My 03TL-S is nearing 50k (46200) and I am thinking I want to unload her because her value is only going to keep going down. I was curious about the 03-07 350Z and was wondering what years, if any, are better than others. What problems to look out for, basicially any insider info from owners or others who have looked into them. I havent been searching too hard, but have come across two that I might go look at. Both are 03 models, have 15k on them and both are priced at $19,900. It is not mentioned in the ad which model they are, but one has leather and the other is cloth. So let me know guys.

 

Performance wise, I think the 07 (and possibly 06 too) model has the HR version of the VQ engine that makes 313ps due to a higher redline (now 7500rpm).

 

07 has the worst mod support at this point. Get an 03.5 or 04 and mod the crap out of it. Go to my350z.com, I'm sure there are some threads out there for known issues/quirks.

 

The older versions are easier to mod if that is what you are buying for.

 

The 07-08's are the best (so far). The VQ35HR engine is a definite evolution of the old "DE" engine, being smoother and more powerful. (There is a wider power gap that they advertise.) The Xenon HID headlamps were significantly improved in 06 IIRC, and the wheels are much nicer looking on the latest models.

That said, nicely taken care early models can be a great performance bargain. New ones arent that cheap.

 

I believe some of the older z/g35s had oil consumption issues. I believe it was the RevUp engine that had these issues. I'm sure synth could add more to this than I.

 

Don't forget the tire feathering issues that have plagued the 350Z up until I "think" this year.

 

I just saw a beautiful G35 coupe on the way to work with Volks on it.



Don't forget to post up pics if you bring one home.

 

buy at least the second half of 04's...the clutch is MUCH lighter to operate that the original models

 

I have an 06. Power is great, fun to drive, easy to mod, and the car looks awesome. Cons...aint that comfy..not alot of space (but that's a given)...car is absolutely terrible in the snow (with stock tires at least)..i've heard some of the z's burn oil...

I've had mine for about 1.5 years and the only complaint really is space+snow (which was expected)

 

07 350Z has the HR engine and with the few bolt ons that are available for it, are showing drastic signs of increase hp compared to the older engine. The car also runs 13.2-13.3 bone stock. Which is much quicker than the older one.

03 had tire feathering and several other issues. 05 is like the best year to get I hear. 06 you take a chance on oil consumption but the build quality is better on these.

 

I had an 03 and now have an 06.

Stay FAR away from the 03 models. Mine was a mine field of issues (tire feathering, axle issues twice, transmission replaced, etc..). My 06 is pretty much bullet proof so far. No issues with oil consumption.

I'd recommend the 07 for the HR engine if you plan on keeping it fairly stock. A 05 or 06 if you want to mod it.

 

I had the synchros replaced on my 04 but other than that, no problems. Oh yeah, I had to get the 'vert top replaced b/c of the seams coming apart. I love my car and you will too. TONS and TONS of mods!

 

'03 and no serious issues @ 26k miles.

 

You got really lucky. Did you have an early 03 model or late 03 model? Mine was early 03 and it was one thing wrong after another. At my dealer, they had TONS of 03's with problems.

Damn your car is low miles.. I have an 06 and have over 35K miles.

 

I believe my build date is April 2003. But then again, I have a built motor so that goes out the window. Yeah, my Z has low miles. It's not my DD. On the other hand, I have an RL I picked up with 9k miles last December.. I'm at 25k miles on it now!