What to look for when purchasing a used 350z??

Nissan 350z / Nissan 370z general community discussion forum
Og350z
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Ok so I'm looking into buying a 350z but before I go out looking at z's for sale, I want to know anything negative I should look for. Such as any common issues in the 350z generation. Transmission, engine, any early signs of disasters.
Thanks!


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BusyBadger
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Here's a thread from WAY BACK that answers a few Z questions...

Sick of SUV's thinking of a Z

2003 & 2004 are the years that tend to have problems with the window motors and can also develop a grind/notchiness when shifting in & out of 3rd gear (here's a post about the 350Z transmissions). The Track & 35th Anniversary (6MT) models from 2005 and all 6MT models from 2006 have had potential oil consumption issues. I've got a 35th Anniversary and never had any problems, so not all of them have it, it was a large enough problem that Nissan issued a TSB with an oil consumption test procedure and many owners had their engine replaced under warranty.

Nissan went with a new engine design starting in 2007 that has dual air intakes and produces more power than the earlier engines in 2003-2006. If you can I'd try for one for the newer HR engines (2007-2008) if you have the budget and never don't plan on modifying the internals of the car too extensively. I'll let our resident big power guy (JerryD) talk about that though. The '07-'08 models also have a more refined interior than the older models - but that's probably not why you're buying one, is it? ;)

Welcome to NICO! :badger

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Phan
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1993 300zx Conv. ~ Pearl White
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for me the one very big thing is to watch for oil leaks because these car have an upper and lower oil pan. It can be quite expensive to reseal the top oil pan.

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audtatious
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Get as much information concerning the maintenance performed in its past.

skrub
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Well Im new here to, I just bought mine a couple weeks ago. It's a 05 automatic and I love it. I had the car fax done and my car and Im the second owner. I have an older brother who is a parts manager for a local Nissan dealership and I can get my parts cheap, thank god. I also own a 92 3000gt VR4, which is my baby. she is mostly stock and plan to keep it that way as they are getting rare every year.

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BusyBadger
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So since you're keeping the VR4 stock do you have my special plans for the Z?

Welcome to NICO! :badger

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PDX.Z
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This thread is very helpful.

I've been considering a 2005 Roadster 6M. It's a relief to find that since they were only offered in Enthusiast & Touring, not Track & 35th Anniversary, there shouldn't be an oil consumption issue.

Thank you!

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evildky
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The 07-08 replaced the traditional slave cylinder with a hydraulic throw out bearing which is prone to failure and unless you are comfortable pulling the trans (honestly not hard in these cars) it's an expensive fix. Wheel bearings seem to be a common wear issue, again not terribly expensive if you do the work can get pricey if you are paying labor. All the suspension bushings seem to be fairly common wear items as well, again not a terrible job not expensive parts but costly to have done. The rear diff mount is a liquid filled bushing that fails commonly, Nissan does not sell the bushing without the $800 sub-frame but whiteline sells a replacement once you press or draw the old one out.

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PDX.Z
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evildky wrote:The 07-08 replaced the traditional slave cylinder with a hydraulic throw out bearing which is prone to failure and unless you are comfortable pulling the trans (honestly not hard in these cars) it's an expensive fix. Wheel bearings seem to be a common wear issue, again not terribly expensive if you do the work can get pricey if you are paying labor. All the suspension bushings seem to be fairly common wear items as well, again not a terrible job not expensive parts but costly to have done. The rear diff mount is a liquid filled bushing that fails commonly, Nissan does not sell the bushing without the $800 sub-frame but whiteline sells a replacement once you press or draw the old one out.
I didn't understand which is prone to failure, the traditional slave cylinder or the hydraulic throw out bearing?

Thanks!

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evildky
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The hydraulic throw out bearing found on the 07-08 is prone to failure. The earlier cars use a traditional external slave which is not prone to failure.

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PDX.Z
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evildky wrote:The hydraulic throw out bearing found on the 07-08 is prone to failure. The earlier cars use a traditional external slave which is not prone to failure.
Thanks again! :)

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BusyBadger
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evildky wrote:The hydraulic throw out bearing found on the 07-08 is prone to failure. The earlier cars use a traditional external slave which is not prone to failure.
I always feel for the Gen2 350Z owners that have master/slave issues and need to open the transmission to get at things. When I replaced mine last year and was shopping sleeved clutch lines I found some aftermarket external options for Gen2 Z's that could make things easier for some drivers.

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evildky
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You don't have to open the trans, just drop it, it's not too bad, easier to pull than a Z32.

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TurboSauce
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I've just purchased a Z in december.

Things that i've had to replace that i wish i would've considered,

Engine valve covers, pulleys, and clutch were all required, throw out bearing
crank sensors
cam sensors
(mine is an 03 btw)

So far I have also replaced, (added akebono brakes up front)
lightweight flywheel.
exhaust,
full car audio
replaced interior trim pieces (easy to break)

in terms of owning the car for the few months I have coming from a 1998 ls400
I'm really considering saving up and buying a daily driver.


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