I have a 6MT 2003 350z track which I bought new many moons ago. The engine recently seized (driving on highway and something caused the oil to rapidly leak out leading to the seize). The car is in great condition outside of the motor so my questions is what would be the best course of action for selling what is left to recoup my losses?

According to KBB the car is only worth about $6-7 (trade in) if it were running. It's my understanding that junks yards just pay by the weight, so is a private party sale the only option to sell "as is?" My job requires a lot of hours and travel so parting it out just isn't a viable option for me.

Would it be worth replacing the engine just to sell (or heck continue to use as DD)? I imagine getting the engine and having it installed would run a few thousand.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Perfect time to go f/I with a new engine.... IMO lol

 

Only thing is my Z was my daily driver. I liked keeping the miles off my newer car.

Also I think I'm getting old... I have no urge to drive fast anymore... hah!

 

Depends on your actual mileage. You can most likely still get 6-7k with a blown motor. If under 100K then you can still prolly get 10K for a clean runner!

 

Engine is going to cost 2k used with fluids. Plus ~$1000 install if you can not do yourself. Worth keeping. When the oil light comes on next time shut the car off immediately

 

You're dreaming- an '03 with a blown VQ will not be worth anywhere near $6-7K! OP should replace engine and resurrect Z for best value.

 

what dkmura said!!!

 

No way you would get $6-7k. Zs have depreciated a lot, you can get a high mileage one for around $6500-7000 now

 

DE, HR or VHR swap.

 

Look around on craigslist in your area, salvage yards are always posting VQ35s for $1k+. Or just try to sell it as a cheap roller if you don't want to put the time and money into it.

 

We can rebuild her. When resurrected she will be stronger, faster. I vote buying a used low mileage VQ and puting it back.

 

You can put her on eBay with a reserve....I agree with Jah though.

 

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I wish that were true. I sold my 06 with under 80k running with a stock motor and was lucky to get 9800 with quaife, G37S brakes & DBA 2 piece front rotors & a bunch of other ish.

 

http://nashville.craigslist.org/pts/4583346678.html

 

Sell it, cut your losses and buy a better z.

 

I figured in its current state the car would be worth at most 2 grand. I haven't done any research that was just my assumption.

I am starting to think replacing the engine is going to be the best bet. Spend 3k, get some more mileage out of it or just sell it right away for more than 2k (6-7k sale - engine & install cost would still have me out ahead it seems).

Sourcing an engine seems easy enough with ebay/craigslist, but I am lost as to where to start for finding a shop that can do the install and will stand behind their work. I assume a dealership would be the most knowledgeable but also the most expensive.

EDIT: I am also going to have my insurance look over the car before I take any action. The shop I took it to said it looked like I may have hit something (the underfoil was jammed up in the front by the engine). If the insurance agrees with that assessment could just put in a claim and hope the insurance doesn't go up to much.

 

Why not check with your local Z club for a reputable shop that is affordable? The dealer would be extremely expensive, but maybe there's a tech who would want to do some side work at home.

 

Anyone with a clean z with Blown motor wanting 5k gimme a holla! LOL true story

 

Turns out the rod broke and a piston was thrown making a hole through the engine which lead to the oil leaking out! I had insurance take a look at it thinking they would tell me to **** off, but they are actually covering it.

It is totaled of course, but I am going to buy the car back since they just charge the junkyard rate.

Edit: @Highway Riding, not sure if you're making a joke or not, but I am keeping the car if serious.