Ok, my daughter will be graduating high school next year, and she has always wanted a 350Z since the 1st time she heard/saw one. So as a gift for her excellent academic strides, I am going to suprise her with one. Yes she is only graduating from high school, however she has always been in the accelerated/gifted programs her entire life in school. She will graduate with an asociates degree when she graduates from high school because she attended school year round and took all college courses in 10th-12th grades. She drives a Honda Accord now, and has been extremely responsible and listens to all advice I give her. I think its time. My question is simple, I am actively searching and its easy to over look small but important details about a car your researching. With this said, can anyone familiar with the Z offer any advice about any major issues throughout the span of the Z33 that I should always be on the look out for? Thanks in advance, Lawrence

 

I don't want to rain on your parade or anything, but the Z may not be a great choice of car for your daughter. It's going to have more maintenance to keep up with than her accord (specifically the darn window motors that go out almost every year), be less comfortable, more noisy on the road/highway, worse gas mileage, far far FAR worse in the winter, and cost more to insure.

With that in mind, if you REALLY want to get her this car: the 2003 and early 2004 models had some transmission issues (I believe only on the Manual though). The 2004.5 has those issues fixed (as well as tire feather issues). The 2005-2006 often had oil consumption problems. Someone else will have to provide 07-up info.

If I may make a recommendation, see how she feels about the Mitsubishi Eclipse. It's still sportier than her Accord, but less high-strung than the Z. Better gas mileage, and front wheel drive, plus more comfort, and it will be cheaper.

Also, the mandatory "search next time" response before everyone burns you...


*edit* saw you're in Florida, so ignore what I said about winter driving. But still keep in mind, the Z is going to be more lively and easily loses traction in the wet.

 

they are great cars, not really many problems, many some tranny issues in the earlier years like the 03. if you can choose, go for a 06+ which has the better motor and looks a little better.

other than that its a great choice of car, although i wouldnt recommend it for a young girl out of HS which you will surely here about in here shortly

besides them asking for the pics haha

 

Before I started dating my now fiance, she wanted a Z. She's glad she didn't buy one after driving mine. In all honesty, I don't think it's the best daily driver for a student. Given that, I would advise buying an 07-08 model for possible remaining warranties and lack of mechanical issues.

 

Im a student and daily my 03 Z without a problem, but I will agree with others comments on maintenance of the car. Transmission makes noise, 5th kicks out of gear (damn synchros) , wastes a lot of gas, but besides that it has not given me any major problem in the last 2 years. Lawrence maybe its best to get your daughter a Juke.

 

I have a 19 year old daughter.
My advice is not to surprise her with it, and make sure it is THE vehicle she wants. If you let her test drive one a lot, you might be surprised that she will not want it. It can be a tough car to drive, and there is not much room.
My daughter choose a Honda CRV instead. I am glad too, because she experienced a head-on collision with a Dodger Durango. Thank God with all the safety features in the Honda CRV she came out ok. Needless to say, if she was in my Z, it would have been much worse.
(I bought her another Honda CRV after the accident)

 

Any year is actually good, but i would avoid the 06 6mt cars. They can be a handfull in the rain, all of them will have their little quirks to them. Some people daily drive for 150k miles without problem, some of use beat the living hell out of our car without problem and a few have every problem in the world. Luck of the draw.

 

In for pix of daughter

 

Problem solved, G35 coupe.

 

Thanks guys for all of the comments. Really appreciate it. She has driven the Z many times...my brother has a 2008. For her it would only be an auto, but yeah I will have to consider what everyone has posted because you guys are actual owners. I understand about the "search" comment, but I started this thread for conversation rather than for dated older posts. Sometimes direct interactive feedback is better. Thanks

 

I second the g35. Have your daughter drive both, and see what she thinks. She might be surprised that it isn't the car she thought it was.. It's built for speed. You feel every bump, if you drive on gravel you hear it in the wheel wells.

The infinity's are much more luxurious for a daily driver.

 

My advice would be several hours of driver training. She'll be going from a 130 hp FWD to a 300 hp RWD. Not a good thing for a young driver in my opinion.

BTW. I have a 07 MT with 65k miles that I have had 0 issues with.

 

IMO you can't go wrong. It has the same blood line as the Z. Looks different, but still has that memorable exhaust note. Has a backseat for more cargo space (kind of ), and I'm sure it rides not as harsh too. It's little more refined as well since it's Infiniti, and probably just as reliable depending on corresponding model years with the Z.

I was looking at the G myself, but ended up with the true 2-seater. I'm sure she'll be happy with whatever she gets.

 

I got a new 2003 when it came out. I haven't had any major issues. The tires feathered a bit, but Nissan put on another set for free after the issue was resolved. The manual transmission has held up great without any issues too.

I'm at 140,000 miles now, and everything seems to be in great working order. If you're daughter is as responsible as you say, then I'd say it shouldn't be a problem for her.

The same could apply to a G35 as well... if she think it's more comfortable/practical... you might want to consider that.

 

pics of daughter will be required before an answer is provided

 

This

 

Easy gentlemen.........

 

Your eyes may shine and your teeth may grit, but a pic of my daughter you surely WONT get. lol

 

haha

 

Thanks.