Don't sweat it dude, nothing any other car doesn't have. The only thing is, there arent specific user sites for the 'racy Ford Grand Marquis', or the 'unique Honda Accord'. If everyone compared on those cars, they'd get whiners and betching too. Some people's taste and sensitivities may not suit the ownership of a z. Its kind of like owning an american car, getting used to its motor, its tranny, its shifting, etc....then having them switch to a jap z car. Or someone who never owned a 'sports car'. The z brought in a bunch of 'newbie' owners like that.

They are used to mazda 626's, chevy malibu's, etc... Minivan owners, etc..


its a good car as far as i am concerned. Some cars have problems/defects....just a toss of coin.

Enjoy your z!

 

I have an 04 and I started this thread if that answers your question.

Since the original post I can add to my list:
Rear Axels clinking (parts on national backorder service manager literally told me: WHO KNOWS when the parts will get in)

 

Seat squeaks - got it, and it's driving me nuts.
strut creaks - well, my roof creaks. check.
footrest - ? nope, no problem. but, my clutch squeaks a bit, too
bumper chips - yup. paint sucks. check
Shift gets hot - warm here, but, normal for a RWD car with no linkage....
plastic stuff - yeah, iffy quality. but way better than cheesy $20K car interiors like neons, celicas, etc... (with some noteable exceptions - VW, Scion, etc)
gas lid - np here...
dealer - all dealers suck to some degree. I've found nissan much better than chevy (usually)

In addition, I've had the feathering, rear axle clicking, windows not dropping, and now that someone tried to break in and they messed with my roof, it squeaks even more....

The 350 is definately not as bullet-proof as my 240SX was, and that is a disappointment. It was a second-year car just like my Z, and I had NO problems with it, but it also cost $20K back in 1990 when it was new, vs. my $27K 350Z in 2003, and was way slower, with way less features/options....

It's tough, cause there are no other cars in the same price range I'd rather have, even after the problems. On the other hand, even my mom's brand new Camry has squeaks and rattles, and my dad's jeep (with less miles) is having way more problems. So, I don't think they build any of them like they used to (I think domestics have gotten better while imports have dropped in quality)

Some of the other things people complain about are things you should've noticed during a test drive. I mean, the bounce? No, it's not too stiff, but I knew when I bought it I wasn't gonna be happy anyway and planned to upgrade to the Nismo suspension. Woulda been nice if it came with one of the packages (*cough* like the RX8 sport suspension) from the factory... Stereo? I'm sorry, but ALL stock stereos blow, and this one isn't much better or worse than any other's I've heard, and my take is either a) it's a sports car, who cares?!? or b) if you care, you've gonna upgrade anyway.

On one hand, I sympathise, and yes, I want no squeaks and rattles on a 30K car, and since I've had other nissans without it, I've gotten spoiled. On the other, s2000s have their issues. $80K Jags have WAY more issues. Beemers ain't perfect, so... It's still a hella lotta car for thirty grand, but I'm still gonna try and get my problems fixed... So I guess I'm flip-flopping....

 

This world DEFINETELY isnt perfect. We have become too accustomed to everything being just right temp, just comfortable enough, taste just right, look perfect, act perfect.....or we start whining, and want refund, rebate, recover, and LAWyer. Those scum are the only one who EVER gets paid. A lot.

Just address the problems one by one, z owners....not every squeak rattle and hum is going to be fixed. Enjoy the ride, drive, and mod it out to get it noticed....don't hovercraft around while driving looking for problems! You may crash... heh heh.

I ripped my car to the metal totally in the interior. MY car does not squeak. But i spent 500.00 in dynomat for the sound system. That stuff rocks! Silences entire car.

Do that on a weekend you have free. I dont really go to the dealer for my problems, even though I got a 6 year 100K warranty when i bought. thats just in case I blow the motor or tranny using juice or F/I!

Fix your own car problems. Its rewarding, and you will enjoy it. Now my car is done, I miss the work. Its the journey, not the destinantion!!!!

Cyall

 

ha! I've added soundproofing to everything but the roof. Unfortunately.. the roof is the only thing making noise. If nissan doesn't figure it out, I WILL go in after that damn rattle, but.. The rear axle clicking (back again!) I can't seem to tackle myself. The seat.. I'm just gonna replace the damn thing. the rest, eh... Can't be perfect, right?

 

yeah... looks like you got dynomat on the roof in your near future. That headliners a nitemare....better have a couple beers next to ya to chill you out.... I almost put mine back on with a staple gun. heh heh

the only thing that still rattles on mine is that damn rearview mirror. I have my radar detector hanging from a bracket & I cant find a way to shut it UP! It only rattles with bass though, not road noise.

 

Sorry to hear all the problems you guys are having on your zs, but I don't have any problems with my z at all, Ive owned mine for almost two years now. Other than having bad camber and the grease on the windows where the roller makes contact with the window in the door. The camber I'm having fixed and the grease problem I take care of with a damp rag. So I guess I have two little problems .