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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

So I'm going to buy a 2003 Z soon..

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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 10:04 AM
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Default So I'm going to buy a 2003 Z soon..

What should I expect? I've read that there are some tire feathering problems, window streaking problems, and the tranny issue. The car I want to get has about 34k miles but it is over 5 yrs old and the warranty is finished. How bad is the feathering/streaking? Should I not get?
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 10:09 AM
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Originally Posted by fr0ng
What should I expect? I've read that there are some tire feathering problems, window streaking problems, and the tranny issue. The car I want to get has about 34k miles but it is over 5 yrs old and the warranty is finished. How bad is the feathering/streaking? Should I not get?
i bought my 2003 Z on 12/20/05 with an extended warranty (WELL WORTH THE MONEY) with 25,000 miles on it
i never had the tire feathering problem (i guess the first owner got it fixed),
but i have had problems with the window streaking + i had to get the motor replaced becuase it kept winding itself down..and it sucks.
i had my tranny replaced twice (after the first time, it was hard to get it into reverse), but now it works great
i now have 47,xxx miles on it, and everythign seems to be fine

if the price is right, get it.
but i would definately recommend getting an extended warranty if possible
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by zeebeda
i bought my 2003 Z on 12/20/05 with an extended warranty (WELL WORTH THE MONEY) with 25,000 miles on it
i never had the tire feathering problem (i guess the first owner got it fixed),
but i have had problems with the window streaking + i had to get the motor replaced becuase it kept winding itself down..and it sucks.
i had my tranny replaced twice (after the first time, it was hard to get it into reverse), but now it works great
i now have 47,xxx miles on it, and everythign seems to be fine

if the price is right, get it.
but i would definately recommend getting an extended warranty if possible


How do I go about getting an extended warranty for a car without a warranty?
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 10:32 AM
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i bought my 03 pereformance a few months back, i bought it from a used car honda dealer. they offered me an extended warranty but i turned it down. have not had one problem with the car. it had 20,400 miles on it and now it has a little over 35,000. btw i paid 20,800 ttl included (8months ago)
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 01:54 PM
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I bought my 03 about 2 months ago, I had my window motor replaced, I still have streaking though, I bought the extended warrenty, deff get that
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 02:57 PM
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only problem that i had wth my 03 was the stupid window streaking. only on the driver window
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 03:02 PM
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http://www.nissanextendedwarranty.com/

or just call your dealer for a quote... easy to do.

yes you can buy the warranty even if the factory warranty already expired.
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr_Kebo
only problem that i had wth my 03 was the stupid window streaking. only on the driver window

what do ya'll mean by window streaking?!
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 03:05 PM
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If it is over 5 years old there's a high chance the original owner encountered all the problems associated with the 2003 models. If you can find a good owner, ask for service history/records --- he probably fixed all of the problems for you.
As far as the tire feathering goes, you shouldn't have to worry about it if you plan to get aftermarket suspension.
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 03:07 PM
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The grease from the window motors was getting on to the side windows when being rolled up/down. There is a TSB for it. Not that big of a deal IMO.
I have a 2003. I bought it new and it has been very reliable.
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 03:11 PM
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Originally Posted by hardrock905
The grease from the window motors was getting on to the side windows when being rolled up/down. There is a TSB for it. Not that big of a deal IMO.
I have a 2003. I bought it new and it has been very reliable.

I got this problem on both windows on my 03... the B to B warranty is up but i still got 5 months for drivetrain....

what is TSB? is there a simple way to fix the problem?
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 03:15 PM
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TSB = Technical Service Bulletin

e.g.: 350zmotoring

Last edited by NGZ; Apr 8, 2007 at 03:17 PM.
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Iconoclast1
I got this problem on both windows on my 03... the B to B warranty is up but i still got 5 months for drivetrain....

what is TSB? is there a simple way to fix the problem?
I don't know how simple it would be. I am not sure, but I believe the TSB was basically putting felt strips inside the door panel on or near the window motor where the grease was making contact with the window.
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 04:51 PM
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Seems the tranny is weak on the 03-04 Zs 6mt. I still have the powertrain warranty. I got all the minor issues fixed. Currently have 34xxx miles. Try not to get a really low mileage Z without the ext warranty.
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 04:53 PM
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Make sure the recall of the fuel hose was done.
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 05:11 PM
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if ur buying a 2003 soon, EXPECT anything, lmao
with no warranty thats the life i live with baby, rofl
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 05:12 PM
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I've owned my pre-order 03 since Nov.2002, (4 and 1/2 sweet years).

Had driver side window motor replaced myself a couple months back($140, broke after warrenty)

Recalls it had(no charge dealer services):
1. feul line hose replacement.
2. front tires replaced and alignment for feathering(no problem since)

And yes I have window streaking, but doesn't bother me. I guess I could have had the dealer fix it.
Tranny has yet to failed me(knock on wood), and I am not easy on my tranny at all times.

Other than that it's the best car I've owned, most fun for sure(right up there with 240sx I had, but I was younger than too).

Enjoy

Last edited by my2003z; Apr 8, 2007 at 05:23 PM.
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 05:30 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 95
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WOW! Are you the first forum member?
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 05:36 PM
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I joined in Dec 2002 and not enough posts. Members must live here to get 10s thousands posts.
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by JonsilvZ
I joined in Dec 2002 and not enough posts. Members must live here to get 10s thousands posts.
I have no life. Thanks for reminding me.
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