i think my budget will only allow an '03-2005 350Z. I will be brand new to the 350z scene and im wondering if any of you veterans can give me alittle of your experience. What changes between these years makes choosing one year better over another?

thank you.

Joel

 

04.5 and 05's have a revised (better, IMHO) suspension.

 

from what i read when i was researching the z before i bought it (and feel free to correct me if im wrong): the 03-04.5 have transmission issues i.e. having to replace it after a short while, tire feathering due to the suspension...wasnt able to find too many negatives about the 05's other than the window motors going out every now and then...06's have oil consumption problems causing the owner to get a new set-up...i ended up going with the 05...but i would suggest you research it yourself...get some peace of mind =D

 

04.5

 

I had an 03..loved the car but it had minor annoying issues...now I have an 05 Base...the 05 is more refined but I miss my LSD from the 03 thats all.

 

I've seen the fewest problem posts for the 05s.

 

Complete specifications for each year and each model can be found here: http://www.nissanhelp.com/.

 

I have an 04 just purchased and that site is great. Confused cuz the nissan dealer said it was the Enthusiast model yet it seems like the base. I have no cruise control, no TCS button, aluminum peddles no. They LIED! I doubt I can do anything huh

 

i would get 04.5-05......i have an 04.5 and the only problem ive had is with my passenger window

 

I have an 04 6sp touring with zero problems so far... Knock on wood.

 

If you can afford a new one get an 07, if not an 05 is your best bet. Should be some coming out of warranty/getting traded in.

 

What year did you decide best suits your needs?

 

samie here man

 

i purchased my car used this past Oct. since then, ive had a new battery put in, and right now, my car is in the shop for a new transmission and a defective power seat motor.

although its a pain waiting for it to get done, at least its all under warranty. other than that, love driving it!!!

 

2004 with an upgraded trans. (just incase you dont know what 2004.5 means)

 

I've got a 05 white on black Enthusiast with 25,000 miles (I bought it new) and have never put a wrench on it. No oil consumption issues and not one single problem. It’s bone stock, no mods.

I thought about trading it in on something else this year.

I was giving the car a vacuum ready to take it to the dealer and I came down….. (I must have been high)

The car gets great gas mileage if you can keep your foot out of it, It has given me ZERO problems other than constant brake dust clean-up and it never fails to bring a smile to my face when I drive it.

I think it’s the best car I’ve ever owned.

 

i have an 05 and from my research it seems to be the best on maintenance up to the 06 Z and it also seems to be the slowest on 1/4 (except 300hp version?). I have no conclusive research on suspension. No problems to date with mine after 3 months.

 

suspension is identical i don't know where you got that info

 

different springs on 04.5 from previous years, they have a white or red(i cant remember) dot on them.

 

IMHO Get an 04.5 if you are on a budget. I have an 03 and my brother has an 04.5. I have notice alot of small and big "revised matter" between our two cars. In a nutshell, his car seems to be more quiet and refined. Mines a tad more edgey with its tire hum on the highway, less forgiving shifts, and unknown squeaks and rattles, that could possible drive you insane.