hey guys, well i have a problem, my friend is considering getting either a 2004 350z or a 2003 s2000, now i've read about thirteen threads and reviews about how their performance and looks and such compare but that is not the case now. You see, my friend wants a daily driver which he uses to go to work and want good safety features and reliability.

so which one is safer? more reliable? (please list as many factors as you can and reasons, also list problems for both if possible) and finally daily drivability. Please stick on these aspects and not go into performance.

 

If I was looking for nice safe ride, I would go for a BMW..... those cars have more safety features IMO.

 

thanx but i'd appreciated if we stick to these two cars, also it may be safer but reliability (used) is trmendously hindered with the bmw

 

cant deny honda reliability.... nissan, this is my first one and we'll see how far it goes on the reliability chart. as far as daily drivability, i think the Z would be a better daily drive with more usable space (but not by much). now seeing as you live in phoenix, a convertible would be pretty good. i would think in a crash however, the Z would keep you safer than the honda... i think

 

With respect, if you friend is interested in a new car, then your friend can research and ask questions.

 

Lets see fix top vs no top.....

If saftey is a issue then go with the 350z, if he ever got in a roll over in the s2000 he's toast

 

No clue on s2000 but the Z does well in all safety tests....4 0r 5 stars in crash ratings. Get side airbags.

On reliability, the Z has doing fine in CR reviews. He probably ought to get a copy of Consumer Reports car issue.

 

The 350Z coupe has a better crash rating than the S2K..... (Someone correct me if I'm wrong)

The S2K's are a tad less expensive than the 350z, so I'm not sure why your buddy is compairing a 04' 350 vs a 03 S2K, and not a 04`vs 05 respectively.

 

The Honda spanks the Nissan for reliability.
I have the CR online membership, and I can tell you Nissan has had serious problems with the 350Z's transmissions, suspensions, and power equipment... most of these have been 2003-2004 models, and it's not just a few cars; the 2003 has been bad enough to earn the dubious solid black circle overall for used car verdict.

The fact that the 2005 Z's are showing no problems is encouraging, and it should be noted CR still recommends the car... however on the roadster, Nissan continues to install soft tops that are coming apart in less than a year or two and after the 3 year warranty you will have to replace the soft top yourself for $1,800. There are lengthy threads on this forum devoted to this problem, with some going on their 3rd and 4th tops. Nissan has also issued a recall on over 52,000 350Z's due to a serious fuel hose safety issue requiring the entire rear suspension to be lowered. See my sticky for that thread.

This is a real shame, since other than this the 350Z is a great car with lines that make the Honda look like a girlish toy. It is surprising that Nissan cannnot seem to improve these problem areas... but if they don't do something in a hurry, the 350Z may join the Quest and Armada at the bottom of the CR reliabilty list... and that would make me sick becuase I love the look of the 350Z roadster. I also agree with imseksy; I think the Nissan would be seafer than the Honda.