Hi everyone! New to the site but not to forums. Was a very active member of NewCelica.org, however, I'm selling the Celica today and planning on buying a Z!! I've always loved the cars and have been planning on buying one when my car sells, however, I think I scared myself a little bit while doing some homework last night.

I am going to look at a 2003 Touring edition on Saturday morning. However, reading up on the different models and such, I came across some issues that the 03/04s have. I'm sure everyone is aware of the Transmission and Tire Feathering issues. Now I'm kind of second guessing whether or not I should buy an 03 because of these problems. Are these problems serious enough for others to reccommend me not to buy it?? (Since I had to replace the transmission on the Celica because of irregular Syncro wear in the early models, I would really dread having to go through that hassle again. Not to mention, after that dilemma it has taught me to drive so much more passively, which is probably a blessing haha!)

Money is sort of an issue. My personal cap was set at $20,000. I can go over that if I choose, although I really didn't want to with my current income. Just trying to be as smart as I can about the situation.

The car is beautiful (from pictures as of now). It has been garage kept (the pictures appear to prove that statement true). It has 25,000 miles and truly appears to show no wear (interior/exterior) of any harsh weather, etc. But really who knows... I suppose thats just the risk you take buying preowned. Service records are available and CarFax is clear.

I appreciate any help or advice you guys can give me and I'll surely keep everyone updated. I look forward to joining the Z community, hopefully sooner than later! Thanks again!

 

I traded my 2ooo gts in on my 06 350z! The 2nd gear in the celica was trashed!ha.anyway,try to find an 05 track edition!trust me-its worth it!I love my 06,but not everybody was as lucky as me as i dont have the oil consuption problem.but your right try to avoid the 03's.

 

You made the first move by selling the celica and going with a Z. Nothing wrong with them but it's a whole new level with a Z. I have an 03 and yea they're are numerous problems but what first gen anything doesn't? You will not regret it. I came from the WRX community where the only thing left to do was either get $2k STI RA gears or $7k for an STI tranny. Looking at tranny prices for Z's I was shocked to find them for under $1k. There are other porblems you will face such as window motor defects and a lot of things rattling but that knowledge will be able to help you with negotiating a price. There are plenty of Z's going for around $17k now and I would reccomend a track (I'm biased) due to the VDC and Brembos... G/L with the purchase and since you are new to the board but not to forums the obvious is to use the search button a million times before you ask a question. some newbs can't handle the flames from here

 

The model you get may have more influence than the year on how much you enjoy your car. Unless you are going to do some serious moding anyway, I'd look at the Enthusiast model and on up. Here is a site that explains the different equipment each model has:
http://www.nissanhelp.com/Models/200...escription.htm

Just select the correct year you want to check out.
Welcome to the forum.

 

Hey guys!

Thanks for the information and that other website on the differences in the models, it was quite useful!

After debating the issues and benefits of the different models, I came to the conclusion that even though my original cap was set at $20,000, spending a few thousand more isn't going to break me. Instead of gambling with a potential problem down the line (even though every car could have issues) knowing that the issue was revised in 2005+ I would prefer to stay safe and buy an 05/06.

I will keep everyone updated and I appreciate any extra help that can be provided! Thanks for the welcome!

 

Keep in mind 06's have different heads and tails as well as a new front bumper. Read up on the HR and be aware that FI parts are scarce right now G/L

 

Welcome. For reliability data see Consumer Reports.

 

Welcome to the forum. Let us know what sort of Z you snaffle.

 

Thanks for the welcomes guys! Going to look at two different 06 Silverstones tomorrow!! Pretty excited!!

 

For $20,000, if you find the right buyer, you possibly can find a low mile '06. If you have time, you can find it. The Z below is a great deal except it is automatic. Another bad thing about that particular car is the curb rash, otherwise, this car brand new in late 2006 would be over $30,000. A 1 year color, interlago fire, my favorite.... Good Luck finding your Z.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

I found an 06 Interlagos Fire (cloth) with 14k miles. Car looks gorgeous from the pictures and that paint looks simply amazing. They're asking $21,499. Seems like a good deal.

There is also an 06 Silverstone (cloth) with 7500 miles for $21k. The Interlagos Fire is about 3 hours from my house but the route that I will go takes me right past the Silverstone one. So we're heading down Monday morning and I'm going to check both of them out. Theres a good chance I'll buy one of those. We'll see...

 

Hey guys! I have another question for ya... there is another 06 Silverstone that came up around my area (Dealer asking $19,988). I was thinking about going to look at it, however, it says in the ad that it has brand new tires (22,000 miles).

In your opinions, do you think this would be anything to be worried about? Could this be average for the Z's? 22,000 miles for new tires? As always, thanks alot guys!


EDIT: Okay so... after doing alot of Searching I found a thread about average tire life for OEM tires. I've pretty much concluded that average driving (relatively non-aggressive) to expect anywhere from 15,000-25,000 miles. So I answered my own question on that one.

What would be your honest opinions on that car though?

The autotrader link: 06 Silverstone

I'm trying/praying to avoid the oil consumption issue. Having there be a TSB out for it makes me feel a little better... but I still don't want to go through that headache. I just wish there was a way to know.. hmm, well lemme know what you guys think of that car. I do appreciate it!

 

I have the '05 Track model and i freakin love it. Super sporty. Hope you find/found the car for you. ENJOY!!!

 

Thanks man! I wish I could find a Track model around me. I've only ever found one but the mileage was waaaay too high.

I'm still continuing my search, however I'm really getting impatient haha! I'll be sure to post pics when the time comes... thanks for all the welcomes guys!

 

Good luck with find a Z right for you

 

03/04 may have tire feather issues. 05-06 Revup engines may have oil issues.

I would suggest finding an 06 built at the end of the year...these are known as 2006.5's. The manual will even say 2006.5. I have one and havent had any oil issues. car built Oct 06.

 

No prob bro. Sucks about the high mileage. i got lucky and got mine at 25k. Paid 23.7 out the door for it.

 

Hey guys!! I'm the proud new owner of an 05 Touring edition! Fully loaded with everything except Nav. I'm so glad I went with the Touring... such an awesome amount of features that make the car just that much nicer!!

I was trying to avoid any potential problems (even though every car has issues). I didn't want an 03-04 because of the more common tire feathering and M/T issues. I didn't want an 06 due to the potential issue of Oil Consumption. So I decided an 05 Touring was just right for me.

The guy that had it was 62 years old and garage kept it year round. Only has 23k miles on it and I honestly have yet to find anything physically wrong with the car. I'm thrilled with the purchase and look forward to being even more active on the forums! Again, all the guys that have helped me through the process, I appreciate all the help and input, it helped me greatly!

 

congrats...stock navi sucks anyways. Welcome to the club.

 

Thanks man!