A&Q about 350Z
Q:
Hello everyone,
I am new to this forum and the Z community. Even though I don't own a Z(yet) I really enjoy this forum and the mature attitudes of all you enthusiasts. If I may ask you all some questions to see if the 350Z is really right for me, it would be great! Here are my concerns:
1) Whats this "feathering" issue thats going on with the 350Z? And whats the big deal, the car does have a warranty to cover and repairs?
2) How is the 350Z as a used car? Should I buy a new(2004) or used(2003) 350Z?
3) My folks just bought my younger brother a Toyota Supra, and every paycheck he gets he spends it on modifying his car. Now, its funny because he doesn't make that much money, yet his car is extremely fast... My question is this: "Is the 350Z expensive to modify or fairly inexpensive?"
4) How much attention do yo guys get in the 350Z?(sorry but I had to ask)
5) What kind of problems should I be on the look out for in a 350Z?
6) Finally, what should I look out for when purchasing a 350Z?
Thanks guys, and I hope that when I purchase a 350Z I can meet up with some of you in the area and talk about our Z's...
"It's only a matter of time until the beast is released..."
A:
Hey Wolfman...
There are some serious thing you need to consider when thinking of buying a 350Z. I personally would NOT buy one as of this present day due to a number of nuisances that bug the hell out of me. Not to say the 350Z isn't a kick ass car... it is. It turns head everywhere you go. Has a great bang for the buck, and is a fairly decent performer. Now, for your questions:
1) The feathering issue is the one problem that should deter any buyer away from the 350z. Basically, the 350Z front suspension geometry is faulted in some way that the inside edge of your front tyre wear CONSIDERABLY faster then normally intended. This leads to vibration and quite annoyingly loud humming while driving. Most dealer replace or "Rotate" tyres that have feathering problems, though most users here who have driven their 350 long enough have encountered problems with dealers when going for a second or third time for time replacing. As of the present, there is NO FIX. Some say new tyres (different compound) slows down the feathering, though most seem to find it doesn't matter.
2) Most used 350Z were on lease and have been brought back in (in Canada at least). There are a lot of people selling one year old 350Z's because they didn't like them or whatever. IMO, it doesn't really matter what year you get. It's more of a mind thing whether or not you care about buying a first model year of a car.
3) I take it that your brother's Supra is a turbo? If so, then it's easy to get huge gains at a cheap cost with a turbo. The 350Z is Naturally Aspirated (no turbo) and the VG30 has a high compression ratio, making modifications that greatly improve horsepower VERY EXPENSIVE. Now, of course there are cheap mods, but don't expect huge gains.
4) Lots. It's a head turner. Many people ask me "Is that a Porsche?" or "What is that?". But then again, people still ask "What is that?" about my 300zx.
5) Feathering, Road Noise, Grease Streaks on Windows (all covered by warrenty). The Bose stereo just doesn't work well in general (steer clear IMO). Seatbelt rattling (passenger side). Mind you, all but feathering is easily fixable.
6) Check the tyres for feathering. But most of all, just look out for unneccessary wear and tear. Be sure to take any car out for a LONG TEST DRIVE!
... umm... that's about it I think... Hope that helps!!!
Z you soon!
A:
I second all of the above. I've had my Z for over a year and it has all the problems he mentioned. I also leased mine so will be happy the day it is returned to Nissan. DON'T buy a used Z because I can promise you that anyone that sells one after one year got rid of it for a reason.
Post Edited (Apr 6, 7:28pm)
A:
Dude..you could die tomorrow---- get the car. You will not regret it. I have 14000 miles on mine and to everyones dis belief no feathering.
A:
don't buy it until the tire feathering issue is resolved. it won't kill u to wait for a while.
A:
buy it, u wont regret it, if u can get a track, a real head turner. me no feathering
A:
"it won't kill u to wait for a while"
...it wouldve killed me had i waited to get mine. Just buy it if you want it that badly. if your waivering on wether you want it then dont get it. but if your positive its the car for you and you want it that badly get it. I have feathering and grease streaks and the bose problem but the last year with my Z has been incredible and I dont regret it a bit.
A:
just remember, you're spending 30k!!! i think it's worth it to wait.
A:
First of all, thanks alot to Will K, bforesman, bam--9, inquistive, digital, and drivenZ for you replies and opinions. WOW! i didn't know that the tire issue was that bad....that it actually is a problem with the design of the suspension? You are right inquistive, $30k is alot of money.... but what else is out there that looks cool, 6spd, two door, and has descent power? (btw, no american cars...due to bad accident with 98' vette). I like my brothers Supra, but....its getting kinda "played out"...I mean that whole "Fast and Furious" stuff is just another bunch of whistles to get a cops attention. I was also looking at an 2001 Audi S4 20k miles 6spd AWD Twin Turbo for $27k, but its a four door. I really hope Nissan has a fix or solution for this tire issue soon, becuase I really like how the 350Z looks...yet, "you can't judge a book by it's cover."
Anyways...can anyone recommend a good all-around sports car up to $30k? please help me...
"It's only a matter of time until the beast is released..."
A:
G35 coupe?
A:
for a little more get a new cobra......those things are mean
A:
bam--9 wrote:
> for a little more get a new cobra......those things are mean
You're joking right?
photoz
_________________
2004 LS Touring
Meguiar's Deep Crystal 123 + NXT
A:
As much as I hate to say it buy the z car. Fantastic car for not a lot of $. The biggest problem is that there are beginning to be too many of them.
The only real issue of any significance is the tire feathering. The root cause of the excessive wear has yet to be determined. However, it seems to be a combination of crappy tires and a suspension set up for handling i.e. relatively stiff shocks/springs and negative camber. A number of people are trying different tires - some Pilot Sports, which are way better than the RE040's but still doesn't always eliminate the feathering. The latest tires that seem to be gaining popularity are the Goodyear Eagles which have a better tread pattern (no outer tread blocks to feather like the Re040's) but as of yet I don't believe anyone has had them on long enough to see if this is a final solution. In any case, any tires you put on the car, and assuming they don't feather, will probably not last much more than 20,000 miles. It's just part of the price you pay for performance.
A:
Zedx,
Thats not a bad choice, the G35 coupe......although isn't it identical to the 350Z except for creature comforts, and a little less horsepower? The tire issue will be on the G35 as well, no? Anyhoo, I was reading up on some new cars that will coming out soon, and came across this:
"Lexus has just released this sketch of the LF-C Sports Coupe Concept , which it describes as a high-output V8-powered luxury sports coupe (that) combines performance, versatility and innovative luxury in a sleek package.
The LF-C will be officially unveiled in a press conference at the New York Auto Show on Thursday, April 8, 2004 at 10:15 a.m Eastern time. We'll be tuning in then and bringing you more information on what may well predict the shape of the coupe version of the 2nd-generation Lexus IS300."
here is the sketch: http://x.wieck.com/pv/WKA/2004/03/24/WKA2004032435876_pv.jpg
Also, at the same forum, I read this:
"For the IS, they predict "a new flagship when it is replaced in 2006. The IS350 GT will offer a tuned version of the 3.5-litre V6 that will be in the GS. However, it's not clear if it will sport a hybrid powerplant, although it may integrate some of the bigger system's fuel-saving technology, including engine stop and start systems which save fuel in stationary traffic."
Now, I am not a huge hybrid-car fan, but realistically speaking I think that after the reaction of the IS430 Rod Millen created, the next IS will be quite the rocket. I guess only time will tell.... Thanks alot guys for your responses....I'll look more into the G35c.
"It's only a matter of time until the beast is released..."
A:
I agree with the posts others have made here... but basically you just have to decide if the tire feathering thing is something you can live with or not in an otherwise wonderful, superlative car. I for one am keeping my 2003... I love it. It eats front tires, but I love it. Every car has flaws, some more significant than others. Some folks flit from one car to another selling each as soon as a problem becomes apparent. You'll never be satisfied doing that. However, if you want alternative suggestions, here are a few:
-Infiniti G35 coupe or sedan (Same car with back seat. Oddly, feathering seems less a problem on these even though they're basically the same car... harder tire compound from the factory perhaps?)
-Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS (if you don't mind a little less power and FWD)
-Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Subaru WRX STI (if you don't mind 4 doors)
-Mazda RX-8 (less power, funky styling, Rotary engine, some like it...)
-Honda S2000 (less power, engine must be wound up to produce power)
As you can see, nothing really has the 350Z's combination of style, true sports car design and power at this price point, other than the G35 sibling... Can you live with feathering?
A:
BUY the Z. WHY WONDER WHAT LIFE WOULD BE LIKE WITH ONE?
IF you're worried about $1K a year on tires, don't buy the Z... then you shouldn't be looking at a sports car anyway. in that case, lower your expectations and buy the G35
2003 350Z LeMans Sunset Track with Nav
No mods
A:
Just trying to help someone stay away from the Z due to the tire feathering safety issue. After all, why do you care what I think of this car? I am only helping present Z owners. After all, if less people buy the Z, that only makes your car more valuable, right?
Post Edited (Apr 7, 12:51pm)
A:
WareWolfman-
I have a very early VIN 350Z (Vin 391) and I have experienced a few quirks with my Z such as the driver's window not rolling up or down, the slight grease streaks on the windows, the passenger seat belt rattleing against the B pillar, and of course the tire feathering. While this may sound like a lot, I do take into consideration that this is a sports car, and it's not a Lexus/Mercedes/BMW/ or any other luxury car, so it's bound to have some small flaws.
I consider all of them small since they are all covered under warranty and have been fixed, except the tire feathering problem. But what I can tell you is that I have been having so much fun driving this car, getting a bunch of questions from people (my college roomate thought it cost at least $50K), and to be honest with you, I'm almost at 20,000 miles and still have enough tire tread to not worry.
This is a performance car, so I do not expect the tires to last much more than the 20,000 miles, but some guys on here do get a lot less, so I am considering myself lucky that my car doesn't 'eat' through my tires as bad as others.
I say to you, what's most important to you...saving serious money on a used one (I paid $22,500 for a 2003 Enthusiast with 9K miles on it last September), so I know you could find a similiar deal if you look around. Or a brand new one with the likelyhood the 'bugs' have been worked out.
Life is short, so if you can afford the new one, I say go for it....if you want to get your Z now with less money, I suggest to buy new.
As far as what to look for, since it's a new car still....nothing better than to take it to a professional mechanic and pay the $70 to have them do a pre-purchase inspection for you...I did once for another car (stupid Civic) and was glad to have done that since there were some serious problems the owner 'forgot' to mention that the mechanic found out.
A:
Mag,
Is the tire feathering a serious tire case where, the car cannot be driven at all or it would be a safety hazard? I probably would not mind swapping tires every 20,000 miles, yet I would not want to be a safety hazard to anyone else on the road...
280ZXfan,
I have driven all of the mentioned cars except the G35(c). I think the EVO and STI are really fast cars, and have everything I am looking for, except for one thing...looks! Would you seriously pull up to a night club in a STI or EVO? Maybe for the grand opening of "Fast and Furious 3." If anything, I might consider buying the new Mustangs (old school looks).
"It's only a matter of time until the beast is released..."
A:
WareWolfman-
I can't honestly tell you if it's a safety hazzard, and regardless of what poster like ZNESS and others have to say, they're no experts either, so for me, I don't consider it a safety hazzard at all...anoying? Yes, but do I fear for my safety? No...not at all.
I have plenty of thread left and unless I start to see the bare wires from the steel belts in the tires...I don't consider it a safety problem.
I drive the car everyday and it handles great. Remember this problem is in the front tires, not the rear, so traction is still fine for the performance...and I also believe that since I corner hard, it has had an effect on the wearing of the front tires. Oh I guess I did forget to mention that I did have Nissan rotate the tires from the left to the right rim and vice versa for the right rim. That also prologned my tire's usable life.
A:
Hey Wolfman,
Again, if your considering the G35 coupe/sedan (most likely the coupe though), don't worry too much about tyre feathering because even though the 350z/G35 are most likely based on the same platform, THEY ARE NOT THE SAME CAR. The Infiniti G35 is known everywhere except North America as the Nissan Skyline.