Nissan 350Z / Z33

When choosing the Nissan 350Z, it is one of the successors to the legendary Z series, which began in 1969 with the launch of the Nissan Fairlady Z, also known as the Datsun 240Z. Others in this series are the 280Z/ZX and the 300Z/ZX.

Review

When choosing the Nissan 350Z, it is one of the successors to the legendary Z series, which began in 1969 with the launch of the Nissan Fairlady Z, also known as the Datsun 240Z. Others in the series are the 280Z/ZX and two 300Z/ZX modifications. The 350Z is the fifth generation of Nissan sports car, with a different style and a range of technical solutions. First of all, the body was deprived of the wedge-shaped front part. The back cover of the trunk rises with the glass. Consequently, the car belongs to the class of coupe purely formally - due to the appearance. In fact, it should be classified as a sports hatchback. The strength of the Nissan 350Z is a sports chassis with multi-link suspension in the front and rear, guaranteeing excellent handling. An important advantage is also the V6 engine, which provides excellent dynamics. It is located longitudinally behind the front axle, which contributes to a favorable weight distribution. The rear-wheel drive car has neutral rotating ability, but sometimes it gets wild. It is definitely not intended for beginner drivers. The 350 is more docile than the 370Z, with a smaller wheelbase. Nissan is built using modern technical solutions, which inevitably increases the cost of maintenance and possible repairs. It is true that the 350Z breaks rarely, but the service from time to time you will have to visit. At least to replace the supplies. Official services are better bypassed. The price of the original spare parts is shocking.

Engines

The Nissan 350Z entered the European market in 2003 with a 3.5 V6 (RevUp/VQ35DE) engine with a capacity of 280 hp. After upgrading in 2005, its output increased to 300 hp and it became compliant with Euro-4 emission standards. The maximum torque decreased, but the other characteristics improved. However, the increase in productivity in practice did not have a great effect. After an update in 2007, a brand new 3.5 V6 (VQ35HR) engine with a capacity of 313 hp appeared. The powertrain is certainly much better – not only because of the high power, but also because of the improved design. The engine is deprived of the main drawback of its predecessor - increased oil consumption. But the more complex engine design requires higher operating costs. It should be borne in mind that the RevUp series engines used before 2007 tend to consume high oil consumption. There is no way to change or fix it, you just have to accept it. The worst thing that can happen is the rolling of the liners. This usually happens if you drive frequently on high speeds with old oil. Motorists recommend using 5W-50 oil, not 5W-30 oil, as recommended by the manufacturer. It should be changed every 7,000 km, and if you often "run", the interval should be reduced to 5,000 km. If you turn the inserts, then more than 40 000 rubles will be needed for repairs. The remaining shortcomings are minor. For example, a strange ticking in the area of the engine is a sound emitted by the fuel pressure regulator. The only way to get rid of it is to replace the regulator.

Transmission

The first owners fought with the non-return of the clutch pedal. The spring was too soft to blame. Some smart heads involved in servicing these cars have come up with their own solution to the problem.

Road races lead to rapid wear of the clutch of the manual transmission (40,000 rubles). Along the way, the two-mass flywheel (12 000 rubles) suffers.

Over time, synchronizers fail, most often 2, 3 and 5th gears. When replacing synchronizers, bearings should also be updated. Unfortunately, the details are only available in the original. The cost of repair will be about 45 000 rubles.

Strange clicks from the “rear bridge” when starting from a place or while driving – a sure sign of wear of the drive shafts and the approaching repair. And aggressive driving quickly destroys the Silent blocks of the rear differential.

Walking

It is necessary to monitor the condition of the chassis, because the suspension has a delicate design. If the car moves on good roads, then the chassis no demolition. But potholes and bumps destroy the suspension components very quickly.

Dynamic driving contributes to the rapid wear of brake discs and pads. When replacing, it is better not to think about the originals because of exorbitant prices. The use of substitutes is more economically viable.

Body and salon

Problems with corrosion are usually not observed (meaning accident-free copies). However, it is better to start the inspection from the thresholds - they usually begin to rust from behind.

A lot of 350 Zet is imported from the United States. For such cars, body repair was the norm in the past. In the Carfax system, you can see what was damaged for a fee.

One minor ailment of the body should be mentioned - a small resource of gas shock absorbers, which cease to hold the trunk lid in the open position.

One of the annoying defects is the side windows, which should drop slightly when the door is opened and rise when the door is closed. With age, the brushes of the electric motor inevitably wear out.

The interior deserves good marks, but the plastic sometimes starts creaking. Interestingly, time leaves a noticeable mark mainly in the restyled versions (since 2006). Traces of wear are found on the skin of the seats, steering wheel and window opening buttons (varnishes off).

The car has limited functionality. Only two people can be accommodated inside. The trunk is symbolic – only 235 liters, which is less than in some city cars.

Exploitation

The Nissan 350Z is a highly reliable car that rarely breaks down and is characterized by exceptionally hardy performance. Of course, the difficult path in his life accelerates the wear of components and contributes to the appearance of malfunctions. But in general, the model is quite resistant to the sports exploits of young drivers.

The worst thing is with electronics. She's often moody. Simply turning off power is sometimes not enough. Over time, you will still have to visit the car service to reset the error or replace some sensor.

Model history

2002 – the premiere of the model and the start of sales of the Nissan 350Z Coupe in Japan in the back of a 3-door hatchback.

2003 – The start of sales in Europe. The premiere version of the roadster (open top).

2005 – a small upgrade (new front bumper, bi-xenon headlights, rear LED lights, new discs, updated interior, increased engine power).

2007 – a small update (changed shape of the hood, used active headrests seats), a new high-power engine.

2008 – The end of production of the hatchback, the premiere of the successor to the 370Z.

2009 – Production of the 350Z Roadster is completed.

Disadvantages:

• High maintenance costs

• among the proposals are many damaged copies or restored after an accident

Review

• Nissan is built using modern technical solutions, which inevitably increases the cost of maintenance and possible repairs.
• It is true that the 350Z breaks rarely, but the service from time to time you will have to visit.
• To the costs, it is necessary to add fuel costs - 15-17 l / 100 km.
• Copies without any problems are very rare.

Engines

• It should be borne in mind that the RevUp series engines used before 2007 tend to consume high oil consumption.
• Motorists recommend using 5W-50 oil, not 5W-30 oil, as recommended by the manufacturer.
• It should be changed every 7,000 km, and if you often "run", the interval should be reduced to 5,000 km.
• If you turn the inserts, then more than 40 000 rubles will be needed for repairs.

Transmission

• Some smart heads involved in servicing these cars have come up with their own solution to the problem.
• Road races lead to rapid wear of the clutch of the manual transmission (40,000 rubles).
• Over time, synchronizers fail, most often 2, 3 and 5th gears.
• When replacing synchronizers, bearings should also be updated.
• The cost of repair will be about 45 000 rubles.
• Strange clicks from the “rear bridge” when starting from a place or while driving – a sure sign of wear of the drive shafts and the approaching repair.
• And aggressive driving quickly destroys the Silent blocks of the rear differential.

Walking

• It is necessary to monitor the condition of the chassis, because the suspension has a delicate design.
• Dynamic driving contributes to the rapid wear of brake discs and pads.

Body and salon

• Problems with corrosion are usually not observed (meaning accident-free copies).
• However, it is better to start the inspection from the thresholds - they usually begin to rust from behind.
• For such cars, body repair was the norm in the past.
• In the Carfax system, you can see what was damaged for a fee.
• One minor ailment of the body should be mentioned - a small resource of gas shock absorbers, which cease to hold the trunk lid in the open position.
• Traces of wear are found on the skin of the seats, steering wheel and window opening buttons (varnishes off).

Exploitation

• The Nissan 350Z is a highly reliable car that rarely breaks down and is characterized by exceptionally hardy performance.
• Of course, the difficult path in his life accelerates the wear of components and contributes to the appearance of malfunctions.

Like any sports car, the Nissan 350Z is a great deal for those who value power, style and prestige over functionality and efficiency. But getting a copy in good condition is not so easy because of the high cost. Offers in the secondary market often make you disappointed than admired.

The technically serviceable 350Z is capable of giving a lot of driving pleasure. Although it behaves slightly worse than the Porsche 911 of the same period, it costs only a quarter of the price of a German sports car. We should not forget about the financial reserve for repairs, which will be necessary in the future.

• Nissan is built using modern technical solutions, which inevitably increases the cost of maintenance and possible repairs.
• Engines: If you turn the inserts, then you will need more than 40 000 rubles for repairs. The remaining shortcomings are minor.
• Transmission: The individual smart heads who are in charge of servicing these cars have come up with their own solution to the problem.
• Driving: Dynamic driving contributes to the rapid wear of brake discs and pads.
• Body and salon: Problems with corrosion are usually not observed (meaning accident-free copies).
• Operation: Nissan 350Z is a highly reliable car that breaks down rarely and is characterized by exceptional hardiness.
• Model history: 2002 - the premiere of the model and the start of sales of the Nissan 350Z Coupe in Japan in the back of a 3-door hatchback. 2003 - the beginning of sales in Europe.
• Disadvantages: - high maintenance costs - among the proposals are many damaged copies or restored after an accident

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.