A&Q about 350Z
Q:
I have been a big fan of the Z's for quite sometime. Now its time to for me to buy one and I find out about the tire problem. I got dealer quotes and everything, was about to make a purchase and then find out about the problem.
What are the statistics of the tires issue/ What % of owners are having problems?
Should I reconsider/hold off buying a Z?
Any other problems owners are having?
Any advise will be helpful.
Thanks
A:
Nice name, I think the snowmen art of Calvin & Hobbes is brilliant.
Regarding the "tire issue," I hope you like opinions because there are many opinions and theories on this one. So much discussion about this actually, that the facts get twisted at times. Many owners feel like they are getting screwed by Nissan and this leads to highly emotional debates.
A good place to start is . I find the latest TSB on the issue to be particularly insightful because it documents Nissan's official stance:
Make sure to search around and get owner testimonials about it too to hear their side.
Sure there are plenty of other problems that show up frequently. Grease streaks on the windows, transmission problems, and the CD player to name a few. I think most of these were in the first model year though (2003).
My only gripe is the thin paint that chips and scratches easily. Look at TwoLow's site and scroll down the home page to find some helpful pros and cons:
I don't think any 2005's have shown the tire problem yet, but it's early and yours could be the first. If you really love the car I don't think you will regret buying it. Of course it's up to you if you want to take on the risk.
Good luck with your decision.
"Smokey, this is not Nam, this is bowling. There are rules."
-Walter Sobchak
A:
I've got an '04 roadster with about 10k on it. It's not my daily driver but I do enjoy pushing it and I road race it on tracks in the north east. So, far I have had zero problems of any kind. Yes, the paint does seem kind of thin compared to some German cars. But, otherwise great car lots of fun.
Good luck.
A:
Worst yet, nissan has 33% of total complaints, that is just sad....buy the rx8.
NNA runs this site!!!
A:
.
A:
Yeah ok, here we go again.
Listen, if you are concerned about tire problems before owning a 350Z, please do yourself a favor.......DO NOT BUY THE CAR. jeez.
2004 Base 350Z Pikes White 6Sp.
A:
I've had three stets of tires, front and rear! It's 350Z life! (48,000 plus miles)
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'03 Touring
Silverstone
http://www.Zarmrest.com/
A:
The car is a piece of ****. But, you will love it!
04.5 silver Touring, JWT-filter, Maya Gr-5's, Fusion/audio, StrosekAeroKit.
A:
JtotheH gave you a good response.
Here's my experience:
I bought my used 2003 about 3 weeks ago with full knowledge of the problems. For me, it was just worth it. We'll see if I hold on to that sunny attitude as time wears on and my new car bliss wears off, but for now I'm happy. Actually, very happy.
I have low expectations for the tires. The person I bought the car from told me that the dealer had just replaced the tires for free at 11k miles. Since I don't plan on driving more than about 7k miles per year, I don't really mind having to replace them every 10-15k miles, but I do hope I can keep getting free ones for a while. Even if I can't, I can deal with it (I think).
After reading other posts here, it sounds like I might fare better with the dealership, because Nissan has acknowledged problems with the 2003s, but not with the 2004s or 2005s. That may be a factor to consider.
I do have grease smudges on the windows, which also sounds like a fairly common problem. Now I wish I had rolled the windows down and then back up again while haggling with the seller. I still would've bought the car, but I would've negotiated harder for a lower price.
For the record, I paid $26,500 for my car.
RX-8s are interesting, but they're not 350Zs. G35s are cool, but don't drop onlookers' jaws the way my Z does. Audi TTs are okay, but why spend real money for a car that's just okay?
Good luck and have fun!
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My ride: 2003 Silverstone Touring, Stillen front end, AEM cold air intake, 18 inch chrome wheels