I purchased a 2003 Nissan 350z Performance model as a new car.
Major repairs over the last 16 years:

Date: 06/14/2006
Mileage: 21,728
Problem: Unable to fill fuel tank completely.
Repair: Replace Fuel Vapor Hose
Cost: Warranty Repair


Date: 03/08/07
Mileage: 25,222
Problem: Rear Hatch won’t stay open.
Repair: Replace rear hatch struts
Cost: $43.29

Date: 07/09/2007
Mileage: 30,862
Problem: Synchromesh failing, 5th gear
Repair: Replace Transmission (CD009)
Cost: Warranty

Date: 04/14/2012
Mileage: 74,065
Problem: Car is difficult to start
Repair: Replace camshaft position sensor in bank 2
Cost: $491.58

Date: 09/17/2012
Mileage: 78,876
Problem: Driver window malfunction
Repair: Replace window motor
Cost: $560.17

Date: 05/04/2015
Mileage: 102,803
Problem: Rear hatch won’t stay closed
Repair: Replace rear hatch actuator
Cost: $222.99

Date: 12/02/2015
Mileage: 106,834
Problem: Random misfiring
Repair: Replace Ignition Coil and spark plugs
Cost: $487.52

Date: 01/21/2019
Mileage: 130,419
Problem: Oil leakingRepair: Replace right/left valve covers and gaskets. Replace intake Manifold gasket.
Cost: $1,122.80

Date: 01/21/2019
Mileage: 130,419
Problem(s): Front and rear cross members rusted through, bent driveshaft, transmission noise, synchromesh failure, clutch worn and slipping
Repair: Replace front and rear cross members with used part, install new driveshaft, install used transmission, install new clutch assembly and clutch slave cylinder.
Cost: $4,114.95

Date: 01/21/2019
Mileage: 130,419
Problem(s): Front suspension loose and noisy
Repair: Replace both front wheel hub/bearing assemblies, install new ABS Speed Sensor, replace both upper and lower control arms, install vinyl-aftermarket bushing kit.
Cost: $ 2,952.77

Date: 03/29/2019
Mileage: 131,171
Problem: Passenger side front fender liner cracked
Repair: Install new front passenger side fender liner.
Cost: $95.49

Date: 04/04/2019
Mileage: 131,523
Problem: Passenger Xenon headlight is out.
Repair: Install new Xenon Headlight Control and new HID headlight bulb.
Cost: $751.94
______________________________
Edit adding to the list of repairs...
_______________________________
Date: 04/11/2019
Mileage: 131,531
Problem: Car stalls and is difficult to start
Repair: Install new Camshaft Sensor. Bank 2 (the same repair was done about 10 years previously)
Cost: $215.13 (This is a bargain compared to the dealership estimate of $500.00)
________________________________________________
In addition to the major items I list above, I have:
1. Swapped a summer and winter wheel/tire setup yearly (mounting and storage costs $75.00 per year)
2. Changed oil every 3.5K miles and performed other routine maintenance.
3. Replaced brake pads and did maintenance on rotors 3 times in 130K miles
4. Installed leather seat covers (Katzkins). https://my350z.com/forum/exterior-an...nt-orange.html
5. Replaced the floor mats.
6. Installed a rear hatch-area floor mat.
7. Replaced the radio antenna with a “shorty” that cost $14.00.
8. Upgraded my suspension with Bilstein shocks and Tein springs. https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-...coil-over.html

 

Man, I wish I had your passion for accurate records!

 

That awesome, this August would mark my 12th year.

 

Date: 01/21/2019
Mileage: 130,419
Problem(s): Front and rear cross members rusted through, bent driveshaft, transmission noise, synchromesh failure, clutch worn and slipping
Repair: Replace front and rear cross members with used part, install new driveshaft, install used transmission, install new clutch assembly and clutch slave cylinder.
Cost: $4,114.95

Date: 01/21/2019
Mileage: 130,419
Problem(s): Front suspension loose and noisy
Repair: Replace both front wheel hub/bearing assemblies, install new ABS Speed Sensor, replace both upper and lower control arms, install vinyl-aftermarket bushing kit.
Cost: $ 2,952.77

That was an expensive day...

 

It was expensive... more than the car is worth.

 

This just made my day lol. Ditto.

On a serious note...i have a 2003 Z and have had pretty much similar repairs. Rear hatch, window motor and clutch etc (pricy AF!).

 

I have two file folders full of papers. I'm scared to go through them.

 

Dang - She's like a crazy girlfriend who is great in bed, but expensive to keep !

(I've had 5 transmissions from 2004-2014 . . . .CD009 did the trick)

 

EDIT to the original post. I wasted some $$'s. The Headlight Control Module probably failed because the shop did not replace the passenger side fender liner. The missing passenger side fender liner allowed moisture to enter the passenger side headlight through its vent.

 

I've had several of the same issues. Right now I'm trying to shut up my front suspension since it makes a loose clunky noise over bumps. I've done the lower control arm bushings sway bar bushings and end links but still no dice. I suppose the next step is upper CA bushings : /

 

I was also experiencing a "loose clunky noise over bumps" and that is what started my repair journey (an expensive one for sure). As it turned out, the noise was coming from the control arms (and the worn bushings), but the cause was a rusted cross member (both front and rear). The cross members were no longer providing the support needed for the suspension, and this cascaded into a plethora of problems.

 

Man, I've been super lucky! I bought my '05 in 2011 with 46k on the clock (pretty sure it was a previous lease by an older folk who kept it in the garage). Since then I have done the following:

- Repaired cracked circuit board in the TCM.
The car kept going into limp mode. Drained the tranny, removed the valve body and TCM. Found a crack in one of the circuits on the board. Nissan wanted 800 for a new
TCM and a few more hundred for the re-program. Cost me 80 for new trans fluid, 2 bucks for solder, and 9 bucks for a 6 pack. No problems ever since.
- Replaced front sway bar bushing with PU bushings.
- Replaced clock spring.
- Replaced valve cover gaskets. (twice in 80k miles)
- Replaced lower oil pan gasket
- Replaced thermostat
- Replaced radiator with Mishimoto aluminum radiator and installed trans cooler
- Replaced rear hatch struts

I didn't include normal wear and tear items such as tires, brakes, oil changes etc. I think I've spent roughly 1k in repairs. Not bad since the car now has 120k miles.

 

My 2003 350Z Performance has been a second car and still only has 31,000 miles on it after 16 years. The first window motor when out in warranty drivers side. The second went out summer 2018, I replaced it myself with the help of a YouTude Video for $60 with a Dorman brand motor from Rockauto.. The Nissan Motor was $261.

I went through a battery and a set of tires.

Any recommendations on tires. I hate the Bridgestones They hold the road great but they are loud. I was thinking about Michelin Pilot Sport 4.

 

^ ^ ^ It is fun hearing from a long-time owner such as yourself. I consider the 350z a reliable car. Notice that my repairs came after 70k miles, and the major repairs came after 130k miles. I'm in the rust belt and drive my car in the Winter. Much of the fatal suspension problems were caused by rust in the front and rear cross members. The failing cross members placed stress on the suspension leading to its failure. I will say I have a greatly improved car with the new suspension components,

 

My 04 needs a new tranny. 160,000 miles but only 100,000 on the motor. A new CD00A is $2,000 plus $500 for labor. The car only driven 1000 moles a year on weekends now. Fix or no?

 

No fence, but if you've been on here 15 years and have to ask, just sell. Let someone with a fresh passion have it.
02.

 

I would do the repair. You are in LA so rust isn't a problem. The car will easily go to 200k miles. Your car is worth more than the $2500 quote, so you won't lose $$'s.

EDIT: jhc has a point. If you have lost "passion" for the car, sell it. I will likely give my 2003 350z to my nephew in a year (But, only if he continues demonstrating the high level of maturity he shows now. I don't want him getting killed in this thing.).

 

I also own an early 2004. I’m on tranny # 5 ! All except the last one were replaced under warranty. It took Nissan 9 tries to get it right. The CD009 is the one you want. Mine has lasted 4 years now, with no problems.

I would recommend that that you also replace the clutch plate, the the throwout bearing, the slave cylinder, and the pressure plate. I know this sounds extreme, but you will not regret it.

Please explain why you replaced the motor ?
.

 

This is good advice that I fully agree with.

 

I bought mine new in 2006 , but I did keep track of money spent. Well...... what receipts I could find, there is a lot I can think of more than this, but no receipts in hand to verify it.

Item Description Date Price

Hurst Short Shift **** Hurst Short Shift **** 09/11/2019 $71.88
EVO-R Carbon Fiber Instrument Cluster Cover 09/09/2019 $134.00
Torque Solutions Billet Aluminum Transmission Mount 08/27/2019 $105.74
Jim Wolf Technology JWT HD Clutch/LW Flywheel/1200 Pressure Plate 08/26/2019 $775.00
Recaro Pole Position Belt Guide Pair 08/07/2019 $19.00
Jim's Machineworx 1/0 TO DUAL 8GA Speaker Output Adapters 07/29/2019 $28.49
GP Car Audio Dual 1/0 AWG Amp Inputs 07/24/2019 $19.97
Stinger SHW-510G 50 Feet Roll 10 AWG. Speaker Wire 07/15/2019 $69.90
Bride K08APO Fashion Seat Protector x 2 07/11/2019 $79.39
Recaro Seats Pole Position Leather Driver/Passenger 06/24/2019 $3,084.00
Buddy Club Super Low Down Left/Right Seat Rails 06/10/2019 $337.82
Ebay miami_fine09 2003-2006 AC Compressor 03/20/2019 $60.00
ZSpeed/Tilton/Motul Clutch Master & Slave Cylinder Upgrade + SS Lines 02/21/2019 $365.50
Lexani Tires (225/35/19 x 2) & (255/35/19 x 2) 07/31/2018 $295.90
Z1 Motorsports Black Aluminum Z Tube Intake Pipe 07/19/2018 $70.33
Sundown Audio E-8 V.5 DVC 2-OHM 8” Woofers x 3 07/12/2018 $317.97
Z1 Motorsports Front Fender Liner Hardware Kit 05/11/2018 $23.45
Z1 Motorsports Front Fascia Grommet/Bumper Clips/Bumper Stiffener 05/01/2018 $36.03
Z1 Motorsports Nissan JDM Front Clear Marker Lenses 04/30/2018 $81.09
DEPO Black Headlight Housings Left/Right 04/30/2018 $410.00
Move Over Racing Front Bumper Quick Release Kit 04/30/2018 $260.00
Sundown Audio SCV-2000D Mono-Block 2000 RMS Amplifier 12/27/2017 $550.99
Jims Machineworx Two Tier 2-Amp Rack 12/26/2017 $119.36
AKH Trading Hub Centric Rings 08/23/2017 $22.95
Muteki SR48 Black Open End Lug Nuts 07/25/2017 $60.00
FIC Wheel Spacers FIC 10mm Wheel Spacer 5/114.3 (XWP5110) 07/24/2017 $195.00
AKH Trading Hub Centric Rings 07/12/2017 $22.95
Diode Dynamics Color Shift Footwell Accent Lighting 06/08/2017 $57.40
URAS Carbon Fiber Front Lip 03/29/2017 $742.97
Z1 Motorsports Z1 Slotted Rotors / SS Lines / Ceramic Pads / Motul 02/18/2017 $517.46
Nissan 93130-CF00C OEM Rear Strut Brace Cover 05/20/2016 $191.16
Nissan 84987-CD000 OEM Tray 05/09/2016 $72.60
Nissan 84932-CD000 Carpet 05/09/2016 $56.60
Nissan 93128-CD00D Front Cover Black 05/09/2016 $149.10
Nissan 93132-CD00D Outer Cover Right Upper Black 05/09/2016 $72.69
Nissan 93133-CD00D Outer Cover Left Upper Black 05/09/2016 $72.69
Nissan 93129-CD00D Rear Cover Black 05/09/2016 $149.92
Nissan 84992-CD00D Rear Trim Panel Black 05/09/2016 $186.08
Sundown Audio SAX-100.4 4-CH 600 Watt Amplifier 04/21/2016 $429.99
Sundown Audio SA-6.5 CS V.2 6.5” 100 Watt RMS Component Set 04/21/2016 $319.99
Varis Arising 1 Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler 04/04/2016 $564.45
Simplicity In Sound Custom Fabricated A-Pillars & Kick Panels 03/XX/2016 $800.00
Nissan 80606-CD00E Outside Right Exterior Door Handle 03/28/2016 $60.39
Nissan H0901-CF42A Door Interior Trim Panel Left 03/16/2016 $531.29
Nissan H0900-EV02A Door Interior Trim Panel Right 03/16/2016 $531.29
Cherry Man Customs Birch Ported Enclosure 3 x 8” ( Robert King ) 03/14/2016 $505.00
SPL (RTAZ33) SPL Titanium Rear Toe Links 11/19/2015 $255.00
SPL (WRENCH) SPL Suspension Arm Adjustment Wrench 10/26/2015 $85.00
Stance ST-Z33-SS Stance Super Sport True Coilover Kit GR+ 03-08 Z33 10/23/2015 $1,090.00
Work W120901 Work Wheels Big Base Center Cap 07/17/2015 $126.00
Tomei TB6100-NS04A Titanium Test Pipes VQ35DE 06/17/2015 $630.00
Z-Speed 1000025892 Aluminum Under-Shroud V.2 06/05/2015 $215.30
Tomei TB6110-NS02A Titanium Y-Mid Pipe VQ35DE 05/21/2015 $620.00
Blox Racing CEL FIX BXFL-00108 O2 Sensor Extension 05/14/2015 $26.00
Tomei Expreme Titanium Cat Back Exhaust 04/30/2015 $929.00
SPL (RTRZ33) SPL Titanium Rear Traction Arms 04/09/2015 $275.00
SPL (RLLZ33) (FEZ33) SPL Titanium Rear Camber Arms & Front End Links 03/12/2015 $410.00
Emnotek Perrin 2” Shorty Antenna 03/12/2015 $33.82
SPL (REZ33) (ELZ33) SPL Rear End Links & Eccentric Lock Out Kit 02/23/2015 $240.00
SPL (FUAZ33) (TREZ33) Front Upper Arms V.3 & Front Outer Tie Rod Ends 07/29/2014 $825.00
Nissan 769B5-Z33003 Front Left Kick Plate 07/10/2014 $78.17
Nissan 769B4-Z33003 Front Right Kick Plate 07/10/2014 $62.44
Nissan 01554-Z33004 Clip Fastener x 2 07/10/2014 $18.56
Nissan 68493-CF40A Mask-Switch Cover 07/10/2014 $16.94
Nissan 80978-CD000 Grip Assembly 06/12/2014 $24.10
Nissan 80972-CD000 Front Finisher 06/12/2014 $15.76
Nissan 80973-CD000 Front Finisher 06/12/2014 $15.76
Nissan 08146-CD000 Hex Bolt 06/12/2014 $1.76
Nissan 08146-6162G Hex Bolt 06/12/2014 $1.76
Nissan 80960-Z33005 Right Front Window Switch Finisher 06/12/2014 $77.61
Nissan 80961-CF40E Left Front Switch Finisher 06/12/2014 $76.65
Nissan 80999-VE000 Clip Fasteners x 10 06/12/2014 $29.00
Nissan Nissan Floor Mats 06/12/2014 $86.92
Nissan 80607-CD40B Outside Left Exterior Door Handle 06/11/2014 $67.95
SPL (SDBS-Z33) SPL Solid Rear Differential Bushings 06/11/2014 $151.95
Alpine IDA-X305S Alpine Stereo IPOD/MP3/Pandora/IPhone/USB/EQ 06/06/2014 $299.99
Nissan 68260-CF45A Lid-Cluster 06/06/2014 $189.81
Nissan 68250-CF45A Lid-Cluster 06/06/2014 $134.17
Nissan 96936-CF45A Stopper AS 06/06/2014 $119.39
Z1 UHP Z1 Upgraded Hatch Struts 03/12/2014 $84.34
Nissan 28795-Z33001 Rear Wiper Blade Refill 03/12/2014 $10.25
Nissan 28895-Z33002 Wiper Blade Refill 03/12/2014 $9.68
Nissan 28895-Z33004 Wiper Blade Refill 03/12/2014 $9.69
Work Wheels VSXX Gold (19” x 9.5” Front +17) & (19” x 11” Rear +10) 6/30/2011$3,399.00
Z1 Motorsports Z1 AVT Racing Pedals 06/30/2011 $102.60
​​​​​Hotchkis 22413 Front & Rear Sway Bars 02/10/2009 $394.99
Covercraft UV10839SV UVS Windshield Heat Shield 01/01/2008 $58.44
Wrangler 200 Amp High Output Alternator 06/15/2007 $500.00
Viper Alarm Shock Sensor, Glass Break, Ignition Kill, Door/ Hatch 03/01/2007 $400.00
****************************************GRAND TOTAL $25,680.83************************************************** **********