I have been considering ditching my 240 for a 350Z for a while and i think now might be the right time. I found a really clean '04 6 speed with 24.5k miles on it that is right in my price range. I have however been hearing a lot about oil consumption issues in the VQ35DE models predating 2007, apparently this never happened with the HR's.

My question to you guys is, was this issue ever present in the '04 models? Most of what i have read was about the issue was for '06 "Rev-up" models; i haven't seen anyone, during my search, mention an oil consuming '04 yet. My major issue with the whole thing is that i couldn't find any official recall information about this issue which makes me think that a recall never happened, it seems like engine replacements were just on a case-by-case basis.

I haven't talked to the seller yet, but the car being an '04, i am assuming that it is no longer within warranty. If this is the case would Nissan still honor an engine replacement for an oil consumption issue in a car out of warranty or would i be left to fork out for a rebuild under my own expense?

I am looking at about a $15k cap as far as funding goes, so an '07 model is pretty much out of the question. If the '04's did in fact have this issue do you think it's worth the gamble to buy this car or should i just wait until i can eventually afford an '07 model? (who knows when that would be)

I do plan on modifying the car enough to make it a decent drift car so if i do buy a warrantied car, the warranty would most likely end up void anyways.

Any info you guys can provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

The oil consumption issues started with the 06 models til the HR was introduced. As for engine replacements by Nissan, it was a case by case issue with each dealership doing an oil consumption test on the vehicles as they came back for an oil change over a period of months. If that dealership saw an issue that the engine was indeed consuming oil then an engine replacement was warranted.

I have an 04' (unofficially the 04.5') No problems what so ever. If I was in your situation, I would wait it out to be able to afford an 07+ model comfortably if that is what you really want. If you are ok with an 04' and can afford it now comfortably then go for it, your call really.

As for warranty, no point if you're going to be doing what you stated. Besides, factory warranty would have expired already.

 

Thanks man that is good info. I am completely comfortable buying the '04 if it's as clean as it looks in the pics. Having the HR would be cool but it's not really that big of a deal to me. I plan to have a couple years of fun with whichever car i buy and eventually sell it. I want to get stationed in Japan again and get back into the drifting over there.

If what you say is true and the '04's don't have an oil consumption issue then i will most definitely hit this guy up about his car. Thanks!

 

r_seng is correct...... it was only the rev-up engines that had this issue. so that would include the manual '05 anniv and any manual '06. I think the '04 had a differential issue though. There is a sticky on this forum with all the recalls and service issues of the Z. Good luck and have fun with it

PS I had a boosted '06 and didn't have any problems and my buddy had an '06 as well that was boosted and never had consumption issues...... luck of the draw

 

No. A 2004 is out of warranty (60 months). Any motor problems are on your dime.

 

This is no biggie, i plan to replace the stock diff with a 2-way anyways.

thanks, i'll run a search for that once i get done with dinner.

i appreciate everyone's insight.

 

The 04's never had a differential issue. They're all the same diff. Anyways buy the lowest mileage and most documented Z you can.

 

Everyone is considering a 350Z. But you better hurry. They are not making anymore.

 

I think the majority of people who buy a sports car and complain about oil consumption are babies about it. Some guys had serious problems. But really, if you're the enthusiast you claim to be, why would checking oil and topping it off be a huge issue?

That said, the 04 should be fine. Most of the complaints, like I said, are from babies who claim to be auto enthusiasts but whine about things that come with the territory. I have an 06 and I just keep an eye on my oil. I take care of my car and so far, this has been the most solid car I've ever had.

 

LMFAO there should be a sticky that says beware davidv will post in your topic for the buy/leasing thread lol