Hello everyone...I'm brand new to this particular site, although I've been all over other car forums for a few years. I currently drive a 2002 Honda S2000...I've had it for a little over a year and I enjoy driving it, but the lack of torque has gotten to me and it's very, very small. Although the 350Z is still a small car, the legroom isn't comparable because there is so much more. Trunk space doesn't bother me...but having no room for my legs is the worst!

So I've been considering a used 350Z roadster...probably a 2004 because I need payments to be as low as possible. The ones I'm looking at have very low mileage, but is there anything in particular that I should look for? Any particular things that make the average ZR owner not like the car anymore? Thanks.

Matt

 

Welcome!! I almost bought an S2000 back in 2002. I made a deposit, but everytime I sat on it, it would be uncomfortable.

Anways, just get a manual 350z if u decide to get one. I had a manual coupe and now an AT roadster (regret the AT).

I am considering trading to get my 3rd Z LOL!!!

Tony

 

Blasphemy.
Look at the problems the coupes have, and we'll most like have the same. Also keep an eye on your top. I cannot recall any ZR specific problems (besides the top).

 

Mine is for sale. Here is the link to my ad on autotrader.com

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...1000&cardist=0

 

^ I want your SEATS!!

 

Refer to this website for recalls, etc.
I don't recall if the Roadster came out in early or mid '04. Some early '04's had tire feathering and transmissions issues. Both problems seem to have been addressed in mid '04 a.k.a. the 04.5 model.
As mentioned earlier be sure to inspect the top closely. Some tops have been coming apart at the seams. Since you're buying used and you may or may not have warranty, this is an expensive problem to fix.
There have been several posts and some pictures re. the top separation problem.

 

Some of the 2004's had tire feathering problem which for the most part was fixed with a new alignment from Nissan (in most cases they gave you free replacement tires).

If the original owner has not fixed this yet then you will have to pay out of pocket to get the dealer to fix it now as the free fix they offered has now expired.

Only other weakness is the roof, at the rear corners the seams could start to come undone, or you could find small pin holes develop there. I've yet to see it on my 2004 Roadster, by my brothers 2004 Roadster developed it and he got a free new top from Nissan (he was still under warranty at the time).

 

Yeah my tires are starting to feather (22K) and I'm out of the warranty period.

Be sure to check with the owner to see if they dealt with this....otherwise you will have to buy a new set of tires and get an alignment. Its tough to hear on the ZR with the top down. Do a test drive with the top up.

 

im also an S2000 owner looking into switching into a ZR. mine will have that powerlab single-turbo kit on the second i get it though (if it ever comes out). that will make the transition from the S to the ZR easier.
-Chris

 

Hey Matt,

I got my 05 in July and LOVE it. I've been (slowly ) modding it, not that it needs it, but its such a fun and beautiful car that gets a lot of compliments. I bought mine certified and under extended warranty with low milage from a nissan dealer. The only "problem" was I needed the rear axel spindles re-lubed because they were clicking - which Nissan did for free in a timely manner with no questions asked, like they should. The roadsters can be "expensive" and hard to find, but I would say just be patient and you will find the right car. I found mine on autotrader.

 

They hold their value / no one likes to get rid of them