Car Purchasing Insights: A Comprehensive Look at Nissan's 350Z
Revised Article:
Got a hankerin' for a beefy sports car offering good ol' adrenaline rushes? The Nissan 350Z is the fucking ticket - and one that ain't gonna get any cheaper
Written by: Chris Randall
The Z badge goes back five decades, with the 240Z (or 'Fairlady') released in 1969, but in the years that followed, subsequent models seemed to grow larger and softer, causing enthusiasts to fret the sports car had turned into a cruiser. But those worries vanished with the arrival of the 350Z, with its muscular appearance leaving no doubt about its sporty intentions.
Launched in 2002, the 350Z appeared in the UK the following year with a price tag of £24,000, offering two versions to choose from: the base model, generously equipped, and the GT Pack, which provided leather trim, an upgraded Bose audio system, and cruise control for an extra £2500. Featuring rear-wheel drive, meaty-feeling controls, and a great soundtrack, this was certainly a more purposeful take on the Z-car theme. A peek under the hood revealed a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 making 276bhp.
The new coupe was good for 155mph and a sub-6.0-second 0-62mph time. A special GT4 edition arrived in 2005, taking its name from the Grand Turismo 4 computer game, with 176 units making it to the UK, featuring a 296bhp engine that was later adopted across the range when the 350Z was updated in 2006. A year later, the model would be superseded by the 370Z.
Bodywork
The 350Z boasts a sturdy steel monocoque, fortified with various braces and reinforcements for added rigidity. However, in the hands of an overzealous driver, the car's power and rear-wheel drive combo can be a recipe for some off-road excursions, so it's wise to inspect for any signs of crash repairs. Corrosion isn't much of a concern, but be on the lookout for rust bubbling up around panel edges and in the wheel arches, especially at the rear where rot can seep into the sills. A thorough examination underneath is also recommended, as rust can take hold in the front subframe.
The front end might have picked up stone chips, so any localized repainting isn't necessarily a worry, but it's a solid negotiating point if a touch-up is required. Elsewhere, inspect the headlights for excessive cloudiness or damage, as new ones run about £1000 per pair, with good used ones around half that. A check on the tailgate struts is also in order, as is the fuel filler flap release, which can sometimes fail. A Roadster model requires inspection for any damage to the hood or issues with its electric operation.
Engine and Transmission
While the V6 is generally robust, the propensity for older models to use oil requires regular checks. Rear catalytic converters effectively cloak any blue smoke, so regular oil level checks are essential. If buying privately, ask the owner about their top-up regimen, as it may have caused an earlier engine replacement. Oil leaks, particularly from the cam cover gaskets, are also an issue, although top-quality lubricant paired with scrupulous maintenance can restrict premature chain wear.
HR engines feature an oil gallery gasket that leaks internally, causing a loss of oil pressure, so if the oil pressure is below 15psi at idle, it's not in great shape. The fix for this issue is labor-intensive but necessary. Cracked exhausts (replacement systems can approach £1000) and failed radiator fans are other issues to bear in mind, although specialists can usually fix the latter for around £200.
The six-speed manual gearbox will inevitably wear with use, so expect some obstruction in shifting and ailing synchromesh, particularly between 4th and 5th gears. The clutch should last approximately 40,000 miles, with a new flywheel adding another few hundred pounds to the replacement cost. Clutch hydraulics can also pose problems, and HR engines use a concentric slave cylinder, requiring gearbox removal for replacement.
All UK models come with a limited-slip differential, so listen for any grumbles or groans indicating problems. If the oil-filled mounting bushes fail, it causes a vibration from the rear, costing around £250-350 to remedy. A clicking from the driveshaft joint axle splines can sometimes be remedied by re-packing them with heavy-duty grease.
Suspension, Steering, and Brakes
The 350Z's suspension setup is straightforward, allowing buyers to focus on the general wear and tear of the components. Tired bushings are common, and some owners opt for polyurethane replacements, but inspect the state of springs and shock absorbers as well. If the car you're considering has been decked out with aftermarket parts, that's not an issue as long as top-notch parts were used.
Upfront, a knocking over bumps may indicate worn inner bushes or outer ball joints in the compression arms (known as "banana" arms), and depending on the quality of the parts used, a specialist may charge £400-600 to replace both sides. Inspecting the wheels for signs of corrosion and kerb damage, especially on the desirable RAYS alloys, is also important, as are uneven tire wear and cheap rubber that indicate penny-pinching.
The steering should not feel unduly heavy, and if it does, it's likely the power-steering pump is on its way out. Given the performance on offer, you certainly don't want to see any evidence that the brakes have been neglected, so look for damaged discs or judders during the test drive, as well as broken caliper bleed nipples. A record of brake fluid replacement every two years is a positive sign, but ensure the ABS warning light goes out.
Interior and Trim
While the interior appeared elegant and offered a great driving position, overall quality fell short of expectations. Cheap-feeling plastics abounded, so check for any signs of abuse and clumsiness that might have caused damage. Scuffed leather trim, worn seat bolsters, and disliked Alezan Orange upholstery are other obvious defects to keep an eye out for. Unless the damage is severe enough to warrant professional renovation, a bit of DIY restoration should suffice.
Naturally, it makes sense to ensure all the electrics are working order before parting with any cash, so inspect the windows, climate control, and audio system for faults. Airbag warning lights and signs of dampness in a Roadster's cabin are also red flags.
In the end, the Nissan 350Z is a car with an addictive, old-school appeal. Buy well, and it may be challenging to let go. As the market continues to favor modern Japanese sports cars, the Nissan 350Z makes a compelling case for itself.
Nissan 350Z: Our Verdict
Due to its enduring popularity, finding a decent 350Z for less than £5000 is growing challenging, so now's the time to buy and let the value climb. You'll spend slightly less for a convertible than a coupe, but the latter offers a more practical ownership experience. It's an excellent alternative to competitors like the Audi TT.
Ultimately, the 350Z provides an addictively old-school driving experience, with a wealth of character, so buy well, and you might find it hard to part with this car. As the market continues to show preference for modern Japanese sports cars, the Nissan 350Z stands out as a strong contender.
Nissan 350Z Timeline
1999:- 240Z concept unveiled at North American Auto Show
2000:- Design work on production 305Z commenced at Nissan Design America- Ajay Panchal primarily responsible for the design, working with a team led by Diane Allen
2002:- Car launched in Japan as the Nissan Fairlady Z- American market debut in August as the Nissan 350Z
2003:- European-market 350Z introduced with suspension tweaks from Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield, Bedfordshire
2004:- 350Z Roadster introduced in the US
2005:- Roadster lands in Europe- GT4 special edition debuts, boasting more power, special paint options, RAYS alloy wheels, and a Playstation 2 complete with a version of Gran Turismo 4
2006:- More powerful engine spec from GT4 now standard across the range
2007:- Updates introduced, including a higher-revving engine and lighter steering, clutch, and gearshift
2009:- Nissan 370Z arrives as 350Z successor
- The Nissan 350Z, with its muscular appearance, serves as a purposeful take on the Z-car theme in the automotive industry, offering a thrilling driving experience that caters to those seeking lifestyle changes, including sports enthusiasts.
- The 350Z's finance implications are significant, with its launch price in the UK at £24,000 and subsequent increases in value as it became culturally popular and S sports cars continued to dominate the market.
- The transportation sector has benefited from the efficiency of the 350Z's strong engine and rear-wheel drive, which provide a sporty and powerful driving experience, making it a favorite choice among drivers who value performance and fuel efficiency.
