So I am about 24 hours away on owning my first Z. It's an '03 white 6spd and completely bone stock... I am really excited.

But it does have 118k miles on it. I am getting it for a fairly decent price, and I'm just wondering if buying a 118k miled "Z" would be ok. Any serious things I should be looking at, and/or should be watching out for. I have taken the car for a test drive and everything went well. It shifts good, drives straight, and pulls really strong.

Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks, jc

 

I'd ask for maintenance records because there are so many miles. There should have been a couple full tune ups in there somewhere. But if that's not there and everything seems fine, check the not so obvious things. Bushings, wheel bearings, etc etc, just things that you can look at and pretty much only need a jack and maybe a flash light.

 

A 03 with that many miles more than likely had several owners.Saying this,getting
detailed maitenance recorsd may be difficult.When you look at it,the 118k miles is probably well below what the average person drives per year.Furthermore,Nissan engines given adequate maitenance are pretty bulletproof.You have driven it,it "shifts well"--clutch is good?Drives straight...pulls good(power).Hey,whats not to like?How is the wear&tear?Seats,interior,paint,dents?Engine-oil pressure?charging ok?Its good that its bone stock,you won't have to worry about somebody elses poorly done mods or,buying a car that has someting that was done to it that you don't like and have to redo.Have you run a CARfax on the Z?
Enjoy the car!

 

Seats are good, interior is great, paint is actually still good. No body damages or anything, and it still holds a clean title...

When we test drove it everything seemed fine oil pressure and volt.
Clutch was grabbing just fine. Went in to to gears smoothly. No grinds or anything.
But in all honesty I did fail to completely look at the oil pressure gauge and the volt gauge.

He is actually the second owner as well. And from what he told me, he had said his dad did a full maintenance check and everything was good. He could just be saying that, but I believe he does have receipts to prove it.

on a side note, I've heard that the Z's are known to have a poor alignment, or tend to have poor alignment. I was just Wondering about this. But in any Case, i am really excited. Hahaha, I can't even sleep..!!! I'll post pics soon.!! And thanks for the replies...

 

Good luck, as long as it was taken care of you should be fine

 

check front tires for feathering...search feathering...should be ok if everything else checks out and to fix that problem its just an alignment..03's are known for it though..

 

No posting in the New Owners forum until the keys are in your hands.

 

OP, try to drive a well maintained 03 Z with fewer miles and see if there's a noticeable difference in the two. If there's not, then that 03 with 118k miles should be good. Compare power between the two, suspension, etc. If that's not an option then go with your gut. 118k well maintained miles isn't a lot for a VQ35.

 

an 03 with 118k.. hopefully you're not paying more than 9k for it. anyways welcome! post pics when you get it

 

I just got it. I paid an even 8k for it....
Going to do some maintenance work. Like change oil, spark plugs, and do some
Fluids changes as well. And pics will be posted.

Thanks for the welcome folks...!!!

 

nice job. 8k..solid.

there are however items you guaranteed need as of right now on that car that at 118k will make it SOOOOOO much nicer to drive. No one i know has not had to replace them... those that havent have suerly just decided not to or are unaware they need to.

I will however require you to learn to use the search feature in this forum to find the details on what these items are and what to check for tho. enter the terms below as title only searches and read and learn about your car.


Front Compression rod bushings.
Front Lower Control Arm bushings
Rear differential bushing. ( leaks)
Rear tire toe causes tire consumption and can be fixed w toe delete bolts. *( bucks.
03 had front tire feathering issues, there are since updated suspension parts that can be bought that will save you from half yearly front tire replacement. That will get old, trust me.

Surely your shocks are toast as well.

All these items surely FEEL fine.. as they go out very slowly, but replacing them makes an INCREDIBLE difference.

 

Thank you... This I will look into right away...!!!
Thank you for the help. Feels good to drive a Z.

Up next will be some pictures.... And after all the preventive maintenance done I shall be looking at different ways to modify this bad boy....

 

Not trying to thread jack, but I have a question... I get a lot of wheel hop and I do know thats awful for my diff. Will I know when I've blown a bushing or is there anyway to know, leaks? etc..

 

Welcome and congratulations.

 

^^^ thank you sir....
I already have a story...

So I was leaving the parking lot at my work. Just minding my own business. These two girls in a car coming the opposite direction slows down and says "nice car" an I just replied as non-chalant as possible... "thanks"
Hahaha then I'm like daaannnggggg this Z is pimp...!
I use to have an rx7 t2, drove my brother's gti 20th anniversary, and his '00 M5. And never gotten that, besides the occasional thumbs up from fellow enthusiast's.

 

 

Glad to see the ladies and the Z have you smiling already.

 

thanks guys, and yes, I am loving the Z
and on to the pics... stock but enjoy. hahaha

Also on a side note, what is the name of the wing I have...
it was previously off the car but i put it back on, rather than having 4 holes on my hatch id rather have a wing.

 

Looks good,welcome and congrats.

 

^^^ thank you sir.... Now it I can only find out the name of the wing.... Hahaha