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Nissan 350Z Problems and Solutions
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Comments
http://www.cars.com/news/stories/103103_storyb_cc.jhtml?page=news- story&aff=national
Unless the car you are purchasing was one of the first cars off the assembly line, you should be ok.
Has anyone out there experienced this problem? Does the recall "fix" work?
But the Z is not at all like your Porsche and hp increases are hard to come by with simple changes. You mention exhaust -- because Nissan engineers have already tuned the engine pretty well, many of the aftermarket catbacks actually reduce the engine's output. The Nismo and Borla increase in the 2-7hp range, but the Borla shows its improvement in the topmost rpm range and seems to reduce torque at lower rpm's. Or so it has seemed from dyno sheets and talk on the Z boards. JW
I have an '04 Manual w/ approx. 4300 miles. I have noticed a rattling (not body noise) sound during slow take-offs. It sounds like maybe the clutch or driveshaft has some slack in it(?) And it is easily mimicked when you get ready to come to a stop and depress the clutch pedal in a moderate manner. Also noticed during initial warm-ups (idling) if, you depress the clutch pedal (in nuetral) the RPM's will increase by a couple of 100RPM and decrease (same amount) when released. Anyone else notice this? Any input before, I take in for service?
If you are from the north, unless you are filthy rich or live in Palm Springs or somewhere in Florida, it does not make fiscal sense to buy it.
I live in North Carolina and I was all over the road with a DUSTING of snow on the ground. I used to live in Jersey and Brooklyn, so driving in such weather is nothing. The RWD is terrible, the car is LIGHT -- contrary to some other poster's claims -- and you don't want narrow wheel-base. You want the 17s, but take some pressure out of the tires and weigh it down with sandbags if your only car is the Z.
I found out the hard way last week during the storm we had here. About 5 inches of snow fell. I had gone out before the snow started, went to church, and before I got out of church, there was about 1/2 an inch on the ground. I slid all over the road. I didn't move the car at all for two days, but that third day I tried digging out, I couldn't even pull a slight incline without someone pushing me out. And I often got stuck in place. Along with the suspension problems everyone else seems to have, I've had brakes squeaking loudly when the car is in reverse (began hearing this around 7,000 miles and this is an '04) a broken socket on a lugnut that was not due to my driving and now a blown transmission at 10,000 miles due to getting stuck in the snow and trying to reverse out.
Not what I call worth it. A 35K performance vehicle that DOESN'T perform.
You'd be better off with the 'Vette or waiting for the new GTO or Supras to be re-released. Don't buy the Z unless you're rich and have other vehicles or live in a dry climate!
The problem these cars have in snow is due to the high performance tires. They have large tread blocks that cause the tire to float up on the snow. Change to snow tires in the winter and you will be able to go.
Basically, Nissan is lying to you. They know it's a problem and are not acknowledging it. My Fathers Nissan dealer has replaced 2 sets of tires ( for free)so far within 14K miles. Press the isse with the dealer's Service Manager.
The trunk lid itself (the frame) is fine but the carbon fiber (or some sort of plastic composite) panel glued to the frame separated somehow. Probably bad glue or something.
No lies. It's in the shop right now waiting to be fixed.
Girlfriend took car to aftermarket shop for the 4 tire replacement. He put P225 all around. I said what ????? when I saw. She went back and they put P235 on back for no charge. Said they never had a car with different sizes front to back....right.....They know we'll be back soon.........
I was considering this car but w/ the paint peeling and the rattle noise, and the usual tire wear problem, I think another car is a better choice.
Here’s my story, 1st day I took a closer look and there are large & uneven gaps between panels around the whole vehicle.
2nd day noticed vertical scratches under the paint on front and back bumpers.
The dealer sticker had a "Dessert Package" which included paint coating, scotch guard, vinyl treatment & tinted windows=$1,800. Windows were not tinted when I got home, HUMM? I'm wondering if any of the "Desert Package was done". Dealer tinted the windows but there are tiny bubbles in the tint.
4th Day whistling noise from front passenger side, dealership couldn’t pin point this and has not been fixed.
Stereo replaced at 6k, dealer fixed. It ate the 5th cd I put in the unit, I guess the car doesn't like hard house. Stock stereo has horrible reception, no control, and you can't hear the rear speakers.
At 7k, when breaking, the vehicle now KNOCKS at the end of your break. It sounds like a jalopy, I believe its a combination of the struts/transmission.
Breaks squeak at 6k, and there is already wear on the driver side seat where you get in and out, on the fabric.
I'm taking it in for these three issues in a few days. I'm a little upset!!!
This is a second vehicle that doesn't get driven a lot. Oh, the front window is chipping, looks like someone sprayed it with pebbles instead of water out of a hose.
Paint job has orange peeling. All of these issues are signs of poor craftsmanship and not paying attention to detail. These are issues that should not be happening to a car that is well taken care of, kept in a garage and washed with diapers. Oh did I mention I am not happy with this vehicle. I have spent countless hours at the dealership and have not once been offered a loaner. I have the extended/expanded warranty. This car is fun to drive when you have the TCS off, otherwise you are stuck to the ground and the car controls how fast it will let you go at take off. Even with TCS on the vehicle still skids around corners.
I would also suggest not to dress your tires with anything like armor oil. The dealership had slapped that stuff on thick and the combination of that & asphalt/break dust has dyed the wheel wells and the mud flaps black.
Mud flaps, the factory does not send you screws that match the color of the vehicle. I would suggest rubber tools when working on your vehicle because it is so prone to scratches. In a year there won’t be any paint left. I was going to invest some money in the stereo system but now i'm thinking I need to get that clear vinyl coating put on it instead. I have the white 350Z does any body know which adhesive is best for white, one that won't turn yellow?
Fortunately my dealer has been very helpful United Nissan in Las Vegas. I haven't had to pay for a single thing, not even an oil change. I think it's because they know what I'm in store for.
Thank you every one for all of your help.
14u2env "Brandy"
I was driving along and when at the end of a stop and I hear this horrible noise, scared me BAD!! GEEZZEE WT?.
I'm at about 7,000 miles on my Z and have a manual 6sp 2004 coup. When I'm at the end of my break there is this very scary clutch/strut/break KNOCKING grinding noise. It sounds like something is broken or something fell off or, well it's just not good, something happened and it just happened, no warning, nothing.
If anyone has had this similar problem or this noise at the end of a break, could you clue me in on the situation. I just don't want to be driving down the road and have parts falling off of my car, or worse, This is not good, at all.
I have to bring my Z in because of vertical scratches under the clear coat of the paint on the front and rear bumpers (I guess this is called tattooing) and they also scratched the heck out of my car when they changed the oil, so i'll just add a couple more issues for them to fix.
I wonder if they'll give me a loaner? Or just have me sit in the waiting room all day again.
Thanks,
Brandy LV, NV
I live in SF and have not had a problem at all with my Jet Black Z, yes the paint is prone to chipping but that's it. Sounds like your dealer who is doing all the fixes is also causing you some of your problems with careless treatment of the car. Oh, yeah, it's "Braking" not "breaking", then again in your case maybe "breaking" is a more appropriate discription.
Come on folks, there must be more news and info to report than we have been showing in here. Let's pick it up a little, okay alot.
So far I have also had a couple mystery rattles and squeeks on the interior. Definitely annoying, but I chalk it up to this being the first year out w/ a new car design. Usually it takes them a while to work out the bugs. It's just disappointing to hear so many people complain about the dealers not wanting to fix things.
If you confirm:
An applied vehicle has excessive front tire "roar" or "growl" noise under the following conditions:
-When braking moderately
-At speeds below 30 mph
-On smooth road surfaces
....the TSB is quite long. We will be posting a summary version or notice of it in the Ownership section of the site. If you would like the entire TSB (21 pages) please contact your dealer.
Dan
Also heard about the front tire wear through a friend. He owns BMW's and has the same problems with them. Suggested to take it to the dealer and have them set the tires straight. No toe - No camber - No Caster just put them straight. My service advisor admitted that all I needed was to have the front tires aligned before the wear pattern was started, so I have a appointment soon before I trash 2 tires.
What do you guys think?
Cheers
bk
That said, I'm not getting a warm and fuzzy feeling that Nissan's "running" 2004 production fixes are all in place -- or will make it prior to the 2005 models -- and, even then, don't address the tire problems and transmission problems. I was considering buying one but my pockets aren't deep enough cover post-warrenty repairs and annual replacement of high-priced performance tires.
I thought famous Japanese quality was a draw but a recent JD Edwards quality report I read in the paper (based on experiences with 2001 models) showed Nissan slightly below average in average defects. Which may explain many of the gripes in this (and other) forums.
If I can get past the quality issues, one issue keeps me on the fence that others here may be able to help me with. I'm concerned with the blind spot on the 350Z coupe. Is this a scary car to drive on interstates and in heavy traffic (e.g., rush hour)? Some driving impressions would be helpful. Thanks.
Can anyone tell me if the 2004 models have the same problems, or has nissan taken care of it, also what about the 2005? will they increase in price.
thanks.
Lastly, I know everyone complains about the sound system, but has any one upgraded to a better sound system and if so any suggestions? I am weary of putting in a new system because I do not want to change to look of the car.
Notwithstanding the above, the car kicks [non-permissible content removed] - and I would recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive - and if you don’t - this car will make you love driving.