I am going to start the search for a used Z400. What are the pluses and minuses of each model year and what should I be out on the look for as far as damage goes? What mods are good and bad that a previous owner could have made that will have an effect on value? What should I pay for a near perfect model and an OK model of each year?

Thanks,

Joe

 

03 has bad gussets in the frame, so they may be cracked or broken, and the grab bar is part of the frame, so wheelie back too far and there goes your subframe, 04 no probs, 05 and 06 have a magnesium clutch cover and when the radiatior fluid comes onto it it corrodes the cover...later...

 

i think the 05's and 06's have a updated cam and and suspension so they are a little faster.

 

The '03's have had some cracked frames. From my research, it is from guys jumping/riding real hard on the frames. They do make gusset kits to strengthen the frame. I have 2 '03's I've bought used, the frames look good, I don't ride them hard, however, I do look at the frame when I wash them[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Which I think you should do with any frame. You just never know. The '04's are the same as the '03s other than it looks like the frame issue was addressed.

For '05, they changed some of the engine, to give it more HP. They also updated the shocks so that they now have a rezzie on them. The '06's seem to have a corrosion problem that has a few topics going on the forum. Looks like some users are swapping out "04/03 covers and that seems to be working for them.

Remember that the Kawasaki KFX 400 is the same as a Z400, they even got the same upgrades in '05[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Only difference is the colors are Kawasaki. Also for '03,'04, '05, the Artic Cat DVX 400 is the same engine/transmission set up as an "03/04 Z/KFX 400. They did not get the '05 upgrade in '05. However, my understanding is, the '06 model is the same as the '06 Z/KFX 400.

As far as used prices, I think it goes by region. Out here in Central California, I bought mine used for $3,500 and $3,600 respectively. You don't see to many in Central California for sale, when you do, they go fast[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img] so I was fortunate to pay the price I did. Guys around here usually want a few hundred dollars just under the cost of retail[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img] Now, southern ca. is a little different[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] especially with you being in Arizona, might be able to get one from that region[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I had a friend drive down to almost Mexico to buy two '04's for $4500 each. Good Luck[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

they have better cam timing, one more plate in the clutch, and they have shocks with resiviors

 

In 04 or 05 they changed the chain adjuster to a single bolt design.

 

05 or 06...not 04

 

nice thread as I have been looking at these as well. I was looking into getting a Z400 or a Raptor but I cant seem to find any used Raptors and when I do, it is a 2001 which seem to have tranny issues. I am sitting here looking at my new atv trader, and see a 04' Suzuki LTZ400 for $4000 and another one for $3500. So, if the frame isnt a problem on the 04's I am leaning towards them rather than a 01' Raptor.

 

you will have no prioblems with an 04

 

my 03 is great...