Looking into a z

[SC90S13]

Currently i have a 01 tiburon that is getting boring. It was my second car that i rebuilt, but i want something rwd and fast while i collect parts for my 240sx project. Ive found a couple in the 9-12k range, 03-04, 6 speeds. I am just curious how reliable these are, and if they are recommended for DD use. Any information on what goes wrong, how expensive parts, or how hard it is to work on them will all be appreciated. Let me know, and thanks for any input.

[GrilledCheese33]

I know a couple people that DD 350z's locally with little to no issues. They are nice rides, but keep in mind they are rather small inside. The G35 is the ultimate mix between sportyness and room IMO...

[BusyBadger]

^ ^ Why dost thou tread in my domain? JFWY

My Z is my daily driver and it's been nothing but a champ. I put between 425-450 miles a week on it just through commuting, it's got a little over 106K on it now.

Outside of the normal oil, tires, brake pads stuff all I've really had to do to it was have a windshield replaced and the had to repair the latch on the read hatch. The catalytic converters kept popping an engine code so I had Nissan replace them (there's a federally mandated 8 year/80,000 mile warranty on cats). I'm due for a new clutch and will be upgrading (by choice) my brake rotors. But that's it. Avoid '03 & '04 models (power window problems), the RevUp version of the VQ35DE ('05 35th Anniversary, '05 track model and all '06 models - manual transmission only) has been known to have oil consumption issues, '06 & later models have better headlights. If you can, try to find an '07 or later model.

Parts will cost more than they did with your Tib, but there's always deals to be had and the internet makes getting the best deal pretty easy. Do some online research on some common replaceables if you want a good idea of what you're looking at. Tires and premium gas will be the two big ones I'm thinking. I get anywhere between 24-28 mpg depending on how much I'm on the gas. I drive rain or shine and even in the snow. With the right tires (I'm running Bridgestone Pole Position RE960AS's but looking to upgrade next winter to Continental Xtreme DWS) I've found the Z to be nothing but sure-footed with predicatable behaviour, even in the worst conditions.

Cheese is right about having more room in the G35, but the Z is fine if you're not looking to haul many people or much stuff around. I looked at the S2000 and the Boxster for sporty DDs before I settled on the Z. The S2K was certainly too small, and I felt that I was having to pay too much for the Zuffenhausen nameplate on the Boxster.

[SC90S13]

Awesome, thanks for the information. I may be stuck in the 03-04 range just because of the price and mileage that i want. I found an 03 with 65k around 13k that i was very interested in. Being that im only 20, this will be the first car that i will be making payment on so anything 06 and up would be to expensive for me right now. Im currently a student at wyotech and I am learning a lot about how cars work and such, so I feel that any issue that I may have I can figure out the problem, so a power window issue may not be a factor.

My goal is to keep it mostly stock until its paid off, (except for maybe some visuals), and once it is paid off, get a new car a build the 350z. Over the next couple days ill go through any technical service bulletins that they have for the z, but any more information that i should search will be appreciated, thanks again for the input.

[hitbychance]

i'm 21 and purchased my 08 last year, you definitely will not be disappointed, it is the nicest car and fastest car i've ever owned. We have a DIY walkthrough for the window fix here on nico if ever needed but other then that i hope you purchase your z and enjoy it as much as we all enjoy ours.

[SC90S13]

Yea I'm sure once i drive one ill have to have one. Another thing im worried about is the insurance, i just gotta do some shopping around. Thanks again for the input

[370Z/28]

I have only had mine a couple of months, so I'm probably not much help except to tell you that I love my car. After I get my new stereo installed Saturday....it will be perfect. I have a 370 instead of a 350 so I don't know if that will make much difference, but my average MPG is 19.2 so far. I was hoping for better, but you can't have everything.

I traded a G for my Z. The G is a great car but in reality, the front cab of the Z is almost as roomy as my G. It is plenty wide and has nice compartments behind the seats for purses and goodies like that (probably not an issue for you). Backseats in the coupe are basically useless.

I traded an S2000 for my G. It is really a whole different vehicle. Best car I ever owned. Had it 4 1/2 years and it never went back to the Honda dealership. VERY small cabin and trunk. Zero torque. I got 24 MPG with it and it was quite a headturner.

Get the Z.....you will love it.

[SC90S13]

I looked at one in person, that particular one wasnt in great condition, faded mirrors, spoiler wasnt centered, cracked front bumper... ect. I may go back to see if they will let me test drive it, so i at least get a feel for the car.

[370Z/28]

Mirrors and Spoiler should be an easy fix, I guess....I guess it depends on if it is stuck on or screwed in? Cracked front bumper sounds expensive.

There are plenty of good used Gs. Wait till you find just what you want.

[dasoupdude]

Avoid '03 & '04 models

What he said, those were the the guinea pig years of the Z33. As said by Badger, the window problems and the transmission woes were a whore and a half. But hey, if in your eyes a steal happens to fall in your lap, by all means..

[SC90S13]

Yea i think i may try to find at least an 05, unless i can a really nice 03-04, i just gotta keep looking.

[SC90S13]

Ive been doing a lot of thinking and ive decided i want at least an 07-up 350z or a 370z... the only thing is i cant afford one right now, so my plan is to sell my tiburon, get a cheaper beater for a while and put the money into my 240sx project to try and get that running this summer. Once im done with school and get a job, (i hope), i will start to shop around for a z again, and maybe find a deal on a 370z. thanks for the input guys, i have learned a lot already.

[coupecrazy1232]

good to see u actually thinking with your head and being responsible!! I just got my 08 Nismo and DD it, it only has 28k on it but smart choice on saving up and getting the HR motor!!

[SC90S13]

Yea I'm going to auto tech school right now, so I don't think finding a job will take long, so I think I can wait until i have a steady paying job. Hey, maybe by then there may be a new z car.

[hurricanesrule]

Yea i think i may try to find at least an 05, unless i can a really nice 03-04, i just gotta keep looking.

I,LOOKED AT OVER 2000 OF THEM AND SETTLED ON AN 04 RED PERFORMANCE WITH 60,000 PAID 14,000 HAVENT HAD A PROBLEM WITH ANYTHING YET, CRAIGS LIST AND OODLE HAVE A CRAP LOAD OF THEM ON THERE SITES

[sluggoZ]

Ive been doing a lot of thinking and ive decided i want at least an 07-up 350z or a 370z... the only thing is i cant afford one right now, so my plan is to sell my tiburon, get a cheaper beater for a while and put the money into my 240sx project to try and get that running this summer. Once im done with school and get a job, (i hope), i will start to shop around for a z again, and maybe find a deal on a 370z. thanks for the input guys, i have learned a lot already.

Just wait for your deal on a 370Z......that's your best move!
Zzzya later!