Ok, just getting back on my feet with the help of God and a wonderful woman behind me. I desperately need a car. I have been car-less for over 3 years now and finally landed a decent job a few months back. My girl and I are sharing her car but she is starting to go stir crazy as I have her car 5 days per week for 10-11 hours per day. So, I have made my decision and have decided to go after one of my childhood's favorite cars.

Anyway, my budget is limited, probably around $12k (slightly more if I have to) as we will not be financing. I would prefer something a bit lower in miles as this will be my DD. From my understanding these cars are built to last. I read on here that the Nissan engineers were told to build these engines to last for 200,000 miles...quite impressive. Anyway, I am nervous about getting a car with high mileage, I am useless as a mechanic...so if it breaks I will be paying. I am not doing any major modifications, just an exhaust eventually because I love that sound. I am thinking that 50-60k on the odometer should leave me plenty of reliability. I am hoping to pick up an 05, touring edition. Seems like a reasonable plan correct? Also, if the car was maintained well, are there any major problems with these cars that I have not yet discovered or heard of? Lastly, my friend's boss has a dealers license and is willing to take me to an auction, I've never done that...so someone that has no real car knowledge, is that a wise choice?

Sorry for the long post...just excited about having a car again, especially one that will be fun to drive. Thanks in advance.

 

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...ur-used-z.html

 

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...d-mileage.html

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...mile-club.html

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...mile-club.html

 

Thanks, I will check those threads out.

 

Wow...on page 8 of the 100k mile thread...I am feeling very confident in my decision...this could potentially save me some $$ too. Thanks again!!

 

I bought mine at 72,000 miles, its a reliable motor, stay away from the 2006 models, the 03-05 will be right in your price range

 

good job man! you really should look for a more economical DD since your job is new.. save your money, as an older one will inevitably need repairs and they are not cheap.

 

That's what I was thinking. From what I have read 2004.5-05 is ideal.

You think this car is not economical DD? Or were you saying the older ones with the higher miles are not a good choice? I mean this car gets decent gas mileage. I will be driving 95% on highway. I still want to have a little fun in my life again...I don't waste money on anything these days (hence why I am not financing).

 

For NY I would argue it's not a good dd, at least for winter.

Plus it gets like 20 mpg.

 

Good luck in finding your Z.With the budget you mentioned,there should
be many option for you to look at.
You are correct in the longevity factor of a Z/Nissan.The VQ engine in general
is pretty bulletproof.I'd shop for a Z with no mods or,as few as possible.There some out there with low miles that some older guy bought.Did'nt drive it much.
As has been mentioned,a Z is not the best winter car.Keep this in mind when thinking
a DD.Many owners put their Z up for the winter.If you do(when)find that Z,you
will probably be surprised on the stock exhaust tone.
Its pretty good.Especially...initially.
Good hunting!

 

Good luck. You are in the ballpark as far as price/year go. Might need to spend a little more if you want one with low miles, but probably not too much more.

If I were you I would save a little money and buy some snow tires. If you plan on driving this car in the winter with high performance summer tires, you are screwed. lol

 

The gas mileage is comparable to other cars, if you drive it like you would other cars. Open it up and it will guzzle. And like other's said, just make sure you get a set of winter wheels/tires and you'll be fine. Change the oil every 3k, drive it with respect and it will last a long time.

 

Thanks again everyone, I appreciate the feedback. I expect to be in one within the next month or so. Not too worried about winter as I can take my girls car, which isn't going to be much better. She does not need her car everyday. Also very used to driving high performance vehicles in bad weather. My last car was a BMW m6, which was modded. That was my daily driver...that car sucked in snow, this cat has to be better but I could be wrong.

 

Wait, what? I'm not sure if I should be pitying you any more.

 

Lol...yes but its gone...with my business and my money. So...at 36 I am starting over. Been a very rough patch for me but things are turning around.

 

Sorry to hear. But hey, Z's aren't so bad. Plus not many people ever own an M6.

 

Thanks I appreciate that. I am not fully over my mess but I am feeling better about life so it's not that bad. To be honest, if I had a ton more money there aren't too many cars that really excite me right now...but the Z does. I am really a BMW guy at heart but no M6, new M3 I am not too fond of...M5 should be nice when it comes out...so other than dropping over $100k, the Z is one of the few cars that excites me. That and the G37 coupe. I would probably lean towards the G37 coupe but it would be close. I really do love the Z. Always have since I was a kid. My dad had a 2 of them, a 280z, and a 280zx. I loved the 300zx when it first came out...so it's really not as bad as it seems. I am extremely excited about getting one. Coming back from losing everything really does change things...I will certainly appreciate things a hell of a lot more now since I have been without for many years.

 

stick to a wrx until you can own the z as a second car.

it's just not a dd, especially in the northeast.

 

WRX is a bit pricey for me...and I am a pretty big guy, not sure how well I would fit in that car. Plus I still can use my girls car if it's real bad out.

 

when Davidv sees your topic take all of his advice. Throw out all the other advice anybody else gave you.