2003 350z worries

coletrain12 · 07-02-2009, 02:13 PM

Hey guys, I am currently in the market for a car and I really want a 350z. With that said, my budget only allows me to look at the 2003 models and after reading around some say they have reliability problems.

Here is one car im looking at http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1249792118.html
(And yes I will Change the Wheels on it! lol) The guy is supposed to be sending me more pics, so we will see if it was really taken care of. Would you guys purchase this car? I may can talk him down a little more past $12000.

I guess what im asking is 70-80k range of mileage a lot for a 350z? I will most likely drive this car for a good few years and it will be a daily driver. I need a reliable car and one that won't be sucking me dry of money from being in the shop all the time. I just sold my 1998 Nissan Pathfinder at 114,000miles which had no problems and my mom has a 2003 Altima with 150,000 miles that has just now started having some bigger problems. Is the 350z as good as other Nissans when it comes to longevity?

I actually do not put many miles on my car each year so im mainly looking for the 350z to last till around 150,000. Ill probablly drive it for 5 years if i had to guess. I have a friend with a 2003 350z automatic and his has given him no problems.

Thanks

quiksilver38 · 07-02-2009, 02:17 PM

that one has some awful wheels, tell him you'll give him $9500 and he keeps those wheels to give back to 50 cent. ask him is the transmission has ever been replaced under warranty, if it has then it sounds ok then maybe give him $10,000. as for 150k that should be no-problem even 200K+ the only thing holding you back would, again, be transmission issues...

coletrain12 · 07-02-2009, 02:25 PM

So what if the transmission has never been replaced, but he says he has had no problems with it...?

How much does it cost to fix a transmission in a 350z if it goes out? Just wondering.

G4nismo · 07-02-2009, 02:32 PM

again, main issues w/ the 03-04's is the tranny. see what kinda driver the owner is despite him saying he babied it. w/ 78k miles on it though, i would bet the tranny has been replaced. if he says he hasn't, i would walk away. w/ that many miles on the car, its prob a matter of time that tranny is going to go out.

davidv · 07-02-2009, 03:18 PM

This is reliable transportation.

This is a 350Z. Any questions?

coletrain12 · 07-02-2009, 03:33 PM

so you are saying that if i want a reliable car to not get a 350z? Isn't that a little harsh for a Nissan?

dragonfire6 · 07-02-2009, 04:18 PM

i was in the same boat as you... looking at a 03-04 Z and it is the car that i wanted more than anything... i jumped on a good deal and never looked back... even with the wiring problems that mine has given me, i would/will/continue to spend $$ on the car and will drive it until the wheels falls off... then i'll put another set on and keep going...

the point is, any used car you buy may have unforeseen issues that will not be covered under warranty... so instead of that $600 payment on the 370, you have a $250-300 payment on the 350... it probably all equals out in the end (depending on your interest rate

) but price is usually and most often the determining factor...

if the guy won't come down to a price you think is reasonable, with the possibility of future, out-of-pocket problems than find another car or start looking at a new scion/civic/focus

either way, good luck to you and if you go with the Z because you dreamed about owning one (like i did) you won't regret taking the chance... bad tranny or not...

i'm drunk...

coletrain12 · 07-02-2009, 04:44 PM

lol you may be drunk but i agree.. other than the 350z ive looked at the s2000's and rx-8's. I really think that if i do not get a 350z i will regret not getting it... but if i were to get a 350z i wouldn't regret not getting one of the other two... so with that said, i think id like to take a chance on the 350.

It really is my dream car..

asingh1 · 07-02-2009, 04:54 PM

look for a 04.5 enthuiast model. they are not that much more than 03's, and have less problems than the 03-04 and not that much more in price.

KornerCarver · 07-02-2009, 04:57 PM

I have an '03 Base and have had no problems. I think the transmission issue may be way overstated. People who don't have problems don't come to the forum and say they haven't had problems. It is only the people who complain that have problems and remember, most Z owners are not on the forum. So.......the transmission issues may just be overstated. I suspect you will love the Z and you probably won't have a lot of issues.

asingh1 · 07-02-2009, 05:38 PM

^^^^^ good point

G4nismo · 07-02-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coletrain12

lol you may be drunk but i agree.. other than the 350z ive looked at the s2000's and rx-8's. I really think that if i do not get a 350z i will regret not getting it... but if i were to get a 350z i wouldn't regret not getting one of the other two... so with that said, i think id like to take a chance on the 350.

It really is my dream car..

with the s2000, have fun paying insurance (on the top 20 most expensive cars to insure) and space is even more limited.

w/ the rx-8's, watch out for oil consumption.

G4nismo · 07-02-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KornerCarver

I have an '03 Base and have had no problems. I think the transmission issue may be way overstated. People who don't have problems don't come to the forum and say they haven't had problems. It is only the people who complain that have problems and remember, most Z owners are not on the forum. So.......the transmission issues may just be overstated. I suspect you will love the Z and you probably won't have a lot of issues.

its really speculative too. compare the tranny failure reports from 350z owners to G35 owners and you'll see.

coletrain12 · 07-02-2009, 06:12 PM

Yeah I read that there were very few G35 tranny complaints compared to the 350z.. guess it comes down to how you treat it. However, shouldn't the tranny be able to handle rough treatment? considering its a sportscar..

kevin319 · 07-02-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G4nismo

with the s2000, have fun paying insurance (on the top 20 most expensive cars to insure) and space is even more limited.

w/ the rx-8's, watch out for oil consumption.

I got a quote from my insurance for an S2000 and 350z and they were both just $5 more then what I am paying a month.

NismoKid · 07-02-2009, 07:39 PM

I have an '03 base model and haven't had any issues. Then again, I just hit 26k miles on it yesterday and have had it all 6+ years. Original tires with a decent amount of tread left...I'm not hard on it at all.

G4nismo · 07-02-2009, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin319

I got a quote from my insurance for an S2000 and 350z and they were both just $5 more then what I am paying a month.

wow, you have a super clean driving record!

LVZ053 · 07-02-2009, 10:45 PM

Only issues I had with my 03 was:

Window streaks: Annoying but got use to it.
Tire feathering: Got Spc kit and alignment to fix.(hopefully)
Passenger window stopped working: Used DIY guide to fix.
Bose Radio issue: Replace under warranty then bought aftermarket when I noticed that Bose sucks.
Harsh Suspension: Replaced with adjustable shocks and springs.

Nothing major, Engine and transmission has been running strong.
I am at 60k miles and never regretted buying her.

Also the issues give me a reason to buy aftermarket parts.

coletrain12 · 07-03-2009, 01:51 PM

Are the 2004 350z's any better about the transmission issues?

Here is another one im looking at.. http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/in...C&cardist=5918 got the guys to do $14,885 with tax, title, tags, and everything. He said it was $13,800 without taxes or anything. That sound like a good price for a 2004 with the amount of miles? And if the 2004's were known for the same problems as the 2003's is it worth the extra money to get a year newer and a few less miles.

Thanks,
Cole

davidv · 07-04-2009, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coletrain12

Are the 2004 350z's any better about the transmission issues?

07-02-2009, 02:13 PM	#1
coletrain12 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: TN Posts: 39 iTrader: (0)	2003 350z worries Hey guys, I am currently in the market for a car and I really want a 350z. With that said, my budget only allows me to look at the 2003 models and after reading around some say they have reliability problems. Here is one car im looking at http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1249792118.html (And yes I will Change the Wheels on it! lol) The guy is supposed to be sending me more pics, so we will see if it was really taken care of. Would you guys purchase this car? I may can talk him down a little more past $12000. I guess what im asking is 70-80k range of mileage a lot for a 350z? I will most likely drive this car for a good few years and it will be a daily driver. I need a reliable car and one that won't be sucking me dry of money from being in the shop all the time. I just sold my 1998 Nissan Pathfinder at 114,000miles which had no problems and my mom has a 2003 Altima with 150,000 miles that has just now started having some bigger problems. Is the 350z as good as other Nissans when it comes to longevity? I actually do not put many miles on my car each year so im mainly looking for the 350z to last till around 150,000. Ill probablly drive it for 5 years if i had to guess. I have a friend with a 2003 350z automatic and his has given him no problems. Thanks

07-02-2009, 02:17 PM	#2
quiksilver38 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: East Bay Area Posts: 1,614 iTrader: (0)	that one has some awful wheels, tell him you'll give him $9500 and he keeps those wheels to give back to 50 cent. ask him is the transmission has ever been replaced under warranty, if it has then it sounds ok then maybe give him $10,000. as for 150k that should be no-problem even 200K+ the only thing holding you back would, again, be transmission issues... __________________ a wrong answer is better than no answer

07-02-2009, 03:18 PM	#5
davidv Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 32,787 iTrader: (0)	This is reliable transportation. This is a 350Z. Any questions? __________________ 350Z 2004 Enthusiast: K&N Typhoon Air Intake - Motordyne Plenum Spacer - Alphawerks Stainless Steel Headers - Helix SS Test Pipes - Injen Super SES Cat-Back Exhaust System - 6 Pad Puck Ceramic Clutch and Forged Steel Flywheel by Competition Clutch - WedsSport SA-70

07-02-2009, 04:18 PM	#7
dragonfire6 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: sunny fla Posts: 184 iTrader: (2)	... i was in the same boat as you... looking at a 03-04 Z and it is the car that i wanted more than anything... i jumped on a good deal and never looked back... even with the wiring problems that mine has given me, i would/will/continue to spend $$ on the car and will drive it until the wheels falls off... then i'll put another set on and keep going... the point is, any used car you buy may have unforeseen issues that will not be covered under warranty... so instead of that $600 payment on the 370, you have a $250-300 payment on the 350... it probably all equals out in the end (depending on your interest rate) but price is usually and most often the determining factor... if the guy won't come down to a price you think is reasonable, with the possibility of future, out-of-pocket problems than find another car or start looking at a new scion/civic/focus either way, good luck to you and if you go with the Z because you dreamed about owning one (like i did) you won't regret taking the chance... bad tranny or not... i'm drunk... __________________ 04 PPW \|Borla Exhaust\|Pop Charger\|DC Sports Headers\|

07-02-2009, 07:39 PM	#16
NismoKid Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Location Location Posts: 7,424 iTrader: (0)	I have an '03 base model and haven't had any issues. Then again, I just hit 26k miles on it yesterday and have had it all 6+ years. Original tires with a decent amount of tread left...I'm not hard on it at all. __________________ Who wrote "the moon rules #1" on my car?

07-02-2009, 02:25 PM	#3
coletrain12 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: TN Posts: 39 iTrader: (0)	So what if the transmission has never been replaced, but he says he has had no problems with it...? How much does it cost to fix a transmission in a 350z if it goes out? Just wondering.

07-02-2009, 02:32 PM	#4
G4nismo Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Charleston/Columbia, SC Posts: 271 iTrader: (0)	again, main issues w/ the 03-04's is the tranny. see what kinda driver the owner is despite him saying he babied it. w/ 78k miles on it though, i would bet the tranny has been replaced. if he says he hasn't, i would walk away. w/ that many miles on the car, its prob a matter of time that tranny is going to go out.

07-02-2009, 03:33 PM	#6
coletrain12 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: TN Posts: 39 iTrader: (0)	so you are saying that if i want a reliable car to not get a 350z? Isn't that a little harsh for a Nissan?

07-02-2009, 04:44 PM	#8
coletrain12 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: TN Posts: 39 iTrader: (0)	lol you may be drunk but i agree.. other than the 350z ive looked at the s2000's and rx-8's. I really think that if i do not get a 350z i will regret not getting it... but if i were to get a 350z i wouldn't regret not getting one of the other two... so with that said, i think id like to take a chance on the 350. It really is my dream car..

07-02-2009, 04:54 PM	#9
asingh1 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: MD Posts: 237 iTrader: (0)	look for a 04.5 enthuiast model. they are not that much more than 03's, and have less problems than the 03-04 and not that much more in price.

07-02-2009, 04:57 PM	#10
KornerCarver Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Lake Saint Louis, MO Posts: 959 iTrader: (1)	I have an '03 Base and have had no problems. I think the transmission issue may be way overstated. People who don't have problems don't come to the forum and say they haven't had problems. It is only the people who complain that have problems and remember, most Z owners are not on the forum. So.......the transmission issues may just be overstated. I suspect you will love the Z and you probably won't have a lot of issues.

07-02-2009, 05:38 PM	#11
asingh1 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: MD Posts: 237 iTrader: (0)	^^^^^ good point

07-02-2009, 06:12 PM	#14
coletrain12 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: TN Posts: 39 iTrader: (0)	Yeah I read that there were very few G35 tranny complaints compared to the 350z.. guess it comes down to how you treat it. However, shouldn't the tranny be able to handle rough treatment? considering its a sportscar..

07-02-2009, 10:45 PM	#18
LVZ053 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 173 iTrader: (1)	Only issues I had with my 03 was: Window streaks: Annoying but got use to it. Tire feathering: Got Spc kit and alignment to fix.(hopefully) Passenger window stopped working: Used DIY guide to fix. Bose Radio issue: Replace under warranty then bought aftermarket when I noticed that Bose sucks. Harsh Suspension: Replaced with adjustable shocks and springs. Nothing major, Engine and transmission has been running strong. I am at 60k miles and never regretted buying her. Also the issues give me a reason to buy aftermarket parts. Last edited by LVZ053; 07-02-2009 at 10:47 PM.

07-03-2009, 01:51 PM	#19
coletrain12 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: TN Posts: 39 iTrader: (0)	Are the 2004 350z's any better about the transmission issues? Here is another one im looking at.. http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/in...C&cardist=5918 got the guys to do $14,885 with tax, title, tags, and everything. He said it was $13,800 without taxes or anything. That sound like a good price for a 2004 with the amount of miles? And if the 2004's were known for the same problems as the 2003's is it worth the extra money to get a year newer and a few less miles. Thanks, Cole

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