I am looking at a nice 2003 Touring with ~90k on it. Its well presented, and seems to be in very good condition. However, the seller says that there is grinding in 5th when shifted quickly (3rd is fine, and everything is good when driven normally). I have been trying to find a 2004.5+, but this 2003 seems like a good deal. He's asking $10k. How important do you guys think the 2004.5/2005 changes were, and do you think it's worth looking at a nicely kept 2003?

 

If he admits to driving "quickly" he's probably run it hard. 90k miles and tranny grind, you will be replacing it soon probably. Worth that to you? What's your budget? Have you searched outside of your area?

 

Not a good deal. Pass

 

Pass.

It's worth looking at if it's presented with no problems, but all cars will have problems at some point. I own a 2003 AT with no problems, but it has 49,000 miles and it's been pampered. Higher miles and the possibility of excessive abuse would steer me away, among other things as well.

Just be patient and keep looking for what you want. In the end, you'll be glad you did.

 

90000 miles is considerable. Be prepared to spend some money keeping the car running well.

 

You guys really think 90k is a lot of miles for a Z? I haven't owned one yet but I have had a few japanese sports cars and 90k seems to be just the beginning.

 

It's not the 90k miles that concern me, it's the tranny grinds. Just a matter of time until it goes out. But of course the lower the miles the better. The Z will last for quite a while if taken care of, but even still it has mechanical problems on some years.

 

I was thinking if I could get him down into the 8-9k range, it'd be a good deal. Basically factoring in the cost of a transmission swap down the line. I see that CD009 transmissions are in the 700-1000 range. Any idea what labor would be for the swap?

 

A vehicle with 90,000 miles will require more upkeep than one with 45,000 miles. You will pay a premium for the vehicle with 45,000 miles, but less for maintenance.

So pay now (price) or pay later (maintenance costs). No free lunch.

 

I really don't know what the "magic" is on the 2004.5 models?
Maybe you can enlighten me on what you have "heard"?
90K on a Z is no big deal ifthe car has been well maintained.
I would think there would be other Z's in your area that would not have
the gearbox issue.10K for a 03 is ok if there were no major problems.
I'd pass on this one.

 

bet OP buys it. Gotta love impulse buyers

 

Unfortunately looking at a 350Z doesn't get you far. You have to give the seller money. Sellers like money. Yes I know its the old fashion way.

 

90k isnt bad at all and if he has taken good care of it go for it even check the carfax on it but i would try talken him down and if you have cash in front of him people usally talk alot better with cash in there face. Pluse on the grinding part it could just be the driver just drive it and see what you think about it to.

 

You really just need to get a CD009 transmission. Perhaps have the seller fix that 1st then buy?