One thing to consider though with the modded Z is if you want to get into modding and really make the car your own or if you want to just buy it and have it all prettied up and ready for you (except done by someone else's taste). If you did end up wanting the modded Z, maybe it would save you from the infamous "mod bug?"

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

I would buy a modded car at the stock car price, all depending on what is done. You just really need to know what your looking at.

Bober'z

iTrader: (40)

go with the stock one.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

About big_dish

Z/G Owner
Z
Location
Charlotte, NC
Color
Interlagos Fire

Congratulations.