alanshs

I'm looking for a 350z (would like a 370 but they're a lot more expensive near me).
Which year would be recommended? I know the 2007 has the HR in it but is it worth it to wait until a good condition HR pops up or just shoot for a 2004-2006? (Not sure if this is the right place to post this so I apologize).

MicVelo

07-08 HR car is arguably the better car (more power, better trans, etc) but there is nothing wrong with a well kept DE.

Key words: “Well kept”. Like any car, service records are key. I would easily choose an ‘03-06 with good records over an unknown maintenance ‘07-08 which could have been just as abused as a ‘71 Pinto.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

I would take a pinto, pacer, or Nash metropolitan any day

bealljk

iTrader: (13)

what do you want to do with the car?

do you intend to do any modification? Do you want the ability to tune this car? Do you want to add a turbo or a supercharger at any point?

The HR is definitely more refined and has advantages but the DE engine still produces more torque than the Rev-Up, the HR and almost as much as the VHR.

alanshs

im looking to put my own mods, nothing crazy unless I decide to in the future, like a cold air and new exhaust. Simple stuff but I’d like to maybe eventually turbo it. What mile range would you recommend? I’m finding overpriced 100-120k and pretty good deals on 170k but it feels scary to buy something w so many miles.

MicVelo

Simple bolt-ons won't overtax anything.

If you are going to boost, look for a low mileage car or be prepared/budget to do an engine refresh.

Not sure what you consider overpriced. What's budget?

alanshs

i was finding like 150k+ with noticeable cosmetic issues and some mods on it for about 7-9k.
I’ve seen a few with lower miles in better shape for roughly the same price, I’m just waiting for a really good offer to show up.

DarkZ03

iTrader: (11)

I prefer the feel of the DE over the HR, the HR is smoother but I can feel the torque difference between the two. You feel torque not HP and 16hp is nothing, now if you plan 100% on staying NA the HR is the better pick.

MicVelo

This is not a solicitation but.... My 03 Enthusiast will be going back on the market for just a tad over $9k with 78k miles on it, motor stock with full suspension (and faded paint on the roof.) Probably would go for mid-8's so those figures aren't totally out of line but for the mileage.

OK, speaking for myself (IMO as it were), the orders of preference for me go with the ages of the various engines (that is,newer the better). My VQ37VHR Nismo was the best but my Z33N's HR was no slouch, and much more responsive and revvy than my DE. So, I'm a firm believer that they got better with each progression. We're talking stock to stock to stock. Modifications wise, the DE is the cheapest and can yield some pretty dramatic gains for a given dollar.

DarkZ03

iTrader: (11)

never been in stock vs stock but I have been in a modified HR and my modified DE. The push into the seat as it would, was less on the HR car, albeit my car has more mods and a tune, HR did not.
I would agree with your statement overall as I do feel like the the HR powered Zs were a nice evolution and the VQ37 a better HR, I however don't think much of the 370Z. It was overpriced and felt almost as cheap as the 350Z, they could have done better. The more recent Nismo is the closest thing to the kind of evolution I would've liked to see from 350Z-370Z.
Because of my way of thinking and pricing ranges I will always recommend them in that order, DE>HR>VHR unless money isn't an obstacle then Z34N.

alanshs

So what mileage range would you recommend for the price?
I'm checking out a 113k 2006 for 8.5k tomorrow hopefully