I just picked up a 2005 350z Touring for $12500 and 67k. I've had it looked over and it looks like only a couple of issues. No a/c belt (hopefully it works), bad thermostat (is this easy to change?). As I've been doing my research I found that a lot of people have had chipping and peeling issues. So I'm thinking of getting it painted before Spring. Can anyone suggest a good painter in Colorado? Also any recommendations for mechanics in the Denver metro area?

 

Welcome and congratz!
My experience has been yes- since the front bumper cover is low and vertical it's prone to stone chips. 0 peeling on my 06, but I know some people have clear coat issues.

 

Thanks. Also what is the concensus on the vinyl wraps? Do they hold up? Cheaper than paint? In looking to do silver/black stripe with some kind of tribal going through it (i'd really like chrome but I'm not going to dip my car, lol). I've been looking around and can't find any examples.

 

I wouldn't repaint the car or vinyl wrap - your car looks fine! All you really need to do is protect what you have right now... look into getting a clear bra for your front bumper. Essentially, it is a clear vinyl wrap that will protect your front bumper from the dreaded rock chips. You can even get one for your hood too.

 

yeah, the paint is in decent shape. I really don't want to paint it just yet. It has lived most of its life in New Mexico so it does look pretty good. The wraps are removable right?Do the wraps mess up the paint when you remove them? Is it a pain to do?

 

When I got into my accident, I had them put the clear bra on the entire front of my car; bumper, hood, headlights, fenders, and mirrors. Was the best thing I ever did with this car. 0 rock chips.

 

Congrats on the new Z.As a few have said get that 3m clear protective wrap for the bumper and front of hood.Don't wrap the car until your paint starts to show issues IF it even does.Just maintain it properly and it should last

 

There's no reason to wrap or repaint your Z. Learn how to properly detail your car (and that Murano) before you spend any money on messing up that silver paint. A good sealant will help protect your Z from our high altitude weather and sun.

 

If it's all original paint in great shape, get it clear or color wrapped. If it has been repainted ever the paint may come off when you peel the wrap. All of my cars are wrapped, keeps me from worrying about scratches, chips, and dbags.

 

Thanks all for the feedback. No paint. And yes to the clear bra.

 

I would get the paint checked with a paint meter to be certain. The top of your driver's side headlight fender area doesn't line up with the hood perfectly. The front bumper is too perfect for 67k and people had signs of chipping after just 5k miles. With the belt missing, that could be a clue that at some point it had been hit.