Hello,

I am considering purchasing a 350z used, and am doing some research to understand the vehicle in more detail.

I am trying to determine what some of the more common problems and solutions are on these cars. I know that no car is perfect so just want to quantify and understand the common issues.

Most likely considering a 2003 Track model with very few miles (15000 km or 9300 mi), so any info you could provide would be helpful.

So far I have found:

1.)Tire wear/alignment issues - I havent seen that there are any fixes to this yet - correct? Seems that tires would need to be replaced every 10k miles and an alignment needed?

2.)Transmission (Manual) - I have seen complaints from some saying difficult to change into gears, specifically 2nd and 3rd. Common fix seems to be swap tranny under warranty. Some seem to have similar problems on new tranny? No fix yet?

3.)ECU problems - have ran across this but not well documented - what are the issues?

What other issues are common, specifically on the 2003 model years?

Im trying to understand how widespread these problems are and any possible fixes or work arounds.

Cheers, Jeff

 

try this. i have an 03, and this is the timeline for my car.
within a year had my tranny replaced
within 1 1/2 year had my passenger window motor replaced
1 1/2 months ago had my long block replaced
currently driver side window motor is about to go out.
and yesterday water managed to leak into the passenger floor during my car wash, and windows were completely shut. i think its due to faulty auto window tuck when u close the doors

 

http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/nissa...u/350Z_Z33.asp

http://www.350zmotoring.com/modules....index&name=TSB

 

My 03 is now 2 years, 8 months old with 26,000 miles. I had minor tire feathering but still got 24,000 miles on the OEM tires with tread left when I switched tires. The tranny shifts like a swiss watch. Only other issue, if you can call it that, is grease spots on windows ......which take maybe 5 seconds to wipe during weekly cleaning.

Having said all of the above if I was buying used today, I would get an 04 or later.

 

Reliability data above from 350Z owners. Compiled by Consumer Reports.

 

Some Zs have more issues than others. We are now looking into my tranny as well.
That's about it for issues with my car. I have periodic grease on my windows too, but i havent' worried much about it, it's rare and not much at all...

 

That TSB list as very informative - thanks!

Sorry to go OT but I spotted this TSB (http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/nissa...Augu/54269.asp) about the window strreaking.

Is this fixed by the dealer for free? My 2005 only has 2300 Miles on it and I get the window streaks. It is an annoyance and I was juist going to live with it but now that I see Nissan recognizes it, I want it it fixed.

Thanks

 

Yes, they will fix it under warranty.