I just picked up an 03 350Z auto with 60K miles on it, and no mods on it. I got it at a good price from a reputable dealership. It had a clean carfax, and drove like a dream. 300 miles since I bought it down the road and it started chugging when the car would come to a stop. It sounded similar to old muscle car V8 and not the smooth note I was used to. The service engine light came on shortly there after. Anyone have any Idea what could be causing this? I will have it looked at asap.

 

Could be any number of things, best bet is to take it somewhere that can pull the codes, only then will you know whats wrong.

 

Take that **** back and have them look for it. DONT pay for anything. You have the right to return any used car within 30 days.

 

I am going to head out to AutoZone today and have them check the code for me since they do it for free. I am also going to contact the dealer I got it from. I am not new to working on cars, but I am new to the Z. It's still under warranty from the seller so if It is a big repair I will have them fix it. Anyone have any idea what would cause it to idle rough? I will post what happens with it.

 

Autozone said it's "Intake valve timing (IVT) control circut failure bank1" Probable cause 1. IVT control solenoid open or shorted 2. Cam/Crank sensors out of phase 3. Dirt buildup at control valve. It will be back at the dealership I got it from tuesday. Until then it wont move. If they don't fix it they can take it back via the lemon law. I really want this to work, but I am not going to force it to work.


How reliable are these cars for others here?

 

they are fairly reliable in my mind, I havent had an issue in the two years I"ve owned mine.

I dont trust dealers though and bought through private party

 

I am quickly loosing my trust with dealers also. I have 160,000 miles on my old Acura and the dealers were always friendly and helpful. I hope Nissan is the same.

 

Very reliable. I've had my pre-order '03 Z since October '02 and have virtually no problems. Other 350Z owners report the same experience. The Nissan VQ engines feature advanced electronic controls and a sensor failure can cause problems. Always use 91 octane fuel.

 

91 Octane? Is it ok to use higher octane? I usually find 92-96. I always get the highest octane they sell unless it's 100+ octane "race" fuel. I get the feeling that if I can work out the issues that it will be rock solid for me.

 

I am glad to say. I got it all worked out. The car is fine now, and I hope to keep it and drive it for a long time. I almost feel like I make up excuses just to take it for a drive now.