Posted this in West Canada... thought I'd look for input from you drivers as well....

Starting looking at puchasing (or leasing) a used 350Z and was hoping some owners who have already done their research could help me with.

My understanding is that "tire feathering" problems occured in 2003 and early production 2004. Does the 2004.5 have this issue resolved? What are the distinctive features to set the 2004.5 apart from the 2004's? Build dates?

According to Lemon Aid and Consumer reports the early models experienced some problems with the 6M transmission. They pick the best year as the 2005 -- any comments??

Other than that I guess I need to do some research on different models & options. Did they limit the number of models available in Canada -- ie. Track, Touring, Performance, etc.

For the record I'm looking at the 6MT coupe... not roadster

Any and all input is appreciated!!!

 

I have an 03 brickyard Z. Its a 6MT with frost interior.
A rare combination to find so dont be surprised if you find one and its price is a little elevated. I dont know about production numbers in Canada.

I've had to replace all of the tires due to feathering (like most people), but I've also had a few other issues. I'm on my 3rd amplifier as well as my 3rd window motor on the passenger side. On the driver side, I'm only on my second window motor.

Slightly annoying to keep going back for the same things but at least the problems were relatively minor.

My .02 is that a low km 03 is the most economical way to go. Newer means more $ but the km's may be even lower. No major changes between 03 to 05 but a few minor ones (I've heard).

Not sure if that helps you at all. Good Luck!

BrickyardNut

 

i got my 03 a while ago, was also worried about the feathering issue, check my tires constantly, haven't seen a problem yet. Love the car. Got the car under warrantee too.

 

Thanks for the input so far !!!

I came across a 2003 with 16,000km on it -- he only drove it weekends/holidays... he had a daily driver as well. Was asking $32,000. What made me think twice was the two issues above that I mentioned. A couple of local owners told me to go for a 2005 or late production 2004 model. Not sure how to tell if it is a 2004 or 2004.5 -- any clues??

 

i was todl that if they haven;t run into them in under 10,000 miles... it isn;t likly to happen.... get the car fax and if not major work has been done, your probably pretty safe

 

Any more feedback from Canadian Z car owners is appreciated.

 

My baby is the 04 model in the special liquid aluminum colour - very scarce.
It arrived on Canadian soil early April 2004 so I gues that makes it 04.5.
I have not had the tire feathering issue whatsoever. Car has done 33,000km and both my summer and winter tires are wearing perfectly even all around.

Regarding manual transmission problems, I've got to admit that the 350Z driveline/transmission is not the smoothest to operate. It's a far cry from the buttery smoothness of a BMW. I find that you get used to it and adjust your driving style. For example, I know when changing 1st to 2nd that you can't just ram it in. You have to pause just for a slight second and know by feel when the box is ready to accept 2nd gear. Changing up through the other gears is no problem, it's only 1st to 2nd. However, to be fair, I've experienced this with a lot of manual cars. Maybe they improved that with the later Z models but I'm not sure. I think some owners have added higher quality transmission oil to help with better shifting.

My biggest gripe with my car is how easy it is for the front end to get paint chips. Holy crap, after only 6mths my Z's front end was more spotted than a teenager's face. That p'd me off even more since I paid an extra $2k for the special 4 stage paint job.

I've had nothing that needed replacing under warranty, just regular maintenance. Maybe I've been lucky but I care for my car, don't thrash it when it's cold, etc.

Take your time to find an example that you feel 100% comfortable with and you get a good feeling from the existing owner. Good luck.

 

I forgot to add to my previous post that in terms of model variations, it is very simple in Canada. We didn't get all the different variations that the US has (at least not for the 2003/2004 model years when I got mine).

For the coupe, you have 3 choices:
1. "Performance" model (with 6MT)
2. "Touring" model (slush box)
3. "Track Pack" model (6MT)

The only significant option on top of the base price was Navigation.

 

There are changes in the 05 and 06 line up:

2005:
Track Pack was replaced with the "Anniversary Edition"

2006
Anniversary Edition is replaced with the "Grand Touring" option. So you get either Peformance or Touring with the Grand Touring option, which is basically the fat *** 18"/19" rims with the brembo's.

 

Thanks Braveheart for the consise and detailed response(s)!
Noodleman thanks also for your feedback!

I currently have a 6MT G35 so I'm aware of the tempermental 1-2 shift. Was hoping the newer 2004.5 and up 350Z's would have a more refined transmission. My first car was a 1972 240Z with 4sp manual -- It had a difficult 1-2 shift as well but the torque on that car was phenominal in 2nd and 3rd.

Braveheart... I saw a liquid aluminum in the classifieds -- love that colour

 

Wow, all tires got feathered?

I thought feathering was only an issue for the front.

Can you explain to us Don, in detail, how it is that your rear tires experienced feathering?

 

Fritzman... you're a quick one
I had already assumed he was referring to the front tires.. but as tire feathering usually occurs when the toe is out, it could also happen with the rear tires.

How has your Brickyard Zed been Fritzman?? Saw a 2003 BY 350Z with only 6000km on it... practically new -- he is asking $35,900.

 

I have an early 2003 Track (build date: Oct 2002). I have had no problems whatsover with the gearbox - no notchiness, no 1 -2 balkiness, etc. The only issues I have had are the tire feathering (I too thought it was front only); fuel filler cap not opening on first try, sticky hatch, and rocking driver's seat. All fixed to my satisfaction by Downtown Nissan (good dealer IMO), no charge.

I guess it is luck of the draw with respect to problems with the Z.

Good luck.
Sherman

 

Thanks for the info Sherman!!

 

Actually, I was teasing Don because he ran the larger staggered tires on the front for a portion of the summer. LOL.

I like my car. Mechanically, it's been perfect for me.

Having said that I wouldn't buy a Nissan again. Last year they refused to replace a cracked windshield (no stone chip could be felt/seen, and the crack started from 1/2 up the A pillar). I just sat in the car one morning and the crack was there. That cost me $500.

Then they refused to replace my headlights even though the service manager stated: "those are the worse examples of condensation I've ever seen on a 350z, but Nissan STB states there has to be actual water...".

The clearcoat on the steering wheel near the cruise control buttons has come off and although it was within the 3 year 60K warranty they didn't replace it, it was apparently under a 1 year 12K warranty. WTF???

I can accept some quality issues, but for a vehilce of that price you'd expect much better service.

Their loss. I bought a Honda Pilot recently instead of a Murano/FX (which I was previously planning on getting).

After this Solo2 season is done, I'll likely sell my Zed as well. It's lack of practicality becoming more apparent with my changing lifestyle (growing family, cycling).

 

Yes, I need the teasing cuz I'm a bone head and I rotated the tires from the back to the front for a month. It is so easy to smoke narrower tires!!! Great fun for the month of July!

Props to Nissan for replacing those. LOL

 

Since I drive an G35 sedan right now and have noticed a number of quality issues with the interior and paint chipping on the front, my expectations of Nissan/Infiniti has come down a notch... in spite of the premium we pay for the Infiniti name.

So far, 2 out of 5 (40%) 2003 350Z owners have reported tire feathering problems which were fixed by Nissan. The question in my mind is... will the other 3 eventually develop problems or is it the luck of the draw ??

 

Test drove a 2004 6MT Perf 350Z today. Didn't realize the Canadian version of this model came with leather seats. Must say I'm still hearing the purrr of that exhaust.

Definitely tighter steering and handling than my G35 with Eibach lowering sprngs and Hotchkis sway bars. It was wet and I pushed it a little through the corners.. the VDC kept me on track... it seemed to react quicker than my G. Overall I was impressed with the handling.

Noticed that the heater/AC controls are not as intuitive as the G... just takes getting used to. Visability as some have commented is another thing to get used to... big blind spots.

 

Thanks for all your responses!!
I'm now in midst of trying to work a deal on a low mileage 2004 performance model. Will let you know if all works out.