New To 350Z's need some advice!

[MaDMaXX]

Hi all,

I've just started looking at the 350's once i realised they were in my price range. I found one and took it for a test drive, but have some questions i hope you knowledgeable people can assist with?

So the car is a 2004, 67,000 miles.

1) I noticed that when i came off the throttle that i could feel the gear stick move a bit, also when i applied the throttle again it moved, is this normal?

2) I think i've answered this already, the gear knob is worn and peeled a little, i've found how to remove the surround and the knob, does anyone sell their old (good condition) knobs or are they cheap from Nissan?

3) Same goes for the surrounding fascia, i've noticed some kind of white/clear "bubbles" on the textures plastic, is this normal? how much is a replacement bezel?

4) Do the plugs need replacing at 60k miles? i don't believe they've been done and saw a video that suggested this change, it looks like a ball ache to do?

5) Is there anything i should be looking for/at doing at this mileage, anything i should keep an eye out for when purchasing the car? I'm sorry i'm not familiar with the 350Z.


I probably have more questions, but can't think of any, i just came back from the test drive, *any* help/advice/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[dasoupdude]

1) Yes, its a common thing to see in rwd cars. Some people see the shifter move around alot on weight shifts, some people don't.

2) An aftermarket nismo shiftknob is about $60 from Nissan, an oem brand new can be seen for as much as $110

3) The fascia problem is common, its better to just find a matching adhesive garnish to put over. I've already bought 2 oem bezels and they all faded and look like crap now. Those brand new are about $80

4) I havent replaced plugs yet and I'm already at 108,xxx miles. Nissan recommends changing the Z's plugs at about 105k miles. (iridium tipped)

5) Yes the 2003-2004 are notorious for its transmission syncro problems when shifting into 3rd gear. When shifting at a decently mid-high rpm listen for a grinding noise. Unless its a 2004.5

The cut off between the problem transmissions and the updated ones can be found just by looking at the vin#

from D...4T160001 & E..4T060001

[MaDMaXX]

Thanks for the replies.

I didn't notice the movement in the shaft with my mustang, well, maybe not as much, i don't believe that it's a problem, just wanted to make sure.

2) Hmm, that's a pricey knob....

3) That's a real shame, did Nissan ever fix it? any aftermarket ones?

4) Plugs should be good then

5) Wasn't aware of this, didn't feel anything on the test drive and don't want any problems after using a bloody Mustang box for a year, it's straight of a tractor!!

I can't quite fit the VIN methodology you mentioned, the VIN reads: JN1AZ34E54M155100

Also does anyone have the ability to run a carfax on that?


Thanks.

[orangeNblue]

2) you can sometime find people selling theirs or parting out for much cheaper but most people end up going aftermarket bc they like that look better.

3) You could just paint it. I just ordered a shift boot and when it gets here I plan on removing the entire center console piece(s) and painting all of them flat black (including the silver piece surrounding the boot) I'll post pictures when I'm done, but it'll prolly be around Oct 8-9. I've had really good luck with SEM paints and that's what I'll be using.

With all the other points I agree. I'm the first person to do early maintenance of any kind, but that's just me. I plan on doing the sparks at 75K along with radiator hoses and any other manual referenced work.

[dasoupdude]

I can't quite fit the VIN methodology you mentioned, the VIN reads: JN1AZ34E54M155100

Production at Oppama Plant (T) (to be discontinued at the end of April 2004)
For Coupe models
JN1AZ34D*4T160001
JN1AZ34E*4T060001
For Roadster models
JN1AZ36D*4T110001
JN1AZ36A*4T010001

Production at Tochigi Plant (M)
For Coupe models
JN1AZ34D*4M100001
JN1AZ34E*4M150001
For Roadster models
JN1AZ36D*4M200001
JN1AZ36A*4M250001

You're golden then, your Z was made at the Tochigi plant. So you are most likely not going to have the transmission problems.

[MaDMaXX]

Sweet, thank you very much

[z33r350z]

I'm gonna Answear all your questions
1)VQ35HR or nothing
You can thank me later

[MaDMaXX]

I can't say that your post is useful in the slightest i'm afraid.

[orangeNblue]

I think he's saying if you have the cash and are interested in looking for a higher horse power, nicer body mods, different interior, and well more power, then you should take a chance and look up the 2007-2008 350z which comes with a VQ35HR motor. I will say that I've owned both a 2003 and a 2008. I like the 2008 much better but additional horsepower isn't the reason why....the headlights, body lines (different hood), and the wheels and interior are all different.

[MaDMaXX]

Yeah, i'm lucky i can afford the '04, so as good as the '07 is, i just can't get it :}

[_b.jaye_]

mine's succumb to various window motor bugs lately, which seem pretty common so look out there in the '03-'04's if its a concern. the passenger motor went out & the auto roll-up feature went on the blink with the driver side.

[MaDMaXX]

Apparently this one has been replaced not so long ago along with the fuel pump and something else.

[z33r350z]

Trust me the 07-08 is well worth the money can reach 300whp with bolt ons and a tune the only problem is with the clutch with the 07's if u want an auto get a 07 stick get an 08 test drive a 07-08 and a 03-06 trust me you will want to save up for the 07-08 better brakes too if it's non brembo
-better brakes
- nicer headlights
- led tails
- sexy stock wheels
- hood bump.
-vq35hr
- better stock y pipe
- beast mod ( this ones a special feature only soup can access )

[orangeNblue]

Another thing to watch out for with any Nissan is the power seat switches.....make sure both sides function 100% properly. I had to replace the driver side on my 2003. It's like $90 for the part and really easy to install, but if you're test driving one with leather seats, make sure all of the extras work. That way you can have them pay for it if it needs to be replaced

[MaDMaXX]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'm afraid i was without car so i couldn't really wait and save for something more expensive. I now own a 2004 Touring.

I agree about the stock Y pipe on the earlier models, i've not seen a newer one, but the one i've seen has terrible crush bends and a really bad collector (par for the course)

I did check everything, including the seat switches, all working nicely Also had a guy inspect the whole car too, including all functioning things like the seat switches, money well spent i think.

[z33r350z]

how much you pay how many miles ?

[MaDMaXX]

Got the touring version with 67,000 for $13,500. it's actually 1-2 k under for round here.

[z33r350z]

ur 100% positive its a tourning ? what were they askin?

[MaDMaXX]

Yup, VIN came back as that as well, they were needing to get rid of the payments, was 13,900.

[dasoupdude]

Got the touring version with 67,000 for $13,500.

Not too shabby..