Nissan 350Z Advice
Discussion
Get a 2005+ car, the earlier ones had gearbox issues - mine did, crunched badly from 3rd to 4th. Make sure it's a GT, don't worry about sat nav - it's crap. Buyers market so look at a few, the later ones had more bhp also (313 iirc)
Don't listen to the usual PH abuse and "my mate had one" rubbish, most of the common issues reported (low rent interior, no boot space etc) are just not true.
As someone who has had many cars I say with gusto that the 350z is a great car, drove mine to the Alps and it was nothing short of superb.
Don't listen to the usual PH abuse and "my mate had one" rubbish, most of the common issues reported (low rent interior, no boot space etc) are just not true.
As someone who has had many cars I say with gusto that the 350z is a great car, drove mine to the Alps and it was nothing short of superb.
Been looking at these too. A buyers market indeed, there are so many for sale and no one can shift them. The cost of fuelling it over a year is the sticking point for me, but then the alternative is a Z4 coupé which is far more to buy in the first place.
I just have to stomach those frequent trips to the pump and remember that it's part of the total cost of the car, which is less than the Z4.
I just have to stomach those frequent trips to the pump and remember that it's part of the total cost of the car, which is less than the Z4.
TomM said:
Don't listen to the usual PH abuse and "my mate had one" rubbish, most of the common issues reported (low rent interior, no boot space etc) are just not true.
I thought I was set on one of these a few years ago; I took one for an extended test drive and the first thing I noticed was the low rent interior (true). It was full of cheap flimsy plastic, switches from an 80's parts bin, and just felt very cheap. Then I look in the boot which is small and very shallow, but also cut in half by a rear strut brace which restricts the boot further (again, true).After driving the car for 30 minutes, I realise that the itch I had for this car had well and truly disappeared! The gear change is very heavy, as is the steering, these things all add up for a tiring driving experience IMO. On the plus side it sounded great and was quick, but not blisteringly fast.
The same day I took the equivalent BMW Z4 (3.0 manual) for a drive. I sat in the car and immediately I notice that the interior is in another league, it's really well put together - real aluminium trim, nice plastics, solid switches (from this era!) and great seats. Took it for a drive; I found the the gear change was so smooth and light, steering was better, and the ride was good too. It was near-enough as quick, and found the engine was smoother and very linear with the power delivery. Another plus is the huge boot on the car, it will easily swallow luggage for a week away - even with the roof down.
Overall? The 350z was a huge disappointment, it looks great on the outside... but that's it. The Z4 was better in every way and I'd tell your friend to consider one of these instead.
Test drive both and you'll see!
Owned a 06 softop 350z for just over a yr a few yrs ago.
Fast, fun, comfortable, everything worked like it should, no faults at all with the car.
However, I just didn't enjoy driving it at all, and to this day I don't know why.
Such a shame, I sold car for a 61 plate S3 which makes me grin every time I drive it.
Each to their own I guess.
I'd suggest your mate takes any car he looks at for a long test drive, get a feel for it.
Fast, fun, comfortable, everything worked like it should, no faults at all with the car.
However, I just didn't enjoy driving it at all, and to this day I don't know why.
Such a shame, I sold car for a 61 plate S3 which makes me grin every time I drive it.
Each to their own I guess.
I'd suggest your mate takes any car he looks at for a long test drive, get a feel for it.
The owner's club site is very good - http://www.350z-uk.com/ - worth spending a couple of hours browsing, there are a few buying guide threads on there.
As mentioned, clicky rear axles, it's a problem with c.v. joints that is more annoying than anything that will do it harm and there is a cheap semi-temporary fix.
Exhausts rust badly where the rear centre section meets the rear silencer so check that, though it's a good excuse to put a stainless more fruity sounding section on!
As also mentioned, early cars did have weak synchros in the gearbox, though mine has been totally fine, replacement genuine oil and Molyslip treatment is regarded as a helpful bit of maintanence for this.
Clutches and gearbox can make some rattling and clicking noises but usually nothing to worry about.
Post 2005 cars will have a little more power but most say it's not that noticeable and road tax is doubled.
Interior is very subjective and often gets slated, but I really like mine, especially as it has the optional orange seats, handbrake lever, gear knob and section of steering wheel.
The GT pack is a worthwhile extra to go for for resale, you get cruise control, heated seats and Bose stereo, though this has it's own reliability problems.
The Rays forged alloy wheels were an option at first then standard fit aftetr around 2006, they are much lighter than the standard wheels and reports suggest that this is very noticeable. They look better too!
The Brembo brakes can squeal a lot at low speed, this is normal.
As someone has said, the controls are heavy, and it feels like the heavy car that it is. It's definately a GT rather than a sports car, but I like that and covering long distances in mine is a real pleasure for me.
Around town / short journeys I get around 22mpg, on a long motorway cruise 30mpg is very much possible.
With traction control switched off this is possibly the best car for oversteery antics I've ever owned, I think the chassis is a delight.
I'm not saying that there aren't better cars out there as I've not driven many of it's rivals, but I love mine and can't see me replacing it any time soon.
As mentioned, clicky rear axles, it's a problem with c.v. joints that is more annoying than anything that will do it harm and there is a cheap semi-temporary fix.
Exhausts rust badly where the rear centre section meets the rear silencer so check that, though it's a good excuse to put a stainless more fruity sounding section on!
As also mentioned, early cars did have weak synchros in the gearbox, though mine has been totally fine, replacement genuine oil and Molyslip treatment is regarded as a helpful bit of maintanence for this.
Clutches and gearbox can make some rattling and clicking noises but usually nothing to worry about.
Post 2005 cars will have a little more power but most say it's not that noticeable and road tax is doubled.
Interior is very subjective and often gets slated, but I really like mine, especially as it has the optional orange seats, handbrake lever, gear knob and section of steering wheel.
The GT pack is a worthwhile extra to go for for resale, you get cruise control, heated seats and Bose stereo, though this has it's own reliability problems.
The Rays forged alloy wheels were an option at first then standard fit aftetr around 2006, they are much lighter than the standard wheels and reports suggest that this is very noticeable. They look better too!
The Brembo brakes can squeal a lot at low speed, this is normal.
As someone has said, the controls are heavy, and it feels like the heavy car that it is. It's definately a GT rather than a sports car, but I like that and covering long distances in mine is a real pleasure for me.
Around town / short journeys I get around 22mpg, on a long motorway cruise 30mpg is very much possible.
With traction control switched off this is possibly the best car for oversteery antics I've ever owned, I think the chassis is a delight.
I'm not saying that there aren't better cars out there as I've not driven many of it's rivals, but I love mine and can't see me replacing it any time soon.
I looked at these a couple of years ago. Test drove and happy with it.
But in the end got my R32 golf, not as sporty looking but for me more practical can carry more than one other in comfort, plus room for surfboards on the roof.
What other options are you looking at? Or your friend looking at?
But in the end got my R32 golf, not as sporty looking but for me more practical can carry more than one other in comfort, plus room for surfboards on the roof.
What other options are you looking at? Or your friend looking at?
I chose between a 350 and a z4 two years ago when I got the z4. My friend had a 350z at the time and I liked it but the boot was too small for me, I remember trying to fit in the boot once when prating around and it was pretty much impossible. Z4 boot is like a volvo 960 by comparison.
I couldn't afford a z4 coupe at the time so went roadster and have never regretted it though I do think the Z4 coupe is a lovely looking car. I average about 31-2 to the gallon compared to 22-3 in the 350 though I think my mate pushed it a bit harder than I do.
Other end of the argument is that I don't think the interior quality of the Z4 is that far ahead of the Nissan and from my experience the Nissan is a more comfy place to be over a long drive.
I couldn't afford a z4 coupe at the time so went roadster and have never regretted it though I do think the Z4 coupe is a lovely looking car. I average about 31-2 to the gallon compared to 22-3 in the 350 though I think my mate pushed it a bit harder than I do.
Other end of the argument is that I don't think the interior quality of the Z4 is that far ahead of the Nissan and from my experience the Nissan is a more comfy place to be over a long drive.
I've owned my 350Z since Feb 25th this year and have done around 2200 miles in it now including a trip to the Peak District. Before I bought it I looked at a few alternatives (S2000 etc), but the Zed ended up coming in at the right price/fun ratio.
My experiences so far:
Exhaust rusted out at the joint between the midpipe and backbox about 6 weeks after I bought it. Bad luck really that it happened after I got it but it is a very common failure, I've since replaced the offending section with a Cobra system which makes a nice noise
Interior, fairly low-rent as people say. I came from a mk5 Golf to this so obviously the quality is quite a bit lower, but I don't find it bothers me at all. Has all the toys I wanted. The boot space is pretty minimal but we got a week's worth of luggage for two people in there without any issues.
Mine is a 2005 car which means it has the older 276bhp engine and older gearbox (it also means £2xx compared to £4xx tax for 2006+ models). No problems with the engine at all since owning it - service internals are 9000 miles, and there are 3 levels of service. Being a Nissan prices are quite reasonable.
The gearbox is clunky as people say, mine is considerably better now that the weather has warmed up a bit - was pretty tricky getting 1st or 2nd after a cold start in the winter! The clutch and steering are heavy, but intentionally so. I've not found it a problem personally and quite like the solid feel they give.
As far as consumables go:
Tyres are a bit of an awkward size (225/45/18, 245/45/18). The 45 ratio is a fair bit more expensive than 40 for example, expect to pay around £170-£200 a corner for premium rubber.
Fuel consumption is a little worse than newer cars of similar size/power, but not horrendous. I average around 26mpg commuting daily, and it'll get around 30mpg on the motorway.
I didn't drive a Z4 when I was looking because they were out of my price range, but I wouldn't say no to one in the future. I would also add that I wasn't actually that thrilled by the Zed when test driving, but I'm really pleased I went for it. The way it can saunter around town at 30mph in 5th, then turn into a bit of a hooligan when you hit a national limit (or a wet roundabout!) puts a smile on my face
My experiences so far:
Exhaust rusted out at the joint between the midpipe and backbox about 6 weeks after I bought it. Bad luck really that it happened after I got it but it is a very common failure, I've since replaced the offending section with a Cobra system which makes a nice noise
Interior, fairly low-rent as people say. I came from a mk5 Golf to this so obviously the quality is quite a bit lower, but I don't find it bothers me at all. Has all the toys I wanted. The boot space is pretty minimal but we got a week's worth of luggage for two people in there without any issues.
Mine is a 2005 car which means it has the older 276bhp engine and older gearbox (it also means £2xx compared to £4xx tax for 2006+ models). No problems with the engine at all since owning it - service internals are 9000 miles, and there are 3 levels of service. Being a Nissan prices are quite reasonable.
The gearbox is clunky as people say, mine is considerably better now that the weather has warmed up a bit - was pretty tricky getting 1st or 2nd after a cold start in the winter! The clutch and steering are heavy, but intentionally so. I've not found it a problem personally and quite like the solid feel they give.
As far as consumables go:
Tyres are a bit of an awkward size (225/45/18, 245/45/18). The 45 ratio is a fair bit more expensive than 40 for example, expect to pay around £170-£200 a corner for premium rubber.
Fuel consumption is a little worse than newer cars of similar size/power, but not horrendous. I average around 26mpg commuting daily, and it'll get around 30mpg on the motorway.
I didn't drive a Z4 when I was looking because they were out of my price range, but I wouldn't say no to one in the future. I would also add that I wasn't actually that thrilled by the Zed when test driving, but I'm really pleased I went for it. The way it can saunter around town at 30mph in 5th, then turn into a bit of a hooligan when you hit a national limit (or a wet roundabout!) puts a smile on my face
Few facts first:
06+ Cars had the power/tax hike (296bhp/400+ tax)
07+ Cars had another power hike (313 bhp)
For your budget you will be looking at an 53-55 Plate.
Personally i would get a lower mileage/better condition older car.
The main point people have missed about these cars is that they eat clutches, its not unusual for them to go at 40k. Make sure you get one with a strong clutch and not too high biting point as its an expensive job to replace.
Gunmetal/Orange cars seem to be a lot cheaper than black and blue, so you get more for your money if your not fussed on colour.
Definitely get the GT pack with Rays if you can, alot easier to sell afterwards.
The car is a right hoot and other than clutch/CV issues they are very reliable!
06+ Cars had the power/tax hike (296bhp/400+ tax)
07+ Cars had another power hike (313 bhp)
For your budget you will be looking at an 53-55 Plate.
Personally i would get a lower mileage/better condition older car.
The main point people have missed about these cars is that they eat clutches, its not unusual for them to go at 40k. Make sure you get one with a strong clutch and not too high biting point as its an expensive job to replace.
Gunmetal/Orange cars seem to be a lot cheaper than black and blue, so you get more for your money if your not fussed on colour.
Definitely get the GT pack with Rays if you can, alot easier to sell afterwards.
The car is a right hoot and other than clutch/CV issues they are very reliable!
Copy from an older post (in relation to it not being quick), tweaked a bit:
Bought mine a couple of months ago and here are my thoughts:
They are a steal for the price - granted they are pretty simple beasts and don't have many toys, but the bits that matter are all there.
Spartan interior? Maybe, but it does the job - A/C, leather heated buckets and a great sound system (some people report problems with the Bose unit, haven't noticed this on mine) - it isn't Audi level of trim with brushed aloominum everywhere, and the Bose stereo (and cassette deck!) does look ropey, but it is an ok place to be.
I think the people saying it isn't quick are missing the point - it isn't a track weapon like the GTR, it is more like a muscle car - power on coming out of a bend and the rear end will wiggle to let you know you are being silly before it shouts its way to the horizon - like a big daft dog on a polished floor. Maybe slower in the bends (it is pretty heavy) than something like an S2000, but not quick? Don't make me laugh - it isn't going to be troubling supercars, but under 6s to 60 isn't hanging about.
Tax is bad if you are getting an 06 or newer (mine is a 55 partly for this reason), but insurance on them seems relativity ok - I'm 24 with no NCB and paying "only" 1300 a year.
Fuel economy is pretty woeful - on a Christian motoring motorway special (with the irresistible "boot it off the roundabouts" game) I manage about 32. Driving about town including a fair bit in traffic, 20-24 is about right. Low teens/single figures is possible if you are going for a hoon.
People knock the lack of storage space - it is a huge car, but Nissan have filled the boot with a big strut brace, so it's no removals van, but big enough for a weekly shop and I have had skis and a bike in there. Lots of reviews will also tell you about the clever cubby holes everywhere - ignore this - yes, a glovebox behind the passenger seat is good, but not if you have replaced the front glovebox with a cupholder.
The sound is just phenomenal - proper V6 bellow - sounds like it is trying to shout everything in the immediate vicinity to death. With a replacement airbox (putting a popcharger on mine was immediate) the balance between exhaust and engine noise is perfect.
Advice - go for it. Don't worry about the fuel economy and bob's your uncle. Would definatley say go for the GT pack though - the Rays alloys are worth it for the price alone, and the other gubbins are just a bonus.
TL;DR
PROs:
- Big shouty V6
- Brembo stoppers
- Simple, but in a good way
- Cheap for what you get
- Puts a smile on my face like only a big, impractical, thirsty orange noisemobile could
Cons:
- Tax (on 2006+ models)
- Fuel economy
- "a Nissan? Like my Micra?"
- The car _WILL_ make you want to take up modding - the idea of whacking a stonking great turbo and a big HKS exhaust has never before appealed (have always been a firm believer in "manufacturer knows best") but I keep finding myself looking at it thinking "hmmmmm"
Since I said all that, mine has had a set of high flow cats, Nismo exhaust and a plenum spacer whacked on - the sound it makes is just lovely - proper angry animal bellow until it gets up the revs and then just pure engine noise and a healthy rasp from the exhaust to let you know there is a hell of a lot of gas being dealt with Had it on the dyno yesterday and it is putting out 289.5 BHP at the fly - happy enough with that.
I couldn't be happier with it - every blip of the throttle is met with childish glee and the way you can switch the traction control off and put it sideways at will is rather enjoyable. There is no sugar coating the fact that it is an expensive car to run, but for the fun it offers, well worth it IMO.
Bought mine a couple of months ago and here are my thoughts:
They are a steal for the price - granted they are pretty simple beasts and don't have many toys, but the bits that matter are all there.
Spartan interior? Maybe, but it does the job - A/C, leather heated buckets and a great sound system (some people report problems with the Bose unit, haven't noticed this on mine) - it isn't Audi level of trim with brushed aloominum everywhere, and the Bose stereo (and cassette deck!) does look ropey, but it is an ok place to be.
I think the people saying it isn't quick are missing the point - it isn't a track weapon like the GTR, it is more like a muscle car - power on coming out of a bend and the rear end will wiggle to let you know you are being silly before it shouts its way to the horizon - like a big daft dog on a polished floor. Maybe slower in the bends (it is pretty heavy) than something like an S2000, but not quick? Don't make me laugh - it isn't going to be troubling supercars, but under 6s to 60 isn't hanging about.
Tax is bad if you are getting an 06 or newer (mine is a 55 partly for this reason), but insurance on them seems relativity ok - I'm 24 with no NCB and paying "only" 1300 a year.
Fuel economy is pretty woeful - on a Christian motoring motorway special (with the irresistible "boot it off the roundabouts" game) I manage about 32. Driving about town including a fair bit in traffic, 20-24 is about right. Low teens/single figures is possible if you are going for a hoon.
People knock the lack of storage space - it is a huge car, but Nissan have filled the boot with a big strut brace, so it's no removals van, but big enough for a weekly shop and I have had skis and a bike in there. Lots of reviews will also tell you about the clever cubby holes everywhere - ignore this - yes, a glovebox behind the passenger seat is good, but not if you have replaced the front glovebox with a cupholder.
The sound is just phenomenal - proper V6 bellow - sounds like it is trying to shout everything in the immediate vicinity to death. With a replacement airbox (putting a popcharger on mine was immediate) the balance between exhaust and engine noise is perfect.
Advice - go for it. Don't worry about the fuel economy and bob's your uncle. Would definatley say go for the GT pack though - the Rays alloys are worth it for the price alone, and the other gubbins are just a bonus.
TL;DR
PROs:
- Big shouty V6
- Brembo stoppers
- Simple, but in a good way
- Cheap for what you get
- Puts a smile on my face like only a big, impractical, thirsty orange noisemobile could
Cons:
- Tax (on 2006+ models)
- Fuel economy
- "a Nissan? Like my Micra?"
- The car _WILL_ make you want to take up modding - the idea of whacking a stonking great turbo and a big HKS exhaust has never before appealed (have always been a firm believer in "manufacturer knows best") but I keep finding myself looking at it thinking "hmmmmm"
Since I said all that, mine has had a set of high flow cats, Nismo exhaust and a plenum spacer whacked on - the sound it makes is just lovely - proper angry animal bellow until it gets up the revs and then just pure engine noise and a healthy rasp from the exhaust to let you know there is a hell of a lot of gas being dealt with
Had it on the dyno yesterday and it is putting out 289.5 BHP at the fly - happy enough with that.I couldn't be happier with it - every blip of the throttle is met with childish glee and the way you can switch the traction control off and put it sideways at will is rather enjoyable. There is no sugar coating the fact that it is an expensive car to run, but for the fun it offers, well worth it IMO.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff