Well, I take my 06 in tomorrow to begin the oil consumption test and have them work on the following complaints:
- oil consumption is about 1 1/2 quarts per 3000 miles
- trans rattle when in neutral
-trans clunk when shifting into 2nd
- trans grinding when downshifting into 3rd
- rear axle rattle
I've been quiet about a lot of the issues with this car but this is really starting to **** me off. The fit and finish, the mechanical issues, the cheap plastic shouldn't be something that one should have to worry about on a 30+ thousand dollar car. The unfortunate part is I love the design and styling of the car.

 

My sentiments exactly.

 

Me three.

I've had 4 visits to the dealer so far for oil consumption...they just now started the consumption test.
Plus I have noticed the transmission is really clunky lately, it's like it drops into gears hard(my shifting hasn't changed).
Overall I'm not impressed with the car either. It's like the focused on the style and forgot about everything else.

 

Hmmm. I think I may be having this problem too. Let me know how everything turns out.

 

+1

But mine does look sick as hell

 

took it in on Saturday.
Oil consumption:
Changed the oil exactly one week earlier- added 5 quarts of Mobil One. Saturday- I was "1 quart low" according to Nissan. I drove 300 miles last week. The service manager insisted that it must be one of 2 things; I didnt' add enough oil OR I drive the car too hard. So, it's my fault that the engine eats oil.. I have to go back every 100 miles so that they can check the oil level.
Rear end clicking- although we both heard it during the ride along the tech said this was normal- NICE
Transmission issues-
-clutch rattling- answer "normal"
-clunking into 2nd- I shift too fast - again my fault
-Grinding in third " cannot duplicate"

So the end result is my weekend was ruined. I will NEVER buy another Nissan and will never recommend them. I was appalled how every complaint I had was answered with either it was my fault or normal. At this point I am seriously considering trading it in. We'll see what happens with the oil tests in a few weeks.

 

I'm having the same issues. Every time I call Nissan they just say to keep taking it into the dealer. I ask them isn't it a known problem if it's losing that much oil....
The dealer finally started a consumption test but to me that's too little too late.
Don't trade the car in, document all your visits and research the lemon law in your state. It's there to protect us as consumers from manufacturers that don't support their product.

 

and don't let them tell you it's your fault. it's a known, documented problem. They're just being jerks.

 

Dude.. sounds like your goign to wacked out dealer. I'm currently in the process of getting a new long block at performance nissan. I did an oil consumption test, car was apparently down 2.5 quarts after 700 miles. After I new they were doing the test I revved the crap out of my motor. Also, the guys there didnt give me crap for having intake, spacer, headers and test pipes. Also my car had 55,000 miles. If your car is new, just wait, powertrain warrantly runs out at 60K miles. Drive the car hard and most likely the issue will get worse. At that time take it to a mod friendly dealer and have the test done there.

 

EDIT: Nevermind

 

Curious on what happened with this lately. I seem to have the same problem. After 3000 miles, the oil level barely registers on the stick. I would also be interested on what Nissan considers "hard driving". Are we all supposed to shift at 3k?! This is a sports car after all. I can say that when I am driving my hardest, I am shifting around 4500-5000 and I do not consider this abusing the car. I have never gone over 6000. I also drive 80% highway. I can't believe my oil would be that low. I take it in on Tuesday morning. We shall see how things go.

 

They probably don't make sure these things are 100% fit because they KNOW we will still love and buy these cars...

 

Your dealer sucks ***. Some dealers just suck. If there isn't a good Nissan dealer in your area, I wouldn't recommend you own a Nissan.

 

i shift over 4k all the time and my 03 uses no oil..... 5 quarts in & 5 quarts out everytime.

 

Any dealer claiming they will not warranty your car due to "hard driving" or "abuse" needs to put it in writing. If you ask a dealership to put this in writing they usually will not do it.

In any case, you should have a lawyer write them a letter if they're giving you bullsh1t excuses.

I take the car up to the redline frequently. It is not "abuse" to do so. I also lose a small amount of oil, less than 1 quart in 3k miles. This is actually normal.


Their argument is invalid. Any car in proper working condition can be driven as hard as you like, and it will not lose 1 quart in 300 miles. If they think a properly working car can be made to lose 1 quart in 300 miles JUST by "driving hard" then you should ask if they've ever seen a documented case of "hard driving" leading to oil loss.

What method are they using to check the oil level?

 

I took it to another dealer here in San Diego and they were much better. Unfortunately around here, almost all of the Nissan dealerships are owned by the same company and this company isn't the greatest. I am on my 3rd week of the oil tests and so far the new dealership has been great. If fact, the service manager said that he has been seeing quite a few Nissans recently that have been having this problem and he promised to do the right thing. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

Clutch rattling - YES it is normal.
Clunking into 2nd when shifting too fast, also normal.

Grinding in 3rd - if you can make it happen, then insist they ride in the car with you. Thousands of tranny's have been replaced by nissan dealers. Why should your dealer give you a hard time? They get PAID for warranty service.


There is a TSB service out for this. Ask your dealer if they are filled in on all TSB service documents for the 350Z, and insist that it gets fixed. (EASY fix for dealer. It's just a few bolts, and some lube on the axle splines. Takes them less than 1 hour.)

 

Hey guys, I hate to sound stupid,,but I have about 1900 miles on my 06 Z. I was thinking about taking it in and having the first oil change early..If I do so,,or if I wait until 3k,,,should I ask for an oil consum. test from the get-go? I wasnt sure if I should wait until its broken in, or start the test from the first oil change? I only drive it maybe two days a week. Any help or answer to this question would be greatly appreciated...Sorry to sound dumb...

 

Ok, I havent seen a response to my question above? So, I went out and checked my oil. I have 1900 miles on my 06, it was manu. 4/06. My car has been sitting for three or so days with no driving...My dipstick is reading less than half between the L---?---------F. Does that seem kinda low for those few miles and not driving it but a few days a week for pleasure? I checked around my exhaust tips,,,,there was black smutt, pretty thick, inside and covering lower visible outside of tip. Hell, now I am scared i have an oil sucker.....Any advice would really be greatly appreciated...thank you..

 

I would take it in and at least have your dealer start an oil consumption test. Better to nip the problem in the bud.
that's not as bad as some have been leaking but it still sounds like it's losing more than it should.
Basically, you want to CYA and have everything documented in case you need something resolved.