rforbes9

Recently got a job at an Airstream dealership as a detailer, and im getting 40 hrs a week so i should have roughly 10-15k by this time next year. I am just wondering if there are any specific things i should be careful in looking for one of these beautiful cars? obviously i wont go for anything with a salvage or rebuilt title. any input is welcome!
Thanks

CNunes_95

There's two versions of the 350z... the 03-05 models with the VQ35DE motor and the 06-08 model 350z witt the VQ35HR motor. New models are slightly faster than the earlier ones and also have some nicer features, such as nicer wheels, headlights and tailights, interior, different stlye hood (I like the DE hood better), etc. The HR models are closer to perfection because they corrected the flaws that commonly come about with the DE models. I have a 2003, the first year the car came onto the market. Love my car and runs beautifully. However, if you do look into the DE models, keep close attention to the tranny. I believe the earlier 350z is notorious for its shitty gearbox. My 3rd gear syncro is already wearing out. And currently have a shitty short shifter I bought from ebay for $60 that I absolutely hate.... Going back to OEM very soon. Other than that, i love the car and haven't had any other issues. Oh and the HR models are slightly faster as well because of the different motor

350zchad

iTrader: (1)

06 was not the HR

rancor

03-04.5
tire feathering(suspension issue)
bad transmission (MT)

04.5-05
bad transmission (MT)

06
oil consumption (depends on engine but generally universal)

07-08
bad clutch slave cylinder
passenger airbag sensor (was a recall)

All
window motors
door handles (not as often)
hatch struts and lift springs
Diff Bushings

You can search for the trim differences, and i also might have missed some things.

I would recommend a 07-08 Enthusiast or Higher trim due to the reason stated by CNunes_95.

CNunes_95

hmm, surprisingly didn't know that

rforbes9

So it would definitely be worth waiting a few extra months pay and getting the 07-08 with the enthusiast or higher trim? thats good info, thank you very much! :

I dont need to worry about availability, theres plenty on the market right now, would the best option for buying used to be off craigslist? are there any other websites or sources that would be better
Thanks

dSpaceman

iTrader: (2)

Got my 350z not even a month ago, so I was looking, just like you. Every thing rancor listed up there is pretty spot on, those are the main faulties I've found with each of those models. I just want to clear the air that there are actually 3 different kinds of engine for the 350z.

03-05 is the DE engine, with the most torque out of all
05 (MT) & 06 is the rev-up engine
07 & newer is the HR engine, obviously with the most power

I've read a lot of reviews of people who have driven all generations, and the general consensus is that the 03-05 DE engine has the most pull, in other words, feels the fastest. Personally for me, acceleration is what's most important, so I went with an 03. That being said, the newer models have upgraded interior, so if you're about comfort (which would be odd considering you're looking into a two seater racecar), I wouldn't go with any base models. Let's face it, the technology is nothing impressive on the Z. Getting a base model is just making it worse.

Just my $0.02. Good luck finding a Z.

oldschool350z

iTrader: (1)

rancor

It can be very hard to find a clean non base 07-08 (or any year for that matter). There are a lot of 350Z with crashes or have just been abused or heavily modified( good or bad it depends on your tastes). Just take your time and make sure it the car you want, saving more is always a good thing! Good Luck!

Spike100

I agree with rancor's advice. Avoid cars with modified engines.

MicVelo

Just my devalued $.02....

I have/drive a DE, an HR, and VQ37VHR and of those engines, I dislike the HR in my Z33 Nismo the most. Not saying it's a bad engine at all. Read my engine (and whole car) comparisons for the distinct reasons if you're interested.

All I'm saying is don't rule out the earlier cars if you find a clean, unmolested example with decent mileage and verifiable care.

IF you plan on mods (or driving it the way it's supposed to be driven ), you want at least an Enthusiast trim for these simple reasons: VLSD and defeatable TCS (Traction control). Sure, the VLSD in our cars aren't that great for competition use but for street use, works pretty well and better to have it than not when there's virtually no distinction on price between trim levels on used market.

Good luck.

Mic

Destroyeron

Don't forget couple 100 a month for insurance and wear and tear.

rearranged

also, don't rely on a car dealer to specify the trim level. do a little research. when i was looking for my z i found a lot of "track" versions that were actually base models. most dealers don't know so they just pick one that sounds the most appealing. you can look up the vin # on the nissan recall page and it will more often than not give the right trim level.

MicVelo

Hmmm, time to pull out this handy dandy chart that I, ahem.....

STOLE from another Z enthusiast site (attributed to "dave079") and used when I was out shopping three years ago.

It should be noted that this was the features list for '03-04 models. '05 was pretty close, '06 changes were made (revup, LED lights, etc.) but still a decent guide.

Mic



GUIDE TO 350Z models:

BASE MODEL
6-Speed MT Only - $26,269

Engine

Longitudinally-Mounted 3.5L 24-Valve DOHC VQ35DE V6 engine producing 280+ horsepower and 260+ lb/ft of torque
Drive-By-Wire Throttle
High Flow Intake System
Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVTCS)
Micro-Finished Crankshaft and Camshafts
Molybdenum Coated Pistons
Sequential Multi-Port Electronic Fuel Injection
Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS)

Transmission

6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
Short Throw Linkage

Drivetrain

Mid Mounted Front Engine/Rear Wheel Drive
52/48 Front/Rear weight balance
Carbon-Fiber Driveshaft

Braking System

Power-Assisted 11.65" Vented Front Disc Brakes & 11.5" Vented Rear Discs
Anti-Lock Braking System (4-wheel ABS) w/ Brake Assist
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

Suspension/Chassis

Unibody Construction with Corrosion Resistant High Strength Steel
Lightweight Aluminum Hood
Power-Assisted Engine-Speed-Sensitive Rack-and-Pinion Steering (15.9:1
steering ratio)
4-wheel fully independent Multi-Link suspension
Lightweight Aluminum-Alloy suspension components (suspension arms, entire rear subframe, etc)
Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars
Rear Strut Tower Brace

Aerodynamics

Low coefficient of drag with under car air management system
Flat underbody design with deflector and diffuser plates

Exterior

Aluminum-Look Door Handles
Full Body Color Mirrors and Bumpers
Flush-Mounted Headlights
Dual Outlet Exhaust
High Output, Flush Mounted Halogen Lighting System
17" X 7.5" 7-Spoke Aluminum-Alloy Wheels
P225/50WR17 Front & P235/50WR17 Rear High Performance Michelin Tires

Comfort and Convenience

Tilt Steering Column and Integrated 3-Bay Instrument Gauge Cluster
Automatic Temperature Control System
3-Guage Cluster with Oil Pressure, Voltmeter and Trip Computer
Power Windows, Locks and Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry System
Variable Intermittent Front Windshield Wipers
Rear Intermittent Wiper
Overhead Sunglasses Storage Compartment
Electric Rear Window Defroster
Leather Steering Wheel & Shifter
Aluminum Interior Accents
6-Way Manual Adjustable Driver’s Seat
160-Watt AM/FM/CD w/6 Speakers

Safety and Security

Dual Stage Supplemental Air Bags
Vehicle Security System
Seat Belts w/Pre-Tensioners & Load Limiters
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
------------------------------

ENTHUSIAST
6-Speed MT - $28,249
5-Speed AT - $29,219

Includes Standard Equipment Plus:
Xenon 4-Bulb High Intensity Discharge Headlights
Traction Control System (TCS)
Viscous Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Cruise Control
Homelink Universal Transceiver
Aluminum Pedals
Day/Night Automatic Rear View Mirror
Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors

Optional:

5-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with Manual Shift Mode
------------------------------

PERFORMANCE
6-Speed MT Only - $30,429

Includes Standard Equipment Plus:
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
18" X 8" 6-Spoke Aluminum-Alloy Wheels
P225/45WR18 Front & P245/45WR18 Rear High Performance Michelin Tires
Tire Air Pressure Monitor
Xenon 4-Bulb High Intensity Discharge Headlights
Traction Control System (TCS)
Viscous Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Cruise Control
Homelink Universal Transceiver
Aluminum Pedals
Day/Night Automatic Rear View Mirror
Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors

------------------------------

TOURING
6-Speed MT - $33,179
5-Speed AT - $31,589

Includes Standard Equipment Plus:
Touring Models w/5-Speed Automatic Transmission:

Bose 7-Speaker 240-watt Audio System w/ In-Dash 6-Disc CD Changer, AM/FM Stereo and Cassette Player
Leather-appointed Seats
Power 4-way Driver’s Seat
Power 2-way Passenger Seat
Heated Seats
Heated Mirrors
Xenon 4-Bulb High Intensity Discharge Headlights
Traction Control System (TCS)
Viscous Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Cruise Control
Homelink Universal Transceiver
Aluminum Pedals
Day/Night Automatic Rear View Mirror
Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors

Touring Models w/6-Speed Manual Transmission Additionally Include:

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
18" X 8" 6-Spoke Aluminum-Alloy Wheels
P225/45WR18 Front & P245/45WR18 Rear High Performance Michelin Tires
Tire Air Pressure Monitor

------------------------------

TRACK MODEL
6-Speed MT Only - $34,079

Includes Standard Equipment Plus:
Brembo Brakes with 4-Piston Front Calipers, 2-Piston Rear Calipers
Front 12.75" Vented Front Discs and 12.67" Vented Rear Discs
18" X 8" 6-Spoke Super Light Forged-Aluminum Alloy Wheels by Rays
P225/45WR18 Front & P245/45WR18 Rear High Performance Michelin Tires
"Zero Lift" Package for high speed stability including:
-Rear Drag Reducing Spoiler
-Front Spoiler
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Xenon 4-Bulb High Intensity Discharge Headlights
Traction Control System (TCS)
Viscous Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Cruise Control
Homelink Universal Transceiver
Aluminum Pedals
Day/Night Automatic Rear View Mirror
Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
Tire Air Pressure Monitor

Tony1M

For the 2006 model year, is it ONLY the MT vehicles that got the rev-up engines, or do some or all ATs get it, too?

Does the above also hold true for the 2006 G35?

Thanks!

dSpaceman

iTrader: (2)

For 2006, 350z gets the rev-up engine regardless of the transmission. The g35, however, is limited to only MT (according to wikipedia anyways, I never really looked into Gs)

Tony1M

Thanks for the information.

Because my wife and I have decided to buy a Z rather than a G, this is now a moot point as far as we're concerned, however, for those people who may be interested in this, here is a photo that was sent to me by the seller of a 2006 G35 (with auto transmission).

I assume that because the redline is below 7,000 rpm that this vehicle's engine is NOT a "rev-up".

Hope that this may help somebody in the future.

dSpaceman

iTrader: (2)

I found this in another forum:

2003 - 2004

G35 Sedan 5A/T - 260hp/260 lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)
G35 Sedan 6M/T - 260hp/260 lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)

G35 Coupe 5A/T - 280hp/270 lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)
G35 Coupe 6M/T - 280hp/270 lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)

350Z 5A/T - 287hp (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)
350Z 6M/T - 287hp (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)

2005
- Major changes include the rev-up VQ introduced on 6M/T G Coupes and Sedans as well as the Track and 35th Anniversary Versions of the Z:

G35 Sedan 5A/T - 280hp/270 lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)
G35 Sedan 6M/T - 298hp/260 lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE Rev-Up)

G35 Coupe 5A/T - 280hp/270lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)
G35 Coupe 6M/T - 298hp/260lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE Rev-Up)

350Z 5A/T - 287hp (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)
350Z 6M/T - 287hp (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)
350Z Track & 35th Anniversary Models - 300hp (VQ35DE Rev-Up)

2006
- The only change for '06 was the introduction of the rev-up VQ across the board for all 6M/T Zs:

G35 Sedan 5A/T - 280hp/270 lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)
G35 Sedan 6M/T - 298hp/260 lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE Rev-Up)

G35 Coupe 5A/T - 280hp/270lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)
G35 Coupe 6M/T - 293hp/260lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE Rev-Up)

350Z 5A/T - 287hp (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)
350Z 6M/T - 300hp (VQ35DE Rev-Up)

2007
- The biggest change for '07 include the introduction of the all new VQ35HR in the 2nd generation (V36) G35 Sedan and the updated '07 350Z. The motor is rated at 306hp (SAE Certified) regardless of the application or whether it's backed by a 5A/T or 6M/T. As for the G35 Coupe, hp ratings dropped by 5 for both the non Rev-Up 5A/T and the Rev-Up 6M/T as per the new SAE Certified hp rating system:

G35 Sedan 5A/T - 306/268lb-ft TQ (VQ35HR)
G35 Sedan 6M/T - 306/268lb-ft TQ (VQ35HR)

G35 Coupe 5A/T - 280hp/270lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE non Rev-Up)
G35 Coupe 6M/T - 293hp/260lb-ft TQ (VQ35DE Rev-Up)

350Z 5A/T - 306 (VQ35HR)
350Z 6M/T - 306 (VQ35HR)

2008
- The big change for '08 was of course the introduction of the 2nd generation (V36) G Coupe now dubbed the G37 to reflect an increase in engine displacement from 3.5L to 3.7L via a longer stroke. The G37 is also the first vehicle in Nissan/Infiniti's lineup to feature the company's all new VVEL variable valve event and lift system.

G35 Sedan 5A/T - 306/268lb-ft TQ (VQ35HR)
G35 Sedan 6M/T - 306/268lb-ft TQ (VQ35HR)

G37 Coupe 5A/T - 330hp/270lb-ft TQ (VQ37VHR)
G37 Coupe 6M/T - 330hp/270lb-ft TQ (VQ37VHR)

350Z 5A/T - 306 (VQ35HR)
350Z 6M/T - 306 (VQ35HR)

Model year differences (under construction)

2006 Coupe Exterior Changes:

1. Redesigned front bumper (Sport & 6MT only)
2. Redesigned headlights
-Projector Housing vs. 03-05 reflector housing
-No clearance light strip
-No orange reflector in the turn signal
3. Redesigned side skirts (Sport & 6MT only)
4. Redesigned tailights
-Reverse lights now rectangular
-Trunk Pop buttom on left tailamp
-Bevelled tailights surface
5. Redesigned Spoiler
6. New exterior color (Liquid Platinum) in place of Brilliant Silver

2006 Coupe Interior Changes

1. Addition of memory seats (Premium Pkg only)
2. Addition of Intelligent key system (Premium Pkg only)
3. Addition of Bluetooth Phone System (Premium Pkg only)
4. Leather on door panel arm rests vs. 03-05 vinyl
5. Revised Seat Belt system (I personally prefer the 03-05 system)
6. Revised Navigation System

Not sure how reliable this is, as I'm sure he's wrong about the 2006 AT Z being non rev-up, but hope this helps you decide

Tony1M

Great find!

Edit:
Here's a screen capture of the steering wheel and gauge cluster of an '06 350Z with auto trans that is for sale. To my eye, the red line appears to be that of a vehicle that has a non-rev-up engine.