A&Q about 350Z
Q:
Hi everyone, I am new to this forum and have been researching it as I am thinking of buying a used 350z (mid-life crisis car). I must say that your comments on this forum are very helpful to someone looking to buy a Z. The information is truly valuable. Thank you
I need some advice though. The 350z I am looking at is a 2003 touring 6 speed stock vehicle. I am very concerned about what I have been reading about what many are calling tire feathering. I know that there is a class action lawsuit against nissan for this issue. The vehicle I am looking to buy is at a dealer here in KY and has a brand new set of tires so i cant see if there is the feathering/cupping taking place. Contact information of the previous owner is also not available.
I will use this car as a daily driver, traveling on the interstate about 35 miles per day.
My question is do you think this will be a mistake as in, will I end up doing tire replacements every nine months? Not what I want to do.
I would be interested in hearing your comments on this issue. I know there is a huge thread on it but it is not very recent. Also from those of you that own 2004 models or 2005 are you getting the same problem. My thinking being that maybe buying a newer model might be best if the problem is gone.
Please let me know and thanks again for the information on this site.
A:
I have a 2005 and I don't have the issue, but I wouldn't buy a 2003 unless I were 100% sure the problem didn't exist.
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'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z
Post Edited (Oct 21, 5:57pm)
A:
there isnt really a way to find out if it will have the problem, however its not a lost cause if you encounter it.
The OEM bridgestone RE040 tires arent that great. 1. the tread design was prone to exsacerbating feathering and 2. the tread wear rating sucks. With better tires and a very good alignment the problem pretty much becomes negligible. For me it hasnt been a big issue to deal with but if you'll be upset if your car starts showing signs dont get an 03. The 04's are iffy as well but half way through the year they made some changes that helped out alot, so if you go that route get an 04.5.
By 05 the problem had been pretty much eliminated, you may still be able to find someone who says their 05 had it but theres very few cases, i wouldnt worry about the 05's. Also by 05 a few other minor problems on the 03'-4's were fixed. So I would say since you arent very familiar with the car and the history of problems with it I would reccomend to get an 05.
If i was personally going to buy another Z I wouldnt mind buying an 03 since i know all the problems, what questions to ask, and how to get things fixed if need be.
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03 CS Touring
VIN #189
A:
All the problems are minor. Most used car buyers probably wouldn't have been bothered at all. However, when you buy a brand new sportscar you are justfully nitpicky.
If the $$ of buying new tires is what you are worried about, the offest in depreciation between an 03 and 05 is substantial, 5k+ in some cases [I'm including you selling it at a later time and getting more money for the 05]. The reliability between them is going to be negligible if any, just have to do basic things like brakes a little sooner, but overall the same amount of times most likely.
Now if stress is what you are worried about, it's true the 05 will probably be a little less stressful, just generally speaking due to the chance of 03 minor problems. If $ is your priority, that 2-3-4 even 5 grand in savings buys enough tires to go a couple hundred thousand miles.
19[TT]91
My TT beauty is gone.
2[00]2 Honda 954RR
Suzuki 1200 S; sportscar eater
19[I4]94 Integra GSR Sedan
Long live the Z...
aka SAHTT
A:
Then get it aligned at your favorite shop to exact Nissan specs. That means 0 degree toe-in or -out.
What kind of tires did the dealer install?
A:
if you buy an 03 and try to sell it potential buyers will be on this forum asking the same questions you are.
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'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z
A:
i bought my 05 new in 2005 and have had no problems except for the typical 3 push requirement to open the gas door. it was not significantly cheaper for me to buy an used Z. plus i was afraid of any sports car owned by someone that may not of had any interest in keeping and maintaining the car.
just my thoughts.
A:
I have never bought a car with thoughts of selling it. If you're that fearful about resale values even before purchasing, how do you screw up the courage to buy anything at all?
Post Edited (Oct 23, 8:01pm)
A:
72, me either, but it's easier to think of these things when it's not me buying it.
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'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z
A:
Fearful on resale value? That may be your idea, I consider it crucial to understand the depreciation rate/costs of ownership of a car you don't plan on keeping forever unless you are very wealthy. If you work hard for your money, using a little basic common sense can save you thousands. In fact, I will garauntee 99% of new 350z buyers thought about resale at least for an instance before purchasing, at least compared to other vehicles like a potential boxter etc. I have probably saved enough by buying/selling smart to pay for the bike and car I have now.
I suppose fearful and intelligent are the same thing to you. It would be much easier to buy blindly, but I enjoy having bikes/cars too much to not have the opportunity to own one simply because I was careless about purchasing the one before.
But i understand your point on worrying too much, and that buying a car strictly on your ability to resell it sort of ruins the point.
19[TT]91
My TT beauty is gone.
2[00]2 Honda 954RR
Suzuki 1200 S; sportscar eater
19[I4]94 Integra GSR Sedan
Long live the Z...
aka SAHTT
A:
I don't buy a lot of toys (cars, bikes,) but, when I do buy, I go into it thinking I will own it forever. That has not proven to be the case, but loss on sale is NEVER in my mind going in. The getting is the thing.
A:
Stay away from the '03 model....why deal with those possible problems, when there are tons of 04-05's floating around.
IMO - the issues with '03 may be "minor" with the exception of the tires, but why even go there?