Nissan 350Z

[t1m350]

Hi,

So I'm planning on buying a 2003 53 plate 350Z (about 90k miles) this weekend. I've been warned about the smoke on cold start, due to the piston rings or valve seals, and also the clunky gearbox (although I drove it a bit and it felt fine to me). I didn't get chance to see a cold start when I viewed it, as I was unaware of this, but I will ensure I see it before I hand any money over. If it doesn't do this, is it safe to say, as long as I look after it, it should be fairly reliable? I've already been ripped off once in my life with a dodgy Boxster.. I don't want it to happen again. How common an issue are these things?

Thanks.

Tim

[Alias218]

I've had mine for over four years out of a total age of eleven, and for me it had been faultless. The only thing to go wrong has been the rear silencer rotted away which is only to be expected of an eleven year old car.

Obviously a lot depends on individual cases and the maintenance a car has received, but by and large they are very reliable. I'm not aware of any particular model issues with piston rings or valve stem seals, however.

[Mr Tidy]

I've never driven one, but did think about getting one - there aren't too many cars about with petrol 6 cylinder engines!

But I ended up buying a BMW Z4 Coupe instead and have been very happy with it (and thankfully BMW did fit them with a stainless exhaust, even if the rear brake pipes rust)!

If you do decide to go for it I hope you enjoy it.