I am currently talking to someone who is selling a 2004 350z and he said the problem is that the car won’t start and that he went to three mechanics and they all told him it’s the valve lifter, does that make sense to anyone? Please if anyone knows about what I’m talking about I would be super appreciative! You can text or call me at 646-417-3292! Thank you kind people!

 

Just don't buy it. Sounds like a bad deal to get into. Easy decision.

 

offer him $1500 and tell him it'll need a new engine

 

Is this the best option? Getting the valve lifter replaced isn't ideal? Because I know its a cheap product but the labor is a decent amount like $500-$800 or maybe lower or high I don't know. However I'd love to take this route BUT tell me why I shouldn't. I can do an engine swap if that's my last resort.

 

LMAO. The car would still start with a bad lifter.

 

Are you 100%? I'm not doubting you but I'm just not sure. What would you do? I need advice

 

I'd look for a different car. If you can't afford a working Z, you won't be able to afford the maintenance down the road. Parts on this car aren't cheap, and if you aren't mechanically inclined, labor will cost significantly more than the parts. Unlike most cars, Z parts are expensive because replacement parts are all garbage, most parts that will be replaced will have to be OEM parts.

 

I agree with all of this with the exception of parts...the car is old enough and sources like ebay, junk yards, facebook market place, craigslist will have a plethora of parts for relatively cheap but that doesnt mean go bananas on this ... only buy the car if you can do the work yourself and are willing to put in the time, money, and heartache of a project car.

If you want a project and are ok with not driving this for a solid 6 to 12 months that offer the guy $1000 and get ready for the adventure of your life. If you want a running car straight out of the gate than this is absolutely not your car!!!

 

Yes. The car can run off 5 cylinders all day err day and it's very uncommon for lifters to go bad...at most they just make noise. Buy something running if you don't have the mechanical ability to diagnose or repair. It needs a new engine and the seller is lying.

 

Smooth is right. There are PLENTY of Zs on the used market that run just fine. If your heart is set on buying a used car that's screwed up, take it to two shops, get estimates on the repair and weigh that into the offer. Regardless, pay for a full inspection from a reputable shop before you buy the car.