Considering Buying a Z
02-07-2008 | 07:47 PM
#1
Considering Buying a Z
First off all Id like to say whatsup. Ive been a lurker for a while but never really considered picking up a Z for myself. I have a black 2001 Lexus IS300 and a 1992 black MR2 Turbo. Im from 626 City of Industry area..maybe you've seen me around, my black IS300 is fully kitted and has dual exhaust, and my MR2 turbo is black T Tops with red lipper Super Advans...
Anyhow, Ive been thinking about getting a Z for a while. My friend just picked one up last week, 04 Grand Touring silver, for 22K with 20K miles on it. Great looking car, except Im not much of a silver guy.
I went to a dealership today to test drive, at Nissan of Buena Park. I love the feel of the car except that it does not give enough feedback to the driver. As it it feels a bit TOO stable, nah mean.
I found one that I wanted, it was certified pre-owned but it was just sold when I walked into the dealership. I was looking for a used grand touring with low miles, in the $20K-$25K price range. I wanted red, but its not the brighter one, I wanted the deeper darker red.
Now as I was speaking to the manager about picking up an 05 or 06 for $23K grand touring, he said he would offer me a BRAND NEW 2008 base model for $25K, TEMPTING! But I really didnt want to just get a base model coupe, I wanted at least the navi. I dont care all the much for leather seats cuz I hate slipping when turning. So Im debating now guys, dunno what to do. $25K for a brand new 2008 Z is pretty good, even for base model.. GAHH WHAT TO DO!
Now I have a few quick simple questions maybe you guys can answer for me...Ive searched but havent found ALL answers, so please bear with me:
1.) Are the Brembos that much better over the stocks?
2.) What trims offer NO buttons on the steering wheel? I dont plan on keeping the stock steering wheel so it'd be easier if it didnt have wiring going through it when I replace it with my MOMO.
3.) Roaster top. I've searched and I have found. I realized that a lot of people have had to get warranty work done, but how often does this occur? Is it considered a recall, or just people not knowing how to properly maintain cloth tops?
4.) What kind of LSD is the factory one? Viscous? Helical? 1.5way?
5.) Ive seen Z's with different tail lights. Instead of a full red lense, theyre like altezza/LED tails, but I cant tell if they were aftermarket EBAY crap or not. I thought maybe it was a new option on the 07s or 08s, but even those had the same normal tails. So these are ebay products I assume?
6.) Is the dual throttle body intake manifold what gives the 05+ the extra 20HP? If i get an 04, will an 05 intake manifold and throttle bodies bolt up? I just want to know if its a bolt on affair so I dont have to pay $3K extra for an 05, and jsut buy it later on afterwards when I do the plenum mods.
That's about it for now I guess, I'm going to do more reasearch for now, thanks!
-Aaron
Anyhow, Ive been thinking about getting a Z for a while. My friend just picked one up last week, 04 Grand Touring silver, for 22K with 20K miles on it. Great looking car, except Im not much of a silver guy.
I went to a dealership today to test drive, at Nissan of Buena Park. I love the feel of the car except that it does not give enough feedback to the driver. As it it feels a bit TOO stable, nah mean.
I found one that I wanted, it was certified pre-owned but it was just sold when I walked into the dealership. I was looking for a used grand touring with low miles, in the $20K-$25K price range. I wanted red, but its not the brighter one, I wanted the deeper darker red.
Now as I was speaking to the manager about picking up an 05 or 06 for $23K grand touring, he said he would offer me a BRAND NEW 2008 base model for $25K, TEMPTING! But I really didnt want to just get a base model coupe, I wanted at least the navi. I dont care all the much for leather seats cuz I hate slipping when turning. So Im debating now guys, dunno what to do. $25K for a brand new 2008 Z is pretty good, even for base model.. GAHH WHAT TO DO!
Now I have a few quick simple questions maybe you guys can answer for me...Ive searched but havent found ALL answers, so please bear with me:
1.) Are the Brembos that much better over the stocks?
2.) What trims offer NO buttons on the steering wheel? I dont plan on keeping the stock steering wheel so it'd be easier if it didnt have wiring going through it when I replace it with my MOMO.
3.) Roaster top. I've searched and I have found. I realized that a lot of people have had to get warranty work done, but how often does this occur? Is it considered a recall, or just people not knowing how to properly maintain cloth tops?
4.) What kind of LSD is the factory one? Viscous? Helical? 1.5way?
5.) Ive seen Z's with different tail lights. Instead of a full red lense, theyre like altezza/LED tails, but I cant tell if they were aftermarket EBAY crap or not. I thought maybe it was a new option on the 07s or 08s, but even those had the same normal tails. So these are ebay products I assume?
6.) Is the dual throttle body intake manifold what gives the 05+ the extra 20HP? If i get an 04, will an 05 intake manifold and throttle bodies bolt up? I just want to know if its a bolt on affair so I dont have to pay $3K extra for an 05, and jsut buy it later on afterwards when I do the plenum mods.
That's about it for now I guess, I'm going to do more reasearch for now, thanks!
-Aaron
02-07-2008 | 07:56 PM
#2
Originally Posted by onyxaltezza
First off all Id like to say whatsup. Ive been a lurker for a while but never really considered picking up a Z for myself. I have a black 2001 Lexus IS300 and a 1992 black MR2 Turbo. Im from 626 City of Industry area..maybe you've seen me around, my black IS300 is fully kitted and has dual exhaust, and my MR2 turbo is black T Tops with red lipper Super Advans...
Anyhow, Ive been thinking about getting a Z for a while. My friend just picked one up last week, 04 Grand Touring silver, for 22K with 20K miles on it. Great looking car, except Im not much of a silver guy.
I went to a dealership today to test drive, at Nissan of Buena Park. I love the feel of the car except that it does not give enough feedback to the driver. As it it feels a bit TOO stable, nah mean.
I found one that I wanted, it was certified pre-owned but it was just sold when I walked into the dealership. I was looking for a used grand touring with low miles, in the $20K-$25K price range. I wanted red, but its not the brighter one, I wanted the deeper darker red.
Now as I was speaking to the manager about picking up an 05 or 06 for $23K grand touring, he said he would offer me a BRAND NEW 2008 base model for $25K, TEMPTING! But I really didnt want to just get a base model coupe, I wanted at least the navi. I dont care all the much for leather seats cuz I hate slipping when turning. So Im debating now guys, dunno what to do. $25K for a brand new 2008 Z is pretty good, even for base model.. GAHH WHAT TO DO!
Now I have a few quick simple questions maybe you guys can answer for me...Ive searched but havent found ALL answers, so please bear with me:
1.) Are the Brembos that much better over the stocks?
2.) What trims offer NO buttons on the steering wheel? I dont plan on keeping the stock steering wheel so it'd be easier if it didnt have wiring going through it when I replace it with my MOMO.
3.) Roaster top. I've searched and I have found. I realized that a lot of people have had to get warranty work done, but how often does this occur? Is it considered a recall, or just people not knowing how to properly maintain cloth tops?
4.) What kind of LSD is the factory one? Viscous? Helical? 1.5way?
5.) Ive seen Z's with different tail lights. Instead of a full red lense, theyre like altezza/LED tails, but I cant tell if they were aftermarket EBAY crap or not. I thought maybe it was a new option on the 07s or 08s, but even those had the same normal tails. So these are ebay products I assume?
6.) Is the dual throttle body intake manifold what gives the 05+ the extra 20HP? If i get an 04, will an 05 intake manifold and throttle bodies bolt up? I just want to know if its a bolt on affair so I dont have to pay $3K extra for an 05, and jsut buy it later on afterwards when I do the plenum mods.
That's about it for now I guess, I'm going to do more reasearch for now, thanks!
-Aaron
Anyhow, Ive been thinking about getting a Z for a while. My friend just picked one up last week, 04 Grand Touring silver, for 22K with 20K miles on it. Great looking car, except Im not much of a silver guy.
I went to a dealership today to test drive, at Nissan of Buena Park. I love the feel of the car except that it does not give enough feedback to the driver. As it it feels a bit TOO stable, nah mean.
I found one that I wanted, it was certified pre-owned but it was just sold when I walked into the dealership. I was looking for a used grand touring with low miles, in the $20K-$25K price range. I wanted red, but its not the brighter one, I wanted the deeper darker red.
Now as I was speaking to the manager about picking up an 05 or 06 for $23K grand touring, he said he would offer me a BRAND NEW 2008 base model for $25K, TEMPTING! But I really didnt want to just get a base model coupe, I wanted at least the navi. I dont care all the much for leather seats cuz I hate slipping when turning. So Im debating now guys, dunno what to do. $25K for a brand new 2008 Z is pretty good, even for base model.. GAHH WHAT TO DO!
Now I have a few quick simple questions maybe you guys can answer for me...Ive searched but havent found ALL answers, so please bear with me:
1.) Are the Brembos that much better over the stocks?
2.) What trims offer NO buttons on the steering wheel? I dont plan on keeping the stock steering wheel so it'd be easier if it didnt have wiring going through it when I replace it with my MOMO.
3.) Roaster top. I've searched and I have found. I realized that a lot of people have had to get warranty work done, but how often does this occur? Is it considered a recall, or just people not knowing how to properly maintain cloth tops?
4.) What kind of LSD is the factory one? Viscous? Helical? 1.5way?
5.) Ive seen Z's with different tail lights. Instead of a full red lense, theyre like altezza/LED tails, but I cant tell if they were aftermarket EBAY crap or not. I thought maybe it was a new option on the 07s or 08s, but even those had the same normal tails. So these are ebay products I assume?
6.) Is the dual throttle body intake manifold what gives the 05+ the extra 20HP? If i get an 04, will an 05 intake manifold and throttle bodies bolt up? I just want to know if its a bolt on affair so I dont have to pay $3K extra for an 05, and jsut buy it later on afterwards when I do the plenum mods.
That's about it for now I guess, I'm going to do more reasearch for now, thanks!
-Aaron
Dude...you need to search the dual intakes came in 07+ ...not 05+
06+ have all led tails. Not all models have lsd and the ones that do have the viscious.
Last edited by 9kFever; 02-07-2008 at 08:04 PM.
02-07-2008 | 08:13 PM
#4
Well Im going by the Nissan car salesman. Not my fault he's a misinforming douche.
He told me LSD is standard on ALL models, same with HID's. Apparently its not true.
So whats the main issue with the trannies in the 06 up+? You mention the 6 speeds have issues, then you also said there is oil consumption.
I might just end up picking up the 05 coupe Grand Touring in red. I cant seem to find info on what the 35th Anniversary has over the other trims...
Which brings me back to the questions, are the intake manifolds interchangeable?? I will consider to search some more but you guys gotta help me out here cuz Im buying the car soon and I dont have too much time to sit and read every single thread. Trust me I do this too on other forums, I get irritated when people ask stupid shiet and I type "SEARCH NOOB" but I realized it takes just as much time for me to do that and to actually just do a search and post the link to answer the question.
Thanks!
-Aaron
He told me LSD is standard on ALL models, same with HID's. Apparently its not true.
So whats the main issue with the trannies in the 06 up+? You mention the 6 speeds have issues, then you also said there is oil consumption.
I might just end up picking up the 05 coupe Grand Touring in red. I cant seem to find info on what the 35th Anniversary has over the other trims...
Which brings me back to the questions, are the intake manifolds interchangeable?? I will consider to search some more but you guys gotta help me out here cuz Im buying the car soon and I dont have too much time to sit and read every single thread. Trust me I do this too on other forums, I get irritated when people ask stupid shiet and I type "SEARCH NOOB" but I realized it takes just as much time for me to do that and to actually just do a search and post the link to answer the question.
Thanks!
-Aaron
02-07-2008 | 08:16 PM
#5
There is no 2005 coupe grand touring...that year the grand touring was known as the 35th anny.
The Revup Motor (300hp) comes in the following cars and has Oil Consumption Problems:
2005 35th Anny
2005 Track
2006 Manuals (all trims)
The Revup Motor (300hp) comes in the following cars and has Oil Consumption Problems:
2005 35th Anny
2005 Track
2006 Manuals (all trims)
02-07-2008 | 08:17 PM
#6
Originally Posted by onyxaltezza
Well Im going by the Nissan car salesman. Not my fault he's a misinforming douche.
He told me LSD is standard on ALL models, same with HID's. Apparently its not true.
So whats the main issue with the trannies in the 06 up+? You mention the 6 speeds have issues, then you also said there is oil consumption.
I might just end up picking up the 05 coupe Grand Touring in red. I cant seem to find info on what the 35th Anniversary has over the other trims...
Which brings me back to the questions, are the intake manifolds interchangeable?? I will consider to search some more but you guys gotta help me out here cuz Im buying the car soon and I dont have too much time to sit and read every single thread. Trust me I do this too on other forums, I get irritated when people ask stupid shiet and I type "SEARCH NOOB" but I realized it takes just as much time for me to do that and to actually just do a search and post the link to answer the question.
Thanks!
-Aaron
He told me LSD is standard on ALL models, same with HID's. Apparently its not true.
So whats the main issue with the trannies in the 06 up+? You mention the 6 speeds have issues, then you also said there is oil consumption.
I might just end up picking up the 05 coupe Grand Touring in red. I cant seem to find info on what the 35th Anniversary has over the other trims...
Which brings me back to the questions, are the intake manifolds interchangeable?? I will consider to search some more but you guys gotta help me out here cuz Im buying the car soon and I dont have too much time to sit and read every single thread. Trust me I do this too on other forums, I get irritated when people ask stupid shiet and I type "SEARCH NOOB" but I realized it takes just as much time for me to do that and to actually just do a search and post the link to answer the question.
Thanks!
-Aaron
1. Base has no LSD, but all models 06+ have HID
2. 06 tranny problem? All I heard was oil consumption. Some 07 have clutch problem. Search up slave cylinder, or just go in VQ35HR sub-forum and it'll be there.
3. The dual intakes are changeable. There's quite a few now, JWT and Fujita.
02-07-2008 | 08:17 PM
#7
Originally Posted by onyxaltezza
Well Im going by the Nissan car salesman. Not my fault he's a misinforming douche.
He told me LSD is standard on ALL models, same with HID's. Apparently its not true.
So whats the main issue with the trannies in the 06 up+? You mention the 6 speeds have issues, then you also said there is oil consumption.
I might just end up picking up the 05 coupe Grand Touring in red. I cant seem to find info on what the 35th Anniversary has over the other trims...
Which brings me back to the questions, are the intake manifolds interchangeable?? I will consider to search some more but you guys gotta help me out here cuz Im buying the car soon and I dont have too much time to sit and read every single thread. Trust me I do this too on other forums, I get irritated when people ask stupid shiet and I type "SEARCH NOOB" but I realized it takes just as much time for me to do that and to actually just do a search and post the link to answer the question.
Thanks!
-Aaron
He told me LSD is standard on ALL models, same with HID's. Apparently its not true.
So whats the main issue with the trannies in the 06 up+? You mention the 6 speeds have issues, then you also said there is oil consumption.
I might just end up picking up the 05 coupe Grand Touring in red. I cant seem to find info on what the 35th Anniversary has over the other trims...
Which brings me back to the questions, are the intake manifolds interchangeable?? I will consider to search some more but you guys gotta help me out here cuz Im buying the car soon and I dont have too much time to sit and read every single thread. Trust me I do this too on other forums, I get irritated when people ask stupid shiet and I type "SEARCH NOOB" but I realized it takes just as much time for me to do that and to actually just do a search and post the link to answer the question.
Thanks!
-Aaron
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02-07-2008 | 08:19 PM
#8
Originally Posted by Boba
1. Base has no LSD, but all models 06+ have HID
2. 06 tranny problem? All I heard was oil consumption. Some 07 have clutch problem. Search up slave cylinder, or just go in VQ35HR sub-forum and it'll be there.
3. The dual intakes are changeable. There's quite a few now, JWT and Fujita.
2. 06 tranny problem? All I heard was oil consumption. Some 07 have clutch problem. Search up slave cylinder, or just go in VQ35HR sub-forum and it'll be there.
3. The dual intakes are changeable. There's quite a few now, JWT and Fujita.
02-07-2008 | 08:25 PM
#9
I have brembos and love the look but they dont offer much more braking power and are very costly when they need new rotors, pads, etc., but you can sell them for about 1800 towards a bbk
02-07-2008 | 08:26 PM
#10
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Chi-town
Originally Posted by 9kFever
There is no 2005 coupe grand touring...that year the grand touring was known as the 35th anny.
The Revup Motor (300hp) comes in the following cars and has Oil Consumption Problems:
2005 35th Anny
2005 Track
2006 Manuals (all trims)
The Revup Motor (300hp) comes in the following cars and has Oil Consumption Problems:
2005 35th Anny
2005 Track
2006 Manuals (all trims)
And aside from that, OP- everything you asked is in the top 100 questions thread.
02-07-2008 | 08:32 PM
#12
Dang that kinda sucks. So Im stuck with a 2004 or 2004.5, and an 07+. I REALLY wont want to get a brand new one, but I dont want any messed up trannies either. Crap I keep getting the years confused. I think a thread mentioned that 04s had some tranny issues....
Man this blows. Hard to find a specific make and model when used...
-Aaron
Man this blows. Hard to find a specific make and model when used...
-Aaron
02-07-2008 | 08:36 PM
#13
ALso I've read through thr list of 100 Questions, but most off them seemed to be about mods, and not so much which years had what glitches, etc. I'll look through again. If you guys could link me to some pages thatd be great also, thanks!
-Aaron
-Aaron
02-07-2008 | 08:42 PM
#14
Originally Posted by tkrienke
OT - 9k fever, I see in your sig that you have had three motors. Sorry to hear that. Did they buy it back?
02-07-2008 | 08:43 PM
#15
Originally Posted by onyxaltezza
Dang that kinda sucks. So Im stuck with a 2004 or 2004.5, and an 07+. I REALLY wont want to get a brand new one, but I dont want any messed up trannies either. Crap I keep getting the years confused. I think a thread mentioned that 04s had some tranny issues....
Man this blows. Hard to find a specific make and model when used...
-Aaron
Man this blows. Hard to find a specific make and model when used...
-Aaron
02-07-2008 | 08:55 PM
#17
So Touring doesnt offer Navi though? Only grand turing?
You mean downshifting and engine braking? I do that on a regular, daily, habitual basis...that can cause issues?
I guess the tire feathering issue was never really solved. However I dont see that as a concern anymore, especially if I drop it, throw camber kit on, throw rims on it, and get a good alignment with Darren at West End Alignment. Should take care of that problem.
Im sitll trying to figure out the difference between trims, lots of reading..Enthusiast..Track..GAH! I dont want the Brembos though for sure, too much to maintin, for very marginal benefit. (not a track car, I have my SW20 Turbo for that).
-Aaron
Originally Posted by 9kFever
they claim the revup issue is more driver related due to decel. I have always been one to down shift often with other cars and have not had problems.
I guess the tire feathering issue was never really solved. However I dont see that as a concern anymore, especially if I drop it, throw camber kit on, throw rims on it, and get a good alignment with Darren at West End Alignment. Should take care of that problem.
Im sitll trying to figure out the difference between trims, lots of reading..Enthusiast..Track..GAH! I dont want the Brembos though for sure, too much to maintin, for very marginal benefit. (not a track car, I have my SW20 Turbo for that).
-Aaron
02-07-2008 | 08:57 PM
#18
9kFever has some valid points...but the 06's aren't the only one's with issues. You're buying a used car, you never know what you're getting. The earlier models had their own list of issues, window motors, tire feathering, etc...don't be in a rush to buy something if you're not sure what you're looking at. We can all tell you what we've heard and or experienced, but that shouldn't be what sways your decision...do the research, drive the cars and just hope you're lucky!
As for your other questions:
1. The Base model does not come with any steering wheel buttons
2. As stated by others, not all models have LSD, again the base is without. If i remember correctly, Enthusiast has TCS and the rest have VSD
3. The 06+ have led tails...not sure what you've seen, good be JDM lights or ebay cheapos
Good luck on your purchase.
As for your other questions:
1. The Base model does not come with any steering wheel buttons
2. As stated by others, not all models have LSD, again the base is without. If i remember correctly, Enthusiast has TCS and the rest have VSD
3. The 06+ have led tails...not sure what you've seen, good be JDM lights or ebay cheapos
Good luck on your purchase.
02-07-2008 | 09:03 PM
#19
Originally Posted by onyxaltezza
So Touring doesnt offer Navi though? Only grand turing?
You mean downshifting and engine braking? I do that on a regular, daily, habitual basis...that can cause issues?
I guess the tire feathering issue was never really solved. However I dont see that as a concern anymore, especially if I drop it, throw camber kit on, throw rims on it, and get a good alignment with Darren at West End Alignment. Should take care of that problem.
Im sitll trying to figure out the difference between trims, lots of reading..Enthusiast..Track..GAH! I dont want the Brembos though for sure, too much to maintin, for very marginal benefit. (not a track car, I have my SW20 Turbo for that).
-Aaron
You mean downshifting and engine braking? I do that on a regular, daily, habitual basis...that can cause issues?
I guess the tire feathering issue was never really solved. However I dont see that as a concern anymore, especially if I drop it, throw camber kit on, throw rims on it, and get a good alignment with Darren at West End Alignment. Should take care of that problem.
Im sitll trying to figure out the difference between trims, lots of reading..Enthusiast..Track..GAH! I dont want the Brembos though for sure, too much to maintin, for very marginal benefit. (not a track car, I have my SW20 Turbo for that).
-Aaron
02-07-2008 | 09:06 PM
#20
Originally Posted by wldkatz03
9kFever has some valid points...but the 06's aren't the only one's with issues. You're buying a used car, you never know what you're getting. The earlier models had their own list of issues, window motors, tire feathering, etc...don't be in a rush to buy something if you're not sure what you're looking at. We can all tell you what we've heard and or experienced, but that shouldn't be what sways your decision...do the research, drive the cars and just hope you're lucky!
As for your other questions:
1. The Base model does not come with any steering wheel buttons
2. As stated by others, not all models have LSD, again the base is without. If i remember correctly, Enthusiast has TCS and the rest have VSD
3. The 06+ have led tails...not sure what you've seen, good be JDM lights or ebay cheapos
Good luck on your purchase.
As for your other questions:
1. The Base model does not come with any steering wheel buttons
2. As stated by others, not all models have LSD, again the base is without. If i remember correctly, Enthusiast has TCS and the rest have VSD
3. The 06+ have led tails...not sure what you've seen, good be JDM lights or ebay cheapos
Good luck on your purchase.
Also I realized the tail lights I saw were ebay ones, where there is a touch of chrome in the housing.
I guess right now Im looking at a hardtop for sure, no more roadster for me. Seems liek Z's have enough issues as is, and the top just adds to it. Plus Im somewhat of an audiophile and the roadster interior doesnt seem fit for a setup I would want. I really like the stealth box in the back, and with the top down I think that would really kill some bass.
So now Im looking at 04-05s, or 07-08.
Honestly all I want is:
HID's
LSD
Navi.
I could care less for the Bose, leather seats, or Brembos. The one I test drove today had cloth seats and they feel WAY more snug and comfy than my friends 2004 Grand Touring's seats. Its like an option for Slip N Slide..in your car hahaha.
I wont be getting the car for another week, or two, so hopefully I will have educated myself by then, lots to cover. Im somewhat of an aggresive driver, so I dont want any tranny issues. I will be occasionally taking the car to the track for road racing, no drag. I downshift & engine brake on the daily, so I really want something that I wont have to take back to the dealership to cover.
Thanks for everything so far guys, keep the posts coming...
-Aaron