So, I am considering rescuing this 2003 350Z Base model. It is a one owner car. My cousin bought it new. It's rust free, never been wrecked other than the obvious front fascia issues. It appears that it either needs a BCM or it has ground issues? Perhaps it's something else entirely but he said the air doesn't work, the windows either don't roll down or there is some issue with them... It's hard to get a ton of information from him. Anyhow, it has about 80,000 miles, it's a 6 speed, it's bone stock. The oil doesn't show any signs of contamination. It ran fine when he parked it but it's just been sitting in his yard for approximately 4 years (last inspection I could find was for 2011). His health is bad and he pretty much has given up on it. He mentioned selling it and I am interested. I just have no idea what it's even worth. It will need a battery, tires (old and hard), a major service and possibly a BCM or some trouble shooting, not to mention his dog threw up in the seat, and there are mouse droppings in the car. What's it realistically worth? Is it a terrible idea to even get involved in it?


"http://s348.photobucket.com/user/97-si ... lank"><img

What are running models going for in your area? Low miles = good, base model = bad, non running for 4 years!=very bad. I'd think around $3k, you could end up with thousands in repairs, gotta be cheap enough to cover the potential risk. non running it likely would only bring about $2k at auction.

I've seen them from $5000 to well over $10,000, (asking price, dunno what they are actually bringing). There seems to be a huge variance in the pricing. KBB lists it at $6400 in fair condition (which states it could need both mechanical and cosmetic repairs). My main concerns are the unknowns... primarily, the potential BCM problems and the rodent feces in the interior. If they've chewed the wiring up it could be a just parts car, or even burn to the ground. The engine was great when he parked but even if it still is I'll likely be redoing all the brakes, sensors, who knows what? I like fixer uppers, though this one may be an expensive fixer upper.

Mouse poop is scary. If they've been in the car, chances are good they've chewed on the wiring and that could be a nightmare chasing down the resulting electrical gremlins.

To add, If you can get I for about what you could get out of it by parting it out, go for it. See if you can get it running...might end up being a sweet deal and if it turns out to be a turd, you should be able to recoup your losses.

Yeah, it's a scary proposition. The car did run when parked and I will hear it run again before I fork over the cash. The owner is sure it will start if the battery is charged. We shall see... Thanks for the help!

I purchased the Z. It has a couple of issues but so far there have been no real surprises. Well, one surprise. The AC does work (I thought it was totally non-functional) still.... I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to replace the AC amplifier to get it working properly. It kind of has a mind of it's own. Sometimes it comes on, sometimes it won't and the fan blows wide open when it is running. The driver's side power window works intermediately. Aside from these two issues and it needing tires it runs and drives great. Turns out it only has 79,000 miles on it! It's a bit of a project but I think I got a good buy in it. I'm finally back in a Z nearly 20 years after selling my 77 280Z!