I've been reading some of the "about to buy a 350z" posts, and the advice seems to be not to buy an early production '03 model. I'm looking at one which was manufactured in '02, so I'm guessing that's very early '03 Not recommended? My other option is one manufactured in March '03 - it only has 16k miles on it and is like new, so I'm pretty keen on it. So, did they get their act together by March?

The later one is a Touring model in fabulous condition, 1 owner, 16k miles. The Nissan dealership who are selling it are asking $24.5k OTD - is that a good price? I'd like to get it for less if I can (of course!)

One last question - do TSBs have a time limit? So if there are a bunch outstanding on either of the 03's I'm looking at is there a chance that I can't get some TSBs done for free?

Thanks for the advice .

 

And another thing (sorry: newb) - what's the difference between a TSB and a recall?

 

The production year runs, umm, one year so a 350Z manufactured in 2002 would be an “early” 2003. But I don’t know about this business of avoiding an early 2003. Where does this data come from?

TSB is a supplement to the service manual. It just tells the technician how to repair something.

A recall is initiated by the manufacture because of a safety concern. Lets say that the car goes backwards when in first gear. That’s a safety problem. There are no “recalls” for the 350Z. None.

 

Well, I read a couple of threads on here that suggested staying away from an early production '03 because of some teething problems. Seems like some of the TSB's involved replacing parts with improved versions, which one would expect to appear right out of the factory on later models. A March manufacture date is, what, 8 months into the first year production run? Seems like that might constitute a "late production '03."

I guess you're saying not to worry: an early '03 is fine. Thanks for the feedback (and the clarification on TSBs/recalls).

 

Reliability data above from 350Z owners. Compiled by Consumer Reports.

Not exactly. 2003 is not the most reliable 350Z year, but the price is discounted for problem areas.

 

I bought one built June 2003, I guess that's toward the end of the build year. I have had some minor issues, but resolved by the dealership for free since the car is under warranty. The feathering was resolved at 10,000 miles, and hasn't returned. I had the rear clicking sound, and I think they fixed that. I also had the CD-skipping issue and they replaced the HD too. So far at 17,500 miles I'm very happy, and in comparison to the Chrysler 300M I owned before this, the reliability, quality and workmanship is wonderful.

 

you can look up the exact production date by going up to the parts counter with the vin number...

if you send me the vin number i will be glad to look up your production date for you...

 

You can also just open up the driver's side door and look at the sticker on the door jamb, it'll tell you build month/year.