PRuane

iTrader: (1)

Okay so I'm new to these forums and relatively new to Nissans as well. Im 18 years old live right outside of Philadelphia and I'm looking to buy a 350z. I got just got my loan approved for $17,000 so I'm looking at the 03-04's. I've test driven two, the first was overpriced ($20,000, 73,000 miles) and the second grinded into 5th everytime($16,000, 64,000 miles), high or low RPM from 4th-5th and 6th-5th. Now I owned a GS-T, it was my first car and I did a pretty good job modding, full body kit, intake, exhaust, upgraded to an 18g Evo turbo, turbo timer, racing clutch, the works. I didn't know much about Nissans at all but I love the way the 350 looks and 287 stock horsepower certainly is a plus. After I drove the 2nd one I thought the tranny problem was just a bad car but my friend's brother told me about how the older 350's have A LOT of tranny issues, and now I'm looking on forums and such reading horror stories of terrible trannys and extremely fast wear on the rear tires. Now I know my way around cars but unless rip the tranny apart it's going to be hard to tell if it's going to give problems in the future. I don't want to be stuck with a lemon down 17 grand and no factory warranty after ownership changes. Can you guys give me some feedback, is this tranny issue real big? Or am I just getting the stories from the bad drivers or unlucky buyers? Also if you would recommend any other car in the price range I'd be grateful, thanks.

VENOMSZ

iTrader: (4)

Take your time, and don't rush into anything.
The right Z, at the right price is out there,
just be patient. Check the classified section here,
you may find a good deal.

PRuane

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the reply but should i really be concerned about the transmission flaws, i read that the old 350z models come with a lot of headaches and issues. and like i said i dont want to be stuck with a car that is going to need constant maintenance

bailey bill

The drivetrain (including the tranny) has a 60 mo., 60K mile warranty.

bill

PRuane

iTrader: (1)

Is this warranty still valid if ownership of the car changes because to my knowledge i thought that all warranty's were void, unless noted by the dealership, if ownership is switched.

plumpzz

iTrader: (10)

Get an 05 or an 07+. Thats the only advice I can give you. Check if the transmission has been changed. Many peopleon this forum have had their transmission changed out on warranty to the newer CD009 version of the 6MT, and it solves most problems..
I have an early 05, and my tranny started to grind at 7k miles. I got it fixed under warranty, and now my 05Z has 45,000 miles and its still going good.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Consider that this is an enthusiast forum: we can be the 350Zs greatest fans, and its most critical drives. A thread such as

My clutch is broken

will get more attention than

My transmission shifts smooth as butter.

What you see here may be, um, exaggerated. Both the negative and positive attributes.

PRuane

iTrader: (1)

I would love to get an 05-08 but I dont have the money, I'm only 18 years old. Im going to be stuck with the 03-04 Z's and if I need to I'll probably just buy a whole new transmission, I was just curious on how bad this issue actually is

The Brickyard Rat

iTrader: (1)

Just keep looking. Lots of us have 2003s with no problems.

Do have a mechanic you pay & trust check it out for you before buying. It will be the best 100 bucks you have ever spent.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

What did you get?

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Z/G Owner
Yes
Location
Philadelphia
Color
Black
Trim Level
Enthusiast

Congratulations!