Hey, tried to loop for threads with the same question but nothing too recent. So maybe you guys have better, more up to date info.

I saved up some money and I'd like to buy an 03-04 350z. Outside of general and preventative maintenance, what should I be looking out for. The biggest problem I read about was an issue with 3rd gear but couldn't fine much for info. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

Horrible, anything from 03-05 is horrible.

I've owned mine since 2005 and so far: rear diff had to be pulled and swapped, intake manifold needed an extra spacer, tranny fluid replaced, paint color changed twice, exhaust taken out several times and swapped, stereo replaced, all speakers replaced, seats changed out once, wheels and tires swapped out many times with multiple sets on standbye, front bumper, sides, and rear aero added, rear spoiler, tint on windows... all intentional.

Just make sure its a nice well maintained stock Z. So many bucket examples out there wrecked before or beat to the ground on like a 240sx.

 

Other than the trannt, which isnt a big deal, its pretty solid. I have both 03 and 04 and i have to say, you get what you paid for. I paid above market price for both of mine, but the condition was also better than anything else on the market.

 

my guess his budget is sub 7k.

but window motors, interior trim pieces suck, rear diff bushing blows out, tires, tires, tires

 

Had me fooled until i hit the paint color...

 

I picked up an '03 performance at 150k in perfect body and interior condition last summer and they aren't really all that terrible if you do your own work. As far as necessary work and not mods for my benefit I've replaced clutch and flywheel from the stock components, the starter, both passenger and drivers side door handles, and my transmission is grinding in most gears when not warmed up. I'll get a used cd009 and do the swap once it gets bad. It also burns oil which wasnt a problem until I had to start driving it a thousand miles a month but I've spent a thousand dollars on a top end rebuild that I'll be doing in three weeks. Estimated cost in a year of fixing up of mechanicaly unsound Z is about two-three grand if you aren't super lucky. Good thing though is if you live in a more Z concentrated area than me you don't have to buy all your parts brand new. All in all I'm happy to spend it to drive my car. It comes to how much you enjoy fixing and how lucky you get.

 

My 2003 has had, diff bushing, cd009 transmission, coilpacks, fuel pump, cv axle, lower ball joints, and most recently I put a motor from a 2006 g35(at because its not a revup) because the stock motor lost compression in #6. So its been super reliable.

 

I have an 04 z and an 03 g35. The Z is a Garage Queen and the G is the DD. It has 180k miles and have done nothing to it but normal fluids and spark plugs. It is a champ. Wife has driven thousands of miles low on oil..,it doesn't care....just keeps on going.

 

https://my350z.com/forum/maintenance...-owned-it.html

 

I have a 2003 I bought new. I’ve experienced the common problems:

• Replaced transmission for a cd009 version (warranty)
• New front tires due to alignment issue that was fixed years ago (warranty)
• Driver window motor failed (cleaned coil once and then replaced)
• Rear hatch actuator failed (replaced with new part)
• Replace an oxygen sensor
• Replace crankshaft sensors
• Replaced Camshaft sensors
• Recovered seats because of wear on original material

I have 109K miles on the car now, and I have spent very little in maintenance. The 350z is certainly above average in reliability, which is unusual for a high performance car.

 

May have oil consumption issues. Check/replace PCV valve or install catch can to keep your intake clean.

I have an 03 on original motor/tranny with 85k miles and with mods throughout the years. Not my daily driver and more of a track toy.

I've had to replace driver window motor twice, rear hatch struts, antenna....little things.

 

Whenever you buy a car your taking your chances... Some last 200k trouble free miles... Some blow up at 80k... I would say they are a solid car for reliability.

 

All depends on whether the former owners treated it well or skipped maintenance.

 

Just like any pretty lady sometimes you jump in ***** deep before you realize that a couple of screws are loose. But hey its usually worth it.

 

^ what travlee said, specifically the window motors. I'm in my factory right side, and 3rd drivers side in 5 years of ownership......

Other than that... Daily driven, even in the snow (Chicago NW suburbs) when I have to. LM-60's and a couple sandbags go a long way.

 

OP hasn't logged in since the post.. my guess is he wont be back.... mommy and daddy prob said no

 

Hey Trav, It appears you are correct again.
How many times has this happened… A 16 year old is promised a new car for graduation (if he maintains a 3.0 average, doesn’t get his gf pregnant, etc.). He or she joins and asks a couple of questions, and just lays in the weeds, and then disappears.

They are certainly not worth the effort, but I have trouble identifying them and do not want to “short” a legitimate new member.

 

i know i can be brutally honest, but i tell it like it is... some like me some hate me, i get it. every car i have owned i did my research, bought it off my findings, and then joined a forum to further educate myself / learn things

 

And then post epic TnA pics

 

well that too... and nice gif.... feel like i have used that before ( in the T & A threads)