hello, this is my first post, and i didnt see anything on this subject so i thought i would fire away.

i am pondering either the 350Z or a Mazda RX-8 in the very near future. my question about the 350Z is regarding its long term reliability. i know i have peace of mind for the 3yr/36,000 mile warranty, but what about after that? is the 350Z known for being a average to low maintenance car once it gets up to around 50,000-75,000 miles? or is it known to have alot of problems which translates into expensive repair bills?

i dont want to buy something thats going to cause me nothing but headaches after the warranty is up. was wondering if anyone can shed any light here regarding the 350Z's long term reliability reputation?

Mike
Loogootee, IN

 

If you are shopping for reliable transportation there are better choices than a performance sports car.

 

true, but i am looking for the best of both worlds here.

Mike

 

There are tonnes of threads about '350z vs RX-8' and 'reliability issues' on this site. Sit down....grab a few beers and enjoy.

I doubt there is any one thread that can definitivley comment whether all Z's are reliable. Like all cars....some are...some aren't.

 

Rotary engines FTL. Stick with the Z, it should give you less problems in the long run. There are tons of horror stories about major RX8 problems, just troll their forums, not to mention that Mazda has offered to buy back all of the older models.

 

You’re concerned about reliability, but are considering an RX-8?

 

only a brand new one. i have checked and checked, and everyone says as long as you dont shut the engine off cold, and probably add a quart of oil every 1,500 miles it should be fine. even Consumer Reports gave it a recommendation.

so, i am on the fence here..........

Mike

 

Reliability is non existant when it comes to the RX-8. For one, the engine burns oil, thats just the nature of the rotary. Next, you have to warm it up before you drive off, and before shutting it down, you have to idle it for a while. The car has no power from the factory, and better yet, finding someone in your area that works on it may be a little difficult. As far as the Z, well I just bought mine, but its a piston engine, tried and true. On the other hand its a sports car, if you drive it like one, well lets just say it won't last to long Get on the mazda forums, and its common to read about people getting their engines replaced with less than 40k miles.

 

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...rticleId=87631

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...ticleId=102387

and the comparison

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...9/pageNumber=1

now go make up your own mind, you seem like a smart individual

 

I had an rx8 before my Z. They are pure ****. My engine crapped out at 55k.

 

right before i bought my z..i was looking on purchasing a rx-8 myself..but do your homework. its made by ford!! i dont want to hate on ford, but its not one of the best company in the auto industry. the nissan 350 is only built to last up to 200,000 miles. a ford..well lets just say when my brother bought a ford. his headers fell off at 30,000 miles. really do your research! and if you do consider purchasing a rx-8 dont get a 04 model...alot of defects. good luck

 

I have a 104k miles

 

does your car still feel/drive the same at 100k miles as it did at 30k miles?

 

i have 114xxx miles on my car...i use my car, hard, and it loves me and runs like a f'n champ! smooth, no grinds/noises....only issue i had so far was the stud holding the rear dif up broke and it dropped on my exhaust and was making a rediculous noise...as you can imagine...but it really was just a new rear dif cover, fluid, stud and install ($100) and im back on the road for hopefully another 114xxx...

 

It seems like it. My roommate drove my car recently and said he was impressed by how strong it feels with over 100k miles.

 

nissan is good......go for nissan

 

I don't hate mazda but rotary engine is not very realiable in the long run..Hey what do I know..its up to you...

 

well, after reading through all of these links, it looks to me like the writers preferred the RX-8 over the 350Z? or did i miss something here?

and when i talk about long term reliability, i am talking 50,000 to 100,000 miles and beyond. i just question a Long Term Road Test that only gets up to 18,000 miles or so.

what to do, what to do............

Mike

 

i have an idea...test drive both...which ever you like better (which will be the z so don't waste your time) buy...and move forward knowing that you aren't literally driving a time bomb...like i said...i have 114,000 miles on my z and unless you look at the odom. you would NEVER know

 

My 03 Z is now 5 + years old with 48,000 miles. I have maintained it by the book and have not spent more than 500 bucks.

As you know, CR gives it good reliability marks.

The only issue is tire replacement, about every 25,000 miles, will take about a grand.

Personally, I'd have zero concern obout long term reliability.