Since the search is down, I figured I would ask the owners themselves. I am very interested in the Z as if pretty much meets every requirement I have of a car. I have been on this site for quite a while now, just reading up on the "little things" that people never talk about when your getting ready to buy a car. One thing that really shocked me is the amount of problems this car seems to have. Tranny replacements, tire feathering, greasy windows, a supposed idle problem, ride problem, and alignment issues. These problems seem to be consistent with the majority of the owners on here, which would lead me to believe that I should expect AT LEAST these problems should I purchase a Z. The question is, can these problems be fixed? I know Nissan is "supposed" to be coming out with a better tranny, but I have heard that the latest attempts still suck. How liveable is this car with these problems? Like the tire feather and ride issues. Baisically, if I pick up this car, what are the odds that it would give me 100k miles pretty much trouble free? I keep all my cars in stellar mechanical condition and do as much preventive maintenance as I can. What do you guys think, how do you like the reliability of your car thus far?

 

I'm not sure that all these problems are consistent with the majority of the members here. You are reading a forum of collective experiences. The web also has the habit of making a problem that 100 people have, a huge issue that everyone has, which often isn't the case.

My 2003 (nearly 10K miles) doesn't have feathering problems or alignment issues, no tranny problems, nor idle problems. The ride problem (only certain roads) can be fixed (or at least minimized) with $150 springs, far as I can tell. If I didn't show you exactly where the grease streak was, I doubt you'd notice it, very minor and my windows need cleaning from time to time anyhow so it's no biggie.

Now, of course as soon as I post this, the tranny will go out, the tires will feather and the alignment will be whacked, and it won't idle, but *knock knock* so far, no worries. Will it be fine for 100,000 miles? I don't know.

 

It's pretty hard to say how reliable a car can be for up to 100,000 miles. I just got on these boards and there do seem to be a lot of ppl with problems but ppl that aren't having any don't always speak up. It's normal to hear the negative.

Anyway, mine is november 02 build date and I have 31,000 miles on it. I had the tire feathering issue but it hasn't returned since switching to aftermarket rims and tires (yet, hard to say if it will ever return or not). I haven't had any tranny problems at all. Regardless, I always recommend the 100,000 mile extended warranty no matter what car I buy.

 

reliable than american and german cars.

 

Well thats just it....I 01 VW passat GLX right now that has proven more than reliable for 55k miles. Not one problem at all. I am just hoping that the Z can produce a similar experience. Thanks for the input from those of you that responded.

 

remember one thing nissan has sold atleast 60k units, no way that every car has these issues

 

Reliable? Yes, at least the motor is rock solid. The 2003s had some tranny issues and tire feathering ........which seems to be fixed with the '04 models. I have had my tranny replaced once (smoother than stock now w/3000 miles on it) and I have new front tires on the way for the feathering.

The other little things: grease streak, rough ride (very subjective), rough idle (normal for almost every 350z i've seen) don't really affect reliability nor do they bother me.

Get a late production date '04 and I doubt you will have any problems. Dimitri was close, I think Nissan has sold around 70k 350z's to the U.S. Just make sure you buy from a good dealer. Drive a long way if you have to get to the "good" one. This is crucial should you have any problems. I recommend the extended warranty as well. You can bargain on the price of it to, don't let the financial officer or salesman fool you

 

i got my tranny replaced.. and i got my accel replaced...
it was bi*ch hearing all the rattles..
but I still love my Z.
It just makes me smile when I look at her..

 

reliability is a bad word I think...

when I think reliable, I think will it break down. in which case, I havent heard a single issue of that thus far.

as for the problems, they are there. you may get one, or many, or none. if you know of any car that doesnt have issues, specially when reading forums, Ill be in line to grab one.

overall as long as nissan fixes the problems, I dont worry about them.

 

Good deal, thanks for the input fellas.