I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice for buying a used 2003 350z. I would appreciate it if you could tell me what I should look for and lookout for and what kind of questions I should ask the previous owner.

Thanks

 

Most of the problems are things a dealer will fix for ya.

Well if you're worried about it, check for tire feathering -a roaring noice decelerating from about 30mph. Keep in mind this happens to of Zs, whether 04s 04.5s or 03s. If the car is <24mos old the dealer will align and perhaps replace tires.

Check gas cap to see if it opens on the first try..again if it doesn't the dealer will fix.

Check the tranny and see if it grinds going into 3rd gear...if it does the dealer will prob replace.

Check the windows to make sure they go up and down properly (a common problem with these cars).

Check the cloth seats to see if they are fraying (again, dealer will replace).

If it has a bose sounds system and the volume fluctuates crazily, again the dealer will address this.

that's all I can think of for now, I'm sure there's more...chime in folks.
Good luck.
NzZ

 

Check the windows for a vertical window grease streak.

Knocking noises and rattles are another concern.

Check the oil! LOL.



When I got my Z I didn't get the wheels aligned and my rear tires cambered out. This wore the tires down to the steel belts.

I think this was just a special condition for me b/c I bought one that was in an accident and wasn't informed.


Check the paint for paintwork, such as paint drips, particles in the paint, etc.

 

Great, thanks for the tips guys.

 

if car has strange 'howl' sound when coming to a stop from 40 to 20, tires are likely feathering. Check tread wear on outside of front tires. I bought mine with feathering from and Audi dealer and had 2 new tires from Nissan within 3 weeks. Also listen for rattles in the interior. Mine's a rattletrap! Good luck with the transaction. With all of that, I love my Z dearly and wouldn't trade it for anything!

 

Would it be better to buy it from a dealer or buy it from a private seller?

 

Best to buy someone you trust (rare). They will at least tell you the truth.

Used cars are just that, used. You never know how someone drove the car before you. Whether it was beat up or pampered. Whether it was hit or not (although an experienced body shop would instantly spot a fixed car).

If you decide to go with a private party (cheaper), a good thing to do is to have it professionally inspected. I would actually prefer this route than a car dealer. They'll tell you anything to sell you the car.

 

Good point.

 

I am in the same boat.

I am looking for a black "track" with low mileage. So far no luck..

If I don't find anything by March I will be buying new. Unfortunately the "track pack" model was discontinued.

Grrrrr!

 

I really do want the base because it is the perfect model for me as I am going to be using it mainly on the circuit. So I think I'll just have to get one here in the States and register it here as well.