Almost everything I read about the 350Z is favorable............it seems that most owners really enjoy the cars styling and perfomance. But the threads about the early model Z's that have tire feathering, defective drivers side windows and a faulty transmission concerns me. Do you think these problems are the rule or the exception? Thanks.

 

Yeah.. I was wondering the same thing.

Especially the plethora of "my clutch is stuck to the floor" threads... :-/

 

This is a Nissan 350Z.


This is reliable transportation. Any questions?

 

Majority on the forums but a small minority overall


Keep in mind the boards have a constration of problems,kind of what there for, very few threads on how there is never a problem. People on the boards are a small number of overall 350Z sells

I have a '03 with 35Kmiles no problems that required a dealer warranty work thus far

Plus davidv makes a good point

 

Yes good point Davidv...Compared to other cars..The Z's problems are minor...the j30a1 tranny on my 2dr ex v6 accord went 4 times...they were known for horrible trannys...worse than the Z...but overall the Z is a work horse..

 

p.s...is that at cecil???

 

I certainly hope its the minority since I just bought a 2003. Did my research and reviews were all good.

 

I have 39K on my 03 and the only problem I have had is the window smear and the original suspension had "the bounce". it would beat the hell out of you, so I put in a Nismos-s suspension and it rides better and corners better now.

btw: I drive my Z hard.

 

I have a 2003 (purchased April 2003) with over 50K miles with no "major" issues *knocks on wood*. I did have the tire feathering issue, window streaking, & headlight hazing but they were all fixed under warranty. Well, I actually changed out my entire suspension setup so that might have fixed it.

 

ditto...same here.minus the headlight hazing though.

 

Yes. See https://my350z.com/forum/drag/194087-4-round-winner.html for details.

 

Im about to buy a 2003.
I guess I havent read up enough. I guess to make sure it still has a warranty!

 

I hope that my point is simple: People what a high performance sports car that is as reliable and as inexpensive to maintain as the family sedan. It is not going to happen.

 

^ as long as you don't get completely mod crazy the 350z is just as reliable as any other rice burner.... sure maintainence is steeper than an econobox, but that's expected.

2004.5 - 30,000 miles, 2 years - 2 problems. Tire feathering (fixed under warranty + free replacement tires) Gas tank hard to fill (fixed under warranty). No other problems or defects. The car is a blast & no regrets.

 

davidv, I agree with you 99% of the time (not to mention copying a couple of pics you found).

With my z, though, it had minor feathering which the dealer corrected but otherwise has been as reliable and inexpensive to maintain as our Highlander SUV. I've performed all maintence per the manual & have spent less than a grand in 3 1/3 years.

Only thing I've found to be more expensive is tires. Had to repace OEMs at 24,000 miles & cost was about a grand with installation. Meanwhile the SUV has 33,000 miles on OEM tires with plenty of tread left. And replacement cost will be about $500.

 

Consumer's Report rated the 2003 as "worse than average." 2004s and 2005s got higher marks.

Doesn't mean every 2003 is going to have problems, but you'd be beating the odds to buy a newer car if possible.

At minimum, ask if the owner had the dealer correct any alignment, transmission, or window smearing problems. Ask to see receipts or documents proving it.

Most important, have a competent independent mechanic check out any used car you're thinking of buying.

 

I bought a 2004 ZR with 60,000 that had the feathering problem, window problem, and fuel tank issue fixed at the dealership before I bought it. It now has 66,000 with no problem. I think that I got an excellent price and the car is awesome. If you get a good price and love the car, that is all that matters. I intend to drive this car another 60,000 miles with no problems and I paid about what a new Civic costs. I know that I am a lot happier and I smile everytime I get in the car.