So, i have been a long time Z33 lover (this is the car that got me into cars), and after many years and much hard work, i am finally in the position to be buying my own!! I currently have a 1997 integra, so there isn't a gigantic rush to buy, but that said i would like to have one for my daily commutes and enjoyment as soon as i can. Needless to say being in the market and coming across this area of the forum has me thrilled. I am looking at sub-10k dollar cars, and would be happy with any trim spec but base (need the cruise control). I am aware of the transmission issues with the 03 cars (to my knowledge its about 1-2k to replace, right?), as well as some having oil consumption. Are there any other issues to be weary of? And what do you guys think of this exampe?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

There may be more posts from me of "what do you think of this one?" in the coming weeks, I'm a bit nervous about buying my first performance car, but I can't wait to be a Z driver!

 

Your budget is $10,000? Yes you will find 350Zs in your budget.

Do not be put off by $10,000 plus asking prices. You can still make an offer within your budget.
Be aware of salvage titles. Its common to advertise a Z, then discover later that is has a salvage title.

Happy shopping.

 

I search for many months before i finaly found a Z i was looking for. i drove a BMW m3, Boxster S, S2k, and a WRX STi. i had my heart set on a WRX untill i drove my ZR. the Z was perfect for what i was looking for so perfect i flew to Boston to get it! so loose the jitters and know your getting one of the best sports cars out there!

 

It doesn't look bad for the mileage. Get the CARFAX and keep doing research on it. There's loads of information on this forum as to what problems are most common with each model year. Just search.

Being patient on this will payoff in the end, trust me. I researched and waited about a year until I found the one I wanted.

 

i just found this one at a used car lot literally a stones throw from where i work. I think i may look at it and offer them 9,500$, trying to get it for 10k but anticipating the haggling game http://www.huntingtonautomall.net/De...x5G6makØCwg%3d
Think 10 is fair for that?

 

Z appears to be an Enthusiast. $10,000 is not going to happen.

 

So are enthusiasts worth more than touring/track models, or should I be looking exclusively at base Z's? I found a touring quite a ways from me (I'm on long island, the touring I found is in scranton) with 50k miles for about 10. The only issue is just the distance on that one :/

 

For prices take a look at KBB. Just select various models.

 

So I looked at the enthusiast Z i posted the link for today. The paint was peeling off the wing mirror, the wheels were painted really badly/cheaply (rattle-canned), the drivers window exhibited auto-up issues (where it'd roll up then half way down again), and it had a borla exhaust that looked as if it'd been backed into a few curbs. Despite all this, the dealer was unwilling to negotiate on the price. Oh well, back to the hunt.

I also drove a separate Z at a local nissan dealer. That was my first time driving a Z, and holy hell was it great. Steering was tight, accelerated like a bat out of hell, i genuinely can't wait to have my own so i can enjoy that on a daily basis.

 

I think we share your enthusiasm. You will look forward to a daily drive to and from work.

 

I would just ensure it doesnt have a salvage title.

The first Z I drove was from craigslist, 13K miles. I was going to pay cash and buy after the test drive. First I checked the carfax and it had a salvage title. I walked away, and found a manual touring with 30K from a dealer for only $2,000 more..

 

OK cool so what is stopping you from getting a 350Z? You must have looked at the RSX. Performance AND reliability in a single package.