I think i'm about to buy a 2003 350z with 19k miles on it. After reading all of these problems with tire feathering and tranny replacements, i'm having second thoughts. Anyone want to give me some advice on what to look for when purchasing a used one? please help!!! thanks!
-Peter

 

Not all '03s have these problems. Mine didn't. If you're buying it from a private owner, ask them if they had these issues. Hopefully they'll be honest. I love my Z so much that I bought a second one. If you read a lot of the threads on this forum, you'll see that there are more Z enthusiasts that have/had more than one Z. Good luck on your decision!

 

Personally, i'd stay away from buying a pre-owned 03 Z. There have been many problems with Zs and much more from the 03's

 

I don't know the actual statistics of problems with an 03, but I bought an 03 in November 2002 and now have 50K+ miles on it. The car has been perfect. I have taken it to autocross and track days many times--never a problem. The other Z's that show up at events have not been having any problems either.

I did replace the original tires with Bridgestone S-03 tires at 12,000K. They weren't worn or feathered but I just wanted the upgrade before the Datsun Mt Shasta track/autocross week. I have gone through another set of tires since then but not because of feathering. [I wore out the rears--that's a defect with this driver ]

The transmission has been smooth throughout. I live in California where it is warm most of the year. I recall that some of the difficulty shifting seemed related to colder weather, and it also sounds as if some transmissions had some defects. I have also had the passenger window adjusted once when it wouldn't automatically roll up all the way.

As with any used car, I would look the car over carefully with special attention to how it shifts, whether there are signs of feathering on the front tires, electric windows, etc. So far as I know early Z's did not have other serious general problems.

If the car you buy doesn't have problems, maybe the sentiment expressed by DayBlueZ would result in a better price for you.

 

Thanks guys... when i go to test drive this car, does anyone know the exact problem with the tranny i should look for? Just grinding? I will also be checking the tires and windows. Was the tire feathering ever fixed on 03's?
THANKS AGAIN!

 

the nissan factory warranty is 36/60 so if you do have problems, they will be covered under warranty

 

I have an early model 03, Im number 2,65#. Luckily i haven't had issues. Had the tire feathering but they fixed it and I haven't seen any reminiscense of it. And as for the tranny, 0 problems....

 

With an '03-'06 350z look for a nissan emblem (front or rear). Then look for a 350Z label (rear). If the car has any or all of these, don't buy it.

 

"With an '03-'06 350z look for a nissan emblem (front or rear). Then look for a 350Z label (rear). If the car has any or all of these, don't buy it." ????????

I fail to understand the reason for that statement.

I have 58k miles, lots of hard driving on many early morning runs. After fixing my feathering issue 22k miles ago, the car has been flawless.

Owners speak loudly when they have complaints. Otherwise they are mostly silent. Some people have issues, just like any othe car. And just like any other car, problems can be solved.

 

You fail to understand?

Are you telling me that if you knew (before you purchased) of all the problems that a Z could possibly have, you would buy one anyway? I think I'm doing this guy a favor.

I have an '03, with feathering problems, grease streak and driver's seat clicking. I consider myself among the lucky. At least my transmission is OK (so far at 10K mi). I guess you get what you pay for, 32K for a sports car. It sounded like a bargain at first, but now I'm not so sure. I mean .I like my Z, it appears to be alright now, but what’s next?

I think you'd have to be crazy to knowingly play Russian roulette with your money like that. I was just being honest. I don't think that I'd even bother to test drive a Z if I knew what I know now.

 

My 03 is working great so far! has 15k on it. I had to get new tires already but for the rear... so front alignment issues at all. I had them replace the transmission even though there was not really a problem. I wanted the 008 up dated transmission. i also had the seat belts swtiched out for the 04-05 models thats pretty much it.

 

dino is correct in providing a balanced viewpoint to PGT's question.

Just like any (performance) brand/model, some Z's have no problems, some have problems, some have many problems.

PGT,
See if you can get a printout of all service done by the car owner's dealer, to confirm what the owner is telling you about the service history. If you are mechanically inclined, take confort that if problems do come up, you can fix.

 

If I knew then what I know now...would I had purchased my Z?

Yes.

Reason: Within limits, you can make any car perform to a given level. Why not start with the sexiest lady on wheels. If malfunctions develop...uh....fix 'em. First year models tend to have more problems. That's OK...as issue come up, the dealer or I will fix/improve. If I were to choose today between an 03 and 04 with identical miles and price, I go with the 04.

 

Thanks for the replys! I actually just bought a leftover 2004!!! its a touring model fully loaded, 34 miles on the odometer. Glad to be part of the club now!

just one more question...
A lot of clutch chatter in 1st gear... normal?

thanks
-Peter

 

Way to go PGT !! From my experience everything on the car should work perfectly. Definitely no clutch chatter.

I also think that it is best to follow the manual recommendations for break in and servicing. There are many posts over the past two years which contradict what Nissan recommends. Get to know your dealer and service manager. If he is rude or dismisses your concerns, find a new dealer.

 

I dunno.. as much as I love my Z, I do in part regret buying it.

I have had the tranny replaced and the new one is now starting to grind again in 5th and 6th.

The seat has shifted since the first month I have had it, and three times I took it in to get fixed with no results. I finally did the fix I found here on the forum, but it still shifts a tiny bit.

The axles click badly, I need to take it in for that.

The paint SUCKS! Its beautiful to look at, but fart on it, and it melts off.

I found myself today contemplating selling it at 14k miles, but I would probably be in the hole 1 or 2000 bucks, and I spent a lot of time and effore putting a nice system in it. Plus, what could I replace it with?

I dont *want* to sell my Z, but damn, I am sick of having to take it to the shop. I dont get loaners, and I need a car... especially the one I paid for!

 

yeah, if i could describe the sound it would sound like a babys rattle (quiet tho), just in 1st going really slow, with the clutch just engaging. hopefully its nothing because i LOVE the car and it shifts like butter
thanks for all the advice, this board is much better than my last. EVeryone was hostile on that one lol

 

So it's something you hear rather than feel? I think of clutch chatter as a 'grabbing' that you can also feel as the clutch is engaging. I'll listen to mine on the way home from work. I do hear the 'throw-out' bearing noise when I push the clutch in--sort of a humming sound. I've never worried about that because I have heard it on every car I've owned.

 

PGT, you may want to ride in several other Zs to compare the noise.

 

and actually I misspoke. I hear the humming when in neutral with the clutch pedal out (not it) sort of a low hum.