Hi I'm looking to buy a 350Z and I called this guy and he said that his 2003 350Z has a click in the tranny when you shift! He said it's common on 03s...I don't know if that's true so that's why I came here to ask. Also woulda 2003 350Z with 98K on it for 8000-8500 be a good deal? He said he fixed one of the headlights cause it was oxidaded and there is a scratchs on the rims from parking...he said he also used to have a lip kit on it but he took it off...its a 6 speed base modle btw

Thanks

 

the big problem with the 03 and some 04 manuals is the 3rd gear syncro goes bad and you will grind shifting from 2 to 3rd. I am not sure what he is calling a click. Mine is an 03 and I have no problems or clicks. Just a normal manual shift feeling. 8500 is a very good deal for a clean sound car. A new tranny is 1500 plus if you have a new one installed. Check the price dont go on my say.

 

Yes. 2003 and transmission problems are common.

 

I have a 2003 350Z Track Model. I have not ever had a single problem with the tranny. I have a vortech S/C, jwt racing cams, jwt heavyduty street cluch, jwt light weight fly wheel, and other items. I know it's a fact there's definitely 350Z's that had problems, but then there are many that have not. I have never had a click, so in his case I would say have the car checked out first, sounds like his may have a problem. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

There are two issues: one is the grind from the synchros. That is fixed by a tranny replacement. The second is the click between gears. Mine has always done this and I think it is "normal". It doesn't seem to cause failure.

 

I think it is a good deal man, i picked mine up for 9000 with 105k miles, 03 touring 6 speed, leather, navi, seat warmers and the whole 9 yards... i am happy with my Z. and getting back to the thread, i have felt the so called gear slipping from second to third but only when im pushing it hard close to redline... i would hear it and let off cuz i was scared to damage anything but now i see its common. my buddy always thought i just didnt know how to shift correctly...

 

03s need a CD009 tranny to work well

 

03 tranny's are bomb profff research it

 

I have an 03 Track with 90K+ mi. Mine does grind third but only if I shift fast and over 3000 RPM. It also has a zooming noise in first wich is a sign of wear. My sugestion would be that with any car you purchase, drive it and check it real good before purchasing. The price is good, and if it was me, I would buy it and replace the tranny with a CD009. They are fairly simple to replace. GLWP

 

Yes, right up there with Thailand.

 

mine clicks between gears, but from my understanding its just a noise, it doesnt cause any problems

 

mine works great! after i switched out the clutch to the JWT same with the flywheel i used royal purp transmission and it runs amazing

 

YES----------they do. The problem is the DRIVER!

 

No, its not!
Its the synchros. OP - only buy the car if you are prepared to pay for a new transmission should this one crap out (and there is a SIGIFICANT likelihood that it will!)

 

i was just referring to the "title"


and if the synchros are damaged the best saying for that is...

"if you can't find em, GRIND EM!" in which would be yet again a driver error.

 

The problem is NOT the driver. The 3rd gear synchros are too slow and drag. It causes a grind when you shift no matter how you do it. Nissan knows about the problem and often just replaces the transmission without asking.

 

Unfortunately, when I bought my 03 used, it was out of warranty, so I had to pay out of pocket for my new tranny.
Now, two years later, the grinding into 5th has returned.
I am taking the car back into the shop next week, but I will not be shocked if I end up paying for yet another transmission.
I would NEVER recommend anyone purchase an 03.

 

6mt's definitely have the 3rd gear syncro problem...the 5at trannys don't have any problems though

 

Look i only go by what i see on a daily basis working as a mechanic. I see tons of diff cars daily and most of the synchro issues with many cars are driver error. Grinding gears and or some not even using the clutch to disengage if not at all to hardly clutching to begin with.

yes, nissans may have a synchro issue but mostly the issue lies with the driver not being able to find the gears correctly.

If it is covered then god bless. When my X bought the EVO 9 5th gear had the grinding issue. only 5th. i dropped the tranny and had another company friend do it on the side for 300 altogether. I supplied to updated oe parts as well. Done deal. If it is not covered under any kind of dealer warranty do not be afraid to look else where for a repair. the dealer is not the only people who can repair it. specially if you have ever seen some of the people who work for the dealerships..Woooo!!

 

I have a 2004 auto transmissions Z and yes there feels like their is something wrong with the gears between 2nd and 3rd even in the auto you can feel the stuck or slip.