Purchasing Used Cars

[J0HNNYUS]

Hello,

So I know for sure that I’m going to buy a used 370z but the thing I’m worried about is the years because I don’t know any difference between each 370, throughout the years. If anyone can let me know the difference or stuff I should know when buying a used 370 I would really appreciate it a lot.

[RumbleFish]

Mainly cosmetic differences between the years. I believe they started putting in oil coolers around 2012...If you drive this car the way it was meant to be driven, you're going to want an oil cooler.
I purchased my 2010 used BUT, I was only willing to buy a CPO (Certified Pre Owned) from a dealer. That way you have a warranty. I'm glad I did as the warranty paid for a brand new tranny when the 4/5 gear syncros went out...as these things are known to do.

Good luck in your search. They're an awesome car!

[JLarson]

Originally Posted by J0HNNYUS

Hello,

So I know for sure that I’m going to buy a used 370z but the thing I’m worried about is the years because I don’t know any difference between each 370, throughout the years. If anyone can let me know the difference or stuff I should know when buying a used 370 I would really appreciate it a lot.

Most differences are cosmetic, however a couple items of note:
-2012+ did get an OEM oil cooler, as rumblefish mentioned above. This isn't the same design as an aftermarket cooler, but it does help keep temperatures a little more under control.
-2012+ also fixed an issue where the anti theft device could actually prevent the car from starting and required a fuse be pulled.
-Later models have better more adaptable ECUs that respond better to mods.
-A much bigger deal is the trim level of the Z you choose. Base model is very stripped down. Sport package gets a VLSD, better brakes, better wheels, and SynchroRev Matching. Touring trim gets heated leather(ish) seats and better sound. Nismo gets a different suspension and exhaust.

Personally, I wanted synchro rev matching and heated seats. That meant I was getting a Touring trim with the Sport package. 2014 was my year of choice.

[snakebite]

I'm a newbie with zero cred.
But one advantage to a long run of years with only minor changes is it makes buying used FAR less complicated.

You can simply concentrate on mileage/condition/price!

I'd much prefer a low mileage well cared for older year than a higher mileage late model.
Cosmetically the car keeps its classic lines from 2009 on.

As for something like the oil cooler, it's so easy to just add a quality aftermarket cooler that I'd never let that item be the deal maker-breaker.

The 370Z is one of the best cars to look for used by its very nature.

I've spent more time and effort looking for good Mexican food than I did finding a 370Z I wanted! (OK, a bit of luck may have been involved)

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[SouthArk370Z]

Depends on which package you get but, for the most part, JLarson is correct that differences are cosmetic (or convenience). The 2009-2010 YM had the ESCL problem; easy fix (pull a fuse) so not a big problem. The navigation system in the 2009s is a nightmare. DRLs were added somewhere along the line. Drivetrain is pretty much the same except for a better oil cooler in later models.

[UNKNOWN_370]

Get 2012 or better. You get the crappy oil cooler. But it's better than not having it.

If you get the pre-refresh Nismo? 2014 was a really good year. Try not to buy a car with more than 10,000 miles a year. 5,000 to 7500 a year is optimal. Check car fax.

Make sure you test drive. Research all TSB's and recalls.

[mishuko]

I got my car in 2014 used 2012 model (i prefer old fangs than drls) with touring sport no tech. 15500km on it. 75% cheaper than if it was specd from the dealer... and it was from an Acura dealership lol. I was lucky since a lot were on the market. Nissan dealership had a 2010 with twice the mileage asking more and didnt budge on price. Was in less loved condition (swirls, inside was a mess etc etc) Saying they could easily get 31k for it. They called me the next week after i put my deposit down and i laughed and asked "guess the auction didnt go well."

My advice is patience. Find one with less mileage (shows babied/garage queen) and in good condition and the spec YOU want.

[J0HNNYUS]

So it’s best to get a 370z from 2012 and up correct so then my car wouldnt overheat and etc correct??

[vtec to vvel]

Unless you plan on tracking, you don’t need an oil cooler. I went from an ‘07 350Z to an ‘09 370Z and now to a ‘13 370Z. I never had an issue with overheating oil and I live in Florida.

[SouthArk370Z]

Originally Posted by J0HNNYUS

So it’s best to get a 370z from 2012 and up correct so then my car wouldnt overheat and etc correct??

That's a good rule of thumb - but it doesn't cover every situation perfectly.

The ESCL problem on early years is just pulling a fuse to fix.

If you aren't interested in nav, then the fluky early system don't matter.

The external oil cooler is not that big of a deal - most DDs don't really require one and they are fairly easy to retrofit if the car doesn't already have one. If you're going to be driving the car hard, you'll probably want a larger 3rd-party cooler anyway.

DRLs are a matter of personal taste. Personally, not a selling point for me (but not a liability if they're there, either).

Don't pass up a good deal on an early model (unless the points mentioned above are important to you).

[J0HNNYUS]

thanks for the advice, I can agree with that where you said take your time I know at times it may get hard for me to want it so bad but waiting for the right price is always right.

[J0HNNYUS]

I live in Florida as well, but no I dont plan on going tracking which I guess is like drifting and etc mostly for getting stuff done to the car and driving around normally.

[snakebite]

"Taking your time" isn't always the right thing either.

I spent 10 minutes using an online search tool. It located about 6 used 370Z's in the 50 mile radius. The one with the most favorable price/mileage got my immediate call. Sales guy said he thought it might have sold the previous evening. I asked if he could check and make sure. He came back to the phone a couple of minutes later and said it's still here, but the buyer was supposedly returning today to purchase it.

Oh, so I can't come buy it this very minute?

On hold again.

How far away are you? he asked
20 minutes.

Whoever the fella was, he took his time.
(if he'd put a deposit on it, he'd have gotten away with the delay. His salesman told me that he warned the fella to do so)

2010
60,000 miles
$13k

Sometimes you gotta just pull the trigger. Or throw caution to the wind.

Life is short.

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[Quicksilvers]

^ Congratulations sharp looking Roadster you have there enjoy it!

[AestheticCM1]

Originally Posted by RumbleFish

Mainly cosmetic differences between the years. I believe they started putting in oil coolers around 2012...If you drive this car the way it was meant to be driven, you're going to want an oil cooler.
I purchased my 2010 used BUT, I was only willing to buy a CPO (Certified Pre Owned) from a dealer. That way you have a warranty. I'm glad I did as the warranty paid for a brand new tranny when the 4/5 gear syncros went out...as these things are known to do.

Good luck in your search. They're an awesome car!

^This. Went CPO myself, and though I've never needed the warranty, it provides nice peace of mind.