I am about to purchase a 2003 track model 350z with 135k miles. The car is spectacular with very little cosmetic damage, has a transmission from an 06, and several other simple mods.

The trouble is that there is a crack in both of the A-Pillar covers (between window and roof) on the outside. The current owner tells me that these are totally normal on older 350Zs, but I have done my research and haven't heard of this issue.

Should I be concerned? Hopefully some of you with more experience can help me out. Also, I know that the piece can be replaced, but is there any detriment to water getting in through the cracks?

Pictures related. Red circle shows where the cracks are on both sides.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Driver Side




Passenger side

 

Not normal. No leaking as the window deal is taking care of it...but its been struck somehow.

 

Never have seen that before...

 

Saw that on a wrecked z before, it landed hard in a ditch, bent in the middle and cracked the pillars, kinked the roof and totaled the car. Take a look under the car to see if its got floor damage, only other thing is maybe someone tried to remove them and didn't know what they were doing.

 

Thanks all. It confuses me that these are the only signs of damage on the vehicle. Its hard to believe that something major enough to crack these wouldn't have left any other evidence behind. I'll be sure to have the mechanic inspect for floor damage, che69velle. It pains me to believe that someone would try to remove both incorrectly after they had already cracked one side.

 

 

You can always buy a replacement for it. Shouldn't be a deal breaker.

 

Yeah, they even sell carbon fiber ones
http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/350z03d/50-3058

 

I have CF one I'm looking to get rid of.

 

I can't really decide if I would like the CF on a blue Z, especially since there isn't any other CF on the car. I know that they aren't hard to replace.

I'm really just trying to determine whether or not these cracks are hinting at underlying structural damage that I really need to worry about. If it is merely cosmetic, I won't blink before I fork over the cash for the car.

 

Have a collision tech look it over, then decide. Carbon looks good with the blue, get a few other mods and enjoy it


.

 

I was going the route of carbon roof with it. Changed my mind.

I agree get a body specialist to look it over. I think he over tighten the screw.