here is a link: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/ctd/4183296617.html

I'm coming from a 2000 Honda CRV and am seriously bored of driving AT (I kind of know how to drive stick, not good at it) I found this 350z at a used car dealer near my home.

I haven't carfaxed it yet or seen any of its records.

around $10k is my budget, so I can't go higher. I love the color and the looks of this 350Z.

Is this a reasonable deal? Is 122k mileage too much?

 

Just be aware that the '06 has oil consumption issues. Bring someone along with you that knows how to drive stick and see if they notice anything wrong with the tranny. There's a lot that can go wrong with a manual tranny if the previous driver consistently raced and beat on the gearbox. Just my $.02

$9999 seems reasonable. You can probably get it for less than that.

Hopefully someone more knowledgable than me will come along and add to this.

 

Once you've looked it over and decide you're serious about purchasing it, PM me with the VIN and I should be able to give you a free carfax on it. I recently bought my Z and have one or two carfax checks left.

Also, as with any used car, it would be good to have some extra money leftover in case you need to fix anything.

 

First thing i noticed is that it has been listed as a enthusiast model when it is actually a base model. It doesn't feature cruise control on the right side of the steering wheel and also doesn't have a LSD. Even in the listing they have cruise control listed as feature on that car. I'd be sure to let them know it's a base model at your advantage. You could even ask them where cruise control is just to see if they BS you or not. Anyway, i'd look for a DE just because of possible oil consumption issues but it also has an extended warranty which is good.

Im pretty sure the information I just gave is accurate but someone please correct me if im wrong.

 

$10K is too much to pay for an '06 with that mileage, especially with the Rev-up motor. $8K or keep shopping. Personally, I'd look for a lower mileage car, even if an '05. And yes, that's a Base, not Enthusiast, model.

EDIT: Not my car, but this looks like a great car:

https://my350z.com/forum/cars-for-sa...ion-black.html

I know you're in CA, but it would be a fun road trip to drive it back.

 

$10k an ok deal if everything checks out. Just because it's a rev-up doesn't mean it burns oil, as mine has never had an issue. If it does, you could knock some more off for sure

2006 is a good year if the motor checks out, even if it's a base model

 

OP here you go:

2006 MT Rev-up known to consume oil

2006 AT has regular DE engine.

Def look for something under 90k miles, at the most 100k

with 10k you can find an '05 or '06 for that cheap, you should look more for 8k.

Be aware when you shop for your Z in Cali, most dealers fuuck up the model designation ie your car is a base, not an enthusiast. You dont want to pay for more options than what you have.

knowing these things, let a friend take it out for a spin, run through the gears, rev it high and you can make your decision after that.

 

The market for Z's in CA is huge.. you can definitely find a better option than that.

Key with used car shopping is always patience; you have to wait and hunt for that perfect option to spend your hard-earned money on.

 

If I were buying a 350z for <$10K…

I would look for a 2003 or 2004 Track model or Performance model with <100K miles.

I would want to find a car with the updated transmission. The transmission in 2003 and 2004 was notorious for synchromesh problems, and many (most?) of the transmissions were replaced under Nissan’s drive-train warranty.

--Spike

 

thanks for all the advice, everyone! okay I think i'll keep looking around then. I find it difficult to find good Zs under $10k.

here's another one: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4211004763.html

but this one is 2005. doesn't the 2006 model get the better engine with 14 hp more, or does it not make a difference - is the 06 model worth it?
(At least I can avoid the possible oil consumption issue with this 05 model)

then there's this:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/4215790503.html
nismo addons looks great, but I dont think it's actually a nismo because its missing the spoiler and has the regular wheels. This also has a lot more mileage on it.

what do you guys think:
is the 06 model worth it?
of these 2, is the nismo one worth $1,100 more (it's not scratched and has performance addons, but more mileage)?

 

^^ I repeat… If you are spending < $ 10K, your best value is a lower mileage 2003/2004 350z that has a transmission swap or no problem with its transmission.

Your best choice is a 2003/2004 Track model or Performance model.

--Spike

 

someone please correct me if I'm wrong but the '03 '04 nismo model came with the track rays 18 inch wheels... if thats the case thats a clear giveaway that not a nismo its just another model with stickers....

it also doesn't have brembo brakes

and even if it is 160k is a poop load of miles!!!

 

@jth4506 I think you're correct. That's what I was guessing (quoting myself: "but I dont think it's actually a nismo because its missing the spoiler and has the regular wheels").

way too many miles, so I'm taking that one off my list.

As of now I'm split between an 06 base, or a cheaper 05 performance with slightly less miles (but with a keyed door).

the 05 seems like a better deal. I should probably wait and see if more deals come up.

 

Didn't think there was a nismo model for 03-06 in North America....

 

how reliable is the 350z engine? any differences between 05 and 06 models?

 

10k is not bad for that car. in socal $8 will get you 150k miles or so Zs and you dont want 2003s. $7000 will get a salvage, maybe $6500 if its in beat up condition. maybe you can talk him down to $9500

 

I've driven just over 2300 miles from Webster NY to Chandler AZ twice. It's not as fun as you would think.

 

OP if you have the option take the 10k and go to a dealership find an 07 to 08 offer them cash and see if they will work a deal for the car or let your finance the rest of it, it would be better than buying your cars off craigslist

btw how old are you?

 

mine from a stealership cost 21k.... dont think he could find an HR for the amount he is wanting to spend

 

This

Around here ones with 100k and up go for 10,000.

You might need to pay a little more to play for the right one.