ihmcguinness

Hey guys. I need some opinions on this car before I make a road trip (from MA to VA) to see it. I really like the spec and the 2004.5 model year.

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

I plan on having it checked out by a professional, but I just wanted some input from you guys first. The only thing I am particularly concerned about is the fit of the front bumper against the hood, and the rear clamshell against the rear left.

pbn85

iTrader: (2)

looks clean and legit, but I believe it's overpriced. I'd say no more than $11k.

Looch

I would agree that it may be a tad overpriced. However, if I were to buy a Z again (have an 03) I would want an 04.5 and with that mileage its not a bad buy. I'd come off the asking price a bit. It'd be a great deal at 11k.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

I like it. Offer $11245

JCITY

iTrader: (2)

From the pics,there does seem to be some gaps in the body panels.Have you done a
"FAX" on the car?Maybe was in a wreck?Has the car been repainted?The shade of
blue looks a bit off from OEM(maybe just the photo?).
Prices of Z'S are gonna vary by area.In my area,its a reasonal price.Other areas too high..etc.
Seems you would be able to find a Z alot closer to where you live?
Whats the big deal about this particular car?
Seems ordinary to me.

Shizzmaster2k

iTrader: (7)

What's your price range OP? How many miles are you willing to drive for a Z?

Shizzmaster2k

iTrader: (7)

Hey OP, I found a better one for you. 06 Nissan 350z coupe GRAND TOURING loaded with all of the pleasantries and lower mileage. Check it out.

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

ihmcguinness

My max budget is $11000, so I was figuring on negotiating him down. I don't mind mileage up to 100k, but do mind accidents/bad mods/lots of owners. I'm looking for a 2004.5 or 2005.

ihmcguinness

And I'd be willing to fly to the right car, but it would have to be pretty special

Shizzmaster2k

iTrader: (7)

I think it would be alot more beneficial for you to consider the autotrader link I posted for the 06 Z. Navigation, brembos, bump in horsepower, upgraded headlights and taillights in addition to the CD009 transmission which has plagued myself and many others from the 03-04 platforms. Whats a few thousand more to spend on a newer model that already has the basics upgrades you'll probably want to get anyways if you purchase the 04 Z. Think about it.

ihmcguinness

I appreciate the advice on the 06, but this is a present to myself for finishing engineering grad school, and it's money I probably shouldn't be spending. 11k is a hard ceiling. In addition, I don't really want to take a chance on oil consumption issues. My last fun car had that problem, and it annoyed me no end.

Shizzmaster2k

iTrader: (7)

Not all of the rev-up engine cars are plagued by the oil consumption problem and even if the car is, you can have a full engine diagnostic performed on the vehicle prior to purchase. Plus, Nissan will cover it at no cost to you. I know because I also have an 05 G35 coupe and I had the same problem and Infiniti took care of me as soon as the oil consumption test proved the engine was faulty. Plus, the 03-04 have crappy transmissions and I had to eventually swap mine out for a CD0009 version which the 06 model is already equipped with so that's one less major headache for you to worry about. If I had done more research in the past, I would have purchased an 06 model Z over the 03 model I bought back in 2005 and would have saved myself the hassle from multiple mechanical issues that are common on the early generation Z's. Whatever you decide to do, make you pull the carfax on that 04 Z to view its full history and also check its maintenance upkeep as well. What you may consider to be good deal price wise may turn out to be a bad investment later on if the upkeep on the car was neglected by the previous owner. Anyways, good luck with your decision and post some better pics if you decide to pull the trigger.

pbn85

iTrader: (2)

really think you should look into this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-...ht_33334wt_956

mileage is decent, interior is nice and its an 04.5. But you would have to do some serious negotiating, or up your budget to $12k

ihmcguinness

Saw that one. Looked promising, but it was in an accident last year, and has had a few owners. Also, I'd prefer blue, red, yellow or black, so if it were going to be silver, it would have to be perfect otherwise.

pbn85

iTrader: (2)

came across this on CL, but not sure if its an 04.5

http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/2869850510.html

Shizzmaster2k

iTrader: (7)

Looks like a private sale. I'm not sure if OP is trying to finance or pay it in full.

Shizzmaster2k

iTrader: (7)

I saw that same car on autotrader as well but skipped over it because of the accident.

ihmcguinness

I've got the cash. I'd prefer a private sale, so that I can be sure of recent maintenance/history.

Shizzmaster2k

iTrader: (7)

Um, the same thing can be performed on a car at the dealer. If the maintenance checks were performed at a Nissan dealer, all you would need is the VIN and they can run the vehicles history to see if the car was maintained. Private sales are most likely less of a hassle but make sure you have a mechanic check the car out fully.

ihmcguinness

Yeah, of course, but I mean that you can talk to the former owner and find out what EXACTLY he had done, not just that the car went to a dealer for maintenance (sometimes carfax says what for, but not usually).