I'm looking to buy a used Z, perhaps this weekend. From reading and searching this forum it seems like a good idea to stay away from an 03, seeing as they have the most problems. So is it okay to stick with 04 and up? What should I look for when I examine my potential Z? tire feathering of course. it also looks like alot of people are getting their trannies replaced. I really want a Z but reliability seems to be a big issue.

 

Personally, I would look for a seller that has extensive records of services performed. If the seller can't produce evidence of regular oil changes at the very least, that should be awarning sign.
Buying an '04 won't necessarily protect you against trasmission failure - there are plenty of '04's with the same problem. I'd look for a car with average mileage that hasn't had any transmission problems. Ask the owner about his experience with it. If the trasmission has been fine for 25K miles or more, chances are it'll serve you well for the long run. Defective transmissions tend to go out fairly quickly.
Mika

 

i bought my 03 back in 3/03, 19K miles with no major issues other than a few TSB and there are tons of happy original 03 Z owners out there....just buy from someone who took good care of the Z.

 

I should mention that I have a pre-ordered 2003 350Z with 49,200 miles. I did have the transmission replaced at 25k miles, thanks to a sympathetic dealer (the originally tranny was probably fine, just a little rough-shifting)
My car has had its share of problems (tire feathering, dead window motor, dead electronic throttle actuator etc), but all have been covered under warranty.
The last 20K miles have been trouble free. I think there is a certain 'burn in' process that occurs. In my experience, premature component failures tend to appear in the first 30K miles.
Mika

 

All used cars have issues. But with the Z I would check the tires, ask the seller if they had the alignment TSB addressed, check the transmission, and give it a decent test drive. If it feels "right" then go for it. You should know if something is wrong.

 

thanks for all the tips. I might get an 03 enthusiast this thursday.

 

Im also looking for a used 03Z. I found a pretty good deal (i think) for $26900 Canadian, what do you guys think. By the way, Im not exactly sure about the trims and options back in 03, can someone just update me on major differences between trims? I tried searching with not much luck

 

I'm not sure if the Canadian models are different, but here it the USA, the 03's were optioned as follows:
Model Equipment Price
350Z 6MT Standard features:
3.5L DOHC 24-valve V-6 with variable valve timing, multi-link front and rear independent suspension, dual outlet exhaust, drive-by-wire throttle, carbon-fiber driveshaft, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, vented front and rear disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution, Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS), automatic temperature control, 160-watt AM/FM/CD with 6 speakers, power windows/door locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, vehicle security system, leather steering wheel and shifter boot $26,269

Enthusiast Model 6MT Standard features plus: Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors $28,249

Enthusiast Model 5AT (w/manual mode) Standard features plus: Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors $29,219

Performance Model 6MT Standard features plus: Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), tire air pressure monitor, 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors $30,429

Touring Model 6MT Standard features plus: 240-watt Bose CD6 with cassette and 7 speakers, leather-appointed seats, 4-way power driver’s seat, 2-way power passenger’s seat, heated seats, heated mirrors, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), tire air pressure monitor, 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors $33,179

Touring Model 5AT (w/manual mode) Standard features plus: 240-watt Bose CD6 with cassette and 7 speakers, leather-appointed seats, 4-way power driver’s seat, 2-way power passenger’s seat, heated seats, heated mirrors, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor mirrors $31,589

Track Model 6MT Standard features plus: Front and rear spoiler, 18-inch tires and lightweight aluminum wheels, vented Brembo brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), tire air pressure monitor, Xenon headlamps, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), viscous limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals, day/night auto rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors $34,079

Options: DVD-based Navigation System (only on Performance + models) $1,999

Side air bag and curtain airbag $ 569

Destination and Handling $ 540

 

thanks so much, i have been searching for three hours, and you made it all so easy, I looks forward to discussing things with you guys!

 

No problem. I should also mention that Aluminum sill plates and mud guards are optional on all models here in the US.
Mika