Not going to Buy a Z
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Cleveland
Not going to Buy a Z
Perhaps someday Nissan will fix all these problems. Perhaps it will never happen. Don't know.
But as of right now, and this sadden me, having read what I have read on this great forum, I will not be buying either the Z or the G. I was ready to pick one up or put in an order if I couldn't find one quickly enough, but knowing there are so many problems, I will be buying a Honda Coupe or something similar.
Someday when the major problems are resolved (tranny, tire feathering, etc, etc, etc, ad nauseam), I will consider a Z purchase. I wish I could do it today, but Nissan doesn't have its act together yet. Its really too bad. Its a great, no... a fantastic looking car (I like it better than any Porsche, BMW, whatever, design), but knowing the car has the high potential for such flagrant problems, I can not purchase this car at this time.
I will drop by this forum (you are all a great source of information) from time to time to see what the consensus is, but for now. I say to you current Z owners, I hope you get your Zs fixed and hope you enjoy the car to the fullest.
-HYPERCORE
But as of right now, and this sadden me, having read what I have read on this great forum, I will not be buying either the Z or the G. I was ready to pick one up or put in an order if I couldn't find one quickly enough, but knowing there are so many problems, I will be buying a Honda Coupe or something similar.
Someday when the major problems are resolved (tranny, tire feathering, etc, etc, etc, ad nauseam), I will consider a Z purchase. I wish I could do it today, but Nissan doesn't have its act together yet. Its really too bad. Its a great, no... a fantastic looking car (I like it better than any Porsche, BMW, whatever, design), but knowing the car has the high potential for such flagrant problems, I can not purchase this car at this time.
I will drop by this forum (you are all a great source of information) from time to time to see what the consensus is, but for now. I say to you current Z owners, I hope you get your Zs fixed and hope you enjoy the car to the fullest.
-HYPERCORE
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From: right here
Do yourself a favor-- Look into other auto forums before you make such a decision.
If you used a forum to decide to buy a particular car or not (judging by problems listed there), you'd never buy ANY car.
Did you know that Honda/Acura are having all kinds of failure problems with their automatic transmissions? Yep, it's been going on for years now.
Stop by the Audi forums and look at how many problems those guys are having. It's rediculous.
After reading so many different forums, it seems to me that the Z has very few problems, relatively speaking.
If you used a forum to decide to buy a particular car or not (judging by problems listed there), you'd never buy ANY car.
Did you know that Honda/Acura are having all kinds of failure problems with their automatic transmissions? Yep, it's been going on for years now.
Stop by the Audi forums and look at how many problems those guys are having. It's rediculous.
After reading so many different forums, it seems to me that the Z has very few problems, relatively speaking.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 77
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From: Dallas
To further Tom2's post, always read a car forum for a first model year car. There's always some things that they just won't see until cars are on the road. I'm not making excuses, cause it sucks, but there's only so much you can see with their limited mileage testing/constantly retweaking during pre-production. Wait till the '04. You're only a few months away anyway.
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From: pa
The Miata is one of the most reliable cars on the planet but if you read the threads on their forum you would think they are POS.Same goes for the Accords,members complain about trans problems,paint,etc.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Outside of Boston, MA
The big mistake is reading the 'problems/maint' forum. If you read the other threads (such as the 'racing' thread) you will find many satisfied owners. This thread is ONLY going to have threads about complaints. It is easy to get wrapped up in 'thinking' that everyone is having problems, but there are a lot more cars out there than complaints on this forum... so MANY of the people are having no problems.
Personally, I LOVE the car. I have had the following:
1. Seat clicking - no biggie, there is a fix and (at some point) I might do it, but again, no biggie
2. Window grease - you can just barely notice this and takes 2 seconds to wipe off. There is a fix, but I will probably not bother to do it.
3. Oil leak - a little bit of a pain but VERY minor (doesn't even drip to the ground). The car is under warranty and this will be fixed.
To me, this is a very short list for a new model year and the car is a BLAST to drive (especially for the price).
Personally, I LOVE the car. I have had the following:
1. Seat clicking - no biggie, there is a fix and (at some point) I might do it, but again, no biggie
2. Window grease - you can just barely notice this and takes 2 seconds to wipe off. There is a fix, but I will probably not bother to do it.
3. Oil leak - a little bit of a pain but VERY minor (doesn't even drip to the ground). The car is under warranty and this will be fixed.
To me, this is a very short list for a new model year and the car is a BLAST to drive (especially for the price).
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Cleveland
To Everyone That Responded with Something To Constructive to Say:
Thanks! Its the type of response I'm looking for. I know this is the "Problems" folder, and all the threads are supposed to be related to it, and I need to keep that in mind, but overall I have a sinking feeling in my stomach that if I get this car (earliest would be next spring -'04 model), I may be taking the car into the shop more than I care to, esp. since the whole point (at least for me) is to enjoy just driving the car on the weekends. This is for me a toy car. Not meant to be used for daily commute. It would never see snow/salt (I'm in Cleveland area) and if I can help it, even water.
I agree that there are probably more satisfied owners and generally happy campers than the other way AND that other cars have similar issues (transmissions and a myriad of other problems).
To me the Z is everything I could ever want in a sports car. It is affordable, better looking than anything upto the $100 G range (IMO). I used to be obsessed with someday buying a Vette; since the day I saw the Z, I have forgotten about the Vette. I would still someday like to own a Vette, but for right now the price, style, the thought of owning a heritage is just the ticket.
That being said, having read some of the problem posts, I have a very disconcerting, and unsatisfied feeling towards buying something that may or may not have some major problems. The small stuff (window grease) I can live with, but not be happy about (no one would be and is not), but failed transmissions are another thing. Does it happen to other cars? Sure, absolutely.
Being that the Z is only in the first year, I am hoping most of these problems will go away. If Nissan is going to survive and more over thrive, it must acknowledge the "problems" and fix it.
Nothing is perfect, and a car and more so a sports car is a very complicated piece of machinery. I've heard (saw it on some show if I remember correctly) that the Porsche 911 (I think that's the model) has been tweaked to near perfection over the past 30 to 40 years. Hopefully, there are no longer any "real" issues with that car. I would love to see them do the same for the Z or just about any other car that is really worthwhile (different people will have different ideas about what is worthwhile) and which car to keep tweaking - but I think most here on this forum at least would agree that the Z is worthwhile - it already has a long heritage, but really they started from scratch (sort of).
Really, I am hoping the nagging problems will go away by the '04 '05 year. But right now, there is no way I am buying one. Too many problems.
Some of you that already have the car are going to be very defensive that even with all the troubles, its worthwhile (that's your opinion - likewise, I have mine). If you choose to put your blinder on and keep a narrow field of vision, again, that's your choice. I don't approach the issue of spending $35,000 with blinders on. I like to make informed decisions, whether it be for $10 or $35,000. If you already have a Z (which mose of you do on this forum), enjoy it, as you've spent a chunk of change on some very nagging problems. Perhaps you can live with it (good for you), but I can't (bad for me) - I am happy with my decision not to buy at this time.
Hope to hear some more CONSTRUCTIVE discussion.
-HYPERCORE
Thanks! Its the type of response I'm looking for. I know this is the "Problems" folder, and all the threads are supposed to be related to it, and I need to keep that in mind, but overall I have a sinking feeling in my stomach that if I get this car (earliest would be next spring -'04 model), I may be taking the car into the shop more than I care to, esp. since the whole point (at least for me) is to enjoy just driving the car on the weekends. This is for me a toy car. Not meant to be used for daily commute. It would never see snow/salt (I'm in Cleveland area) and if I can help it, even water.
I agree that there are probably more satisfied owners and generally happy campers than the other way AND that other cars have similar issues (transmissions and a myriad of other problems).
To me the Z is everything I could ever want in a sports car. It is affordable, better looking than anything upto the $100 G range (IMO). I used to be obsessed with someday buying a Vette; since the day I saw the Z, I have forgotten about the Vette. I would still someday like to own a Vette, but for right now the price, style, the thought of owning a heritage is just the ticket.
That being said, having read some of the problem posts, I have a very disconcerting, and unsatisfied feeling towards buying something that may or may not have some major problems. The small stuff (window grease) I can live with, but not be happy about (no one would be and is not), but failed transmissions are another thing. Does it happen to other cars? Sure, absolutely.
Being that the Z is only in the first year, I am hoping most of these problems will go away. If Nissan is going to survive and more over thrive, it must acknowledge the "problems" and fix it.
Nothing is perfect, and a car and more so a sports car is a very complicated piece of machinery. I've heard (saw it on some show if I remember correctly) that the Porsche 911 (I think that's the model) has been tweaked to near perfection over the past 30 to 40 years. Hopefully, there are no longer any "real" issues with that car. I would love to see them do the same for the Z or just about any other car that is really worthwhile (different people will have different ideas about what is worthwhile) and which car to keep tweaking - but I think most here on this forum at least would agree that the Z is worthwhile - it already has a long heritage, but really they started from scratch (sort of).
Really, I am hoping the nagging problems will go away by the '04 '05 year. But right now, there is no way I am buying one. Too many problems.
Some of you that already have the car are going to be very defensive that even with all the troubles, its worthwhile (that's your opinion - likewise, I have mine). If you choose to put your blinder on and keep a narrow field of vision, again, that's your choice. I don't approach the issue of spending $35,000 with blinders on. I like to make informed decisions, whether it be for $10 or $35,000. If you already have a Z (which mose of you do on this forum), enjoy it, as you've spent a chunk of change on some very nagging problems. Perhaps you can live with it (good for you), but I can't (bad for me) - I am happy with my decision not to buy at this time.
Hope to hear some more CONSTRUCTIVE discussion.
-HYPERCORE
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 498
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From: Des Moines
If your car buying decisions are driven by the 'Problems/Maintenance' section at my350z, you are the one with a narrow field of vision. I challenge you to go to any other car forum of a 1st year car and do the same type of 'research' you've done here.
I am the first to admit the shortcomings of the Z - I have nearly every problem that has been listed on this site. But I certainly don't think that these problems are a rarity in ANY brand name, especially a first-year vehicle.
You gotta do what you gotta do. Just don't kid yourself into thinking you are making an informed decision based on this forum.
I am the first to admit the shortcomings of the Z - I have nearly every problem that has been listed on this site. But I certainly don't think that these problems are a rarity in ANY brand name, especially a first-year vehicle.
You gotta do what you gotta do. Just don't kid yourself into thinking you are making an informed decision based on this forum.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 243
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From: Rochester, NY
Your loss dude ! You are missing the opportunity of owning a fantastic car - the best car available today for the money. I have had absolutely zero problems with my Track. Every car has its share and I don't dismiss the issues that some unfortunate Z owners have reported but there are thousands of us that are ecstatically happy. Good luck finding a car as good as the 350Z, for between $25-35 K, that doesn't have any technical issues.
New Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 321
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From: Sunnyvale Trailer Park
Don't buy one if you are worried that some people have problems. I have had zero problems whatsoever, but that doesn't make for a good post. Do what you will, most of the rest of the replies are dead on. Most of us have spent a chunk of change, but relatively few have "nagging problems". Make an informed choice whatever decision you make.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 97
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From: Austin, TX
Hypercore, if you just want a toy car for the week-end then why would you buy a Honda Coupe?
I've had very minor problems with my 350z, just some squeaks and rattles and a MIL from not tightening my gas cap up enough.
My advice would be to get a Z, make sure it has a 4 wheel alignment done before you drive it (I did this and then had it checked by a 3rd party shop), break it in properly, and then drive it and have the fun you're looking for in a car.
I bet if you polled all the drivers on this forum, the ones with the really serious problems would be a very small minority.
I've had my car back at the dealership for a total of one day to fix the rattles and squeak that I had, and now my car is perfect. I love every minute that I drive it.
I don't think I'd get this enjoyment from driving a Honda Coupe (at least I don't when I'm driving my g/f's Accord coupe). Perhaps an s2k, but it looks too much like a hairdresser / girls car to me.
Get one, you won't regret it.
I've had very minor problems with my 350z, just some squeaks and rattles and a MIL from not tightening my gas cap up enough.
My advice would be to get a Z, make sure it has a 4 wheel alignment done before you drive it (I did this and then had it checked by a 3rd party shop), break it in properly, and then drive it and have the fun you're looking for in a car.
I bet if you polled all the drivers on this forum, the ones with the really serious problems would be a very small minority.
I've had my car back at the dealership for a total of one day to fix the rattles and squeak that I had, and now my car is perfect. I love every minute that I drive it.
I don't think I'd get this enjoyment from driving a Honda Coupe (at least I don't when I'm driving my g/f's Accord coupe). Perhaps an s2k, but it looks too much like a hairdresser / girls car to me.
Get one, you won't regret it.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 22
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From: right here
Give me the opportunity to talk a little sense into you
Originally posted by hypercore
To Everyone That Responded with Something To Constructive to Say:
Thanks! Its the type of response I'm looking for. I know this is the "Problems" folder, and all the threads are supposed to be related to it, and I need to keep that in mind, but overall I have a sinking feeling in my stomach that if I get this car (earliest would be next spring -'04 model), I may be taking the car into the shop more than I care to, esp. since the whole point (at least for me) is to enjoy just driving the car on the weekends. This is for me a toy car. Not meant to be used for daily commute. It would never see snow/salt (I'm in Cleveland area) and if I can help it, even water.
I'm in the same boat as you.... I don't actually own a Z yet, but I'm 99% sure I'm going to buy one. It will also be my "toy", not my daily driver. So it's not like I'd be relying on the Z to take me to work every day, and either would you.
Also, you said you're considering an '04 model. If you think about it, many of the 1st year issues will have been long corrected by the time the '04s hit the streets.
I agree that there are probably more satisfied owners and generally happy campers than the other way AND that other cars have similar issues (transmissions and a myriad of other problems).
Knowing this, why would you be so worried that you'd end up with a problematic car? I bet if you look at the percentages, you'd have a very small chance of having more than one of the "issues" that others here are experiencing.
To me the Z is everything I could ever want in a sports car. It is affordable, better looking than anything upto the $100 G range (IMO). I used to be obsessed with someday buying a Vette; since the day I saw the Z, I have forgotten about the Vette. I would still someday like to own a Vette, but for right now the price, style, the thought of owning a heritage is just the ticket.
If that's the way you feel, then you're doing yourself a huge disservice by walking away from this car that is "everything you could ever want". No all-new car is 100% perfect, and I'd bet that the Z is better than most, judging by 1st year stats alone
That being said, having read some of the problem posts, I have a very disconcerting, and unsatisfied feeling towards buying something that may or may not have some major problems. The small stuff (window grease) I can live with, but not be happy about (no one would be and is not), but failed transmissions are another thing. Does it happen to other cars? Sure, absolutely.
Failed transmissions? On the Z? Very rare, from what I've been seeing. If it were a problem, it would be mentioned hundreds of times in hundreds of threads on every Z forum out there.
You want to see transmission problems? Go to www.acura-cl.com and you'll find they have a FORUM for failed transmission. (yeah, I used to own a CL)
Nothing is perfect, and a car and more so a sports car is a very complicated piece of machinery. I've heard (saw it on some show if I remember correctly) that the Porsche 911 (I think that's the model) has been tweaked to near perfection over the past 30 to 40 years. Hopefully, there are no longer any "real" issues with that car.
Your Porsche example is ridiculous. Do you really think ANY model of ANY car has been tweaked to perfection and will not have ANY problems/issues? If so, you're sadly mistaken. Even classics, like the 911 have changes nearly every year. Because of these changes, it is impossible to produce a line of cars that are all 100% problem-free.
Have you followed the Porsche Boxter dilemma? When those things first came out, people were having TONS of problems with them. Did Porsche work out most of the bugs? Sure. Are Boxsters now problem-free? Far from it, my friend.
How about the Mercedes Benz ML series (their SUV)? It was ranked off the chart in reliability. Has it gotten better? Yeah, but there are still issues, and it also has been out for years now.
I would love to see them do the same for the Z or just about any other car that is really worthwhile (different people will have different ideas about what is worthwhile) and which car to keep tweaking - but I think most here on this forum at least would agree that the Z is worthwhile - it already has a long heritage, but really they started from scratch (sort of).
Like every other car, the Z will get better as time passes. Will it ever be perfect, where you can expect no problems? No, like you said, it's a complicated piece of machinery....
Really, I am hoping the nagging problems will go away by the '04 '05 year. But right now, there is no way I am buying one. Too many problems.
How many problems are there? And how many of those problems would you expect to have if YOU got a new Z? What are your odds? See what I'm getting at?
There's a strong possibility that you could end up with a Z with none of the issues you've read about here. Or maybe you'll have one or two small issues. Or maybe you'll end up with a blown engine and a failed tranny.....who knows? Point is that could happen with any car, no matter how long it's been out.
Some of you that already have the car are going to be very defensive that even with all the troubles, its worthwhile (that's your opinion - likewise, I have mine). If you choose to put your blinder on and keep a narrow field of vision, again, that's your choice. I don't approach the issue of spending $35,000 with blinders on. I like to make informed decisions, whether it be for $10 or $35,000. If you already have a Z (which mose of you do on this forum), enjoy it, as you've spent a chunk of change on some very nagging problems. Perhaps you can live with it (good for you), but I can't (bad for me) - I am happy with my decision not to buy at this time.
I totally respect your decision to research before buying. But if you're going to do research, do it right. Find out how many people(percentage-wise) are having problems, and exactly what their problems are. This will help you determine your odds of experiencing these problems. Of course you realize that people that are happy with their Z and are not having problems are not going to start a thread titled, "My 350Z hit 20,000 miles, and has not had a problem!!"
And that's true of EVERY automotive forum out there. Like I said earlier-- If you make your decision based upon a forum, you'll never want to buy ANY car.
Hope to hear some more CONSTRUCTIVE discussion.
-HYPERCORE
One final point--
Personally, I don't give a crap whether you buy a Z or not. It just doesn't matter to me. That said, I'd hate to see someone walk away from a car that they seem to like so much for the wrong reasons.
Let me tell you a little bit of MY story. Right now, I'm driving a 2002 Ford Escape. I recently sold my other car, an E46 M3. When I bought the Escape, I was looking for a smallish SUV with four wheel drive and decent cargo capacity. I certainly wasn't going to drive my M3 in the snow of a New York winter.
Anyway, after looking at several SUVs, I decided the Escape was perfect for me. Perfect price, size, and it even had a V6 with really decent power.
But then I started reading the Escape message boards. It seemed like those people were having an unbelievable amount of problems, some very serious (engine stalling out while coasting downhill) and I was ready to walk away (just like you). But then I found out my cousin had purchased an Escape, and she had absolutely no problems at all (hers is a late 2001)
Long story short, I decided to take the chance and buy one. I picked it up in Sep 2001 and now, nearly two years later, it has never been back to the dealer, not even once. Totally problem-free. But reading the message boards, you would have thought the dealer would have had the Escape more than I would have.
Ya know, as much as I hate to say it, Japanese vehicles are superior (in reliability) to American or European vehicles. That's a fact. Just look through Consumer Reports annual Auto issue and tell me what you find.
Buying a Nissan should prove a good choice.
To Everyone That Responded with Something To Constructive to Say:
Thanks! Its the type of response I'm looking for. I know this is the "Problems" folder, and all the threads are supposed to be related to it, and I need to keep that in mind, but overall I have a sinking feeling in my stomach that if I get this car (earliest would be next spring -'04 model), I may be taking the car into the shop more than I care to, esp. since the whole point (at least for me) is to enjoy just driving the car on the weekends. This is for me a toy car. Not meant to be used for daily commute. It would never see snow/salt (I'm in Cleveland area) and if I can help it, even water.
I'm in the same boat as you.... I don't actually own a Z yet, but I'm 99% sure I'm going to buy one. It will also be my "toy", not my daily driver. So it's not like I'd be relying on the Z to take me to work every day, and either would you.
Also, you said you're considering an '04 model. If you think about it, many of the 1st year issues will have been long corrected by the time the '04s hit the streets.
I agree that there are probably more satisfied owners and generally happy campers than the other way AND that other cars have similar issues (transmissions and a myriad of other problems).
Knowing this, why would you be so worried that you'd end up with a problematic car? I bet if you look at the percentages, you'd have a very small chance of having more than one of the "issues" that others here are experiencing.
To me the Z is everything I could ever want in a sports car. It is affordable, better looking than anything upto the $100 G range (IMO). I used to be obsessed with someday buying a Vette; since the day I saw the Z, I have forgotten about the Vette. I would still someday like to own a Vette, but for right now the price, style, the thought of owning a heritage is just the ticket.
If that's the way you feel, then you're doing yourself a huge disservice by walking away from this car that is "everything you could ever want". No all-new car is 100% perfect, and I'd bet that the Z is better than most, judging by 1st year stats alone
That being said, having read some of the problem posts, I have a very disconcerting, and unsatisfied feeling towards buying something that may or may not have some major problems. The small stuff (window grease) I can live with, but not be happy about (no one would be and is not), but failed transmissions are another thing. Does it happen to other cars? Sure, absolutely.
Failed transmissions? On the Z? Very rare, from what I've been seeing. If it were a problem, it would be mentioned hundreds of times in hundreds of threads on every Z forum out there.
You want to see transmission problems? Go to www.acura-cl.com and you'll find they have a FORUM for failed transmission. (yeah, I used to own a CL)
Nothing is perfect, and a car and more so a sports car is a very complicated piece of machinery. I've heard (saw it on some show if I remember correctly) that the Porsche 911 (I think that's the model) has been tweaked to near perfection over the past 30 to 40 years. Hopefully, there are no longer any "real" issues with that car.
Your Porsche example is ridiculous. Do you really think ANY model of ANY car has been tweaked to perfection and will not have ANY problems/issues? If so, you're sadly mistaken. Even classics, like the 911 have changes nearly every year. Because of these changes, it is impossible to produce a line of cars that are all 100% problem-free.
Have you followed the Porsche Boxter dilemma? When those things first came out, people were having TONS of problems with them. Did Porsche work out most of the bugs? Sure. Are Boxsters now problem-free? Far from it, my friend.
How about the Mercedes Benz ML series (their SUV)? It was ranked off the chart in reliability. Has it gotten better? Yeah, but there are still issues, and it also has been out for years now.
I would love to see them do the same for the Z or just about any other car that is really worthwhile (different people will have different ideas about what is worthwhile) and which car to keep tweaking - but I think most here on this forum at least would agree that the Z is worthwhile - it already has a long heritage, but really they started from scratch (sort of).
Like every other car, the Z will get better as time passes. Will it ever be perfect, where you can expect no problems? No, like you said, it's a complicated piece of machinery....
Really, I am hoping the nagging problems will go away by the '04 '05 year. But right now, there is no way I am buying one. Too many problems.
How many problems are there? And how many of those problems would you expect to have if YOU got a new Z? What are your odds? See what I'm getting at?
There's a strong possibility that you could end up with a Z with none of the issues you've read about here. Or maybe you'll have one or two small issues. Or maybe you'll end up with a blown engine and a failed tranny.....who knows? Point is that could happen with any car, no matter how long it's been out.
Some of you that already have the car are going to be very defensive that even with all the troubles, its worthwhile (that's your opinion - likewise, I have mine). If you choose to put your blinder on and keep a narrow field of vision, again, that's your choice. I don't approach the issue of spending $35,000 with blinders on. I like to make informed decisions, whether it be for $10 or $35,000. If you already have a Z (which mose of you do on this forum), enjoy it, as you've spent a chunk of change on some very nagging problems. Perhaps you can live with it (good for you), but I can't (bad for me) - I am happy with my decision not to buy at this time.
I totally respect your decision to research before buying. But if you're going to do research, do it right. Find out how many people(percentage-wise) are having problems, and exactly what their problems are. This will help you determine your odds of experiencing these problems. Of course you realize that people that are happy with their Z and are not having problems are not going to start a thread titled, "My 350Z hit 20,000 miles, and has not had a problem!!"
And that's true of EVERY automotive forum out there. Like I said earlier-- If you make your decision based upon a forum, you'll never want to buy ANY car.
Hope to hear some more CONSTRUCTIVE discussion.
-HYPERCORE
One final point--
Personally, I don't give a crap whether you buy a Z or not. It just doesn't matter to me. That said, I'd hate to see someone walk away from a car that they seem to like so much for the wrong reasons.
Let me tell you a little bit of MY story. Right now, I'm driving a 2002 Ford Escape. I recently sold my other car, an E46 M3. When I bought the Escape, I was looking for a smallish SUV with four wheel drive and decent cargo capacity. I certainly wasn't going to drive my M3 in the snow of a New York winter.
Anyway, after looking at several SUVs, I decided the Escape was perfect for me. Perfect price, size, and it even had a V6 with really decent power.
But then I started reading the Escape message boards. It seemed like those people were having an unbelievable amount of problems, some very serious (engine stalling out while coasting downhill) and I was ready to walk away (just like you). But then I found out my cousin had purchased an Escape, and she had absolutely no problems at all (hers is a late 2001)
Long story short, I decided to take the chance and buy one. I picked it up in Sep 2001 and now, nearly two years later, it has never been back to the dealer, not even once. Totally problem-free. But reading the message boards, you would have thought the dealer would have had the Escape more than I would have.
Ya know, as much as I hate to say it, Japanese vehicles are superior (in reliability) to American or European vehicles. That's a fact. Just look through Consumer Reports annual Auto issue and tell me what you find.
Buying a Nissan should prove a good choice.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: san diego, CA
I love my Z
I picked up my 350z in Feb and I love it! I do have the weird popping noise when i turn my wheel all the way to the right and i do have the grease on my driver side window, but i'm getting those fixed at the dealer this friday. I dont have the feathering problem as some Z owner reported. I am very happy with my purchase even with my minor problems. I used to have the 1999 accord V6, the tranny failed on me and honda said that they will only pay half of the labor and not the parts. I was not happy with honda at all!! I vowed never to buy another honda because of the attitude they gave me! ( this doesnt include honda motorcycles hehe) My point is even with the accord, which is the best selling car for honda still have problems with tranny and such. I suggest buying what you love because soon you will regret buying something out of convenience!
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 77
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From: Dallas
Two more things:
First, while I'm certainly not encouraging you to buy a Vette over a Z, I believe the Vette has some pretty hefty heritage itself.
Secondly, research the 911 more. First of all, the car used to be fairly unreliable, and it's taken them 30+ years to fix that. Secondly, when the 996s (the latest 911s) came out, there was something wrong with the engines and numerous of the first few model year 996s have had engine fixes/replacements. Don't believe any car is maintenance free.
First, while I'm certainly not encouraging you to buy a Vette over a Z, I believe the Vette has some pretty hefty heritage itself.
Secondly, research the 911 more. First of all, the car used to be fairly unreliable, and it's taken them 30+ years to fix that. Secondly, when the 996s (the latest 911s) came out, there was something wrong with the engines and numerous of the first few model year 996s have had engine fixes/replacements. Don't believe any car is maintenance free.
Charter Member #30
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 366
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From: Belmont, CA
Hypercore,
Go check out a thread titled "Would you do it again?" in the "General Forum." The messages in that thread are all very positive. I understand your thought process completely - and am very glad I didn't use it.
I saw a picture of the car, fell in love and preordered one in March of 2002. Never saw one, had none of the solid hands on experience so necessary to get the true feel of any automobile. Even ordered a color combination with no real idea of what either the exterior or interior would look like, let alone how they would go together. Waited seven frustrating months until it arrived.
I have been patting myself on the back and grinning ever since. All of this from a trained scientist with a career of 35 years of very sucessful decision making.
Go check out a thread titled "Would you do it again?" in the "General Forum." The messages in that thread are all very positive. I understand your thought process completely - and am very glad I didn't use it.
I saw a picture of the car, fell in love and preordered one in March of 2002. Never saw one, had none of the solid hands on experience so necessary to get the true feel of any automobile. Even ordered a color combination with no real idea of what either the exterior or interior would look like, let alone how they would go together. Waited seven frustrating months until it arrived.
I have been patting myself on the back and grinning ever since. All of this from a trained scientist with a career of 35 years of very sucessful decision making.
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 422
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From: pa
Hey guys,who cares about giving CONSTRUCTIVE criticism to someone who says we have blinders on, have tunnel vision and bought "problematic" Z's.Hypercore can buy what he wants but if he's so convinced of his choices why does he hang around here?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Cleveland
Originally posted by POWERZ
If your car buying decisions are driven by the 'Problems/Maintenance' section at my350z, you are the one with a narrow field of vision. I challenge you to go to any other car forum of a 1st year car and do the same type of 'research' you've done here.
I am the first to admit the shortcomings of the Z - I have nearly every problem that has been listed on this site. But I certainly don't think that these problems are a rarity in ANY brand name, especially a first-year vehicle.
You gotta do what you gotta do. Just don't kid yourself into thinking you are making an informed decision based on this forum.
If your car buying decisions are driven by the 'Problems/Maintenance' section at my350z, you are the one with a narrow field of vision. I challenge you to go to any other car forum of a 1st year car and do the same type of 'research' you've done here.
I am the first to admit the shortcomings of the Z - I have nearly every problem that has been listed on this site. But I certainly don't think that these problems are a rarity in ANY brand name, especially a first-year vehicle.
You gotta do what you gotta do. Just don't kid yourself into thinking you are making an informed decision based on this forum.
Why do you assume that my entire decision process is based on the issue of "Problems/Maintenance", and that it is solely on auspices of this particular forum.
A good number of people have responded pretty defensively, as if I've attacked what they drive. The Z is a great looking car and goes fast. First year production, with any car company / model, has problems. IF the car company is not totally worthless, like most american car companies (that one should rattle a few cages), then they (car company) goes about fixing those problems.
I have owned a 3 Nissan Maximas since 1984 (1984 model 1st generation I guess - drove it for 12 years - 170,000 miles; 1995 - 100,000 miles, was almost completely problem free - accident/insurance payoff; 2000-5th gen. currently at 36,000 miles). I wish I had bought the 2001, but then agian that one has problems as well; the only real complaint about the 2000 model is truck lid scratches where it comes down and A/C makes ticking noise on lowest setting. Aside from that, no problems.
I am looking to get a new ride; it may be a variety of vehicles. I hadn't considered the Z until someone pointed out the price. So I started considering it and looking into it. Aside from the said "Problems", there are a variety of factors in my "going to buy" / "not going to buy" a particular vehicle.
The one thing I was trying to avoid were the num-nuts/barely any hair on their chin, testerone driven; I'm king of the world (can you do my laundry Ma) punks with adolescent replies, but I should have known better than to expect that...
Mine you, I'm not talking about you, but some of the others...
My decision to buy or not buy and how I go about it is simply my choice. If I have the money, its really no one's business. I asked for "constructive critism", but for witless jackasses to get their panties in a knot and respond in the way they have... oh well, they can't help being mindless twits I guess.
I am going to wait and see how the new '04 Supra looks. And hopefully by next year some of the problems that are currently present with the Z will dissapear. By then I'll know. I am patient and willing to wait. Unlike others, I don't go out and buy the bestest (presumably) shiniest toy as soon as it comes out. But that's my decision, not the others that already own a Z. Hey, someone has to buy it and be the guinea pigs. More power to ya lads... Go get 'em...