Kind of humorous reading that in context of the recall hell Toyota and to some degree Honda has had since this post.

It's complexity outpacing abilility to execute consistently and maintain high reliability. My 1991 B13 SE-R and my 1995 Altima Sedan had just two issues of any kind, TSB or recall (5th gear pop-out on the B13, passenger airbag replacement on the U13) in a combined 290,000 miles and 19 years and 15 years respectively. The U13 never has broken down, stranded me, or had a single complex repair in over 130k miles, it's just a '95 XE base model w/o stereo, not even power windows or power locks - which is what I wanted.

Both cars work great, are easy to maintain and inexpensive to own. The B13 is a blast to drive, and I just wince when I have a repair issue with the G, even though I do much of my own work, the parts still cost 5x and if I had to pay someone to do brakes for example (Brembos), it would run easily $2000 for rotors, pads, labor at a dealer.

We demand changes and "fresh" models as a precondition of buying new cars, they respond. Look at the problems the 370Z has (or the G37), many are just carry-overs from the last generation cars that preceded them.

Still great cars but given the problems we see, they're pushing the growth and new model turnover too fast, IMHO, with predictable results.

 

only thing ive had to replace was my slave cylinder recall. but recently my driver's window was making a weird creaking noise after it rolls all the way up and when i close the door and the glass moves slightly up. i took it to the dealer and they told me they are gonna charge me $100 if its just adjustment and $0 if they have to replace parts. i was like wtf i took the door apart lubed everything and tightened every bolt and so far no noise . i hope nothing goes wrong with my window motors since i already have 2k miles of bumper to bumper warranty left

 

At 59k the clutch went and I needed a flywheel with it. The flywheel was covered.

 

Configuration
2003 350Z Performance Model
No Engine Mods
Current miles: 55K

Problem: Front tire feathering
Repair: Nissan replaced the front tires under warranty at 9K miles.
Result: The new tires began exhibiting the same problem within 2K miles. This was fixed by another alignment. My dealer did not have properly calibrated alignment equipment, and Nissan’s requirement for dealers to calibrate their equipment fixed my problem with a second alignment at the same dealership.

Problem: Transmission grinding when shifting from 5th to 6th gear
Repair: Nissan replaced the transmission at 40K.
Result: The replacement transmission is flawless and much better in every way than the original.

Problem: The rear hatch would not pop-open at about 15K miles
Repair: I purchased new hatch springs (the 2 little black pieces). The cost was small.
Result: This fixed the problem.

Problem: The rear hatch supports would not keep the hatch up/open below freezing temperatures.
Repair: I purchased new hatch supports (designed for Nissan 350Z coupes with a spoiler mounted there).
Result: This fixed the problem.

I rate my 350z as one of the most economical cars I’ve owned. The only significant problem was the transmission that Nissan replaced under warranty.

My only complaint is the car lacks decent sound-deadening that allows significant road noise to enter the interior.

--Spike

 

1st claim- passenger side windo motor
2nd claim- had the tranny replaced last month under waranty

 

Configuration
2003 350Z Track Model
No Engine Mods
Current miles: 21K

Problem: Front tire feathering
Repair: Paid for my own re-alignment at an expert alignment shop.
Result: The new tires so far have not shown any abnormal wear pattern.

Problem: Transmission grinding when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear
Repair: Nissan replaced the transmission at 17K.
Result: The replacement transmission is better than the original, however the synchros just aren't as good as prior vehicles.

Problem: Power window failure, driver's side
Repair: Nissan replaced the power window at 19K.
Result: The replacement works, however it squeaks.

Problem: The rear hatch would not pop-open, nor stay open when lifted
Repair: I purchased new hatch shocks (lift-o-mat). The cost was $50.
Result: This fixed the staying-open problem, lift-o-mats are even better than stock. However, the springs appear to need replacing to get a good "pop". Have not done this.

Problem: Two of the Bose speakers stopped producing sound.
Repair: I purchased four new Infinity speakers and did a clean replacement of the stock paper cones.
Result: This fixed the problem.

Problem: Failed APS throttle sensor at 12K, made car stall and drive only at low RPM.
Repair: Dealer replaced the sensor.
Result: Throttle is working fine.

Problem: Fuel door does not open. Fuel release button pushed through into the dash.
Repair: Dealer won't fix, says it is just sticky. Dealer did remount fuel door release and the button is fine now.
Result: Must tap the fuel door button to get the fuel door to open properly.

Problem: Various squeaks and rattles.
Repair: Not yet.
Result: Need to figure these out.

Overall: Happy with car. Many little issues, like new transmission, but the car is nice. I wish there was a permanent VDC-off toggle switch.