Hello everyone; I'm a new member.

I've been daily-driving an 02 RSX-S for a while now, and while it is a nice car with a great motor, each day that goes by, I yearn for a return to rwd, and more power.

I owned a 1991 300ZX TT for a while, and thought it was an awesome car. I loved almost everything about it. Long story short, I was going to have to drop big money replacing the turbos, but someone offered me a very generous price for it, so I sold it instead. I've missed it ever since.

Considering the Z32's are just... old these days (still love them, but don't want to be dropping 3-5k a year on basic maintenance) I've been looking at other options, and of course the 350Z is one of those choices. I've driven one owned by an acquaintance for basically a "lap around the block", and I've also driven a 2-door G35 automatic.

I've done some real cursory research on the 350Z, but now would like to think about picking one up sometime first quarter of next year, so I'd like to get a little more serious about figuring out just which one would be best for me. I assume I'll be shooting for something in the 04-06 date range. 6 speed is the only transmission option I'll consider. Aside from that, I'm more or less open. I've been reading the threads about cosmetic differences that allow for identifying different trim levels, and while those are helpful, the specific info I would like to find now includes:

1) What are *all* the actual performance differences between the trim levels? Between the model years?

2) Which model years are the best in terms of reliability/mechanical issues? For example, some early 1990 Z32's had "soft valves". The 96's had different emissions equipment that affected the standard mod path... etc. I've read that some of the 06's have oil consumption issues? Stuff like that.

3) Any other factors that make one model year more or less desirable than the other years.

Is there any sort of FAQ anywhere I could look at with this sort of info?

Thanks for looking,

ny

 

I like the 04.5 the best. DE engine, pretty solid, low problems as it was the end of the DE cycle and they moved on to the Rev ups which had issues. but the quality is improved from the 03-04s.

they can also be had for a steal.

- look for low mileage

 

I also love the 04.5, no problems

 

BTW I have a 2003

 

So I have noticed that the 05 and newer models had a slight adjustment in the factory power rating...

When you say "'04.5", was that billed as an 04 or 05 model?

What all was involved with the transition there? An actual change in the alphanumeric code that identifies the motor? I'd think some significant changes would have been made if they changed that.

I'm sure some of these questions will seem a bit stupid at first, but just bear with me.

Thanks for the input.

 

Yeah, how can you tell it's an 04.5?

 

Year with the fewest issues seems to be 2005.

Other years have one thing or another. Best thread to read through is probably:

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/197329-the-top-100-common-questions.html

Whatever Z you settle on, I'd have it looked over by a mechanic you pay & trust. If it is a private seller I'd take it to local Nissan dealer.

 

Welcome.

Straight line acceleration? Check the drag racing times.
Handling? All 350Zs to date run SCCA B stock.

Reliability? Check Consumer Reports.

 

check it...

http://www.*********.com/zwiki/Nissan_350Z

All models in all years perform just about the same. I wouldn't make that a criteria in your selection(except the track model has brembos if you need/want those)



Edit: are you Fuking kidding me? they wont let me paste a 350z-tech link???

 

Looks like some good reading there guys, thanks... I'll go through all that and then see if there are any other questions outstanding.

 

Welcome Ny. Happy shopping. You'll be making an educated buy with all the info available here, enjoy.