Major Mechanical issues with Z's
 

I know all cars will have their quirks and problems, but I'm interested to know, other than the service bulletins, what are the common problems with Z's. I'll actually make it easy for just yes or no responses. I already have read up about the feathering problem...that's why I have my eye on '04 and above. I am trying to price out an '05, but we'll see!!

Transmissions or driveline componentry known to fail?

Engine leaks or problems such as tensioners wearing out, waterpumps failing etc?

Interior and electronics going screwy? I already read about the window regulators, and cabin noise so that's not an issue.

Suspension problems?

That should just about cover it. Plz help me out!

Just a little background on why I am so paranoid about finding out these little things that you don't find out til it's too late:

Clicky

get an 05

:+1:

Welcome. For reliability data check Consumer Reports.

Not too come off as an ass or anything, but I would much rather hear from owner experience than from a website.:)

What kind of reliability have you guys and gals had?

Exactly, this would be a good supplimental source of info as opposed to mags

i had an 03 enthusiast with 70,000 miles and no problems at all. i traded it in for an 06 touring, but only because i wanted a car with lower miles. but at 70k miles there were absolutly no problems.

I have a 05 and it's perfect. 34k and not a single prob.

06s have had reported "oil consumption" issues. Do a 'search' on this site and you find all the info you need about it.

I have an 04, had oil consumption issues. New long block replaced under warranty.
Nav door failed 3 times
Power window motor failed in drivers side
Car rattles everywhere.
Fuel gauge woudn't fill up all the way.
Bose CD player broken.

Coming from a BMW, I've come to the conclusion that Nissan build quality is a piece of sh!t.

i got an 06 and 0 PROBLEMS! 2006 FTW!!

I second the motion...
 

+ 1 even lol.

>'06 till death<

*Shift_even number years* lol

time to reconsider...
 

Im really sorry to hear about your 330's tranny crapping out on you. I have been looking at 325ci's and 350z's and have yet to come to a decision. Keep us posted on the bmw thread about the tranny replacement cost.

Maintenance costs are a big issue for me as well when it comes to deciding on a car. The only trade off with the 350 is the insurance :icon44:

gl to ya

I did final;ly get my BMW back from the shop. Turned out the axle C clamp came off somehow and the axle wiggled it's way out of the hub. When It did this, it stripped the splines and shutdown the entire transmission. $626 later and my car is running fine. I do plan on selling it still though. I know I'll sacrifice luxury and refinement, but the maintenance costs are outrageous. Plus, I kinda want to try out the reliability of a japanese car for the first time now.

*Thinks we should do the SEARCH "wave" like we do with REPOSTS* :hmmm:

There have been some transmission problems with the 6-speed manual transmision. They appear to have been resolved, but you can read the details in many threads here. Nissan has been pretty good about replacing for free them under the powertrain warranty (5 years/60K miles). Basically the synchronizers on some gears wear out, causing excessive grinding when shifting. If you're under warranty, it's not a big deal.. I just had mine replaced at 54K miles, but some folks had to have it replaced much sooner, like 3000 miles, etc.

The tire feathering problem is really a suspension/alignment problem... Nissan never really explained what the fix was, but it appears to have been fixed in later years (2005 and up maybe, but I'm not sure on the year). I wish they'd at least document what the fix was, so I could maybe just go buy the parts myself from the 2006 and fix it. (Although in my case, I haven't experienced the problem too much, I just get it aligned every 6 months, $100).

There are the window motor problems, which I haven't experienced. The "grease smudges on the window", which I have experienced, annoying but not a big deal.

If you don't mind tinkering with your car, most or all of these can be addressed... but if you just want something that will work without any hassles, then I would suggest getting the most recent year you can (no surprise there).

Look at a 05 or 06 just to be on the safe side.
Or better yet go with an 07.

I'm not sure why everyone keeps telling him 05 and up rather than 04 and up? I'm coming from BMW's as well and remember when his thread originated. BMW's autos are worthless, and the ZF/Getrag manuals are bulletproof to insane power levels.

But thats off topic.

From what I've heard other than things like failing window regulators (common on all cars) the only two specific Z faults were the tire feathering and tranny issues.

In 03 there was also a seatbelt issue, which I've heard has been fixed on most.

The tire feathering issue I'm told (by tech's) was fixed by changing a shim. My guess is its a toe issue that they simply needed to shim a tie-od to fix (or something similar).

The transmission issue, not so sure about, heard the 3rd gear syncros are usually the first to go and to carefully check the 2nd-3rd shift on test drives.

GL, I'm looking for a PPW 6-speed with LSD....time to replace the beloved BMW :icon38:

Thanks for the comments guys...they are very helpful, even if this post is a bit of a "reposted topic."

I'm a member of 3 other boards and I do understand the frustration of the same questions being asked over and over again.

Just an update, my Z search is on hold right now. I am trying to sell my car privately...so far only one call after 3 weeks. When I do get my car sold, I will be looking at '05 and up Z's per recommendation from all you guys. I know I could find one around here from $20-25k, which is in my price range. I'm just going to be patient right now.

Again, I appreciate the input and I will be posting up here to show the new purchase off when I get it!