OP- I think you are asking very reasonable questions. Thanks to all the folks who contribute to this forum, a great deal of information and owners' impressions are available here. Thanks to posters, by the way. I'm also in the market for a Z, just waiting for the right one to come along that's reasonably priced.
Initially I was looking at the 09 and 10, but there are threads on this forum about 09 engines having factory design problems being replaced. Obviously, many folks with 09s have had no problems, but the fact that some 09 engines have been replaced does mean that caution is prudent. Somewhere there is a post that the engine problem extended into the 2010 model year, but was corrected by Nissan somewhere around VIN # 503XXX. That's what the post said, to my best recollection, maybe others more knowledgeable can add more accurate information about this.
A 2011 or newer will simply avoid the possible factory engine problem. If I get one it'll either be a CPO, or I'll get the longest transferrable warranty available.
Also verifiable and regular oil change records tell a lot, and a dealer can give you history of warranty work. As you know, sports cars often get driven hard since that's what they were built for, but a well maintained car is always a best hedge against potential problems inherent to all cars. The extended warranty, whether cpo or otherwise, is insurance against unlikely but expensive repairs.
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