I am looking to become a soon-to-be Z owner, but first I've got to get through the search process Anyways, I am going to look at one tomorrow

Specs:
'05 - Black
82,500 miles
K&N CAI
14" touch screen nav/radio
Asking price - $13,500 (I plan on offering $11,500 )

Whatever, to my question. Is there anything specific to look for/at tomorrow? Rust spots, (un)known squeaks/rattles, etc., just list them up.

Thank a lot!

 

Have a mechanic check it out. They will know how to look at the car as a whole and tell you if anything looks questionable.

I'm no mechanic, but at a minimum (and off the top of my head), I would look at:
- tire wear patterns
- belts
- fluids
- brakes
- signs of oil at seals/gaskets/upper collector/spark plugs
- body condition
- body lines (indication of repairs)
- paint match/blends (indication of repairs)
- proper alignment
- bushings
- make sure that the tranny feels smooth and consistent
- listen to the engine at idle and under various loads and rpms
- get some miles on the car with a long test drive, pushing it hard and also driving at cruise for extended periods and check for codes with an ODBII scanner
- See what the engine computer shows for average MPG and pay attention to how long it has been recording (the longer the better as proof the owner isn't hiding anything)
- Have a shop change the oil and oil filter and tell you what they both look like

You're looking for evidence of either meticulous maintenance, average maintenance, poor maintenance, or damage/problems. All of this factors into the value/condition of the car. Again, best bet is have a mechanic do a full inspection for you. The best insurance policy you can buy before you drop a bunch of money on a car.

 

Oh, yeah. And make sure that everything works.

- Windows roll up and down with no problems
- All lights work
- All switches work
- A/C blows cold, heat blows hot
- Wipers work on each setting and delay works
- Cruise control works
- Seat heaters work
- Seat adjustments work
- 12V DC outlets work
- Dome/Interior lights work
- Speakers work
- Mirror adjustment works

In other words, if there is a button/****, make sure that it works. If you don't know what it does, check the owner's manual, then make sure that it works.

 

Right, all the basic stuff to look for. What I'm more trying to ask is, are there anything specific to the Z that I need to look out for. Example, areas that are prone to rush, parts on the engine that should be replaced because they've reached a certain mileage, etc.

 

2005 is known for transmission problems. There are better choices: https://my350z.com/forum/2009-370z/5...ts-smacks.html

 

Sorry, didn't know what level of experience/knowledge you had with cars based on your original post.

Tranny and window motors are definitely suspect/repeat issues for that year. Bad paint. Easy damage to door handle area in hot/humid conditions (the coating becomes gummy and is easily damaged). Those are the items that I know about because I have a 2004.5 model.

It would be a good idea to check the TSB's for the particular year that you're considering.

 

With used cars comes used problems, so I'm sure you're ready. All I'd really care about is oil consumption, prior body damage/repair, and overall driveability problems such as grinding noises, loss of power, interior switches not working, etc.