Hi everyone. I'm new here to the forum but hopefully I'll get to stay awhile. I'm looking to get a used 2003 Z but I want to know how you can visually tell the differences between the models.

A few months ago I was in the market for another car (I had an 89 944 Turbo) but I couldn't see having 2 2-seaters when a sedan would do, so I bought a used WRX. It's a fun car and all but I find that I want RWD and something a bit less boy-racer. I didn't get the STi because I thought THAT was too boy-racer and here I am AGAIN looking at a 350Z.

Anyway, if you can help me visually distinguish the models that would be great as I think lots of dealers may not know exactly which car they have if I'm not at a Nissan lot.

Thanks in advance.

 

all the models visually look the same with the exception of the track which has different rims and brakes. i think the performance and the touring might also have 18" but different 18" than the track. there is no noticable difference though like there is between the altima 4cyl and the 6cyl. get an enthusiast its the best value

 

Thanks for the response.

 

I'm not sure about the '03, but if it's the same as the '05, the wheels look different, too. The Base and the Enthusiast have 17s with 7 spokes, while the Performance and the Touring have 18s with 6 spokes.

So, while there's no way that I can think of to tell a Base from an Enthusiast by eye-balling them, you can tell both of those models from the others, as follows:

Base: 17s with 7 spokes
Enthusiast: 17s with 7 spokes
Performance: 18s with 6 spokes and cloth interior
Touring: 18s with 6 spokes and leather interior
Track: just look for the Brembos

 

ah that definitely helps. Thanks bxdream.

I'm going to look at a Performance model tomorrow... if they don't screw my too badly on my WRX trade-in.

 

Cool! I bought a Performance 2 months ago and love it. I know that most people say that the Enthusiast gives you the biggest bang for your buck, but I wanted the 18s and the VDC. Good luck with the trade in.

 

Look at the steering wheels too.
The Base has no button whatsoever while the rest has it.

U can also look at them pedals

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bxdream
[B]I'm not sure about the '03, but if it's the same as the '05, the wheels look different, too. The Base and the Enthusiast have 17s with 7 spokes, while the Performance and the Touring have 18s with 6 spokes.

So, while there's no way that I can think of to tell a Base from an Enthusiast by eye-balling them, you can tell both of those models from the others, as follows:


Touring: 18s with 6 spokes and leather interior

05' 5AT Touring has 17" Seven Spokes...

Don't forget 5AT changes some models.

 

dont worry about the look of the outside of the car...what really matters is whats under the hood, and all the models are the same in that nature (except for the 35th AE)

 

You gotta be careful with used '03's they had A LOT of problems with the suspension causing extreme tire wear. I just picked up the new consumer reports and it showed the '03 with the worst rating possible for suspension where as the '04 got the best rating. Just some food for thought.

 

Thanks for all of the help everyone. I ended up going with a 2003 Track model with about 25K miles on it. It isn't super clean but still looks really good for 25K miles on it. Unfortunately they RAPED me on my trade-in but I was okay with it because I just wanted to get out of my WRX immediately.

Every time I saw a Toyota Corolla S model on the road it just reminded me too much of the WRX (because they're both economy sedans, ground effects, small rear wing, cheaply made, etc, etc) and I couldn't stand it anymore. I KNEW I should have just bought a 350Z instead of the WRX in the first place but I wanted to experience "the beauty of all wheel drive".

All in all, I think all wheel drive is okay but not that great. I much prefer the feel and experience of a nice RWD car. Damn, now my 89 944 Turbo has been relegated to grocery getter duties...but it is still quicker than the 350Z. Okay, it isn't stock.