Doc_Z

Hello all,

I am about to buy a 2004 350z.

The current owner tells me it uses about 300ml of oil every 1500-2000km (not miles). Seems he does a lot of traffic driving. Is this normal? The car has 90,000kms (about 56k miles) on the odo.

I noticed the engine was a little dirty around the engine cover so it's possible some oil may be sweating around the valve covers, oil cap area?

My question is should I hold out for another Z or is this one okay (assuming it's the actual engine burinning the oil)

lgear080

iTrader: (21)

ignore this car and find one with no consumption issues.

/thread

drivessidewayz

iTrader: (4)

Depends on the price and what you want. If you're gonna rebuild it, negotiate and buy it imo. If not, I vote what he said ^^

F34RL355

its not normal if thats what your asking

_Donovan_

iTrader: (3)

HAHA, actually it is normal. But yeah, try to avoid if you can. I would search the forum to find out how people dealt with this. Some people got Nissan to fix it at no cost. If you can get a good price and still turn it in to Nissan for a new engine that would be sweet. But to me that seems unlikely. Good Luck.

Doc_Z

Thanks guys. I'm just curious though, when buying form a dealership you won't have a clue if the car uses oil. The dealer won't know either as he wasn't the regular driver. So it seems like a risk buying from a dealer then?

Most of the 2004 models are out of warrenty, so nissan won't replace the motor.

My research has identified the PVC valve as a possible culprit. If I test the PVC valve and it is faulty, then this car is good to buy correct?

The car is retailing for the equivalent of $22500 US, but I don't think car prices can be compared directly accross countries.

I don't want to rebuild it. I want a nice daily drive that looks good with good performance.

Driven1

iTrader: (2)

I'd stay away from that car.

ANY oil consumption is an issue. What issue? You can start guessing...none of which are good.

Entaille

iTrader: (16)

stay away from this car. it's not normal and your quick research has barely scratched the surface.

F34RL355

actually its not normal.... only the rev-up had a oil consumption issues that you could consider "normal" i guess cause they were more widespread either way it was not normal thats why those ppl got new engines... rev up is 06 Mt and 05 35aniv MTs op is talkin about an 04

lgear080

iTrader: (21)

You can check dealer service records with a VIN - this should give you
an idea if the car was serviced under warranty for consumption related
issues.

So... move on. next.

Doc_Z

I hear what you guys are saying, and yes, I don't want to risk buying a dud.

BUT, is it possible that this is purely a PVC problem or a case of the current owner driving it hard and in a lot of bumper to bumper traffic?

Will a leakdown test be a definitive test to verify the health of the motor?

lgear080

iTrader: (21)

no and no. this is an issue intrinsic to certian years of Z's. unfortunately
the year of the vehicle to which you refer is not a part of this grouping.
hence, our fear - that you've encountered an anomaly which should be
avoided.

that said, the repair commonly associated with the problem you describe
is simple enough - REPLACE THE MOTOR.

so, move on and find another.

winchman

If buying a Z was normal, there would be a lot more of them on the road.

On second thought, maybe there'd be less of them.

BrokenVow

I was just going to say, "yes buying a z is normal, plenty of people do it."

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Have you ever owned a vehicle that used 300ml of oil every 1500-2000km?

davidv

iTrader: (2)

There's always a risk buying a used car. Higher the miles - lower the price - higher the risk.

SatchScream

iTrader: (1)

Find another one, there's no less risk buying from an individual vs buying from a dealership. You don't want something out of warranty that could potentially have oil consumption/burning/leaking etc problems.

paperjohn

Just made a quick trip to San Antonio, Texas from my home in Santa Cruz, CA. My 05 Touring did not burn a drop of oil. 4000 miles. Average speed according to my mileage readout through Arizona, New Mexico was 72 and through most of Texas 85. Kept it at a 110 for about 300 or so miles in that desert flatland then dropped to 100 as more cars appeared. I loveTexas. The tach is straight up at 4000 around a hundred and the Z feels its riding on rails. I run Mobil one and the engine with 36000mi. burns no oil. In other words the dipstick still says full, on the same mark as when I started the trip. Don't buy a car with oil consumption issues. By the way, thanks Valentine One - good job.

yahh

This post was a really bad idea.

_Donovan_

iTrader: (3)

I didn't mean normal in a good way. I meant normal as in I here a lot of people complaining about it.