I found a black 2005 touring edition 350z about 30 miles away from me. It is garage kept and completely stock. Here's the catch: it has under 5,500 miles on it--that's right, 5,500 miles!!!

The seller is asking $17,500..he's a war vet probably in his late 50's early 60's and is the second owner. Apparently, the first owner owned it for about 3,000 miles and sold it because he was old and it was too fast lol. The Carfax said they sold it through a Nissan dealership to this guy in like 2007, and he hasn't driven it much since, saying about once a month. The 2nd owner had it serviced at 3,700 miles at the nissan dealership in 2008 or something. I'm pretty sure it was serviced again after that but I can't find the carfax paperwork my friend printed off for me :/ (i'll update tmmw with it hopefully)

I checked it out and it everything seems to be in order. It was raining so I didn't want to leave the hood open too long, but I looked in the crankcase and it looked clean as hell. The owner said the Michelin tires tires were stock, I saw a couple very minor flaws in the paint (again, it was raining) but nothing i don't think would buff out. The underbody didn't have any damage from what I could see. He started it up, I didn't want to take it for a test drive just yet since it was raining, but I did put it in reverse and backed it up a little then shifted into 1st and moved back and it felt fine, normal 350z clutch feel to it. I figure I'll take it for an actual test drive next time I was there since it will hopefully be dry.

Anyways, my question is do you think this is a safe buy? I'm not worried about odometer fraud so much as the engine seals and such. The owner said he took it out about once a month, which should be good enough, but idk you can't trust anyone when it comes to this much money haha. Any suggestions for what I should check for/ask next time I check it out. I put $100 down so he'd hold it for me for a week, so I got a little while to decide. I know next time I'll ask him if he uses fuel stabilizers or supplements.

Thanks in advance!!

 

The only thing I would suggest checking is the tires. Michelin tires did not come stock on the Z's. All the Z's were equipped with Bridgestone tires from the factory. The could have been replaced because of age but that seems unlikely. There are low mileage Z's out and about. I am an original owner of a 2003 and I only have 24,000 miles on it. Be careful and check everything thoroughly
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I noticed it on the local Craigslist, it's a clean car, only thing I noticed about it has a aftermarket grill. At that kind of mileage, I wouldn't worry about any mechanical issues, just make sure it shifts fine and everything. If I could go back I would've waited for an HR (07-08). Although, I love driving my 04 when I decide to get it out. Best of luck on your purchase if you choose to do so.

 

+1 on the tires, Korner - do you think they were switched out due to the tire feathering TSB that was issued? I never got in to the class action lawsuit bc I had aftermarket rims and a lowered stance.

OP, you shouldnt trust yourself nor any of us on this forum but rather have a 3rd party independent mechanic check it out.

 

Like Korner, I am a original and only owner of my 2003 Track Model Z with 21,141 original miles on it. The carfax is a good way to go too. (Note: also a 22 veteran - in my 60's). Cars are only as good as the owner that takes care of them. Also agree that Bridgestone Potenza tlires come on all the Z's. Now, minor flaws in paint, is that near the grill? That would put a "?" in my mind as to why....
Now speed isn't an issue that should be with the Z, it's a fun car. In fact mine has a few (minor mods) and is at 491hp. So forget the age thing.

 

I 100% disagree - do not rely on a carfax report - they are almost worthless...if they were a little more helpful, they'd be worthless...have a 3rd party mechanic check it out if anything.

 

Check the belts, I have an 05 and am the first owner. Rarely drive the car but my belts have some wear due to age. I would change out all fluids as well.