I'm a potential new 350z owner, but I had a couple of questions that some of you may be able to help me out with. I'm looking to get out of my EVO and into something I can pay off quicker, i.e. earlier model s2k or 350z. I'm new to Nissan, so I decided to search for any known "problems" with the 350z and found that there is:

1) tire feathering problems --> fixed by alignment every 6 months?
2) transmission
3) u-bolt coming loose?

I just want to know how much of a problem are these issues really? I mean, more often than not, people who are happy with their cars don't complain, while forums get flooded with people who have issues, which make it seem like the car has a lot more problems than it really does.

Any insight? Should I be worried about buying a '03 or '04 z with 50+K miles? No warranty = no new transmission from the dealer = no good.

TIA

 

1) fixed in '04.5.
2) haven't heard of any probs with 'em.
3) haven't heard of any probs with 'em.

Some of the '05 -'06 revups have oil consumption issues, so be aware of that....

Buying an older Z should be fine, just look for the normal signs of abuse/ neglect/ wear.

 

What year do you plan on buying? 2003-2005:tire feathering, window motors, trannys. 2006: Oil burning

 

BTW I bought an 03 w/ no major problems, but now the window motors are going out. Just thoroughly test drive and look for problems.

 

I'm looking to get either an '03 or '04.

shift_z33: Are transmission failures (whatever the problems are with these trannys) due to driver error/lack of skill? Or is there some kind of factory problem?

Are Nissan drivetrain warranties 5 yr/60,000? Also, do they transfer to a new owner?

Thanks for the help.

 

Yeah, now that I think of it, I do hear a lot of probs with window motors. My first Z was an '04 I bought new. My '04 didn't have any problems at all. So far my new '06 is still breaking in, so we'll see. Fingers crossed. Lol.

Edit: I believe the factory warranty does transfer to the new owner if it's still valid and/or extended.

 

interesting. after having test driven both, i think that i'd prefer the Z over the s2k mainly for the torque/dd use and b/c i can actually fit my golf clubs in the back, but if the Z has lots of issues, buying used doesn't seem like a good move.

 

I had my window motors swapped out at the dealership before I took the car home. I had the transmission replaced under warranty after I had the car for about 2k miles.
2003 base

 

2005 here and only problems I experience from time to time are the damn windows. But they go back to normal. Sometimes they lock by themselves for no apparent reason. All you got to do is push the window lock button and they're recovered. ( and I am not hitting that button on accident either)

The rest -- my z has been great. -knock on wood- I did have an auto tranny problem once, but got it fixed for free and still dont know what it was, but I just had them clean everything out and reconnect the wiring, ect. All better and no problems for a year or so now.

2006's have an oil consumption problem for manuals. be careful

 

fluid, what was wrong with your transmission? have you had any problems with the new one? i've read that people are on their 3rd/4th trannys already.

 

I assume tranny problems were from the factory, but I'll let you search for that. The warranty should be transferable. Or if it's expired, buy an extended warr. from the dealer

 

Typical 3rd gear grind. I got a 009 edition replacement tranny (supposedly better than the 008 that most 03's and 04's came with) That tranny seems to be doing fine, I'll be doing a tranny fluid change tonight, using the Motul 300.

There is a sticky thread regarding the transmissions, lots of good info.

 

i'll check it out thanks.

 

yea the only problem i hav (03) is a 5th gear grind, and 3rd gear blew out tuesday (out of nowhere) trying to c if nissan is covering it. only got 31,xxx miles on an 03 but should hav 5/60k powertrain.

 

just blew out of nowhere?? how does that happen? judging by your mods, i assume you drive pretty aggressively? otherwise, i should just avoid 03-04 altogether?

 

The '06 oil consumption issues, if I'm not mistaken, are limited to the revup engines (M/T), not the non-revup (A/T). I have an '06 A/T with 4K+ miles and no problems at all.

 

We complain about everything: transmission, front tires, windows…even the dipstick. If you take the complaints too seriously, you might wonder why all 350Zs are not in the junkyard.

 

yeah that dipstick....what a *****, god i hate that thing

 

Nissan should absolutely cover it. Go to that sticky thread with the tranny info. Good info.

 

My 03 has been fine but safer to get 04 or newer. As long as you have car checked out by good mechanic you will be fine.

With any car you run some risk; actually Z does better than most on relability.