Hey Guys,

I am looking at a 03 350z Performance Package (manual) as a replacement for my 323i. Any tips or areas that I need to look for or be aware of? The Z has been etested and safetied. Also, I got a carproof report and it came out positive (no salvage/ liens on it).

Also, any shop you can recommend for regular maintenance (within Oakville area)... I can always bring it to CrossAvenue or RMP but I guess they are more inclined towards BMW.
Thanks!

 

you may want to upgrade to an 2004. The 03s were notorious for the front suspension issues and some others experienced problems with the transmission. Something to think about and lots of info on this site

 

I have an 03 the suspension is simply a camber kit and alignment and tranny was reported across lots of years. I have lots of racing on mine, no problems. Most of the (dont buy an 03) is over rated...

 

Hi,

You will be better off searching and making your own informed decision.. but here's a brief on some issues.

-Front camber: As mentioned this is an easy fix. Its not always necessary to upgrade to front A arms, you will simply need a proper 4 wheel laser alignment.

-Trans issues: I know of three original '03 owners who have the smoothest shifting trannsmissions I have tried on a zed..
Both my zeds have had the 009 transmission and theirs shifted much smoother.

-Rear axle clicking: this maybe a problem for you as the warranty on the '03 would have expired. I do believe there is a DIY on this site to fix the problem outside of warranty.
Experienced on '03-'04 models.

-Rear Gas hoses: '03 had some issue with these hoses leaking

If this is a canadian car, you can always walk into a nissan dealership and find out what TSB's have been addressed. Also probably find out what "other" work was ever performed on the zed as well..

Grab a beer, and search this forum.. Best advice I can give you.

GL noob!

 

i agree, most of the 03's are fine. i have two buddies with 03's and they have had a couple issues but nothing serious. i even have issues with my 04.5 tranny. just make sure you take it for a good test drive.

 

Shouldn't be too much problems, reality already listed most of the issues. I had a 04 but still changed the transmission under warranty and does not shift as smooth as buddies 03's.

I've also done the fuel hose recall which should be free.

My biggest problem was that driver's side window doesn't work sometimes in sub-zero weather.

 

wow... nice community. Thanks for the advice guys.

Btw, if the transmission die on me, what are the cost involve (how much), including installation? or any alternative considering the warranty for 03 is expired.

 

03 Z Touring Manual

Other than the fill gas problem, I have no problem at all...

 

I remember a FS thread in the local forum, recently.. can't recall pricing though..
Take the z for a solid 30 min test drive, going through the entire gearbox several times -then repeat... If it grinds, walk away. I think 5th is the first sign..

The z33 transmission is pretty solid.. but if you haven't driven in one, they can be clunky.. for lack of a better word

 

Again, thanks for the reply. Apart from the extended test drive. Could anyone recommend a shop that could quickly take a look at the car, for a fee of course. The car is located near the Pacific Mall area (Steeles and Warden).

 

Z's transmission isn't the smoothest transmission, notchy as hell but liveable, but if it grinds in 2nd, 3rd, 5th, or 6th, then it's bad tranny.

Mine grinded 2nd, 3rd and 6th. Shop won't be able to see if tranny's good or not from outside.

 

i'm selling my 03 track

 

You can get a tranny used for about 1000-1500 and re-re the tranny is easy since it's a RWD car, you can literally do it on jack stands or have just about any shop do it for $750. Thats pretty typical price for a re-re on a trans, I would suspect it could be done/had cheaper then that as well.

I sold my Porsche and bought the 350z because of this issue. The trans on a porsche is $8000 and install is grandiose!!!

 

I would recommend taking it to speedstar and have them take a quick look. They are quite familiar with the z and would probably be able to give you an accurate diagnosis on its condition.

www.speedstar.com

I would call in advance to setup an appointment

 

I have an 03 and only problems I have experienced is the rear end clicking (which does not affect performance at all and I plan to DIY fix it in the summer) and the gas fill problem (I can only fill my tank up 90% - dont plan on fixing this as its nothing)

 

I have an '03 and have only had it out a couple nice weekends. I bought it with a grind in 3rd and 5th (both grinds are dependant on rpm vs. wheel speed and the speed at which I shift). So putting around I can avoid the grinds easily, when I rip around sometimes I get real good grinds. It bugs me a bit but I know it is only the synchro and that the tranny isn't going to fail catastrophically. I bought my car to beat on it, not for luxury so I can deal with it. The thing that bugs me the most is when you grind infront of other people and they all think you are some spoiled ***** that can't drive the car lol.

The camber issue was fixed and the tires are worn evenly, no issue there.

The rear end clicking is new to me, apparently I missed that in my Z research craze... I guess I get a failing grade.

My only complaint about the Z is the sound system is horrible and it is begging for trouble. Otherwise it is all thumbs up!

 

I bought an 03 Nov last year. My car only grinds going into 2nd if it is still cold or I shift really fast. Otherwise, there is no grinding and it shifts smoothly. I don't daily drive it, but so far I am very happy with my purchase. Buying a sports car just before winter FTW! (in terms of price)

 

Yeah, it starts off "just when it's cold". Mine did the same thing. Eventually it disappeared for a couple months and came back. There was no avoiding it after that. Didn't matter what I did, it would grind.

 

Anybody tried GM syncromesh for the tranny? It's a tranny fluid developed by Pensoil (i believe) for GM because of their shitty trannys. They grind and have all kinds of problems so this fluid was developed and it pretty well solves grinding tarannies. I used it in my Talon when the tranny started to grind, went away a few weeks later and I race a whole extra year on it. Eventually it gave up and I had it rebuilt at Magnus.

http://www.stealth316.com/2-pennzoil-synchromesh.htm

Edit, searching Synchromesh most guys said not to use it. A lot of yes's for Amsoil and Royal purple and this post: https://my350z.com/forum/1130095-post3.html