Hey guys, I'm looking for your thoughts on this issue.

I recently bought a used 05 enthusiast, literally last week on thurs (6/17/10). The car has been a dream to own since! I have been totally in love with the car and have been saving for one for 6 years! (lol im only 25--got a decent salaried job tho)......SOOooo today I was getting food for dinner and walking back to the Z and noticed the right tailpipe was a little off center. It is not too noticeable since I definitely would have noticed it before buying if it were really bad. The left tailpipe is perfectly straight, but the right kinda points a little right by about .5 to 1 inch.

upon buying I saw the carfax that was provided by the dealer, and it was fine. The car is in IMMACULATE condition, aesthetically, mechanically, and electronically. But now I am worried that the car was in an accident previously and the carfax was altered by the dealer. My imagination is running rampant with bad thoughts! I hope that the real scenario is that the previous owner had aftermarket exhaust and upon removing it for selling the car, did not re-install the OEM exhaust perfectly.

I try to listen under the car for sounds of leaking exhaust from an imperfect alignment of the exhaust, but it is hard to tell...especially since I am so new to the vehicle.

I am not too concerned if the problem just pertains to aesthetics, as I will be buying aftermarket exhaust myself, and tie-rods and other mods on my way to drifting heaven---> all my buds have drifting cars and I cant wait to join them (hachi rokus and such) ...then me in the Z!

please let me know your opinions! anything will help!


...Sorry for the giant post

EDIT: to the moderators, In an attempt to drown my sorrows in whiskey, I have accidentally posted my problems and woes in the 370Z section instead of the 350z section. Any help would be appreciated if you could move the thread to the proper location

 

Previous owner may have tapped a curb stop while backing up?

Just because the exhaust tip is a little tweaked doesn't mean the rest of the car has undergone reconstruction.

If you're truly worried, take it to someone you know/trust that can inspect the car for you. (ie, a trained mechanic or body shop person)

 

You might also pull the Carfax report yourself, just to rule out any shadiness. It sounds like a good car and a good find. Hopefully the exhaust is just slightly tweaked or not hanging correctly. Check the hangers, maybe one if loose or something.

 

Ehhh, I don't think anyone's is perfectly straight and centered to be honest. Buy my Borla and you won't have to worry about anything!

I think you're being a little paranoid, but it's normal with such a prized possession.

 

thanks guys for the ideas! your posts have at definitely stalled my bad thought train.
I also was thinking the previous owner probably bapped a curb or parking block as you pointed out. I am not trying to be obsessive compulsive about the specific direction of the tail pipes, just proactive if I should worry about the true nature of the vehicle, and its readyness of being driftable under such conditions. lol if i was completely ocd I probably would never drift due to fear of an odd looking vehicle haha Bring the zip ties on!!! lol jk. I will try to provide pictures tomorrow after I get off work.

I should probably pull the carfax myself as you pointed out mrg, unfortunately ill have to wait until friday, as it is payday

 

if the car works perfectly fine, its not really noticable, and the carfax is clean, whats the big deal?

 

I just am hoping for that point exactly - that it is no big deal. just looking for members thoughts on the issue since I am new to the vehicle, and the realization that I might have bought a car that I saved up hella years for is F-ed in the A messes with your brain...lol

 

Man glad u didnt over intoxicate and have anything else. LOL. Just kidding. I wouldnt worry about it but i understand your paranoia.

 

It's pretty easy to adjust the exhaust also. Just crawl under the car with a wrench and have at it.

 

previous owner probably tapped a curb or had an AM exhaust and didn't align the stocker right... check the hangers to see if they are bent or loose...

 

Carfax doesn't show everything. If it was a small accident that was handled off the books, carfax would have no idea. Carfax reports can be misleading for sure.

 

Post pics so we can see how bad it is.

 

A crooked tailpipe won't matter much after you bash your car up drifting anyway... which I hope you'll be doing on a closed course and not public streets.

 

The exhaust tip hangs half an inch off from the other one? You're right, car was probably rolled at 150+ then perfectly reconstructed where it remains, as you say "in immaculate condition."

Srsly, if you're just getting an exhaust anyway, doesn't matter. Even if you weren't, not a big deal.

 

ill post pics later after i get off work...Im stuck in my cubicle atm.



--I dont mind if I mess it up so much, again not trying to be OCD about perfectly straight pipes. I am more concerned that the car might have been not what I was paying for; having hidden damages that I was not aware of during purchasing. especially cuz I dropped a fat load of $krilla for it...

of course problems will arise through drifting, im definitally not new to that...and of course it will be on a closed circuit. I dont fall into the "wrecked my ride trying to show off on public streets" catagory. I lolz when I see that happen, unless some poor bystander gets involved, then I just feel bad

Thanks for the imput guys!

 

First of all just because Carfax is clean doesnt mean it's never been crashed.
I would call the previous owner and ask him straight out. He's got no reason to hide now. You'll proly find your peace of mind.
Just as a test, does your car drive straight when you let go of the wheel. under acceleration, and braking. Or pull to one side. If alignment doesnt fix those then ya it may have frame damage.
Call the guy. Most likely you're ok.

Inspect the car, look for mismatched screws and bolts. Wear on screw/bolt heads. Different shade of paint etc. Get under the car, with a flashlight.

hope that helps