I'm going to look at one that looks brand new, just as soon as the guy gets back from vacation.

One of my riding buddies says he's seen several have frame crack issues.
I'm thinking I read that here too?

Is this abuse?... Or not made well enough?

I don't think for a second this one will have cracks... not ridden enough...
But where should I look to be safe?
The a-arm mount area like you would on any other?
Or other spots?

 

yea and check the whole frame for cracks and the swingarm

 

Do a search, I have heard of some frame issues, but never seen anything firsthand. The axle was another weak link, but they are fairly easy to replace(just spendy) if needed.

 

The only place the frames were cracking is on the upper front shock mounts. If the paint is flaked off the welds or next to the welds, then yes, there has been movement there.

2nd..... yes this is from abuse. There will be people who say...."Well mine broke from normal riding" BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Same goes for any cracked swingarms.

3rd.... the very first few off the assembly line in '03 had weak axles. These would break from normal riding conditions. Suzuki addressed this issue & replaced any that broke. If you're concerned about the axle, ask him if it's been replaced. If not, explain the situation to him & offer the guy $200 less than his asking price for a new G-Force axle ($200)

Other than that the '03s are just as good as other years. 05's & up got better front shocks too.

 

I have not had any cracking issues on my 03' Z either. I've heard all about it but haven't had it happen yet. If it ever did crack, I would just weld it.