Nissan 350Z buying advice

"ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback" (armadaexpress)
03/03/2015 at 20:03 • Filed to: Nissan, 350z, Buying, advice

A reasonable opportunity to pick up an 04 350z Enthusiast Coupe has come up. I'll be doing some web research to find out if it's worth it. For those who might have any additional info I should consider, please let me know.

What issues have people seen?

What's your experience?

DISCUSSION (17)

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
03/03/2015 at 20:18

Get a 370z instead of power and performance is important. Or a v6 Gen Coupe if you want functionality of a back seat. That's all I came up with cause I was looking for 350s then 370s then ended up back at then gen coupe. Probably not helpful.

whoarder is tellurium > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
03/03/2015 at 20:24

Manual or Automatic?

Ive only owned G35s but in my experience...

Compression rod bushing (front suspension part) noise and wear

Fuel filler neck/vent design can cause frustrating fuel fill up and I think there was a bulletin on this item.

Oil consumption issues - not blue smoke, but it may or may not like to consume some oil. My previous 05 G35 Rev-Up liked to use a just a little oil. Nissan actually replaced some motors back then too.

Otherwise, these cars are pretty solid with normal maintenance and fluid changes.

Look at tire wear, tire size and clutch/gearbox feel (if applicable).

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > whoarder is tellurium
03/03/2015 at 20:32

it's a manual. Guy says it needs tires and the test pipes are throwing a cel. I'd be replacing the test pipes with the catalytics he held onto. 98k miles

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
03/03/2015 at 20:34

it's a great price for a 350z and its more for a fun ride than the fastest car out there. I imagine my 535 is faster with its tune, so the Z would be to hold on to and have fun with for a long time to come. Thanks for the input though.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > whoarder is tellurium
03/03/2015 at 20:35

also I think they're 18 inch wheels and the clutch and flywheel were replaced in the last 16k miles.

Steve in Manhattan > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
03/03/2015 at 20:36

Do you mean he took the catalytic converters off?

Lekker > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
03/04/2015 at 00:16

Owned a 350 and now a 370. Make sure you get an engine oil inspection, mine had been neglected by its first owner and caused catastrophic engine failure which could've been foreseen by an oil exam, found shavings of metal, grime, etc. Their engines are great, strong and durable if maintained. I made the step for the 370 bc the interior bump makes the car feel at a whole different level. I used to envy the interiors of BMWs and AMGs, but these while not out of this world are much more in tune with time as opposed the hard plastic from the 350. I will say however upkeep of the interior was easier on the 350 since the materials were more... on the rough side, so they could withstand a bit more mistreat. On the checks you'll also want to make sure they're not burning too much oil, VQ35's are known for liking their oil, mostly due to rings wearing out. They're both incredibly fun platforms, the 350 being more of a likeable car since the 370 sounds and drives harsh in comparison (stock) as opposed to the 3.5's gorgeous deep tone achieved with nismo/g35 exhausts. Things to consider that I hadn't initially were costs of tires, the more frequent oil top offs, and not that many nissan places when I was back in AZ.

Pay attention to clutch slip if Manuel, or grind, and check tire thread as others have mentioned. G' Luck!

Street Surgeon > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
03/04/2015 at 00:49

How much do they want and how many miles on the car?

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Street Surgeon
03/04/2015 at 09:15

$8500 and 98k miles

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Lekker
03/04/2015 at 09:20

Thanks, I know he has stance GR+ coilovers on and they're supposed to be a good product from my research. But he needs new tires, so I'll be looking to see if they have feathered or if they have worn normally. I know the '04s had some feathering issues that were made worse by lowering the car more than .8.

I'll check the oil but fortunately the guy seems to be an enthusiast and has reportedly been changing the oil every 3k.

Has a Borla True Dual exhaust and a couple other small things.

Clutch and pressure plate were replaced in the last 16k miles.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Steve in Manhattan
03/04/2015 at 09:23

yes he put test pipes on that are throwing a code. I'll bring my OBDII scanner to get the codes and confirm thats the issue. I always take a sellers information with a grain of salt.

Street Surgeon > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
03/04/2015 at 09:28

Ah, that's not bad, I'd just keep an eye on the oil consumption issue and make sure you test drive the car when it hasn't already been warmed up!

Lekker > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
03/04/2015 at 10:11

Sounds like a very good candidate then, did he say if the clutch/pressure plate were replaced as preemptive maintenance or something broke?

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Lekker
03/04/2015 at 13:59

he didnt, but Im sure it was time to be replaced

Steve in Manhattan > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
03/04/2015 at 20:21

If I were you, I'd keep walking. Someone who knows more than I do should weigh in. The change in back pressure, if any, could have damaged the emissions system or other systems. And who knows if it has caused any damage to or wear and tear on the engine.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Steve in Manhattan
03/05/2015 at 10:49

Thanks for the input but test pipes are pretty common. Fortunately I've never once even heard of an instance where a lack of back-pressure was an issue in an NA motor, so that doesn't concern me.

Steve in Manhattan > ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback
03/05/2015 at 19:29

OK - as I said, that was mere conjecture. Let us know if you buy the thing.