I am new to Nissan and a noob to buying used cars. I am looking to purchase a 350z in the next few weeks and I want to know about the car when I go in to negotiate at these grimey used dealerships. So I have a few questions. If you have some information that I didn't ask for, I am open to suggestions. I am ok with being pointed to another post if it details the answer I need:

1. What are the common problems with the 350z?
2. What should I watch out for to make sure I am getting my money worth?
3. I have seen quite a few cars over 80k miles. What are the common problems that occur at high miles?
4. Have there been any major recalls that I should make sure have been fixed?

Thanks for all the help guys. Looking forward to getting my first Z.

 

Top 100 questions is a great read.

 

Yea, I did go through that. Didn't answer many of the questions I need help with. Although it will be great after I buy and am ready to mod.

Maybe for a more specific example, I know Hondas. The later model Preludes, will need a new transmission around 100k miles. The 93 accord, didn't have a lot of mods that could be done, but 94 was great.

Are there any specific years I should stay away from etc?

 

03 and early 04 had transmission problems. 06 had had oil burning issues.(rev up)

if you want a DE motor 350, get an 4.5'-05'.
if you want a HR motor 350, get an 07'-08'.

for recalls, it depends on what year

for mileage, these cars are very reliable. 80k is relatively low.

moneys worth..try to get one with brembo brakes. leather seats if you want.

for common problems, nothing major. just basic maintenance. there are complaints about interior quality.

 

Thanks this is a great start. Are there pitfalls to watch out for with each engine? As well, what maintenance should I make sure has been taken care of after the 100k mile mark? Is the standard tune up enough?

 

Also don't count out the 03 and 04 cars because of trans, many are just fine, others got replaced under warranty.

Plugs, PCV valve and normal oil changes

 

Giving us a figure in dollars that you wish to spend would be more helpful as the price range varies from year to year.
The engines were designed with regular maintenance to cover 200,000 miles so a well looked after engine should cause you no trouble at all.
Window motors used to fail but they would've failed by 80k, my passenger motor failed at 74k.
Nissans have never been known to be stylish or use quality plastics for the interior, I can think of far, far worse though.
I hope you find what you're looking for.

 

My trans is fine and I have the older 2004 kind. You just have to take it easy and not thrash through gears. My window motor went out when I was at 40k and I'm past the warranty.

VQ engines are reliable with regular maintenance. And are chain and not timing belt driven so you ideally never have to change it.

 

look out for oil consumption, this can only be observed long term so ask the seller to confirm if there are any, particularly on the rev ups.

 

Basically what everyone else has said:

- The '06 had a recall on some engines for Oil Consumption which most on the road should have had fixed or replaced.
- '03 - '04.5 had a tire feathering issue which some people got a free replacement of tires which was fixed with a wheel alignment.
- Not a common issue but some people have issues with window motors.
- Some people have complained about transmission, however I don't know any personal stories. The Manual transmission is naturally very loud and clanky which is not flag for any issues.

Overall these cars are very reliable, trouble free and should last 200k+ miles. My advice when looking to buy a Z look for one that has been taken care of and has no signs of being beaten.

 

good information, i am currently looking to get one from a dealer as well

 

Everyone else has covered pretty much all the bases I can think of. Also check out the speakers, front and rear. I bought mine with non working rear speakers and never realized it

And make sure you test drive it for a good, long time. A lot of issues won't show until you're at operating temperature.

 

I've had my 03 for 6 years and have put 65,000 miles on it. I'm well into the100k club. Just buy one. They are great!

 

Use the next few weeks to look at as many threads as you possibly can before buying. Also test drive as many cars as you can just to see if any feel considerably better than others. Try to find out if there's a 350Z meet anywhere near you in the next few weeks that you can attend in person and ask questions, you're a lot less likely to get ********ted whilst looking people in the eye. Check the net for any 350Z car mag tests, these will give you an objective viewpoint. Good luck when you do eventually buy.