350z, anyone with one? looking for feedback Options

[block]

MOST likely going to pull the trigger on one of these cars: AP2 S2000, 350Z, or G35. Most likely the 350z because I absolutely love the body style and power it delivers. I'd probably consider the G35 Coupe too because it has seating for four (3 kids - although still will have the CRV to haul around) with same performance as the Z.

It's going to be a DD with simple mods with some 19x9.5 and 19x10.5 (maybe wider) wheels slammed on coilovers. Really looking for a semi fun, good handling RWD 2 seater.

Anyone here own, owned, or driven one have any feedback on how it drives, problematic areas, better years, etc. Our local club's website has been shut down and I don't feel like joining another forum. I'd peek (or google ) but I figure I'd ask first to see if anyone out there has first hand experience. I'll probably test drive my good friend's brother's 03 350Z this weekend.

THanks!

[richee3]

You gotta stop buying the same cars as me! First the IS 300, now this... I have an '04 Touring and love it. It has great low end torque and pulls hard to 155 (allegedly- I haven't topped 90 yet.) We test drove several 6 speeds and hated them. The early model trans was notorious for syncro issues and the stock clutch feel is by far the worst of anything I've driven- grain hauling trucks included. The auto trans is much stronger and just as quick to 60.

You'll want to avoid '03's and early 04's as they had terrie alignment issues. Most people claim a simple alignment fixed it but further research shows that the front end cannot be aligned properly- it's a design flaw in the suspension. The '06 model with the manual trans has bad oil consumption issues, and the power window motors are junk in all 350's. However, avoid the models I mentioned and they're great cars.

If you can afford it, try to get an '07 or '08. They have the updated HR engine instead of the DE. I've never been able to drive one but I understand it totally changes the feel of the car, and is quite a bit quicker and more responsive to bolt-on mods, though no 350 gains a whole lot from bolt on's.

I absolutely love my Z. One of the best decisions I ever made. It's bone stock and I'm perfectly happy with it. Unlike our old IS's, this car has loads of power and uses it well. It's all to happy to swing the tail end around and is very controllable. Gas mileage for me is the mid 20's on the highway and insurance is much more affordable than the IS.

[Box]

Buy a real Z, buy a 300ZX. That or a 280Z, and be classy.

[njccmd2002]

Buy a real Z, buy a 300ZX. That or a 280Z, and be classy.

[block]

Buy a real Z, buy a 300ZX. That or a 280Z, and be classy.

300ZX reminds me too much of a Saturn and the engine bay is just...yeah. 280Z's are hot but I need something newer with less problems.

[Box]

280Z's are reliable, especially once you've refreshed it. You could get a really nice one. Also I don't see how the 350Z could be much easier to work on. The 350Z is a cool car in theory, but the whole thing with the manual gearbox kills it for me. Besides, do you really want a sports car with an automatic? That'd be like having a Rolls Royce with a manual. That's just me though, if you're fine with having the automatic go for the years Richee said to get. What kind of car are you looking for? I'm assuming a sporty import, but are you set on RWD? There's also the Hyundai Genesis, I've heard good things about them. Ehhh, then of course the Infiniti G35/37 but it's pretty much just a fancy Z car. Could perhaps go for the 370Z. The RX-8 is junk and Toyota hasn't had anything since the Supra. Have the FR-S and BRZ now, but that means buying a new car. Eh, of course have the Miata too. Really all I can think of as far as newer RWD imports.

[block]

You gotta stop buying the same cars as me! First the IS 300, now this... I have an '04 Touring and love it. It has great low end torque and pulls hard to 155 (allegedly- I haven't topped 90 yet.) We test drove several 6 speeds and hated them. The early model trans was notorious for syncro issues and the stock clutch feel is by far the worst of anything I've driven- grain hauling trucks included. The auto trans is much stronger and just as quick to 60.

You'll want to avoid '03's and early 04's as they had terrie alignment issues. Most people claim a simple alignment fixed it but further research shows that the front end cannot be aligned properly- it's a design flaw in the suspension. The '06 model with the manual trans has bad oil consumption issues, and the power window motors are junk in all 350's. However, avoid the models I mentioned and they're great cars.

If you can afford it, try to get an '07 or '08. They have the updated HR engine instead of the DE. I've never been able to drive one but I understand it totally changes the feel of the car, and is quite a bit quicker and more responsive to bolt-on mods, though no 350 gains a whole lot from bolt on's.

I absolutely love my Z. One of the best decisions I ever made. It's bone stock and I'm perfectly happy with it. Unlike our old IS's, this car has loads of power and uses it well. It's all to happy to swing the tail end around and is very controllable. Gas mileage for me is the mid 20's on the highway and insurance is much more affordable than the IS.

LOL I love your car collection As usual, very informative! I've been looking at them for some time, just don't know much about them. I know every car has its share of issues but just wanted to know so i know what to look for. 07s and 08s prices are still high but I've seen some with fair prices (15k range).
Speaking of is300 insurance, I pay $46 full coverage At one point I paid $82 for 3 cars! Hopefully it's cheaper like you said

[block]

Reliable but I really would like something newer. My friend had a 280Z and it was head turner but like I said, I'd like something newer. The only things I'll touch are your normal maintinence, otherwise it's into the shop for other things. PLus, 6spd is a must on something like the Z. I just can't handle driving an auto in a sports car. This is the longest I've ever driven an automatic in my life and it's halfway ruined already lol.

Other cars I"ve listed are the S2000 and G35. The G35 is essentially the same thing as the Z but with 4 seats. I'd like to have the rear seats as I have kids but the exterior is only ok lol. I still have the CRV so it's not the end of the world

370Z is out of my range. I still have my stupid 2012 Corolla S to pay off. If I didn't have that, I'd probably go for an STI wagon. The Corolla, IMHO, was the biggest waste of money ever spent! PERIOD!

The other car I was thinking was the MK4 Supra but damn, you can't find one that's not molested. Unmodified ones are just....EXPENSIVE! I'll pass.

[richee3]

I haven't dived too far deep into it but it doesn't look too complicated under the hood of my 350. I never have seen the interior of a G35 but a lot of people complain about the Z being too cheap in terms of materials used. The first few drives in a Z are a hell of a lot of fun and after that, you get used to the power. But 0-60 in the mid 5 second range plus great handling makes for a very fun car. The S2000 will undoubtedly get through a corner faster but the Z is no slouch. Definitely drive a 6 speed Z to see how you like it. Personally, I hated the clutch feel and the fact that you're in the top 1/2" of pedal travel before it releases, so you sit there revving, not moving, and looking like a douchebag. After a few stops and starts I was able to get used to it, but I certainly wasn't even a little satisfied with it. There is a company that sells pedal brackets to adjust this. What they can't fix, though, is how delicate I felt the need to be in between gears. It feels like ricer gear-slamming will decimate the transmission. Although I know the tranny can handle it, I still hated the feel.

Overall, my vote is absolutely for the 350Z. Just get an 04.5 (Made after 01/04) or 05, there are plenty of them out there. '06's are updated inside and out, and really made a nice difference but the M/T oil consumption was enough to keep me out of one. I know it sounds like 350's are troublesome unreliable nuisances of a car, but those are honestly the only issues I can think of. I think the 04.5 model started with the upgraded syncros, so if you don't mind the feel of the clutch then the trans should be perfectly reliable.

Plus, many would disagree with me, but I think the VQ35 makes a fantastic noise. This results on poor gas mileage, probably many speeding tickets, but a whole hell of a lot of fun.

[Box]

Alright, so if manual is a must that'd rule out the Z and G35. I forgot about the S2000, Honda and RWD aren't synonymous. If the rear seat isn't needed I'd say go with the S2000 then if you want an import. Thinking about it the Genesis is probably out of range as well being 08+. If you like domestic cars the 04-06 Pontiac GTO would be an excellent choice. You can find them in the sub $15K range in great shape, and they have a good backseat. Also have the C5 Corvette, with earlier models being in the same price range of sub $15K. If you were thinking about the MKIV Supra there is also the Lexus SC300, though finding it with a manual is hard.

This post has been edited by Box: Apr 11, 2013 - 9:31 PM

[dustin15brown]

I loved my Z. Couldn't have asked for a better car. Very sad to see that some idiot totaled it a few months after I sold it.

Working on the car/under the hood isn't too bad. The wiring in the dash is more complicated, but no real reason to be in there.

Daniel brings up all of the major issues with the Z. The clutch is very high (and can be adjusted down some) but you get used to it. Definitely will look like an idiot a few times just revving before you take off.

Saying that, you have kids. Yes, you have the people hauler, but you still have them. If money is any sort of an issue, you need a back seat. Otherwise, when the CRV breaks down, you're SOL. Get the G35. It's the same car as the z, just a softer suspension, quieter exhaust, and more luxurious. You lose a bit of the sports car feel, BUT it has a backseat. Until you can 100% say that you would never be in a situation where kids need to be in your car, then you should avoid the Z.

[Box]

Meh, this is why I'm never having kids. I don't see the absolute need for having another car that fits more than two. In regards to kids, with having a Z it'd be no different than as if the CRV was his only vehicle. Though if having a backseat is essential I'd say opt for a GTO or G35 then.

[block]

I will pay no more than $60 dollars to have 3 cars so it doesnt matter. The more cars i have, the cheaper anyways plus having kids isnt so bad.

[Box]

Hmm, that being the case just get what you're wanting then. Then pick up a Camry or what have you as the back up family car. I suppose, I'm just not ready at this time in life for children. Any who, try searching for all the cars you're looking into and test them all out in person before committing to a particular car. Then once you know what you want you can look around and find the best example out there for your money.

[Nemises]

I had a 03 g35 same engine as the z. Compression rods suk went through 2 sets. bad design they are 250 a piece ( expensive) known to burn oil. Valve cover gasket and valve cover plug gaskets big problem. You cant replace the gaskets and need to get whole new valve covers. And the radio will crap out which will require not only a new radio bot ac controls dumb design. Other than that I loved the car. I had a ton of mods. Intake, headers, hi flow cats, mid pipe and mufflers. 5/16 plenum spacer and a tune. But the oil consumption got so bad i end up trading it in and got a G37. The things I listed are the number 1 problems with the car.

The oil consumption issues being the #1 issue. They just dont come with good piston rings and nissan wont acknowledge. At the end i was going thru a quart every week. That thing would rev and blow black smoke everywhere. But she was fast and sounded great. The last thing I did not like is the car did not really respond to mods. Unless your going FI dont expect to get much more power out of it.

Dont get me wrong I loved my car to death. I would have kept it if it weren't burning oil. And so many on g35driver were too. I miss the car and liked it better than my g37(maybe because the g37 is stock (for now.) But its my daily. I need to focuse on getting my celi swapped

This post has been edited by Nemises: Apr 19, 2013 - 12:08 PM

[aspen]

My other car is an S2000 AP2.
I'd get the S2000. I've driven a 350Z before, and it just doesn't have the same sort of intoxicating-ness.

To each their own, but my S2000 just makes me giggle every time I drive it.

[1994Celica]

. The RX-8 is junk.

But dat rotary!

[block]

Right now its down to the g35 and s2000. Im going to test drive a frs today. Maybe i might come home with it? Lo

[Legen-dary]

How about an E46 M3? I don't have personal experience with them but it seems to fit what you're looking for and I've seen them in good shape with clean titles selling for mid-high teens.

[Box]

Right now its down to the g35 and s2000. Im going to test drive a frs today. Maybe i might come home with it? Lo

I'd give the FR-S a little longer, unless you're getting it for a really good price. Depreciation is a bitch.