Noob, thinking about purchasing this car:

[integranator]

Hey guys, I'm really new to the Nissan game, been building high horsepower (500+hp) hondas for quite sometime-- just recently parted out my last car, and have been thinking 350z ever since. Just recently came across this guy, but haven't been able to find any information about what to look for in the 2004 models. Let me know what you think of this guy:

http://clients.automanager.com/014700/V ... c860a7d0b5

Thanks for all your help in advance!


AJ

[BusyBadger]

Power window motors tend to wear out on the '03 & '04' models, check carefully for notchy shifting in the gearbox (it usually shows up most in 3rd gear).

The '03 & '04 models also had some alignment issues that resulted in some feathering and rapid tire wear, but that wan't entirely Nissan's issue. I think a lot of buyers had never had a car with grippy rubber with a low treadwear rating (the OEM tires were Bridgestone RE040's and a meager treadwear of 140). There was a TSB issued by Nissan that basically said there was no tolerance for a wheel alignment...the alignment needed to be spot on.

I'd still get it checked out by someone with access to a lift in order to get a good look below. It's over the 8yr/80K mile warranty for cat replacement so even if you choose not to have a mechanic check it out I'd take a code checker to the lot and at least run that and make sure that all the maintenance is up to date - I would even try and have them take care of the 100K service. Remember, you can afford to be picky...there are plenty of Z's out there for sale.

Welcome to NICO (and hopefully to the Z family)!

[integranator]

Thanks Badger!!

I was mainly concerned with the bottom end. Trans swaps, suspsension issues, window motors I can handle. Oil consumption I can not! If I did my research correct, it seems the oil consumption issue was an 05+ issue? I'm just really ready to get out of the honda scene, and into the 350, and this seems like its got everything I want (vlsd, traction controll, hids) and everything I don't need (brembo's leather, etc) or can upgrade. I'm about 90minutes away from that dealership, I think I'm gonna cruise down and check it out and put it through the ringer Can't wait!!


AJ

[BusyBadger]

Oil consumption was an issue on the RevUp motor ('05 35th Anniversary & Track models and all '06 models). It's only an issue on the 6MT and then not all of them, my 35th Anny hasn't had a problem *knock on wood* except when I used Castrol Syntec when I didn't want to drive across town to get some Mobil 1.

[soldierZ33]

ive been into the Z since its frist release in 03 and have not heard of anything major for problems. 03-05 had a recall for fuel filler hoses not venting off the fumes of the gas. if you give a local dealer the VIN they can tell you if it was taken care of or not. something along the lines of the filler neck leaking and possibly onto the exhaust. nothing like crank-walk like im use to in the eclipse scene or anything major like that. Good luck

[integranator]

Wish me luck guys, gonna talk to the dealership tomorrow, talk to my bank and see if I can't get this done.

[soldierZ33]

good luck man

[carbon z]

Looks like you are from Ohio. From your sign on a past Integra owner, me too.
I jumped over in November 07 to an 03 touring model. At the time It had 34k
on it and it now has 63k. I have had no problems and love the car. If you
are from the Columbus area, make it a point to come to Import Faceoff at
National Trails this year.