Hey all, i have been a long time reader at these forums and i have finally decided to become a part of the community. In about two weeks i'm going to buy the car i have been wanting to buy for years and years, the 350z !

My budget is $12,000. What i was wondering is what model can you recommend? The newest i can do for that much cash is an 06, is the 06 my best bet or is the infamous oil leakage a problem i should be worrying about? Would anyone happen to know what common issues these cars have and what i should look for when inspecting it at the dealer in order to make sure i get a good deal?

I look forward to owning my first Z and joining your community. Thank you !

 

Use the search button. It'll answer every single question you just asked.

 

If it was me I'd be looking for the Z with the lowest mileage not the newest year.

 

Tone91 nailed it. On a used car condition is EVERYTHING

 

Thanks for not telling me to use the search button. Yeah thats actually a conern of mine as well ! I was worried id miss out on too many new features if I didnt go for the 06 model, butmaybe its more logical to get "less used" car? Will miles have a noticeable effect on the smoothness of the ride considering the Zs engine does last very long? Sorry im a noob ! Help is greatly appreciated

 

Now that you have a budget set,I'd look for a Z as stock as possible.
NO MODS.I would'nt be hung up on extremely low mileage.A well maintained
car,possibly owned by a chick or,older guy that used it as a fun car.
Look for a Touring or a model that has LSD and other features.
I'm sure like everyone,have a color that is your fav.
Is this a first car?If not,what have you been driving?
If you are looking for a 6MT Z,check out the gearbox.Possibly a 5AT works
for you?Most guys will prolly recommend a Z with the HR engine.It may be dificult
to find one in excellent "virgin" shape in your price range.
Last question,have you actually DRIVEN a Z?
If not,you should .

 

Thanks for the detailed response. I am aware that many of these cars are abused, i have mostly been searching autotrader and have found a couple that claim to be well maintained and mechanically sound. Is the LSD standard on the 2006 models? This is going to be 2nd car actually, my last car was a 2001 BMW 328i. I am capable of driving an MT, but would much prefer an AT because of the annoyance an MT can cause in traffic. I have read a bit about the HR engines, but those above my budget correct? I have never test driven a Z before, which is strange because i have known for quite a while that this is a car that i want. Will anything surprise me? I have been told that they can easily slip and slide on accident, but i don't mind that at all

 

get a 03-04 in great condition and skip all the issues in the 05 -06's or just save up a little more and get an HR. (07-08)

 

Wait the 05 and 06's are full of issues? (these are the heads ups that i need!)
I'm looking at a potential 2007 with 100k miles for 12k. If im lucky it hasn't been sold yet.

 

05-06 had oil consumption issues.

03-04 had tire feathering and syncro issues in the 6mt but by now they would have had these issues fixed or it would be immedietly apparent and obvious.

oil consumption you wouldnt know until you owned it.

 

So i found a 2003 Touring and a 2006 Enthusiast.The 06 is lacking leather seats and is in very good condition; however, the 03 is leather and is in the best condition i have ever seen a used Z! I'm trying to decide between the two, my dilemma is that i don't wanna miss out on the 06's speed sensitive power steering. Is the steering a big deal and would the 06 be any better if its only the enthusiast edition? They both have the same number of miles and have a $1000 price difference, so i feel almost stupid not going for the 06. What's the difference in ride quality? (Auto transmission).

2003 (RED) :




2006 (GRAY):

 

How many miles on each? The power steering is not a big deal at all

 

77k on each. I could probaby bargain on the red one which is priced at 11k. 12k for the gray. Whuch would u reccommend? I really appreciate your help man !

 

I would take the 06 easily. They have upgraded projector hid headlights, led tail lights, better front bumper, bigger brakes, better factory wheels, better door panels

 

I guess your right cause it would be stupid to not upgrade for only a 1k difference. I was looking for a way to justify buying the red one cause i think it has a lot of potential to look sexy :P I guess leather seats aren't such a big deal too.

 

Leather seats are overrated in my opinion. I would go with the 06. I have 03 I changed tail light to led and prefer the newer model headlight.

 

Take the 06!

 

06 if you can verify its not an oil consumption motor

 

Is there any way to verify that while inspecting the car?

 

Unfortunately no.

Dealerships trst for it by filling it with oil and having you came back in a certain number of miles and they test how much oil is lost to determine if its in an acceptable range or not.