Buying an 03 this week, noob questions.
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From: Miami,FL
Buying an 03 this week, noob questions.
Hey guys, I'm planning on buying my first 350 this week. I've found a few 03's available in my price range. I just have a few questions.
First off a little background. I'm 22 years old, i got my first car at 17 (Ford Probe GT) i've had it ever since(infact i bought another one as a daily driver) anyways, i learned a lot about that car, and started working on it myself. I did an engine swap and ATX-MTX tranny swap, as well as all the bolt-ons etc. So i'm pretty familer with the way cars work, and i do the work on them myself almost always.But the time has come for me now to move on to something new.
Well my question is i've read the 03's have tranny issues. Now is this something that happens to almost all 03's, or is it somewhat rare. I'm planny on getting a 6 speed of course. Also, anything specific i should look for when test driving the car(as in red flags)? Also, is it worth the price difference to go with an 04?
I know these are n00b questions that have been asked a million times, but searching yeilded "so-so" results. Thanks in advance and i look forward to getting to know this place better in the near future.
First off a little background. I'm 22 years old, i got my first car at 17 (Ford Probe GT) i've had it ever since(infact i bought another one as a daily driver) anyways, i learned a lot about that car, and started working on it myself. I did an engine swap and ATX-MTX tranny swap, as well as all the bolt-ons etc. So i'm pretty familer with the way cars work, and i do the work on them myself almost always.But the time has come for me now to move on to something new.
Well my question is i've read the 03's have tranny issues. Now is this something that happens to almost all 03's, or is it somewhat rare. I'm planny on getting a 6 speed of course. Also, anything specific i should look for when test driving the car(as in red flags)? Also, is it worth the price difference to go with an 04?
I know these are n00b questions that have been asked a million times, but searching yeilded "so-so" results. Thanks in advance and i look forward to getting to know this place better in the near future.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 29
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From: wa
Originally Posted by KL2VQ
Hey guys, I'm planning on buying my first 350 this week. I've found a few 03's available in my price range. I just have a few questions.
First off a little background. I'm 22 years old, i got my first car at 17 (Ford Probe GT) i've had it ever since(infact i bought another one as a daily driver) anyways, i learned a lot about that car, and started working on it myself. I did an engine swap and ATX-MTX tranny swap, as well as all the bolt-ons etc. So i'm pretty familer with the way cars work, and i do the work on them myself almost always.But the time has come for me now to move on to something new.
Well my question is i've read the 03's have tranny issues. Now is this something that happens to almost all 03's, or is it somewhat rare. I'm planny on getting a 6 speed of course. Also, anything specific i should look for when test driving the car(as in red flags)? Also, is it worth the price difference to go with an 04?
I know these are n00b questions that have been asked a million times, but searching yeilded "so-so" results. Thanks in advance and i look forward to getting to know this place better in the near future.
First off a little background. I'm 22 years old, i got my first car at 17 (Ford Probe GT) i've had it ever since(infact i bought another one as a daily driver) anyways, i learned a lot about that car, and started working on it myself. I did an engine swap and ATX-MTX tranny swap, as well as all the bolt-ons etc. So i'm pretty familer with the way cars work, and i do the work on them myself almost always.But the time has come for me now to move on to something new.
Well my question is i've read the 03's have tranny issues. Now is this something that happens to almost all 03's, or is it somewhat rare. I'm planny on getting a 6 speed of course. Also, anything specific i should look for when test driving the car(as in red flags)? Also, is it worth the price difference to go with an 04?
I know these are n00b questions that have been asked a million times, but searching yeilded "so-so" results. Thanks in advance and i look forward to getting to know this place better in the near future.
Don't know the % of 03s with tranny problems but mine has had none.
03 was first year of Z so, yes, better to get an 04 if you can.
Whatever you buy, have a competent mechanic check it out.
03 was first year of Z so, yes, better to get an 04 if you can.
Whatever you buy, have a competent mechanic check it out.
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From: Hood Canal, WA.
Many say that early '04s are basically the same as the '03s. In late '04 there apparently was some changes made with suspension or settings. I heard that you can tell if they are 04.5s or later by a padded knee rest next to transmission hump. There are many, very happy '03 Z owners out there. Join the club.
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