Reber

Hey guys, its time for an upgrade! Ive been an avid Z fan since I was a child. I currently own a '79 zx and a Ford Ranger. Ive been itching to sell my truck for years and get a 350 for my daily, partially because Im still "poor" but also because its the car that hooked me on Z's. Im a student and have a vehicle I use during the winter months here in Ohio.

Any major issues with certain years I should avoid? What about packages?

I want to get a manual, but the driving where Im in school is pretty crap as well as when I head to my parents for the holidays its 600 miles with often a lot of construction. However, I feel like getting an auto is a bit of a cop out (no offense to a/t drivers) especially if I do any modifications or pretty it up a tad with some body elements. Any input on this from owners of both trannys?

Thanks!

bith8791

I don't believe there are any major issues throughout the years, if I were you I would try to find an '07-'08, I have an '04 Touring, if you can't find a nice '07-'08, I would look for a Touring/Track model from any of the previous years.
I have a manual transmission, I've driven from one side of the country to the other, 600 miles isn't bad in a z, I routinely drive 450+ miles and it isn't tiring at all, you'll be disappointed if you get an automatic, cars like a z shouldn't even be offered with an automatic transmission.

mr. sparco

iTrader: (13)

03-04 tire feathering, oil consumption on various years, cd009 improved tranny, cheap cubby center waterfall on 03-04.

Doggman9

Whatever you do, get a manual transmission... 07 08 has the HR motor. 03-05 has the original DE motor. Some 05's and the 06 manuals have the DE RevUp motor. Grand Touring and Track Models have Brembo's. Nismo's are sick but more moneys and no leather/heated seats.

EDIT: Base models do NOT have a LSD. All other models have a VLSD (viscous LSD). Not the best LSD but an LSD none the less...

I traded my Ford Ranger for my Z two years ago. The most important thing to look for IMO is a clean and well maintained Z. You want to avoid the ones that poor/cheap reckless kids have gotten their hands on.

Goodluck finding the right one, it can take awhile.

mr. sparco

iTrader: (13)

07-08 clutch master and/or slave cylinders tend to go out causing the pedal to drop to the floor.

Reber

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it! Ive been digging more and more on the web and everything is reinforcing my plan to jump on a 350 instead of waiting until I could afford a 370. I think overall the 350 is a nicer car, the only thing I prefer is the over angling of the 370 (which is what body kits are for). SO far based on cars Ive found I think I'm aiming for an 06 Touring if I can find one for the right price. It seems to be the most accurate to what Im wanting and seems to pop up in my home town on occasion with the right price, mileage, and package. And of course, manual. Its been a while since I've been behind a stick, but Im sure I can hop back on it just like a bike.

FOOKhonda

iTrader: (1)

I have an 06 touring a/t its a great car was at 89k when I got it but ran good maintenance was kept up with besides needing new tires and brakes. Even as an auto it still has a lot of ***** it IS a z and manuals only have a lil more power and sport shift keeps it pretty close. Biggest problem I would suggest when getting one with out brembos is you NEED to check the brakes and tires, as a manual you deform need to check the clutch, drive it a for a bit shifting up and down like go up to 3rd then go to a stop and do it a couple times so you know the gears are good and the clutch isn't giving out, make sure you take it all the way to 6th too though.

Btw 06 and up all have revup as a manual, all the autos have the normal de even 06s.

SilverStone2003

iTrader: (3)

Id steer clear of the 06 just because of the known Oil Consumption problems that year is tend to have.

FOOKhonda

iTrader: (1)

Only for revup models, but the one op is looking for being a manual will have the oil consumption issue.

Doggman9

No. I have an 06 manual with the DE RevUp motor that consumes less than 0.25 quarts of oil after 3000+ hard miles. I have checked about 5 times now. It is the original motor and the car has 68,000 miles on it right now. Yes, some of the RevUp motors had oil consumption issues. NOT all of them. The only ones posting up on the forums are the ones having problems, not the ones without problems.

mr. sparco

iTrader: (13)

Oil consumption can be found in almost all years. Depending on the previous owners and how well the car was maintained. Consumer Reports iirc 05 as the least problematic.

FOOKhonda

iTrader: (1)

agreed. Most problems spawn from previous owners not doing maintenance when required. Like rx-8's getting blown up all the time and then blame it on oil consumption issues, sure some cars use more oil then others but 99% of the time it was the owners fault for not checking or changing the oil, and other things like tires and brakes...