It features a sturdy construction (particularly with regard to the mechanical parts), a straightforward powertrain, a naturally aspirated engine, basic manual or automatic gears, and rear-wheel drive.
Even while no used car purchase will ever be ideal, if you’re looking for a dependable performance vehicle, finding a well-kept 350Z might be one of your best options.
The main problem you’ll probably run into is that many 350Zs have either been improperly modded or have been beaten up since they initially rolled out of the showroom. As a result, it’s crucial to do your study and research before purchasing a 350Z, paying attention to its condition and service history (this is also far more important than mileagea car that has been used for lots of motorway commutes is a better buy than a lower mileage example that has been raced at every set of traffic lights).
Read our complete buyer’s guide and 350Z model history here if you’re thinking about purchasing one. We go into great detail on how to locate, inspect, and buy a 350Z, as well as what to watch out for in terms of reliability and other factors.
The following are the major points to watch out for if you don’t have time to read our entire buying guide:
- Look for an example with the best possible service history because service history is valuable.
- Purchase a 350Z as soon as feasible.
- With regard to avoiding some of the oil consumption difficulties that could arise on previous automobiles, 2007/2008 models have the highest reputation for dependability (this is a general rule with practically any car).
- More problems have a tendency to have been resolved as you move further in the lifespan.
- Purchase a 350Z in the best condition you can find. You might not spot this car right away!
- Mileage is less significant than condition.
In This Article...
How long is the 350Z’s lifespan?
With enjoyable handling and smooth performance from the torquey V6, the 350Z evokes its forebears. Since they are generally dependable, some may have neglected maintenance, therefore having a history file is advantageous. Regular oil changes will allow engines to run for 300,000 miles trouble-free, but beware of excessive oil thirst, especially on 296bhp units. On HRs, look for low oil pressure caused by an internal gasket failure; a replacement takes nine hours of labor.
Modifications and enhancements, whether official Nismo or aftermarket, are frequent; stay away from vehicles that have been beaten up on tracks. Engine ticking that gets louder as the engine is ramped up indicates a worn fuel dampener (there are two). Each is around 200 new or 30 used, irritating rather than incapacitating. Due to drivers who are not acclimated to rear-wheel drive, spare parts are frequently listed on eBay.
The flywheel may need to be replaced if the clutch has been allowed to slip, which would raise the cost to over $1000 plus labor. The clutch lasts for roughly 40,000 miles and is not overly expensive in and of itself. Failure of the slave cylinder is frequent, particularly on late HR automobiles, necessitating the replacement of the transmission. A new master cylinder or fluid change may be all that is required for a spongy pedal (brake or clutch).
If tires other than the factory-installed Bridgestone S02s are used, the automobiles may lose control while accelerating to the maximum and potentially confuse the traction control and ABS systems.
Examine the hood function of Roadsters, the struts on the Coup’s tailgate, and the door hinges. The manual states that it cannot operate below 8°C, therefore warm the car completely before attempting. Additionally, check the boot releases and gasoline filler.
Which issues does the Nissan 350Z have?
Common high-mileage Nissan 350Z issues highlighted in this article: 350Zs from the years 2003 to 2006 are mostly affected by some issues, including synchro wear, timing chain guide and tensioner failure, and damaged gasoline dampers. However, some 350Zs share the same issues, such as oil consumption, sensor failure, and clicking driveshafts.
Which 350Z year is the most dependable?
The 2007 350z significantly raised the bar, aside from the addition of Bluetooth and a few cosmetic tweaks. The 3.5 liter V6 beneath the hood has been updated and upgraded. The new engine is around 20 horsepower more powerful and a little bit larger than the old engine.
Nissan enhanced the suspension and added a sleeker, more robust body. 268 lb-ft of torque was produced at 2000 revolutions per minute. Before, the 350z ran at a speed of 4,000 revolutions per minute.
In general, the most dependable 350z models are from the years 2007 and 2008. The VQ35HR and other VQ engines created at this time are regarded as some of the most dependable and effective Nissan engines ever created.
The 350z’s final year was in 2008. Later, the 370z would take its place, but not before Nissan produced one last Roadster in 2009.
The 350z has gone on to sell well over 100,000 units and is still in high demand since it is more affordable than comparable high-performance sports cars. It was at the top of “best of” lists from Motorweek to Automobile Magazine from 2003 to 2007.
The 350z has also established itself as a staple of culture. It has been on the covers of driving video games like Need for Speed Underground 2 and Forza Motorsport as well as the movie poster for The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
Is the 350Z a high maintenance vehicle?
The 350z follows the same 7,500 regular maintenance plan as other vehicles in its class. Our calculations show that the average cost of upkeep for a Nissan 350z over a 5-year period is about $2500.
The first five years of maintenance and related costs are broken down below.
The air and oil filters, as well as rotating the tires, will be changed by servicing within the first year. Brake inspection and engine belt replacement are also required in the second year.
The 350z requires all fluids and spark plugs to be replaced in the fourth year of ownership, which results in an increase in price.
Overall, compared to the majority of other vehicles in its class, the 350z has substantially cheaper 5- and 10-year maintenance expenses. The parts are dependable and less likely to fail because of the simple design.
Is a Nissan 350Z a gas guzzler?
Around 20–30 miles per gallon are achieved by the Nissan 350Z. For a sports automobile, this is a significant amount. The motorist may get better or poorer gas mileage depending on their driving technique.
Do Nissan 350Z parts cost a lot?
More positive news Unless you decide to make it so, 350z maintenance costs aren’t any more expensive than those of a Nissan Maxima.
Even though many car enthusiasts will buy high performance oils and maintain their vehicle more frequently, doing so is not required. Owners that maintain their Nissan 350z as they would any other vehicle won’t notice exceptionally high maintenance expenditures.
The 350z benefits from the fact that many other Nissan vehicles share parts with it, particularly the engine, which was also utilized in Infiniti and Renault models as well as the Pathfinder, Altima, Maxima, G35, Murano, Stagea, and Cefiro.
If you’re currently purchasing a used Nissan 350z, it’s a good idea to replace the battery and spark plugs as part of a thorough service.
It’s important to note that investing a few more dollars in high-quality synthetic engine oil will dramatically increase the lifespan of your engine.
Nissan 350Z: Is it quick?
10 Power and Engine All of this indicates that the 350Z is strong and capable enough to function as the GT vehicle that Nissan first marketed it as. It also indicates that the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Nissan Z vehicles are dependable.
The Nissan 370z is fairly reliable overall, scoring 68.8 out of 100. The exact rankings of this car in relation to various other cars are shown in the chart below, however as a point of reference, the average overall rating is 57.
This information is based on a combination of looking at the cost and frequency of maintenance, warranty coverage, and long-term reliability by looking at how long these vehicles are normally kept on the road. Keep in mind that not just compact or subcompact vehicles in the same class as the Nissan 370z are included in this comparison; all vehicles are.
You may notice that these numbers differ significantly from those in J.D. Power or Consumer Reports. Most publications look at complaints made to the dealership within the first few months of ownership (like JD Power) or solicit biased feedback from owners regarding longer-term cycles of their new cars. Instead, this study examines data from wholesale auctions and repair businesses on actual repair prices and frequency.
350Z or 370Z: Which is superior?
7 The 370Z is little quicker. The 3.5-liter V6 VQ35DE engine in the 350Z garnered a lot of attention. However, the 370Z has a bigger engine, produces 32 more horsepower and 10 more lb-ft of torque, accelerates to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds as opposed to 0.6 seconds, has better brakes, and needs just one second less to complete a quarter-mile.
Does the 350z use oil?
My automobile burnt quickly through the full synthetic oil when I switched to it! My 2003 350z uses an average of one quart of oil per 1000 miles, but occasionally less. I only have to make sure to keep it topped off. There are no drops (I have a garage) and no discernible smoke coming from the exhaust.
Nissan V6 engines: dependable or not?
Writing about typical engine issues might be challenging. When the negative aspects of an engine are mentioned, you immediately start to fear the worst. But that’s not what these recommendations are intended to do, especially not for the Nissan VQ35DE engine. Overall, the engine is excellent. reliable, dependable, and efficient performance. The 3.5 V6 doesn’t have many drawbacks, but no engine is faultless.
Oil consumption, broken timing chain components, and oil leaks from valve cover gaskets are a few of the VQ35DE’s frequent issues. In the broad scheme of things, they’re all very small problems, especially given that failures typically don’t happen until 100,000 or more kilometers. Some issues along the way are normal given that these engines are capable of lasting up to or beyond 200,000 miles.
How have you found the Nissan VQ35DE engine? Comment below and let us know!
About Zach Mayock
Zach, who lives in Aurora, Colorado, received his degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2016. He co-founded 8020 Media with Jake and was a key contributor to the creation of TuningPro, BMWTuning, and DieselIQ. Zach has been working on and writing about vehicles for more than ten years.
Zach’s main love is BMW, and he presently travels in a 2007 335i with almost 600 horsepower. Also waiting for him is a new G80 M3. He has worked with Ford, Chevy, Honda, Subaru, and a lot more, so his expertise goes far beyond BMW.
Zach is an accomplished writer with more than 400 articles to his credit in the auto sector. Zach is able to produce in-depth, high-quality automobile articles for our blogs thanks to his knowledge and experience.
Are 350z difficult to repair?
The Nissan 350z is a low-cost driver’s sports car’s dream, being reliable, affordable, and affordable. The prices of the 350z have significantly decreased since the Nissan brand moved on to the 370z and probable new 400z, but that isn’t the only reason you should acquire one.
The Nissan 350z is as affordable and simple to repair as any other Nissan vehicle that has been built in large quantities. They may add thousands of miles to the automobile without doing anything more than routine maintenance because of the VQ motors’ renown for dependability. All of the components may often be acquired at nearby auto parts shops or ordered online when maintenance is necessary. Due to the 350z’s widespread use, several aftermarket manufacturers produce any repair components for even a small fraction of the already low price of OEM parts.