Hello everyone, I am new to the forum but have read through several threads (mostly build threads).

Background:
I currently drive a 2012 Hyundai Elantra with 150k miles. I’ve never had a single major issue with the car. This is my first car I have ever “modded” and it’s really what got me into the “game”. I’ve gone through many stages with this car even the rice stage at the beginning. Maintenance has always been kept up, but I’m wanting a different car. I plan to make sure the 350z is in 100% working order before I sell the Hyundai.

Goals:
I plan to daily the 350z with no plans of tracking or “racing” with it. I hope to make this thing 100% reliable just as my Hyundai is.

Suggestions:
So the main purpose of this thread is to see what you guys think of buying a 2006 350z Grand Touring with 165k miles on it. Car is modified, but has been maintained well. 270whp and has been tuned by a reputable shop (I looked them up). I’ll post pictures of the ad pictures with modifications to it. The seller is asking for $8.2k, but has told me he will go as $7k as of right now. I told him we can agree to a price once I take a look at it. I plan on meeting to see the car on Thursday (06/13).

Overall I am just nervous going into buying a high mileage and never have made a car purchase like this before (from a private seller). I also have never driven a manual car but have done a lot of research (watching videos and reading write-ups). So I’m willing to take the big move as a manual car seems enjoyable. I know the best decision would be to make the 350z a toy car and keep the Hyundai, but the other half wants me to only have one car at the moment. Most will tell me if I have the money then buy a newer one with less miles, but I’m mainly looking for one that’s modded tastefully like this one and change up a few things as I don’t have the true time to mod the car like I did with my Hyundai.

I’ve read on what I should look for when buying a used car in general and also 350z specific problems as well (tire feathering, window motors, etc).

Any and all suggestions are welcomed.

Thank you in advanced.










Mod list from seller

 

Welcome- that particular Z is NOT what you should be looking at if you are looking for a reliable car to replace your Hyundai. The mileage is high and while we can't do a physical inspection, there's likely plenty of worn parts. More worrying is the cheap coilover suspension with radical camber settings. For someone not used to driving a powerful RWD car, or driving a manual transmission period, you better be ready to catch the car when it skids sideways at the oddest times. For what your stated goals are, RUN not walk, away from this particular Z!

 

Thanks for the reply! What do you mean by cheap coilovers? BC racing is reputable plus the swift spring upgrade. Do you think I could replace most “worn” items and be reliable? I can keep the Hyundai as long as needed to get the 350z reliable.

Can you clarify about skidding sideways? I’m sure you aren’t referring to trying to drift lol

 

Pass. If you want a reliable Z, get one that has not been modified to hang out with the stancenation crowd.

 

I know the reasoning behind it, but what about a thorough inspection from a private mechanic? Going over most wear and tear parts of course.

I do want reliability, but can’t these be refreshed to be reliable as well? What do you think should be paid for this particular vehicle?

 

I have been messaging the seller about details here and there as well. Got him to send a picture of the undercarriage. Tomei exhaust damaged due to being so low. So it will need a new exhaust. Test pipes and y pipe still good. Gonna use this to haggle the price.

 

In over 12 years campaigning the Z33 in SCCA racing, I've yet to see any using BC Racing coilovers successfully. "Reputable" is a matter of opinion and while they may be affordable, the coilover kit on this Z is built for looks, not driving. By slamming the car down so low that they exhaust is worn down also put extra stress on bearings and suspension bushings. The extreme camber settings mean the car is riding on the outside edges of the tires, and believe me, that wear will have you buying a set of tires shortly. BTW- a set of Z tires will cost far more than a set for your Elantra. By not using the full contact patch of your tires, together with a lack of suspension travel, can make this Z a handful to drive. Look up the words 'bump steer' and you may find yourself off the road or into a curb faster than you can react. Yes, you can raise the ride height to alliviate some of these issues, but unless you know what you're doing, a new alignment will be needed each time you change it.

 

​​​​​​A 14 year old Z with 165K on it is maybe worth around $6K. Everyone likes to inflate the price with modifications, but the truth is, you'll never get that money back.

I would say $4500-$4800 since it will cost around $1000-$1500 to fix all that nonsense.

 

I understand the lack of functional suspension on this thing. I plan to get a “track stance”. Minimal camber and raise the car if I plan I getting it. Do you think it’s worth grabbing for $6k? I may keep the Hyundai as a daily since I’m sure I can convince the other half that it’s needed.

 

Unless you can get this car for under 4K, and are ready to sink another 5K to refresh and un-do a bunch of things on a Z of this age and mileage, RUN (as it was noted above). Because chances are good that it will not give your what you're looking for.

 

You are trying to talk us into your already made decision.

If not listening to the advice, just buy it.

 

Okay, I’ll inspect everything and offer around accordingly.

Lets say I get the car for $4k and put $5k into it. At that point it would have been better to get a stock one with less miles correct?

Only thing I could see worth selling on the car is the steering wheel ($1k new) and the wheels (3 piece wheels I believe). I’m not saying I could sell them for close to the new price, but even half sounds reasonable. From there, would the car be worth it? Forgot to mention this car is the Grand Touring model so it comes with Brembos and LSD.

I am trying to see all my options and not trying to persuade you guys as I don’t mind waiting for a clean stock one to come around.

 

No.

Yes.

Good. Do that.

 

Can you confirm this 2006 model has the Rev-up engine?

I would avoid the Rev-up engine all together especially if it's been modified. I've heard a few horrific stories of the exhaust cam spring breaking and costing a build, not to mention the oil consumption from the Rev-Up ... doesnt surprise me that they redesigned the cam-control in the 2007 model year.

I'm an old man, but those interior mods are a complete boner-kill - the fake CF steering wheel, the cf dash kit, who hangs their HS graduation tassle from the rear view mirror any more and gooooooodddd-lord! how many air-fresheners do you need? The headlights are dumb, I dont like the black/white color combo (says the guy who has 3 colors on his car! lol!) ... to me this car screams 'immature owner'

I'd definately pass on this one …


To be honest and if it was me - take your $7k and go find a 2003 - 2005 DE that hasnt been modded, low / lower miles, adult owned, maintenance records, respected. The DE engine is surprisingly good and plenty powerful on this chassis - it gets a bad wrap by FB users but it is very well supported in the aftermarket community. If you want more power down the road you can easily get 425hp on this engine for a few thousand dollars via a simplet turbo/supercharger kit.

yes, this hypothetical car will be hard to find but just keep looking, dont be in a rush to buy, and you may have to travel a state or two ... but it's out there!

 

why is this in the forum feedback section?

also, car reminds me of this

 

Thanks for all of the replies! I plan to look at the car and see if I can get it for around $4k. It will solely be a weekend car and don’t plan on ever going FI as I don’t crave crazy speed......yet.

 

 

I apologize that I created it in the wrong sub forum. Please move appropriately.

 

Moved. The thing I don't understand about these "should I buy" threds is this- Everyone has a different financial picture. $10K to someone living paycheck to paycheck is not the same as $10K to someone with an emergency fund, good credit and retirement plans being funded. That effects what a car might be "worth" .02

 

snowballs chance in .... you're going to get the car for less than half of the asking price.

I hope you dont have your heart set on this car ... you're reaching pretty far and it sounds like you're trying to convince yourself more than us ... no one on this thread thinks this is a good idea and each one of us is giving you solid advice on different aspects of this car.

Let this one go and continue the hunt! The perfect car will come along.

If you want to buy a 112k miles / 6mt / 2003 DE for $5k than shoot me a private message ...