Just wanted to see what the consensus was for the best used model year 350z - it seems 2003 is more or less out due to the transmission problems, and 07+ is preferred for the HR motors.

Doesn't seem to be many threads compiling the data, just a lot of threads posting about their various transmission problems.

FYI, new to the forum, fairly new to 350z's, just considering picking up a used 07+. Have an 06 Evo 9 in the garage that I'll keep, just looking to get into a solid rwd car for autocross.

Seems enough data is out to suggest that the 2008 350z's are a little more reliable in terms of trans and a few other issues the 07 may have had.

Thanks

 

07 and 08 are best, but i would have no problem buying another 03 to 05, just no 06 rev-up oil burners.

 

your own assumptions are correct

 

Everyone hates the 06 . No problems with mine but admittedly you are taking a chance buying the Rev-up engine.

 

thanks for the inputs guys - from what i've seen i guess the 07s had transmission issues time to time but the 08s seem fairly reliable

 

03 if the trans problem was fixed. I'm on my orig trans in my 03 with 92k

 

I just got my 03 not too long ago, no real problems with it minus the trunk shocks which was an easy replacement with ebay parts. The 03's seem to run cheaper probably because the transmission problems

 

might as well aim for an HR, they seem to be pretty cheap nowadays.

 

If it's just for autocross...then go with the 03. You can probably find one for 8k

 

Obviously most 03's out there can be had for around and under 10k. For what it's worth, mine is creeping up on 90k with the original transmission and clutch, without any grinds or issues.

 

I have 07.

Most say the 08 was the best 350 made.

 

07 or 08. Period. Owned a 05 and now own a 07. HR Zs are miles ahead in styling, engineering and power.

 

Thanks for all the input - been reading the highest mileage HRs thread, seems like it would be really hard to know the TRUE state of the car no matter the miles - so many things that seem to be going wrong.

If the car's in a different state I'd need some detailed pictures of things.. And even then it would be difficult to know how, for example, the window motor is, the clutch sticking to the floor, bushings, endlinks, control arms etc... These things aren't necessarily exclusive to used Z's but the Z's do seem to have more issue with them.

 

never had an issue with my 03 and i actually put power to it

 

Even if it did have problems, I am sure it would have been fixed by now. Its been like 10 years. My Manual 03 is running strong thankfully.

 

as in used z's would all have been upgraded to the cd009 trans by now? possibly, but kind of hard to tell before seeing the car in person

 

as in the previous owner would have fixed it

 

Ditched my 04 for an 08 and love it.

 

I had a 03 and now i have a 07 i love the HR motor but i think i want a v8 LS series engine now. So PM if you want to buy my HR 07 350z

 

i love my 06, only complaint is that the transmission is a little sloppy