i'd spend a little more and get a 370z.
350z's were very cheesy inside.

 

Totally Agree. And a number of early-production 350Zs had suspension/alignment/tire wear problems as well.

 

370z is not just little more. it's alot more than 350z. you can pick up a decent 350z for 15 grand.

 

The first 50,000 Z's that came from the factory had all sorts of problems, including what mmarshall mentioned. Unfortunately, mine was #14,740
Problems I've had include tranny 3rd gear grind, burned up window regulators, premature wear on seat fabric, trunk hatch rattle, just to name a few. Of course, I had all these problems taken care off when my warranty ran out, including a new tranny . I plan to keep mine as a project car when I get the chance to work on it. I've only manage to put less than 500 miles in the past couple of years. It's what happens after you settle down w/ a family...

To the OP, if you plan on buying one, I'd probably stay away from the '03 models. Just remember that Nissan released 3 different engines in the previous generation. The upside is that it has huge aftermarket support.

 

The G35 coupe is the better buy imo.

 

I would never own a Porsche without a warranty, especially a higher mileage one....well cared for or not....

back on topic....

my son has a 2004 350Z...6 spd...we bought it in 2005 with 18k miles, he had the tranny/cluthch replaced at 35K miles for a grinding from 5-6, and its doing the same thing again at 45K. Its a known issue...other than that, just a power window failure nothing else.

when you're looking for one -- make sure it has steering wheel switches - at least on the right side, this will be cruise control; and if it has left controls this will be for the radio....also, with steering wheel controls comes xenon headlamps, HomeLink universal transceiver, traction control, viscous limited-slip rear differential, aluminum pedals, day/night rearview mirror, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors.

he recently twin-turbo'd it for around $4500.

 

That's true. A 370, on average, would run substantially more than an older 350. The best deal on a 370, money-wise, would probably be on a former repo, but that can be risky and something I generally don't recommend, for a number of reasons. But, then, older 350s, for reasons already discussed, can be risky, too.

 

Back from 40th anniversary Nissan event this weekend from Universal Nissan. I prefer 350z over 370Z when it comes to exterior and I didn't realize how sexy red one is until last saturday. You really can't go wrong with a Z. It'll be your weekend car it's ok to have stiff ride, not to mention it'll put a BIG smile on your face when you take it for a spin on some twisties like Mulholland Dr. You need that after a week of work. Of course I'm a little biased.

 

Former Z owner here. I had my 2003 Z as a second car, and it's perfect for it! It's definitely not practical, but it sure is fun to drive, and aftermarket support is HUGE. Not sure what the complaint is on the interior, I thought it was up to par with other cars in its price point. I actually prefer it over the same-gen G35 interior (So did my friend who owned a G35).

As said before, one thing to watch out for is front tire feathering. But if you are planning to mod and swap out the shoes, then it's not much of a worry. I had a 5AT and didn't have a single problem on the car in 4+ years of ownership, but experience varies. The VQ is one of the best engines out there IMO. I prefer torque over high RPMs, so to me the Z was a better choice than the S2k.

 

Go for the S2000. It will feel completely different from your Lexus. It's a road carving scalpel, truly involving, and it's a convertible. Used ones can be had for cheap. I had mine for 5 years but eventually needed a four door with auto trans.

 

you can get a nice 350Z for $16K....half the price of a 370Z.....CASE CLOSED

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

 

What about a used NSX? You can scoop up a 2002 (newer body style) for around $40K! That's what I am trying to do in the next year or so!

 

New Z's weren't cheap when I checked them out last weekend. Prices range from 33K-48K. I doubt you can get one for under 30K.

 

09 370z's base are selling for 25-26k...send me a PM and I can forward you the details...I was gonna get one a month back...but decided it wasnt practical as a primary car...however I will be picking up another 350 in the next few months as a secondary work car,grocery car etc...best of luck on your search

 

If you get a Z get an 07-08 for the VQHR, I think most on the Z boards would agree. In stock form they are relatively low maintenance, I have experiences with both an '05 G35 Coupe and '08 Z.

S2000 would be fun too but that may depend on how you plan to use the car; as some stated, you have to rev it pretty hard to get into any of the powerband. The Z, IMO, is not a torque monster either, but it's definitely better than the S2000 in that area.