anything to look for when buying a 2005-2006 350Z vs 2003-2004 350Z? (obviously new vs. used.)

might get a Z. but I want to get some feedback. any suggestions?

how is the aftermarket for Z?

or just forget Z and get a G coupe?

 

As far as I know, they are solid and reliable. (Stock) Aftermarket is endless, you can take it as far as your wallet will let you.

 

I know someone who had to have his gearbox replaced. The 2003-2004 cars tended to chew through tires very quickly because of the factory alignment. Some had TSB kits installed to change alignment to produce a more even wear pattern.

 

As far as I've heard they're solid cars, and they have a big BIG big BIG big BIG aftermarket. I'd never buy a new car vs used but that's me. If you have the money I'd say go w/ the G though... it's more comfortable cruising in.

 

Front tire wear is a HUGE problem on the early Z's and synchro's in the tranny are also common to hear go bad. With that said no car is perfect, and as a whole the Z's hold up very well. I just picked up an 07 G35 and there is no comparison to the Z's this thing is so much more luxurious, the problem is the new coupes won't be out till spring or later, the good news is the 06's are being offered at smoking deals, if you don't mind not having the absolute newest model.

 

My only problem with the Z was the dealership... That ruined it for me. Service was a nightmare whenever I would take it in. I had an '03. Only problem I had was with the front tire wear. I also had to replace a lower compression rod. There's a TSB for that in the '03's. It would cause the car to pull to the right. Those were the "biggest" problems I had. The other stuff was minor.

 

after reading the posts, alignment problem seems to the biggest problem.

what's the problem with your experience at your dealership?

 

I had an early model year 2003 Z and I now have a 2006 Z.

I would stay away from Z's that are from 2003 and early model year 2004. In the middle of 04, they came out with a model known as the 2004.5 model which had a redesigned suspension that addressed the front tire alignment issues that led to tire wear. An easy way to tell a 2004.5 model are the presence of knee pads on the center console.

My 03 Z had a replaced transmission due to 3rd gear grinding (very common), the front tires replaced twice due to the tire wear issue (very common) and a rear axle replaced as well (common).

My 06 so far has been wonderful and much better built. I know the service manager very well and he said the 05 and 06 Z's are far more reliable based on his experience.

 

www.chicagoz.com

 

werd. I have an '03 (May 2003 build and have had zero problems). However, If I was in the market for a Z, get a 2004.5 just to be safe.

 

 

All 2003 Z's are not bad, I just got unlucky. Speaking to the service manager, the issues are fairly common, he replaced 4 transmissions in October, but definitely doesn't affect all thankfully

 

try looking at 350zmotoring.com it's a pretty decent site, not too many snobs. I have an 04 Vert. The only problem has been the synchro (replaced under warranty) and the top is starting to come apart at the seam. I love my car. As someone else said, the aftermarket is a bottomless pit for $$$$$. There is everything and anything you can think of and some things you have not. So far I have about 4500 in aftermarket on my car. Get one, you will not be disappointed.

 

Enigmaos you getting rid of the TL or adding the Z to the family?

 

nope, TL is a keeper. thought about getting a Z, but not anymore.

wifey likes the Z, but it seems it has a lot of problems. I will stay away from it (even the later models). it's off the list.

 

What kind of HP # can you get out of the Z's?

 

i have an 06 Z with about 5.5 k miles. No problems....just gotta treat em right. The clutch @ idle (in neutral ) is rather noisy, but bearable.

also, the 07's engines are 80 percent redesigned and are faster (as well as the G's), might want to wait it out.

 

I've seen 700+ on the forums. I'm at 431whp, but will be around 500whp after a few more things I need to do. That will then be it for me. I'll be at the max with my small single turbo, kinda glad. More then that won't really be the most ideal street car.

 

I respectfully disagree. Get a used one, boost it and blow the shit out of any stock '07.

 

I don't know where you are getting it from that the Z has a lot of problems. Yes, the early 03 model year had some quirks, but the 05 and 06 are completely bullet proof. My Z is far more reliable than 2 of my friend's 04 TL's as an example.

 

ok, 05+ Zs are more reliable. maybe I should wait for Skyline

where are you in white plains?

 

It's not that easy. To do it right, it takes a lot of money and you kiss your warranty goodbye.

 

Not really. You can pick up a used Z, go FI with new internals and still be under the price of a brand new '07. The 3 year warranty is pathetic anyways.

 

I gotta disagree. My brother recently bought a 04 350Z Touring at a really great price and there is no way you can FI his car for under 30K. My friend Brian has an APS TT 350Z and it's not as easy as just throwing parts at it. You also have to upgrade the clutch, suspension, brakes, and tires. Having 400+rwhp on the OEM tires is pointless. The parts add up.

We are going to build his motor this winter and I can tell you that doing it right is an expensive job.

 

My "rev-up" VQ with the MREV2, 5/16" spacer and JWT pop-charger already makes more HP and TQ than the 07 VQ. And it cost me well under 1k, so no need to wait for the 07 and the silly power bulge hood.

Right in the center of the city (City Center). Do you live there as well?

 

lol. You sound like I dont have a Z or havent done what you mentioned. heh. Granted, my car is sponsored, so I'm not paying the same amount as the average consumer...but you can still have a GREAT and reliable FI setup for around 10-16k with everything extra included (minus a built motor). I know exactly what ppl pay around here for ST's and TT's. I perhaps exagerated slightly as I forget how much this REALLY costs, as the built motor will jack up your final price, however, a WELL tuned Z. 345-420whp can be done and you can technically still be under the price of an '07.

 

10-16k

Damn. Is it really worth all that for 420 hp? I see modifying a Z can get pricey.

 

not there, but very close. we go to city center often.

we checked out City Center Apt. It's a very nice place. Bank Street Apt is another one

back to topic, yeah, when it comes to serious performance modifications, serious $$ is always involved.

 

I would definitely agree. My fully built setup (APS TT, brakes, wheels, suspension, exhaust, etc.) + used 03 Z was $45k. Without the engine build, it would be equivalent to a new 07 Z.

 

Wait till the Nissan redesign on 2008. The 2008 G-Coupe looks mean as well as a noticeable power increase out of the V6.