Buying used, what to check/look for?
 

Hey Guys! I am excited to be in the position to finally buy another Z and be back in the club. Haven't had a Z since highschool when I bought my 350. Now having graduated college I am ready to get back into the cockpit.

I am pretty savy when it comes to inspecting things, but I was curious if there are any important/unique things to check for on the new Z. It is a 6spd, touring + sport 2009 with under 5k miles.

I appreciate any relevant tips.

Cheers

Mike

check the paint from different angles in the sun and under lighting.

check for any other body work done... scratches around fender bolts, check door jams, etc. have them lift the car so you can check the undercarriage.

check to see if the car was ever modded... marks on bolts, nuts on suspension, intake, etc.

check oil level... might had oil burning issues.

if you're anal, bring a friend with you to measure the wheel base and compare left and right side from center of front wheel cap to rear wheel cap. this tells if it had suspension damage or frame damage.

etc. etc. etc.

I personally think checking the oil level & wheelbase is a good idea! Thanks, I will use this next time =P

Thanks, those are great tips. Will definitely check the wheel base infront of the seller, I'm sure that could do some unintended good :)

^

Bring the car to a trusted mechanic for an inspection.

:iagree: Probably the best thing you can do

Yeah, even if it costs you a few bucks it will be worth it.

i hope this isn't your mechanic...:ugh2:

great advise!

Things that I look for...

1. Previous wreck history or paint/body work. (rough edges around the inside of the door jams, different shades of paint, excess or not enough of "orange peel" in the paint, panel gaps, dents..ect. I've even brought a paint thickness meter to look at cars. Amazon.com: Automotive Paint Thickness Meter Gauge Gage for Body Shops and used Car Dealers: Automotive)

2. Mods past or present (missing bolts,broken clips or loose parts, ect)

3. Unusual mileage or wear... (low mileage car with worn or wrong replacement rear tires, excess driver seat wear, 2010 MY car but with 45k miles)

4. Documentation. (receipts for past work or service, warranty paper work or dealer ship invoices ect)

Ask questions... try to feel out the owner, ask why they are selling, ect ect.

Do your homework, find out if there is anything wrong with the previous year or model as far as recalls or TSBs.

I did my research on the 370Z about 6-8 months before I bought mine. I got a killer deal and a great car because of it.

Asked the owner of the used Z to allow you to bring his car to the track and bring along your friend who drives a Civic.

If you can test drive and beat the Civic in one lap. Buy that Z immediately.
If you can't, find another Z.

Check the vin number against what they are putting on the title or what they tell you in an email. (check on the actual car)

Check for curb rash under the sides of the car.

Check average MPH on the multi display, maybe you can see what kind of driver they are. Or the trusty radio preset trick :D

One thing to keep in mind that many new 370Z owners bring to the forum is the "rough" shifting. This is normal of the late Z cars and nothing to be too concerned about. Also, the clutch makes a lot of noise. So, please don't pass up on a great deal due to some "noise issues" that come from factory like that.

I took mine to the body shop I always use. They gave it a good check and it made me feel so good to know it was never wrecked. I don't trust the Carfax completely. You could have a wreck, pay in cash, and nobody would ever know.

As recommended above, I normally take my car for a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI). Cost about $200.

Mind you, I broke this rule when I bought a CPO car. Might be a mistake.

Ya when I was in the market for a G35c a couple of years ago I ran across 2 that had clean carfax reports yet had some major body work done.

Take it for a test drive. If it drives fine then take it to a trusted mechanic. If that checks out ok, work out a deal.

You guys are awesome thanks!

the first thing i would check is if the previous owner had smoked in the car. if he did, i would pass because i don't like the cigarette smell. sorry guys.

:eekdance:

Talk about a necro thread bump ... was that emoticon necessary to respond to a post over 5 years old? :icon14:

That's his thing. 3/4 of his posts are emoticon gibberish, and those are the more valuable ones. It's even worse when he types what he thinks is a coherent thought.

This cracks me up, I randomly visit the site from time to time even though I sold my Z over 4 years ago and what do I see? An old post from myself!

Hope all you guys are doing well.