Hi guys,

I looked at the 350z forums, and this turned out to be the most organized one with many members and is just live.
I'm thinking about joining the 350z community. I've read about many problems people have experienced, such as the infamous 'tire feathering' and some 'transmission' and 'axle' issues. I've read up and can't exactly confirm that this happens to the '05s, so what are some of your opinions?
I've read on another forum that they haven't changed the suspension or anything like that for the '05 and that the tires are only different for the '05 models and that feathering will occur, only later; i don't know how true this is.
As for the pricing, a dealer quoted me $30k msrp for an enthusiast 6spd; i haven't seen the car yet since its not on the lot, and i'm wondering what should i be looking at? maybe try to get it at invoice?

Well thats all, my main concern is reliability...i'd like to have the car trouble free 100+k, just as i have with my other cars (knock on wood)..

Thanks for any suggestions/tips/input.

Miko

 

Reliability is not a big issue with the newer 05 Z's. Don't be paranoid, just buy the car and if you're really having huge problems with it, you can always sell it to a private party. There are plenty of people who would love to buy a used one even if it may give them problems...

If you need it for a long time and reliability is a concern, get a Nissan extended warranty of course.

There are mixed opinions about feathering of 05 model Z's, in general it's too soon to tell if there is a significant threat for the 05's. Remember that any performance car with directional tires may experience feathering or uneven wear. Frankly, this shouldn't deter you from buying the car. Some people have fixed it with camber arms I believe...

 

Really, tire feathering is not as much as a concern as the transmission...my god, hearing some people's transmissions are replaced several times even before reaching 10k; is this due to abuse or it just 'happens'?

 

The transmission problems seem to be almost all fixed by 05. There could be a few here or there, but I believe they are using newer / better transmissions in the 05's.

Plus, the transmission problems are all under warranty... so unless you simply CANNOT afford downtime and cannot stand loaners, then maybe you're better off with one of the "uber-reliable" cars...

 

(1) Feathering: to soon to really tell on 05s but feathering is not that big a deal for most (not all) of us. I got 24,000 miles out of my OEM tires. Don't let feathering stop you.

(2) Tranny: isolated to a few cars. And covered under warranty.

(3) Axel: if your talking about the "clicking" on the rear axel just had mine fixed by dealer & covered by warranty. They caught it while changing tires. Not a biggie.

 

Ive heard about a few of the 05s exploding once they hit 80.

 

Back when I was shopping I had widdled my choices down to the 350z and RX8. After seeing all the scary issues RX8's were having with engine flooding and pealing paint, I went with the Z. EVEN THOUGH I saw all the same issues with the Z you have seen.

The tire feathering thing has gotten way out of hand. I had it, went to a dealership who knows what they're doing, got a 4 wheel alignment, new tires, problem solved.

As for the other things, they are all minor as far as I am concerned. Window grease, gas caps, window motors, etc. The rare issue with some of the manual trannies is defintely not little, though. But again, it's so rare to hear anyone actually have this and when they do, it gets fixed. I've never had any issues with mine.


P.S.
Since then I have ridden in many RX8s and frankly I don't like the way they feel or sound. The brakes moan like a Ford, the interior creaks and rattles and the ride is too hard in it's stock setup while at the same time not really feeling like you're getting all that extra road holding from that stiffer setup!

Just in case you were thinking about one.

 

And I heard that when they hit 88 they go back to the future!

 

Yeah, the ones that dont explode go back to the future.

 

You know, i'd love to jump on a '06 model...but from what i've read, they're coming out in october, but i need a vehicle within the next week or so. Yea, kinda disappointing oh well..

 

Honestly i dont like the changes they made to the 06. I almost placed an order for an 06 but decided to go for an 05. I love my Z, havent had any problems. Just break it in right and you should be fine.

 

Not much change in 06 & 05 will be cheaper. Goooooooooooooo for it!

 

I have a 2003 & I had my share of 1st year bugs but overall I've had no major issues (knocks on wood). All issues have been resolved under warranty.

I did have the tire feathering issue but I have since upgraded my suspension setup & with almost 30K+ miles, I have not run into issues yet. Never ran into any transmission issues. Lovin the car more each day .

 

i know of a way to get below dealer invoice

http://www.insidenissan.com/vpp/vendor/offer.html

email me nguyenv@umich.edu

 

Actually now that the 06's are comming out soon. You can get an 05 cheaper than that vpp crap.

Just negotiate.

Use the search function and you can get some great tips.



BTW The rumor that the Z explodes when it his 80 or 88mph is only when it is in the air, not on the ground. Thats only because the blinker fluid gets too hot. There is alot of signaling going on when you travel to the future.

 

is there an 06 model out? what's the difference? pricing?

 

No the 06's are not out yet. They come out in the fall usually. I am not sure about the pricing, but dealers are 100x more likely to negotiate on a son to be older model. If they don't get rid of the old they don't get many of the new.

 

so it is possible for me to score an 05 350z(base model) in october for like 23000 OTD?

 

If you can find that then way good for you man. Thats way way under invoice pricing on the car. I got my 05 base for 500 over invoice, 28k OTD. I can possible see 27K, maybe maybe 26K OTD. 23K might be a stretch though. Very possible for a used one though.