Hey guys! So I'm looking to buy a 350z, I have a 16k budget to work with. For some reason in my local area the 350z are about 8k over the KBB value, so I'm going to go a decent way out to get one. The problem I'm having is that I don't really know what year 350z is considered the best to go with. I know that most of you will say the 370z is the better option with my budget, however I just find the fenders of the 370z to be very awkward and out of pace on that car, so I have narrowed it down to the 350. I'm looking between the 2004-2008 years, and in your opinion, which is best? 6 Speed Manual, Enthusiast or Grand/Touring, if it makes a difference.

Thanks for your opinions!

(Yes I realize I said 350z alot.)

 

Hi there and welcome to the forum

After owning my 2005 Z for about 10 months, I wish I would've paid more attention to the production years myself when I purchased mine back in July. The only thing going through my head was "I want a CLEAN Z with low miles, and heated leather seats!!" I Quickly fell in love with the car and all the notions of keeping it stock (ha-ha) went out the window.

Aesthetics wise, the 06 and newer have updated head and tail lights that I'll end up paying extra for. Performance wise, 06 (i believe) has the new and improved HR engine. This version has more horsepower and is a bit faster than the previous engine DE. To get the same performance and swap the headlights out, I'll be spending more than if I'd just got an 06+ to begin with

 

Thanks for the reply! I knew about the engine differences between the DE and HR. But it was the little things like the headlights and taillights I didn't know about! Does anyone else have any other quick little things about the car a new owner may overlook?

 

The hr engine comes in the 2007-2008. A couple 2006 Z which is the 350z de has oil consumption problems. Your best bet is to find an hr with low miles. I own a 2007 Z.

 

thanks for the correction!!

 

I'd go for the HR engine if you can afford one as it is a more refined engine than the DE. Some of the '06 DE engines with manual transmission had an oil consumption problem although this can be confirmed by checking the VIN number with Nissan.

 

Go with a 2007 or 2008. They came with the HR engine. Best bang for the buck!

 

I appreciate the information. It looks like my answer is almost carved in stone. I'm not going with another oil Eater I've had that problem before. I will start the search for a 07 or 08!

 

If you have that much I would go for the 07-08 as others said. If that price includes tax and financing go for a low mileage 2004.

I own a 2004.5 and have not had any issues besides the window motor. Look for something with low miles and has not been modded.

It took me about 6 months to find the z for me. Finally found one with 30k miles and bone stock.

 

I am looking for a bone stock car, the only thing I would really accept modified would be a nice set of wheels for it as well.

What I've read about the HR is making me want it more and more. Time to trade in my current car.

 

with the hr you may (more than likely) have slave cylinder problems which require dropping the trans. other than that i love mine. dont rush into things, take your time and find the right car for you... pay a little more for a bone stock low miles ones...it will be worth it

 

Besides the paint chipping easily on these cars, are there any other defects with the body work of the cars years, 07-08?

 

in the HRs.... clutch master and slave (best to replace them together, and use the zspeed heavy duty one), bose amps cutting on and off, in older ones window motors go out, camshaft sensors go bad, if you do an intake that sits low you have to worry about hydrolock, hatches rattle, diff bushings known to blow, interior door handles gettting scratched.... nothing too major honestly

 

Base models do not have lsd, or cruise control.. Wish I had researched that before I got my hr, for the lsd.