I am between 2 z's at this point.
Both are very clean and to my liking but I am leaving links and pictures out because I want this to not be about color or things like that.


2003 with 50,000 miles and a manual transmission. It is all stock. Clean Carfax
The second is a 2008 with 100,000 miles and a manual transmission. It is also all stock. Clean Carfax

any help as to which will do me better? I know obviously lower miles but is it worth it for the extra hp in the 08'? I also know the 03's had trans problems with the manual cars and oil consumption issues, but they were fixed in the 07-08.

 

What are your plans for the Z?

 

+1

What are your plans? Daily driver or track use?

 

the 07/08 have slave cylinder problems (trust me) so if it is messed up or goes out (depending on labor in your area and you can't drop trans yourself) figure about $1400 or so to fix with the zspeed setup and labor.

you didn't mention prices, curious of the difference. in general the hr's (07/08) are more expensive (2 intakes vs 1), not many choices on FI either

 

Have you driven either?
What trim are they?
My vote is '03.
I've owned an '04 for 11+ years and driven every iteration of the z33 through the years to know that the improvements are negligible IMO until you get to the Nismo.

 

Replying to all the responses in one blow



So I will be Daily Driving this. I need the car for the next five years. It is not a tremendous amount of time and both cars should still be fine at the end.
Edit: forgot you don't understand my life. I should put on NO MORE than 12,000 miles a year. 85% of those would be highway, 15% for times I feel like going into the city or sit in traffic because NJ was not meant for this many cars -_-


Prices are about the same. The 2008 is actually about 400 cheaper.

Right so I have not. I have driven a ton in my search over the past 4 months or so, plus some buddies that have them. So I can feel the engines and transmissions and what they should be. That is absolutely a determining factor and I am not undermining it. I am wondering though, in members' opinions, which is a better value considering they are about the same price. If you tell me that neither, it is just about how I think they feel at this point, I'd be pretty happy.

Edit: forgot the trim, The 08' is a base, am radio & subs. 03' is a touring, stock all the way.

 

Well the '08 is a lot faster! Paint should also be in better condition.

 

I wouldn't buy a used car with 100k miles period...

 

Heated leather seats are nice... And so it traction control and cruise control, and limited slip differentials. The stereo system in both is junk. And their is a good aftermarket for both.

 

neither would i... but that is our personal preference

 

'03 Touring FTW!
It's a no brainer!
The few extra HP at the wheels the '08 Base model has won't make a difference without a VLSD, VDC, TCS, etc... IMO, you're getting a lot more car with the '03 Touring model, just compare the spec sheets + it has 50,000 fewer miles.

 

The differential is all I care about. I could care less about leather and cruise control. I have cc in my car now and over the past couple years I've used it a handful of times (a babies hand at that).
How bad is the other diff?

 

vlsd would be preferred but, pick up the one with the open diff and the throw a quaife in it for about a grand, then love life

 

Out of those two options, I would go with the one with lower miles.

 

I have an 03 Touring. Had to replace the tranny at 57k miles. I went ahead and bought a FW and clutch at the same time. I'm glad this car runs so well.