Old 350Z

[LordGrover]

So I'm looking at a 'budget' 350Z, up to £10k, probably a MY 2005-ish.

Anything to watch out for? Is this a little old and should I save a few more bob and get something considerably newer?
I ask because my bargenomics has backfired somewhat and my 10 year old bimmer has just sprung me a bill for a couple of grand on a car not worth much more.

If electrics/gadgets/stuff is getting a bit flaky on a 5-7 year old car I'll look elsewhere but I quite fancy a Z at the moment.

Had a butchers at 350Zuk.com but would value PHers opinions.

Ta.

[otolith]

We've got one that age - the only thing to have gone wrong is a wheel bearing, otherwise it has been reliable. Feels generally well screwed together, and the interior is wearing well.

[paulmoonraker]

That's not old for a jap car, more so if its not a high mileage example.

-P

[LordGrover]

The one I'm to see later is as described:

ad said:

3 Doors, Manual, Coupe, Petrol, 46,931 miles, Metallic Blade silver. ABS, PAS, Anti theft system, Immobiliser, Remote Central Locking, Both remote keys, Drivers airbag, Passenger airbag, Side airbags, Alloy wheels, Locking wheel nuts, Heated elecric seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Elecric heated and retractable mirrors. 4 x Electric windows, Air conditioning, Traction control, Cruise control, Full leather upholstery, Sports seats, Multi function steering wheel, Height adjustable drivers seat, Front fog lights, Trip computer. GT PACK, BREMBO BRAKES, RAYS ALLOY WHEELS, XENON LIGHTS,COLOUR SCREEN REVERSING CAMERA, COLOUR SCREEN SAT/NAV,FULL STAINLESS EXHAUST SYSTEM,FITTED HANDS-FREE PHONE SYSTEM, BOSE PREMIUM RADIO/CD MULTI-CHANGER Impossible to imagine a nicer, more highly spec'd example of this prestigious, powerful, and sought after high performance sports coupe. gleaming paintwork, enhanced by as-new alloy wheels,gives a superb appearance.The awesome engine is downroaded through a smooth six-speed manual gearbox, and the stabilized tight handling and drive are a delight.Fitted with a host of options, all working perfectly, this superb car reflects the care and huge expense lavished upon it, and will delight the fastidious afficionados of this high performance marque.

Thoughts?

The salesman sounds very good on the phone so I can see me buying the darn thing unless I can find issues with it.

[oedo]

As other's have said, bombproof. That sounds like a fully spec'd GT model (although it won't have front fogs and obviously only 2 electric windows).

There are a couple of very minor common faults to look for (clicking rear axle, n/s bose speaker cutting out, clunky drop links etc). Extensive info and buyers guides on the owners forum 350-uk.com.

Possibly clutch and tyres (depending on what state the current ones are at) are the only major expenses I can think you might be looking at in the future. Services aren't too expensive and involve mostly just fluid changes.

I bought my '54 GT 3 months ago and so far it hasn't wanted for anything, just a good geo setup to get it nice and true.

[Stuart J]

Have a look on here for sales http://forums.nissansportz.com//index.php?showforu...

Here for problems http://forums.nissansportz.com//index.php?showtopi...

Generally a good car but parts are in the "how fking much" categorie, ie the struts on the tail gate can get a bit "limp" & cost just over £300 a pair but can be regassed for around £50

Ive had a modded one for a few years & its been a great car to own.

As they are a bit thirsty the market is pretty depressed so with your budget you should get a very nice one, avoid Imports & try for the ones with the GT pack. Soft tops seem to struggle to sell so avoid unless its a keeper

[douglasr]

I had a 2005 for 3 years, my sister bought it and has had it for a further year. I had no problems with mine and hers has just sailed through its MOT with no advisories. The mechanis who serviced it said it was in great condition.

A 2005 also attracts lower tax.

Servicing is pretty cheap, fuel consumpyion 24mpg average, tyres £110 - £190 depending on brand.
Brakes very expensive (Brembo's) - £1000+ from a dealer, less from a specialist.

http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/index.php?sid=4211bea... for all the anwers.

I would have another in a moment if I could.

[im]

1. Don't buy one that isn't factory 'GT' spec. - You'll take a huge hit re-selling it. Likewise don't get a Jap import (Fairlady)

2. Be aware Road Tax is over £400 for 2006 model onwards

3. Bose CD player 'jumps' when car not fully warmed up (common fault - has to do with condensation or something)

4. Drinks petrol just like a Supercharged 4L V8 TVR!!!

5. Beautiful to drive - Has the 'feel' of a muscle car rather than a lightweight sports-sprinter though.

6. Be very careful going over speed bumps etc

[LordGrover]

im said:

1. Don't buy one that isn't factory 'GT' spec. - You'll take a huge hit re-selling it. Likewise don't get a Jap import (Fairlady)
Tick.
2. Be aware Road Tax is over £400 for 2006 model onwards
Feck it - it's a 2007.
3. Bose CD player 'jumps' when car not fully warmed up (common fault - has to do with condensation or something)
Tick.
4. Drinks petrol just like a Supercharged 4L V8 TVR!!!
Tick.
5. Beautiful to drive - Has the 'feel' of a muscle car rather than a lightweight sports-sprinter though.
Tick.
6. Be very careful going over speed bumps etc
Tick.

Hope to be picking it up tonight.

[im]

LordGrover said:

Hope to be picking it up tonight.

What colour?

Don't forget to post up a picture!

[LordGrover]

[LordGrover]

Is that blade silver?

[im]

Magnifique!!!

...and the 2nd fastest colour too

Seriously though, might I enquire what that beauty set you back as the sticker in the window seems to start with the number 16? PM me if you don't want to publish.

[im]

LordGrover said:

Is that blade silver?

Dunno but there's a thread here on that very subject of Blade Silver: http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&amp...

You're as well joining that board (if you haven't already) as they have some great members and threads on almost all aspects of the 350z.

[LordGrover]

Difficult to say really as they're doing me a decent trade-in/px and a good bit off the screen price (NB the photo's old - it was on the forecourt at 15k when I viewed it and I'm paying substantially less than that).

YHM

[killsta]

That Z looks the same colour as mine which is Twilight Grey - K51.

Edited by killsta on Thursday 19th May 13:46

[im]

killsta said:

That Z looks the same colour as mine which is Twilight Grey - K51.

I think that looks more like mine, Gunmetal Grey, than Blade Silver...but its difficult to tell because how the light hits it makes a big difference. Nissan made so many different Silvers/Greys or else kept changing the name of the only Silver/Grey.

LordGrover said:

YHM

You too.