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Hi. I'm Jim and I'm buying a Z.

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Old May 4, 2015 | 04:04 PM
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Default Hi. I'm Jim and I'm buying a Z.

Howdy,

After logging 250,000 miles on my Camaro, I'm at a stage in my life where a 2 seater will work for me again. Back in 1995 when I bought my extended cab Nissan truck, I had thought of getting a 300.

Well, the Camaro is old and I want something new, well... new to me.

I just test drove this 2004 'vert. It has 41k miles and the dealership is replacing the top.



It's in very good condition and drove well.

I don't know if this is the one, but one is coming and when it does, I hope to be active around these parts.

So... 350Z Community. You know more about these cars than me. Since I have options at this point, please tell me...

Of the years Nissan made these cars, are there more desirable features that maybe come on other years of these cars? Anything I must have (I didn't research my Camaro well enough and ended up having to install stuff from newer models). How about bad stuff to look out for.

Any advise to point me in the right direction is greatly appreciated.
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Old May 4, 2015 | 04:16 PM
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Welcome and the most desirable years will be '07-'09 for a Roadster if that's what you're looking for, reason being the VQ35HR motor and CD009 transmission, other model years are just fine however, there were some oil consumption, transmission, etc. issues but nothing major.
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Old May 4, 2015 | 04:18 PM
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2007-2009 All around best years.
or 2006 Auto (Non Rev-Up) this one has visual upgrades but not the dual intake and sexy hood Bump.

the 06 manual "Rev-Up" oil consumption troubles.. several on here say they are fine, not worth the possible trouble IMO.
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Old May 4, 2015 | 04:24 PM
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I"m not stuck on the Roadster. I love the coupe too.
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Old May 4, 2015 | 07:07 PM
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As mentioned 07-09 are more up to date with standard GOOD HIDs and actually visible tail lights.

I would just make sure if it's actually a base model, you pay for the base model. There is no cruise control, traction control, steering wheel controls(different steering wheel could be swapped in, so make sure everything works) and the actual worst thing-no VLSD. I got a base and didn't mind not having cruise (I will have it later on) but I had to get a diff. I lucked out and got a low miles unit and threw it in on the cheap, but I still want a 1.5 way.

Good luck, and look for a coupe, imo the roadsters are odd looking.
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Old May 4, 2015 | 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by NoQuestionZ
I got a base and didn't mind not having cruise (I will have it later on) but I had to get a diff. I lucked out and got a low miles unit and threw it in on the cheap, but I still want a 1.5 way.
Diff? Don't they all have LSD? What's a 1.5 way?
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Old May 4, 2015 | 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Bonemaro
Diff? Don't they all have LSD? What's a 1.5 way?
The base model does not come with the LSD or traction control I believe. The best way to really tell the difference between the Base and other models is with the steering wheel there will be no radio controls or cruise control and also there wont be a Traction control button down by your left knee. If you end up getting a roadster I don't think that will be an issue I believe they all came with LSD.

Last edited by datZunZ; May 5, 2015 at 12:01 AM.
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Old May 5, 2015 | 05:42 AM
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The top needs replaced on this one. There were going to replace it. If I buy it as is, it will be $1500 cheaper.

Can anyone tell me who sells nice tops for these? (apologies to the Mods- this isn't a "tech" question per say, just trying to make an informed purchase before I start participating fully).
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Old May 5, 2015 | 07:24 AM
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Topsonline.com sent mine for diy in under a week. I chose the Stayfast Haartz in twill for $650 shipped.
Very doable if you have the time and some mechanical ability. Good luck.
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Old May 5, 2015 | 07:31 AM
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Awesome. Thank you.

Next, is there a VIN reference and door sticker decoder where I can see what options this car actually has?
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Old May 5, 2015 | 07:34 AM
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Sup Bone, you're just up the rode I see.

Hit the top toolbar under ''Tools'' and there it is. Good luck.
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Old May 5, 2015 | 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by jhc
Sup Bone, you're just up the rode I see.
Oh yeah? Where abouts?
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Old May 5, 2015 | 08:58 AM
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Roswell, I used to hit Dacula otw to UGA. Nice place.
Lmk if I can help out.
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Old May 5, 2015 | 09:27 AM
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I ran the VIN and this is what's coming up. Looks good to me.

2004 Nissan 350Z 2dr Roadster Touring Manual

General Information
MFR model code 56764
Body type: Convertible
Pass Doors: 2
Alternative name:
Alternative body: Convertible
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Original Pricing
MSRP $36,420.00
Invoice $33,682.00
Destination Charge $560.00
Engine & Powertrain
Type V6 Cylinder Engine
Displacement L/CI 3.5/214
Fuel Type Gasoline Fuel
Horsepower 287.0 @ 6200
Fuel Economy 20.0 City / 26.0 Highway MPG
Fuel Capacity 20.0 gal
Net Torque 274.0 @ 4800
Tech Specs
Manufactured By Japan Nissan Passenger Car
Suspension Type – Front Independent
Suspension Type – Rear Multi-Link
Front Tire Size P225/45WR18, P225/50WR17
Rear Tire Size P245/45WR18, P235/50WR17
Brake ABS System 4-Wheel
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness 11.65 x 9.5 in
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness 11.50 x 0.63 in
Wheelbase 103.4 in (103.4 min/103.4max)
Mechanical & Powertrain
3.5L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 engine
Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS)
Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS)
Drive-by-Wire Throttle
6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
Carbon-fiber composite driveshaft
Viscous limited slip differential
Rear wheel drive
Independent front/rear multi-link aluminum suspension
Front/rear stabilizer bars
P225/50WR17 high performance front tires
P235/50WR17 high performance rear tires
Temporary steel spare
Speed-sensitive pwr rack & pinion steering
4-wheel vented disc brakes w/Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Dual outlet exhaust system
Safety
Dual stage supplemental air bags
Seat belts w/pre-tensioners & load limiters
Interior
6-way pwr adjustable driver seat
Front bucket seats
Leather seating surfaces
Tilt steering
Integrated 3-bay instrument gauge cluster
Trip computer w/integrated outdoor temp/fuel efficiency display
Pwr windows
Homelink universal transceiver
Cruise control
Vehicle security system
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
Automatic temp control
Rear window defroster
Premium Bose audio system-inc: AM/FM stereo, cassette, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, (7) speakers, 240 watts
Fixed antenna on rear fender
Auto dimming rear view mirror
Aluminum interior accents
Leather-trimmed steering wheel & shift ****
Aluminum pedals
Color: Frost K

Exterior
Aluminum hood
Rear wind deflector
Front fender w/"Z" emblems
Dual remote-controlled heated door mirrors
Xenon 4-bulb high intensity discharge headlights
UV shielded glass
Variable intermittent front wipers
Aluminum-look door handles
Chrome Silver Metallic Gray KY0
Tech Specs
Vehicle Name Nissan 350Z, Nissan 350Z
Body Style 2dr Convertible
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
EPA Classification Subcompact
Passenger Capacity 2 (2.0 min/2.0max)
Passenger Volume 51.8 ft³ (51.8 min/51.8max)
Base Curb Weight 3462 lbs (3462.0 min/3462.0max)
EPA Fuel Economy Est – City 20 MPG (20.0 min/20.0max)
EPA Fuel Economy Est – Hwy 26 MPG (26.0 min/26.0max)
Engine Order Code VQ35DE
Engine Type Gas V6
Displacement 3.5L/214
Fuel System SMPI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 287 @ 6200
SAE Net Torque @ RPM 274 @ 4800
Trans Type 6 (6.0 min/6.0max)
Trans Description Cont. Manual w/OD
First Gear Ratio (:1) 3.79 (3.79 min/3.79max)
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.32 (2.32 min/2.32max)
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.62 (1.62 min/1.62max)
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.27 (1.27 min/1.27max)
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.00 (1.0 min/1.0max)
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.79 (0.79 min/0.79max)
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.45 (3.45 min/3.45max)
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 3.54 (3.54 min/3.54max)
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) 110 (110.0 min/110.0max)
Total Cooling System Capacity 9.2 qts (9.2 min/9.2max)
Suspension Type – Front Independent
Suspension Type – Rear Multi-Link
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.) w/stabilizer bar
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.) w/stabilizer bar
Front Tire Size P225/45WR18, P225/50WR17
Rear Tire Size P245/45WR18, P235/50WR17
Spare Tire Size Compact
Front Wheel Size 18 x 8.0, 17 x 7.5 in
Rear Wheel Size 18 x 8.0, 17 x 8.0 in
Spare Wheel Size Compact in
Front Wheel Material Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material Aluminum
Spare Wheel Material Steel
Steering Type Pwr Rack & Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall 15.9 (15.9 min/15.9max)
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) 2.6 (2.6 min/2.6max)
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb 35.4 ft (35.4 min/35.4max)
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall 37.0 ft (37.0 min/37.0max)
Brake Type Pwr
Brake ABS System 4-Wheel
Disc - Front (Yes or ) Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or ) Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness 11.65 x 9.5 in
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness 11.50 x 0.63 in
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx 20 gal (20.0 min/20.0max)
Front Leg Room 42.6 in (42.6 min/42.6max)
Front Shoulder Room 53.6 in (53.6 min/53.6max)
Front Hip Room 53.2 in (53.2 min/53.2max)
Wheelbase 103.4 in (103.4 min/103.4max)
Length, Overall 169.4 in (169.4 min/169.4max)
Width, Max w/o mirrors 71.5 in (71.5 min/71.5max)
Height, Overall 39.2 in (39.2 min/39.2max)
Track Width, Front 60.4 in (60.4 min/60.4max)
Track Width, Rear 60.8, 60.6 in (60.6 min/60.8max)
Trunk Volume 4.1 ft³ (4.1 min/4.1max)
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Old May 5, 2015 | 09:40 AM
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Did I miss it, how much?
I went for the Magnetic Black, black leather touring roadster. I doubt I'll ever sell it.
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Old May 5, 2015 | 09:50 AM
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They are asking $13K. 40K miles Very clean condition.
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Old May 5, 2015 | 10:01 AM
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Do what I always do buying cars-
Go talk and show interest, drive it and give contact info. Walk out on the sales guy and say you've 3 more to look at. Leave and wait for their call.

Then tell them you'll give them $xxxxx drveout price. I saved $3k on my Z.
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Old May 5, 2015 | 10:03 AM
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Originally Posted by jhc
Do what I always do buying cars-
Go talk and show interest, drive it and give contact info. Walk out on the sales guy and...
This is what I did. Didn't say I had 3 more, but I can go from there.
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Old May 5, 2015 | 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by bith8791
Welcome and the most desirable years will be '07-'09 for a Roadster if that's what you're looking for, reason being the VQ35HR motor and CD009 transmission, other model years are just fine however, there were some oil consumption, transmission, etc. issues but nothing major.
^^ +1

I own both "pseudo-generations" of the Z33 (but not a ZR) and a Z34.

If refinement is your thing, go with the later models. If you're not picky and find an earlier model (say, back to '06 just because of the "modern" head/taillights), don't rule out a clean, low mileage, documented car just based on year.

I love my '03 AND '08 for very different reasons and the Z34N, well, WHEN I can pry the keys out of my wife's hands , the added power is truly fun.

Mic
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Old May 5, 2015 | 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by jhc
Did I miss it, how much?
I went for the Magnetic Black, black leather touring roadster. I doubt I'll ever sell it.
thats what i had..... and is said i would never sell it, we see how that worked out for me
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