Total'd my 2004, going to buy an identical 2003 with 50k miles for $12,000 tomorrow. Clean carfax, only necessary service work was a window motor replacement. (common problem in the 2003s) My concern is that the 2003s are also known for having a syncro go out in the transmission. (right?) If one was going to go bad, wouldn't it have done it already by 50,000 miles?

How should I look for signs of a bad tranny when I go on my test drive? Obviously grinding gears would be a good indication, but should I run it hard and shift at redline a few times to make a syncronizer act up?

The car was manufactured in March 2003 if that matters. Any help/guidance would be appreciated.

 

make sure fifth gear doesnt grind above 4500 rpms keep the rpms at 5k or more and shift hard under load

 

My 03 has 48k on it and I only get an occasional grind in 3rd when it's cold. I would try to run it through the gears before the temp gets up to normal.

 

Dont know if you've read it or not but this will also give you an idea https://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-...nsmission.html i have an 03 with 42k on it so far so good (knocks on wood)

 

ive got an 03 with 150 on it man, it pulls smooth and hard, shifts like a dream i dunno what all this fuss is about

 

hey man...I just bought an 03 about a month ago with 54k. I had no idea that 03's had a common 3rd gear sync going bad untill....it happened to me. It doesnt matter what temp it is outside, it grinds when I try to shift any faster than grandma. I havent noticed any other grinds except shifting in and out of third. I've pounded all other gears just to make sure and they're perfect. If you buy one...get some kinda warranty...i've done some research and many people have had nissan replace it....it also gives u an excuse to drop a new clutch and flywheel while your at it ! Currently i'm still waiting to get my warranty transferred so i can get this tranny dropped and gone! hope this helps

 

If you are concerned then maybe skip the 2003.

 

Check with Nissan to see if the trans has been replaced. I would also offer $1K less than $12.

 

If you really want that Z, I would find out how much it is to replace the trans then reduce your offer by half that amount. Your exposure is cut by 1/2 if you should lose the trans down the road.

 

2005 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast

Congratulations.

 

in my 03 my 3rd gear sync does whine but how bad is that really? will it affect my trans and if so how much would it to be replace it or fix the 3rd gear sync? thanks guys

 

A bad tranny? LOL idk, look for razor burn, five o'clock shadow... ;-)

 

I have an 03 with 14K miles. 2nd gear makes a VERY nasty sound going from 1 - 2 over 5500RPM under load. Sounds like the world is ending. All other gears are fine.

 

I think if you row through the gears, and they don't grind (try once low speed and once 1-3 under good load 5.5krpm) you should be ok. Could just go with a newer Z to be safe.
The gearboxes are pretty stout, Sound Performance has a 1200whpish Z running a stock gearbox(+clutch and others obviously). And it held up pretty well.
There are some gearboxes out there that just tend to have crappy 3rds and 2nds.