Hello,
I'm about to start a new job and in the market for a new car. I have a 2008 VW GTI. I am either looking for something more practical OR more sporty. Practical would be something like a four door truck or possibly a sedan; sporty would be some sort of RWD coupe.

Anyway, I'm wrapping up my degree in Michigan and heading south where I don't have to worry about snow. I landed an amazing job and have no student loans. I thought this would be a good opportunity to look into getting a RWD car. I am an enormous fan of foreign (Japanese) automakers and their notorious reliability.

I've been looking into used 350Zs and I have a few questions. First off, I will have a large commute. Almost 90 miles a day. This will obviously rack up some wear and tear. How reliable are 350Zs? What are maintenance costs like?

Secondly, which generation/year is best for used 350Zs?

Another thing is, the majority of used Zs I see have an auto transmission. What's the deal? Why is auto so popular on a RWD sports car?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

Nissans will always be more reliable than VWs lol. Also maintenence will be alot cheaper.

I would say 07-08 is the way to go. Just a much better car all around. More power, looks better, and newer.

Good luck!

 

Stay away from 2006 BC of the revup engine

 

For 90 miles a day I would look for something that gets more MPG.
So many autos because too many Barbies buys the Z to take pretty photos. The standard makes it a much better driver's car.

 

I don't think 90 miles per day is too excessive…45 miles per way, for a good job, I would do it…if you want a z than this would be a good time to buy one.

Can I assume the majority of the commute is highway? 6th gear driving? I think you can achieve 25 mpg average in which case 90 miles, at 25mpg = 4 gallons per day = ~$16 a day…

Dont prioritize the generation (DE, Revup, HR), rather focus on finding a z that has not been abused or neglected. Have it professionally inspected before you buy it.

 

I do about 80 - 90 miles a day. I own an '06 revup with no issues. Oil has to be changed every couple months so maintenance will be frequent. (3k oil change)

 

90 miles a day, I would opt for a sentra ser spec v...zippy little car and much better gas mileage than a z. Wouldn't worry about racking up mileage on the vq, my wife's g35 has 130k on the clock with not one issue....just keep an eye on oil consumption as they start burning oil after 100k

 

You'll certainly have some fun on your 90 daily commute, and like you i've never really understood the need for an auto in what is a sports car. Go ahead and buy a decent Zed and as long as it has been regularly been serviced you'll be far better off than a VW.

 

The route is almost entirely interstate with maybe ~2 miles of small town roads. I'm not horrendously worried about fuel economy, as long as it's at least 20. I'll be going against the commuters (live in the city, work in the country) so I do not anticipate any stop-and-go or even worrisome traffic.

Is there anything specific I should look for when shopping for one of these used? Common problems that an owner might oversee or even try to hide?

Also, I assume the Z takes premium fuel?

 

really, really reliable car, but like oldschool said the 06 and 05 anniversary models had the rev up motor which had a ring issue and oil consumption issues.

 

Yes premium fuel.

In regards on what to look for, if you are not looking at an 06 then I would say just like any other car. Check the engine bay to see if it was ever modified, check the paint to see if it was in a collision, make sure the interior is not beat up, make sure the clutch engages properly and it shift well. Get the history to see if there were any major mechanical jobs.

 

I would also add not to get a modded car odds are they have been tracked or pushed hard. Plus if you get a stock one you can really make it your own.

 

This is is, besides the transmission, the biggest issue I've come across looking at these. Everyone modifies them. On principal I don't buy cars that someone else has modified. My hope is to find a low mileage summer car that was owned by an older gentleman. Right now all I'm finding is Zs owned by kids that ran out of money modding them and are forced to sell them.

 

well said. i DD mine, in new england. so in the snow lol. aside from normal problems shes been pretty good to me all things considered. still have the same tires i bought it with 30K miles ago

 

i dd mine and love every bit of it. no issues. it drinks gas like a fish drinks water though.

 

I came here to say that I DD mine but I wouldn't recommend it for DD in snow areas. I see you won't be in a snowy area. So DD for sure!

I have an 06, consumes a bit of oil but still ticking strong at 100,000miles. Only had to replace the oil pressure sensor. I would recommend getting 07-08 though. Better motor. Newer.

 

I have an 04 touring. only owned for a little over a month. has 44k on it. I DD it 30 miles a day. it gets 26mpg

 

null signature, The Z is a wonderful DD. You will have good mileage (I push 30 mpg during highway driving), a comfortable highway car that is fun to drive anywhere, and low maintenance.

It wasn’t long ago that a performance car was equated with high maintenance costs. That isn’t the case with the Z. The 350z is a high performance two-seat car that is remarkably inexpensive to buy and operate.

--Spike

 

Not true, I bought an auto after driving stick all my life. Absolutely love my auto.
As stated in the other thread if you can, go with the 07-08 with the HR motor. Thats not to say DONT get something else if you cant get a HR motor, but if its a viable and affordable option definitely do it.
Dannng... 30mpg...!? I know I have a heavy foot but what do you usually cruise at? I went to GA from FL and averaged 23mpg... I have an HR with intakes, test pipes and a daily driver tune.. lol

 

Sorry bro but just buy a z, tranny doesnt matter, because if the driver sucks it just becomes another car on the road, only you can make it a sports car, thats being said grab a stock, well taken care of Z and you will have fun with the car no matter what.


also i get 18-20 mpg on the street and 30 mpg on the highway.