It's possible that I will be in the market for a used 350z in the future, and have a budget of about 10-12k. I was wondering whether an 03-06 with lower miles (50-75k) would be a better option than a 07-08 with 100k miles. I know it comes down to personal opinion, but I just wanted to get some opinions on the choice.

Basically, which should I value more, newer model year, or lower miles. Obviously the 07+ comes with the HR, but is that worth buying one with higher miles in my budget? Thanks for any advice.

 

Personally I would go with lower miles and older.. I would also stay away from rev-up engine.

 

Why would you avoid the HR engine..

 

I never said HR but rev-up. The 2006 and 2005 anniversary had this engine which is more prone to oil consumption.

 

Oh sorry. I thought they were the same

 

I would get a HR no matter what at this point. The DE engine is dated. HR is designed better and more refined. Don't settle. Just wait a few months, save a couple grand more, and you'll find yourself a decent 07+ Z with moderate mileage at a respectable price.

 

Yeah at this point I'm thinking HR. More and more 07-08's are starting to come down into my range and it just seems like a better car/engine compared to the 03-05's.

 

If you have a budget of only $10-12K, the better maintained and less-beat-on '07-08 Zs are going to be out of your reach. Having owned and raced both the early VQ35DE and an HR-powered Zs, I'd search for a one owner, well-cared for Z no matter the year. If it met my needs and was within my budget, the mechanical assessment would be the tiebreaker.

 

By the time you get to a decently owned 07-08 you're not far from the 370Z 09 price range really. While I still like the 350 exterior more the 370 has grown on me but the real tie breaker for me is the interior of the 370 is just so much better over all than the 350.