Firstly, this is my first time on this forum so my apologies if this is posted in the wrong discussion forum. Bottom line, going tomorrow to look at a 05 350z with 70k miles on it for $14,000. Is there anything problematic that I should keep an eye out for? Any common issues? Iv done 3 weeks of research and on all reviews people say they love them but its about 70/30 with people complaining about tires being aligned, breaks wearing down fast and of course tire feathering...70% being no problems at all. I'v heard these cars can last up to 200k miles if well taken car of but Carfax can only show so much. This will be my daily driver in a small *** Oklahoma town. I am kind of getting cold feet because I am a college student and do not want to be having to dump money I don't have into "unnecessary" parts. Currently I have a 08 Scion XB with 50k miles so this will be very different for me.

Any comments or advise is much appreciated.

 

Welcome. It's good to read that someone is actually researching and trying to make an informed decision.

With that said, I think you'll be fine with that car. Sure, it may need some normal maintenance but that's something that should be documented.

Good luck.

 

Just make sure the car was well taken care of...the less mods, the better.
If you know (or suspect) that the car was tracked regularly, I would stay away UNLESS your're convinced the car was very well maintained. These cars are very solid and robust and should be good for well over 150K miles if driven NORMALLY (including *spirited driving*).
Good luck!

 

The '05 never had a tire weathering problem and I never heard of alignment problems so you should be good there. Just make sure it looks like it has been maintained very well and if it has mods do a second look over the car.

 

You are going from a vehicle with 50k miles to one with 70k miles. Sounds ***-backwards to me. I do not see this happening.

 

+1 davidv.

I would finish school first. If you are having any doubts about getting any car that could possibly run you into the ground with maintenance, I would steer clear. You don't want anymore bills than you can handle.

Your Scion is somewhat new. From what I've read they're reliable, with it being a Toyota product to boot. You might as well make the best of that and save up for the Z when you feel more comfortable.

The Z sounds like an okay deal. I bought my 1-owner 2003 for $15,500 with 45,000 miles. Just keep doing your research on it, and make sure you think things through before you act.

If and when you go with a Z, you'll have no regrets.

 

but he drives a toaster with wheels

 

I'd say wait, unforeseen costs arise with every vehicle you purchase, have a few grand set aside just in case.

 

Yes I am going up in miles but I am also going up in speed, quality, handling, aerodynamics, and of course its going from a XB to a Z. Dont get me wrong, I like my Xb, its not fast but has a lot of tasteful cosmetic mods and is reliable and good on gas. With that being said, once again its slow at hell, wind and trucks can blow me around, really cheap plastics that rattle enough to drive you crazy "enough to point where its embarrassing" even if you turn the stereo up and its only a head turner if I drive through a Scion club or a high school lol. Do I really need to keep a couple grand laying around? That does not sound to reasonable for a top rated engine "given that it was well maintained" and as far as it being drove hard, should that be a problem considering thats what the engines were more than likely expected to do. once again "given that it was well maintained"

Not trying to argue, just trying to figure things out.

 

the z is a great car. i have an 03 with 113,xxx miles and runs like new. i just keep my fluids and filters changed as needed. as far as alignment problems when you put aftermarket wheels on the rear camber needs to be adjusted. nothing serious drive mine daily and take it to the track. car care is big with any vehicle.

 

Is that a good price? I got an 06 with 48k for $14,000. Not that your price is bad, but 70,000 miles is 70,000. You may be able to get that down a bit. Especially in winter.

I dont see anything wrong with going from a Scion to a Z and gaining 20k in miles. Its about pride, and personally, I wouldn't be proud to drive a Scion. Decent car, but nothing special. The Z isn't a Ferrari, but it is a special little car in its own right. And if you are in college, I would imagine its a nicer car than 90% of college guys drive.

If you have costs from upkeep and are in a frat, you can quit paying for friends and put that money towards your car. If you aren't in a frat, you can throw a keg party, charge $5 at the door, and reel in a few hundred bucks a night... either way, you can come up with money for minor upkeep issues if you are worried about 70k on the speedo.

Good luck. If the Z is nice, its a no brainer for me.

 

Well guys, on my way to check out the Z I had been talking about, I came across a clean 06 touring pearl white with 58k miles for $16,500. Well...its mine now! I love it! Its so much better than the XB, just a bit worried about gas but I think it will be worth it. Only bad thing is that on my first day driving it around the university I am already getting looks from girls but I have a gf lol. Good idea on the keg party hahaha

 

Nice find. Enjoy the stares; they'll make your girl work harder to keep you to herself. Just be careful not to pursue wrongfully or your car may end up here from the likes of that soon-to-be ex or some jealous frat guy: https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...your-cars.html

 

congrats, post some pics up

 

This thread needs some photos.

 

Its really beautiful.

 

On the road trip back from buying my Z I got 25mpg on the highway at 80-85mph, whats the average? It's not that great in town with the 500cc injectors though.