Buying 350GT

[keriboi]

Been out of the car buying game for a long time and selling our Turbo Avenir and getting a 350GT for the wife.
What are some things to look for when buying a 350GT. Looking at spending up to $15,000 with something around 80,000km. 
We are after comfort and reliability. Don't need loud exhaust any more as we have a 1 year old toddler.

Few Questions.

How trusty are odo meter reading on imports these days?

What are the Turners cars like?

I like the look of the 2007 S model with Paddle Shift and 18" wheels. How reliable are the paddle gear boxes.

I found this car on trademe. Looks good but it has been for sale since october. Seems like its been sitting around for a while. Is that normal?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=800094482

Same with this 370GT. Been for sale since July.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=746752269

This one here to me looks good.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=825128202


So anyone got any recommendations. Certain years or models better?

thanks

[westybob]

I have no experience with these models but general condition should be checked against speedo reading - wear on indicator stalks steering wheel carpets etc. Some dealers offer speedo certification. I guess the odd of getting  a genuine reading are better with one of these than with a 1992 Skyline!

[370 GT Type S]

Go for the last model 2007 (?) with the twin air intakes and bonnet bulge. Has the most horse power. Apparently 350 Z's are prone to wheel alignment problems causing excessive tyre wear.

[MONDO]

For anyone considering a PV36 there are a couple of engine related issues to look for.
First off the water pumps tend to start weeping at around 100,000kms, not really a new thing as most of the VQ series engines suffer, but with the VQ35HR engine the front timing cover has to be removed for replacement.

Second issue is there are two oil gallery gaskets that fail, they feed the intake valve timing, symptoms are surging/stumble.From a cold start you wont get these symptoms but after the engine cools for a few hours and driven they show up.An oil pressure test will also show low oil pressure.The gaskets can be replaced when the water pump is being changed, the new gaskets have been updated by Nissan with metal reinforcement.

As most imports have around 100,000 on the clock, there are going to be a lot of people complaining that these cars drive like crap, when in fact once the issues have been fixed, this is one of the nicest motors Nissan uses. 

[westybob]

Good to know!