Hi Guys,

I'm new to this forum. I used to own a 240z, loved it and ever since the 350z came out I always wanteed one. Currently I have a Mazda mx5 with folding hardtop, very happy great car, but as I said I've always loved the Z.
I've been lurking around this forum and noticed that the Z has/had a few problems eg transmission replacements.
What type of problems does the Z have, is it reliable. I will get it but only if it is reliable, I don't want a money pit. Is this transmission fragile, is the engine durable, are the electric windows a problem as I have read here. Please inform me.

Thanks

 

This is reliable transportation.



This is a Nissan 350Z.

Any questions?

 

What an informative reponse, thank you. You are an asset to society.

 

It's no less reliable than most other cars. You may encounter some of the problems posted on this forum... but most of them aren't a big deal and most likely you will only encounter portion of the problems discussed.

No car is perfect, and the 350Z is no different. With that said I've owned my 350Z since late 2002 and overall it's been worth it. If could go back and have the option buy something else I would still buy the Z.

 

 

I would definitely say that the 350z is a more reliable car than most american cars. I've driven a lot in my last job when I sold cars and my 03 Z still runs like a dream after 4 years. Compared to some 07 American cars that I've driven, it is much more reliable.

 

All cars have some issues. Overall, the Z gets good marks for reliability. In Consumer Reports, the Z gets below average marks for 03, average for 04 & 05, and good for 06.

I'd avoid 03s and have any later year's checked by a good mechanic & look at the service records of the owner.

If your buying new, an 07 should be fine.

 

There are many people here(if not most) who haven't had any or only a minor problem with their stock Z. I'll be pissed if I don't get 200,000 miles out of mine and at 30,000 in 1 year, I have no reason to think that I won't....if I don't crash.

 

IMO all Zs are the same more or less. If you want a lighter clutch pedal, get the 07. i've had my 03 6sp since 3/03...no major issues whatsoever except for two power window motor replacement done under warranty. The Z is low maintenance, perfect for a frugal car enthusiast.

 

As others say, the 2003 (first model year for the 350Z) had most of the problems (transmission and alignment leading to tire feathering were the big ones). Most 2003 buyers had these corrected under warranty. I purchased my 350Z 2003 new and am pleased with its reliability. Nissan replaced my front tires and transmission (both under warranty).

When you consider this is a performance car driven hard by many of its owners, the reliability is quite good. I would not hesitate to buy it again.

--Spike

 

i think the key is dont beat the hell out of it.... although cool, neutral/reverse drops are bad on the car (duh). nissan engineers designed this car to go to 200k as long as you follow the scheduled maintenance programs. take care of your z and she will take care of you.

 

As long as you're not an EMO 17 year old beating the sh*t out of your car everyday.....you should be fine. I would say these are a step below Toyota in terms of quality and reliability.

 

Look at it this way, it's Nissan's most reliable car. What does that tell you?

That it's a fantastic machine. 2003+2004 models have the largest amount of issues, and even so they aren't that bad. 2004.5+ models are the most reliable. But you will have transmission issues around 75k miles, unfortunately, no matter what year you pick up. If you get it early enough and are within warranty, Nissan will replace it.

 

if you take care of your car and dont drive it like a jackass constantly then it will last. I haven't had any cosmetic problems of any severity and no engine/tranny problems so far. '03 54k miles, 1 window motor/handler replacement. Everything else was a recall.

 

LOL... good comeback OP... the guy posts a witty response but gets owned... granted, he does have 25X more posts than me...

 

I spent 900 dollars on the electrical system including a new starter last week and today my car wouldn't start, its at the Nissan dealer as we speak with only 40k miles on it. I used to think it was an amazingly reliable car.

 

The 350Z is rated highly by Consumers Reports. Engine reliability has been consistently above average for the past 4 years. There are some areas that are average or lower but overall reliablility is average, which is quite a plus considering that it is a sports car that is purchased by many young males who run the hell out of it. Don't hesitate to purchase a Z. Treated it well and you will have many good years of good driving.