I am shopping for used 350Z's, I know I should get a 2004 or higher, but they are a bit too expensive for me. I have been looking at some 03's that have 50K miles on them. What kinds of problems arise with higher milage Z's? I don't want to have to deal with extensive repairs later on. Is it suicide to buy an 03 that is out of warranty?

 

buy an extendend warranty, i bought an 03 with 32k miles. no problems so far

 

03's were the first year model. Tire feathering, sporadic tranny issues, and window grease streaks were the major issues. TSB's were issued on the 1st and 3rd problems.

There was also an issue with the rear suspension that would cause the rear end to float while going down the highway, like a boat on water. Not sure if there was a TSB for that.

 

03 touring with 56k on it, only problem is my passenger window motor but i bought the nissan 100k warranty with car too... figured if the the tranny took a dump on my after 60k it would pay for it self.

Never felt the rear suspension problem you speak off, actually my 03' feels stiffer and better planted then my firends 05'

 

The 350Z has two warranties:

Bumper-to-bumper: 36,000 miles/36 months
Drive train: 60,000 miles/60 months

You get what you pay for.

 

Do all Z's have the 60/60 drivetrain warranty? I wasn't aware of that.

 

yes they all do have the 60/60 warranty.... i have 38k on my 03 they are replacing tranny monday at no charge

 

Wow just verified the warranty, that's good news although I don't plan on ANY drivetrain problems within 60k miles or 5 years. However, I'd feel REAL good if somehow the convertible motor and related items were covered under drivetrain warranty; I mean there is a motor in there pulling that top up and down. Wishful thinking!

 

I don't want to answer for other model years, but the 2004, yes.

 

 

I've got 55k miles on my '03 Z so far...outside of some minor tire feathering and premature wear of the seat cloth (both of which were fixed under warranty without incident), I've had no major problems whatsoever.

 

i HAVE A 03 WITH ABOUT 48000 MILES. TRANNY WAS REPLACED AT 10K AND KNOCK ON WOOD. LOVING IT SINCE. NO PROBS TIRES WEAR DECENT A ITTLE MORE ON THE INNER BUT BY THE TIME IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE MY TIRES ARE JUST ABOUT SHOT ALL AROUND

 

I bought an 03 with 42k on the clock last november. I got 51k on it now. Nothing serious. Just some grinding going into 6th sometimes. Got an extended warranty though.

 

I have a 2003 track model...no featherilng, or floating. replace the window motor only. 100,000 mile extended warranty. 11,322 miles on presently...all NISMO CAI, Headers, dueal exhaust. I keep mine in the garage on carpet. Rain has only touched it twice. Maint kept up to the max. Car has the new smell in it when my wife and I get it in also.

 

Anyone know where I can find the TSB on the window grease? Damn window looks like garbage

 

I'm at 63K miles and going strong. Remember the 350z, at least mine, is a very simple car inside and motor wise. The VQ35 has been extensively used by other models (Altima, Maxima, Murano, etc) and is pretty refined by the time they installed it on the z. I can pretty much bet a cared for z can do 200k miles no problem if you dont go FI.

 

Yeah I have an ok...32k on it. Had to replace Driverside Window motor, but again dealership replaced at no cost. I have no problem with the 03.

 

50,000 miles is no way considered high mileage.

 

You really should drive your Z more. It's begging you.

 

Thanks for all your help guys, I ended up buying another car in the end.