Hi Guys,

I've been looking for a 350 since I moved to Florida from the UK a while back and have finally found one I like. 2003 manual with Highish mileage (160k) but car looks nice and clean. Only problem is that both exterior a-pillars have vertical cracks in them.

I've had a look around on here and from what I've read it sounds like someone has tried to break into the car? can anything else cause these type of cracks and is there any other related damage I should check for?

Having looked around it seems like replacing both sides would cost about $400 with used parts plus painting. I've had a look on ebay and slidegood but can't see any at the moment so I'll give them a call on Monday. Also is the rear trim in the second photo stock? I've not noticed it sticking out that far before but tbh I haven't paid that much attention to that part of the car until now.

 

I think the problem may be more serious than just the plastic pieces breaking. It looks like the hatch isn't lining up correctly. Has this car been in a wreck? Thinking it might be best to pass on this car.

 

The car fax is clean and there are no other tell tale signs of damage, rest of the bodywork all lines up ok and seems original, headlights don't look too new etc.

My first thought was also accident damage but I couldn't see anything else wrong with it and couldn't work out how accident damage would crack those bits of trim. They have a 5 day returns policy so I could get it checked out thoroughly at a garage and see what they say.

 

Those pillars wouldn't crack like that from the factory, must have been repainted and something wasn't done right

The cracks plus your hatch being off are big red flags for me, something happened with that car

 

I would have a professional mechanic examine the car before you buy it. If the dealer isn't willing to let you take it to a mechanic, I would run away from that car.

 

My pillar cracked in a similar position on the drivers side. The crack on mine was about 1" but in the same spot. No rear end or wreck, just happened. Sucks having to replace them.

But do check if the rear hatch is off or tweaked.

 

What kind of lift struts are mounted on the hatch, the high pressure ones like to bend it, very simple fix. Also the pillar covers could easily be cracked like that from a bike rack.

 

I will say pass it unless you are good at fixing cars. It might end up costing you more.
That gap in the hatch is questionable.

 

They've let me have the car overnight so I can take it to my mechanic in the morning. Drives nicely bit of noise under throttle though.

The struts say high pressure on them so maybe that could be the cause? Few more photos to give you an idea of the condition. Fingers crossed they don't find anything major tomorrow.

 

Is it the A-Pillar or the C-Pillar that is cracked.

I cannot tell from the pics.

--Spike

 

It's the A-Pillars

 

The bottom bracket of the hatch support struts is upside-down. Fix that, and your hatch should have better alignment. As for the cracked A-pillars, I'd still be very suspicious. See if the windshield is the OEM glass or an aftermarket replacement. Sometimes the A-pillars can be damaged during a windshield replacement.

 

That's a lot of orange peel near the antenna, mine doesn't look like that. Get a paint meter or take it to Carmax, they'll tell you which panels have been refinished.

 

I'll get them to have a look at the paint while it's in today. The driver seat switch doesn't work at the moment but hopefully it's just the switch and not the motor. I need at least $1k off the price for the stuff that needs doing.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

 

How much are they asking for the car?

 

They're asking $7500 Just got back from the mechanic though and after the drive over there I thought the transmission sounded a bit odd. He said it sounds like clutch noise and also bearing noise from the back of the car. Got it up on the ramp and he spotted a loose bolt on the transmission so sounds like someone's tried fixing something.

For what it's worth he said he couldn't see any obvious evidence of accident damage, so the cracked A-Pillars will remain a mystery.

It's a shame but I'm going to walk away and keep my fingers crossed for something that needs less work, unless they offer it to me for $4k or something

Thanks again for all the help

Rob

 

Good call. Something better will come up.

 

Good self-control.

 

After a lot of searching and self control I have purchased the sixth 350z I looked at £7750 - 118k miles 2003 touring edition in metallic gray, leather seats, LSD , racing hart deep dish rims (too deep for the car I think) got some leaking around the valve seals but still a bargain at that price I think.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with guidance and advice along the way, I really appreciate it.

 

I hope you mean $.