Hi guys, i would first like to introduce myself. I have been on this forum for a while just searching threads but only joined today.


I currently do not have a Z however I will be buying on soon. I like most have a ton of questions and almost all have been answered on the forum. Most of the Stickeys are great.

Im sure this has been asked a million times however under my keyword searches I have not been able to find what i am looking for.

I have read online that there was some issues with grinding in gears/Poor master cylinder, and clutches blowing out very low in km.

My question is that its my understanding that Nissan recognized this problem and made adjustments to fix. I am interested in likely an 03/04 because of my budget, but I am not interested in running into these issues.

Is there a way for me to accurately find a "better model/vin number" to make this less of an issue?

like I mentioned I'm sure this has been asked a million time and I'm sorry in advance, I do expect to get blasted by the seasoned guys on here a little for this.

so sorry in advance....

Steve

 

Try to get an 04.5

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...or-2004-a.html

 

Thank you i will do what i can, being located in Canada, the prices seem to be much more then the US. I may consider importing one.

that being sad is there a dedicated thread towards these transmission issues i have herd about.

 

Avoid all the problems associated with the MT and clutch by getting a car with the 5AT.

 

You also wont have as much fun.

 

Won't have much fun as in draining your bank account, lol. The performance unless you are tracking your car on a road course is very little difference. I'm at 90,000 miles on my auto z and have not replaced anything but a damn battery, which I just replaced this year. It was the original battery from 03. I didn't know batteries even last that damn long, lol. Oh and I know how to drive manual, so don't try that one, lol.

 

How does a manual drain your bank account? My 04.5 shifts perfectly fine, personally I would never buy an automatic sports car but thats because I like to go to the track.

 

I don't go to the track (road course) just the drag strip. It doesn't drain your bank account but a lot of people do have issues with their manual z's. You hardly see anyone having issues with their auto's, very rare.

 

The newer 009 transmission doesnt have problems.

 

didn't the model have problems with the clutch sticking to the floor board.

 

Depends on whether you want to steer it or drive it.

 

Im pretty sure thats only on the 07-08 Z's. The clutch sticking has nothing to do with the transmission.

 

Thanks for the replies, i would get manual 100% as i personally find it more fun to drive, and i have never owned an auto car and dont really have plans to.

my questions is still the same, is there any specific vins/models or ways to tell a better version?

 

To be honest, most of the problems with the early cars have already been sorted out. If there were transmission problems, I suspect the transmission has already been replaced. Considering the early cars are now 7 or 8 years old and still running good, I would not be too concerned about reliability issues.

 

Hey , thank you for the reply. that is a good point to take into consideration.

Greatly appreciated guys.

 

All subjective.

I would not want an Auto. Ive had no issues with mine accept the CSC which was replaced under recall, but no issues with it prior or after that.

Get a standard tranny. Youll love it and have fun.

 

Then you will have to get yourself a 2005 plus.

 

My clutch went out at 55k but mechanic said that Z's don't typically have that problem. I attribute it to the female who owned the car before me and me learning stick on the car. Cost was $1300 including replacing slave cylinder (this is typically what causes a clutch pedal to stick)

Gears do grind a little bit sometimes (or at least are not 100% smooth) but it's not caused any problems.

1st to 2nd shift is a b!tch, especially when it's cold. Sometimes the car won't even let you go into second gear.

....I would NEVER trade my car for an automatic.

 

hahaha Amen

 

Buy an R33 GTR, start dumping on 350Z's, call it a day.