Nissan 350Z

nyccarguy

Even though the Z has been out for 2 years now (?), every time I see one, I still turn my head and say DAMN, NICE F#$%^ng CAR! The enthusiast model is priced just right too. I have no doubt about the performance of the Z. I have a few questions for you current owners and fans. Does the rear suspension brace impede on cargo room? How practical is the cargo room of the Z even to take 2 people on a weekend getaway? I have always sworn to buy a car with a sunroof. Is there a possibility that Nissan would be able to put one in as an option in the future? How are the interior materials? I currently drive an '01 Honda Prelude Type SH which in addition to being a blast to drive, corners amazingly, is quite comfortable, and has very high quality interior materials.

nyccarguy

What is the difference between the Enthusiast and Performance models? It seems to be the 17" to 18" wheels. Am I missing something?

dbauer

go to "questions for a car dealer" and ask driftracer for his opinion. he works for a law firm that specializes in lemon law and dealer fraud cases. invite him over to put in his $0.02.

driftracer

I was just contracted to assist with certifying a class-action lawsuit against Nissan for the alignment, steering, suspension, and tire wear problems with the 350Zs. One of my compadres and the managing partner for the firm I consult for are in CA as we speak, inspecting several owner's vehicles and meeting with the other attorneys in the suit.

 

And to answer a previous comment - yes, buybacks over TIRES...if the suspension and steering systems won't maintain alignment specs, and the owner goes through tires because of it, that's a defect. Since it's public knowledge, you have a significant loss of value, and impairment of use. Those factors meet lemon law statutes in most of the states out there.

 

This class action suit will be in addition to anyone filing separately. I'll update this topic with new information as I have it.

dbauer

ok i agree that suspension/steering issues can contribute to tire wear, but noone said anything about that...the complaint was just about how lousy the tires were.

driftracer

the tires themselves, it's about the suspension and steering components that make them shred...

 

I wish I was getting a piece of the action...

fish8

I've stated this before.....the really sad part is that many Z owners will live with this defect because they think tire wear to this degree is normal for this type of car. So, tires every 8,000 miles will be ok by them.

driftracer

and forums will make some of them more aware, who knows?

 

I can see smoking the tires or driving aggressively in any sporty vehicle, where the tires would wear quickly, but evenly, but this is single-sided alignment wear.

jwilson1

Exactly!

 

On the 911 I run, I get 9000 miles ... but I earn it, and the wear (as you say) is even.

 

Driftracer, have you heard as I have that the Nismo suspension (already available to Nissan dealers obviously) cures the issue as discovered by track drivers of the Z?

 

If that is correct, the failure to repair with an (expensive but) available upgrade is really aggravating.

 

Good luck.

JW

driftracer

the Nismo suspension has stronger adjustment points so the suspension doesn't lose settings, causing droop, and major tire wear.

 

They had the cure all along, they just didn't use it - I've seen situations like that plenty of times in my line of work with many manufacturers.

starchecker1

For the Nismo suspension upgrade that fixes the tire wear problem, are you talking about the shock and spring kit? I know very little about mechanics so I was curious as to how that would fix the problem.

 

Also where are some websites that talk about the success of the upgrade in fixing the problem.

 

Thanks

jwilson1

It's coilover (shocks), springs, and sway bars .... I haven't followed it much since I gave up on Nissan, but there was a lot about it on the racing threads/folders at places like My350Z.com, 350ZFrenzy, and others.

 

It ran about $3000 (parts) when Nismo released the parts (fairly cheap for such an upgrade), but be aware (since you confess to lacking background) that it will lower your car a bit and stiffen the ride to what most people will find pretty uncomfortable in a daily driver.

 

If you will find that acceptable, then it's probably a decent idea so long as you don't have to go over speed bumps or in/out of parking lots with any regularity. I manage just fine with a similar setup in my Porsche (but my wife hates to ride with me!)

 

Hope this helps. JW

jwilson1

... I brought the option up, not to suggest it for most street cars but to show that a fix wasn't all that hard to come by -- a mechanic who's good with suspension upgrades should be able to do a good deal to eliminate the problem with some $$$$ (always!), time, and some stiffer parts.

 

JW

starchecker1

Thanks for the reply. The kit I have seen is $1600 and only includes springs and shocks. I now have a problem, a few weeks ago I hit a ice patch on wet pavement going too fast and the back end slid left, then right and then did almost two 360's before slidding up and over a curb. Car hit on the left side facing almost backwards as it hit the curb and went completely up and over. Amazingly no visible damage except a little rash on the lip of the rims one the left side and under the left side of the front end. However the rims on the left side did get bent and created some rythmic droning going over 55 mph. Got rims replaced on ebay(only had a 1000 miles on rims and tires. Alignment came right into specs, but droning noise is still there, although much less aparrent.

Dealer looked at it again but couldn't find any evidence of other damage, rechecked alignment which came into specs. His theory is the tires I got with the rims are slightly feathered, but my originals(3000 miles) were more feathered. So he blames the noise on that, however I had no noise until I hit the curb. The only thing that is suspect is the right rear wheel toe came in at -1.1 but the specs say 0.1 - 0.9. This setting is not adjustable, and I don't think it got messed up from the hit since it was the wheel to bear the least of the impact.

 

Could that cause the droning noise, and does that setting mean the front end of the wheel points out or in?

 

Sorry for the long post. I would gladly pay 3000 for a suspension upgrade if it fixed the problem, but I am wondering if my problem is accident related or just another case of the tire feathering issue.

 

Another funny point is the mechanic told me Nissan has fixed the tire feathering issue on the 04's just after he explained to me that my 3000 mile tires on my 04 were feathered.

dbauer

no offense, but i think you are reaching for something that isnt there. fact is, you had an accident, and the noise started then. period.

starchecker1

That actually is my point. I am trying to get him to see if something else got messed up in the accident but since he can't find anything he is blaming it on tire feathering, but I had no noise until I hit the curb even with my original tires that he claims have more feathering than the ones I had him put on when I fixed the alignment and rims.

dbauer

i would take it to another dealer for a second opinion.

mrjjgittes

For those out there who are late 30's, early 40's, with good driving records, what has your insurance hit been like for your 350z? Are we talking corvette/boxster levels? What did you have before, did it go up or down?

jwilson1

Starcheker, very sorry to hear about the mishap. I would be very surprised to hear that anything damaged the car until it contacted the curb .... and of course anything after that, too .... the car will handle all the 360s you want, or don't want, to do.

 

I wouldn't bother with a dealer at this point -- don't know where you live but I'd ask around, at tuner shops, good independent mechanics, call folk who are active in the local Porsche club, etc. -- and find a really good suspension shop in your area (after all, this damage isn't a warranty issue really and the Nissan dealers have shown themselves incompetent to deal with the car's suspension in any meaningful way).

 

And yes, .1 or .2 out of spec on the rear camber setting could exagerrate some of the car's problems -- either it got bent in the hit or was out of tolerance in the manufacturing -- you need someone who has a clue to take this seriously.

 

Since you're interested in suspension remedies, perhaps this person will also have some suggestions for you in this area.

 

Oh, You may need new tires.

 

Good luck. JW

starchecker1

Thanks JW for the input,

 

Yeah I am sure all the damage took place when I hit the curb. They did look at the car for free and acknowledged the out of tolerance specs on the right rear wheel and brought everything back in beautifully(I got a copy of the read out from the machine).

 

It handles great(still has a little pull to the right, but it did that before the accident (all part of that compression arm issue nissan knows about). Unfortunately I didn't get around to getting it replaced under warranty before the accident. Amazingly the guy who did the alignment admitted that the compression arm issue isn't a result of the accident, and will see what they can do to get it replaced under warranty.

 

He seemed very knowledgable and has worked on a pit crew for some racing teams doing the alignment work for them. He said he was absolutely amazed at the condition of the car after hitting the curb. The only thing he could find was the two bent rims and the alignment obviously needing to be readjusted.

 

I am hoping the droning noise I hear(which shows up even less frequently now after the final adjustment) is only becuase of the feathering on the tires I got with the new rims on ebay. When I get enough money together to buy some winter tires, I will put them on. If I still get the droning noise then I will have to take it to a premium suspension shop and have them look at it.

 

Last question for you. If everything falls into tolerance beautifully like it did on my car, and there was no damage to control arms is there a possibility that the body itself or the subframes got tweeked from the curb hit even though nothing else got damaged?

 

Thanks

jwilson1

I suppose it's possible -- you know, theoretically. But I'd think highly unlikely.

 

If this concerns you, again you'll need a highline shop, this time for bodywork (We have one north of Boston people ship cars to from all over the East, as an example) -- they will have the machinery and experience to tell you exactly.

 

But I think that would be a waste of money, given that there is really nothing wrong that you don't know the cause for ... it's just getting Nissan to fix it.

 

JW

starchecker1

My insurance went up $40/month from my Sentra SE 2.0. The STI and Acura RSX were both much higher compared to the Z. So even a roadster isnt' that expensive. I am 35 and have an excellent driving record.

 

Total Bill is less than $1400/year. This includes the premium plus package which gets you a new car if it's totaled the first 3 years, has gap protection and most importantly gets you one get out of jail free card. If my car had cost $13,000 to fix like another Z that hit a curb a few weeks before mine, not only would my rate not have gone up, but I would have kept my good driver discount. That was a huge relief to find out.

 

JW:

 

Thanks again,

 

I agree, I think it is pretty unlikely any other damage took place, it must just be the tires that came with the rims. If new tires don't fix the problem I may ask for the contact info for that shop in Boston.

sandiegodom

Hello all...

I am seriously considering obtaining the 2005 Z sometime later this year (Ultra Yellow I'm hoping)...But am really curious as to whether the suspension problems have been addressed for once and for all.

 

It's such a beautiful car it's sad to see its reputation marred by something that does seem to have an obvious fix. I've been salivating over the Z car since its debut in 03 (and really all of the other Z car most of my life)...but don't want to plunk down the cash and get a stomach ache later.

 

Thanks for any info anyone can share with the msg board.

starchecker1

It's definitely not fixed for 04 models, even late 04's, despite Nissan claiming it is. That being said since they wont acknowledge the real cause of the problem, it's doubtful they fixed it on the 05's. It's still too early to tell if the 05's still have the problem as few people with the 05's have driven the 5K to 10K miles it takes for the feathering to show up.

 

Apparently the fix is NOT simple or they would have done it. There are mixed reports if even the $3000 NISMO suspension upgrade fixes the problem. My theory is it won't be fixed until they do a body redesign which might not be til 07 or later.

 

If you don't want to wait for the redesign you need to consider that if you buy the 05 and it still isn't fixed you may have to replace your front tires 1 to 3 times per year at a cost of about $400. So figure an extra $30 to $100/mos for tire replacements. If you love the Z that much that basically adding that to your monthly payment doesn't bother you then go for it.

 

Most people would have an issue with that, in which case I suggest waiting until the late spring or early summer to see how prevalent the complaints are on the 05's.

 

I love my z and think it's worth every dime I paid for it. However I haven't had it long enough to have to start replacing tires. So I guess you will have to ask me in a year and see how much I have had to pay to replace the tires to let you know if it's ultimately worth it.

 

Buy the way I think the Ultra Yellow is hot, I have the Daytona Blue, but that would be my second choice!

gs450

hello folks,

i own a silver 2004 350Z with the NISMO exhaust package. Yesterday i was driving down the road when a black volvo S60 R pulled up next to me. The driver started giving me the "wanna race look?" I had a fairly open straight stretch of road in front of me so i floored it. Even though the volvo pressed the accelerator after me he just flew past me like i wasn't even touch the gas, and he went so far ahead of me that i was in shock the entire drive home. Is the volvo really THAT much faster than the Z? Don't the volvo and the Z have roughly the same amount of hp and torque? Just interested in everyone's thoughts. Thanks

dbauer

no, the volvo shouldnt do that. no offense, but it sounds like a difference in drivers.

to quote ralph earnhardt..."the winner isnt the one with the fastest car...just the one that refuses to lose."

qbrozen

depends alot on the amount of wheelspin. Obviously, the S60R, being AWD, is much easier to launch without any loss in traction. In perfect conditions with matched drivers, the cars are very close, AFAIK, in acceleration.

By the way, the Volvo is 300hp/300ft.lbs. with the 6-speed (automatic is MUCH slower and has quite a bit less power in the first 2 gears), but the Volvo's extra weight is why the Z is a close match for it.

gs450

But the thing is there really wasn't much that he could have done to make it THAT BAD. It was a rolling start so it's not like i floored it and lost traction or anything, I have an automatic so that rules out the fact that im a bad shifter and lost cause of that lol. I just don't understand what happened! Plus after that when we got to the next signal, we both punched it from a standing start and again, he just left me in the dust....

dbauer

the shift points in the automatic would account for lots of it. he was probably an experienced driver too.

qbrozen

and who knows if it was stock or not?

but, yeah, his stick vs. your auto would account for quite a bit.

gs450

Just curious as to what all you automatic Z owners think of the tiptronic mode. Do you guys think it makes a substantial difference in performance when used instead of the automatic?

pscholes18

Hey everyone, I just bought a 2k5 Pearl White Base Model Z. I got it from Durate, CA at Performance Nissan, right next to Pasadena, CA. I got it for $500 over invoice and after purchasing the car and talking to these guys I think I could of got the car for less. So if you are still looking go to their site and email them. After agreeing on the price they emailed me back with the break down of the cost of the car. So make sure you print it out and take it with you so they cant up the price. Also you might want to ask for the car under 5 to start with but for sure you can get it for what I got the car for. Tell them Dave from Fresno, CA who bought the White Z a few weeks ago sent ya! lol Good luck.

pscholes18

Heres a question I was pondering. Is the Z alarm system any good? Or is it jus another average manufactuer system and should I go get my own?

pscholes18

Im 31, have one ticket but did traffic school, and my insurance is 1500 a year give or take a few dollars. Biggest payment will be about 160 and wil go down from there as the year progresses because im with AAA. I have a 2k5 base model Z.

pscholes18

Yeah I was suprised the base didnt have cruise control. I just got back from LA and at some points of the trip I wish I did. However, when I had the integra, I didnt use the cc all that much. Maybe once or twice on a trip but it didnt come in to use. So Ill say im happy with saving the 2k. In my book, all the cars look the same, and they all have the same engine. So Ill take the base.

pscholes18

I just went to Disneyland with a friend for two days and two nights. Now im a light packer...I only had one bag and my friend had one of those rolling suitcase and a few hang up items. I fit both in the back of the z with the clothes laying down on top of her suitcase and closed the trunk almost perfectly. The suitcase was in the was just a bit but just had to force close the back. Wasnt a problem because it was just close in the case. If your a heavy packer then I would suggest to pass on the Z. Behind the seats there are cargo areas in which you could probalby shove your clothes in. Bottom line tho is thats one of the negetives with the Z, there really is no trunk space.

I drove a Z with a after market sunrook in it...not sure if Nissan will or not. Tho I do find myself looking for the sunroof button now and then. I had one in my Integra.

You wont be disappointed in the Z's cornering. It has great handling. The materials inside are fine. Ive only had mine for a few weeks so I cant say if they are faulty or not. Looks good so far. Overall im happy with the car. If the tires do start to feather, then Nissan should replace them for free as they have been with the 03's and the 04's.

fish8

One quick question: As far as your statement: "If the tires do start to feather, then Nissan should replace them for free as they have been with the 03's and the 04's."

Who told you Nissan is replacing the tires on Z's that experience tire feathering? if you read this board, you will see there are many dealers that will NOT replace the tires.

I hope you have great luck with your Z and maybe Nissan has fixed the tire wear problems.

qbrozen

By all accounts I've read, its definite on the '03s, but '04 owners still differ in experiences/opinions.

pscholes18

I have read from others that they will replace the tires for free...they are aware of the problem and they should in turn replace the tires. I have 1300 on my tires and they look fine....however what exactly does feathering look like? Wil the whole tire just go bald or is it on the inside of the tire??

fish8

On my father's Z it was the inside of the tire that wore or feathered.

Your Quote:
"they are aware of the problem and they should in turn replace the tires"

I am afraid to say this is complete WISHFUL thinking. There are high costs involved in replacing worn tires on affected Z's. Dealer's (Nissan) will not willing replace ALL affected tires without a huge fight. If Nissan did have this policy, would they not put it in a TSB of some sort? From reading numerous websites and my Dad's experience with his Z, dealers are NOT replacing tires on all affected cars. I am sure there are some dealers that are providing this service to their customers. But, I would venture to guess, the dealers and Nissan are not willingly doing this.

It sounds as though you may have convinced yourself that if your Z has these problems the dealer will just replace them. I hope your correct, but that has not been the case as far as I know.

On the other hand: The car is a very nice ride.

Enjoy it....your car may NOT be affected....so all of this may be mute.

qbrozen

What year is your dad's?

The issue sounds like the dealer and not Nissan in your father's case. If your father continues to experience problems, I suggest either a different dealer or just call Nissan corporate direct.

fish8

My Dad's Z WAS a '03. In previous posts I explained that Nissan re-purchased his car under the Lemon Law. Nissan actually gave my Dad a hard time with the entire lemon process. The dealer blamed Nissan and Nissan blamed the dealer for the problems. The problem was with Nissan and the Z.

350z4me

Check this out guys this is what I heard from someone who has a contact inside nissan I don't know if it is true or not, but it kind of make some sense. The new 2006 Z will have a major interior revision, and most important will come with a new 4.0 V6 engine aleready in use in the pathfinder. So forget about the 350 name as matter of fact if you go now to the nissan website they already dropped the 350z name. They call it Z coupe or Z roaster. Neat ah!

qbrozen

i'm inclined to not believe that without more proof.

They've been using just Z for quite some time, as far as I know. I could be wrong, though.

As far as timeframe, most folks seem to think 2007 is the updated interior.

erikpe02

Hi everybody. Need some advice...

I've taken an '03 Z for a test drive and absolutely fell in love with the car. However, I've been reading about this feathering issue (I'm sure it's been beaten into the ground on this board). Here's the situation: if I buy a used Z from a dealership or private owner, is there any way to protect myself? Is it really so bad that I'll have to replace tires every year?

Would it better for me to lease a new 05 or 06 than risk an 03? I'm someone that would drive this car only about 3000-4500 miles a year.

Thanks!

dbauer

i would lease the new one. you will pay less, and have an easy out if worse comes to worst, without costing you alot of time, and no money. if it ends up being perfect, you buy it out...pretty simple.

qbrozen

if you're only driving 3K-4500 miles a year, I don't think you have alot to worry about. You most likely won't be replacing tires every year by putting on so few miles. HOWEVER, I still might be inclined to seek out an '04 instead. It may not guarantee immunity from the problem, but it seems that it would lessen your chances. I think leasing a car you will be driving so little isn't such a hot idea, personally.

OR, find an '03 at a Nissan dealer and get the extended warranty. At least then, if you find a problem in 2 years (6k miles seems to be the most common number i've seen for noticing tire issues on these), you will be covered.

randyboy

I have owned my Z since Dec. of '02 (a 2003 Touring). With 22,000 miles on it, my biggest complaint is the poor quality of the Bose audio system. First off, how the heck can you outfit a $32,000 car with a system with such simplistic tone controls (NO MIDRANGE CONTROL!!). Without it, every CD sounds the same. And you would also think that you would be able to take advantage of the built-in subwoofer. No chance- the volume tops out at a level that barely pushes the subwoofer, as does the bass control (you should be able to shake the entire car and the ones on either side and in front/back of you with the volume and bass at their highest). Also, it seems to me that the bass level will fluctuate at different times during a song; during certain sections of a track (you will eventually learn when), you can maximize bass response (with bass at +5) by very quickly spinning the volume "flywheel" control to minimum and immediately spinning it back to maximum. Of course, because of this "flywheel" style knob, there is no way to really tell when you have reached maximum volume level. It will seem, during song sections with heavy bass, that the subwoofer is working fairly well, but often, it seems that the bass level eventually becomes ordinary again before the end of the track. You can again use the "spin the knob" method but what a real pain in the butt.

The other problem is the excess treble when ANY CD is played. Every recently released disc has to be played with the treble no higher then (minus) 3 or the system is completely overwhelmed on the high end. How ridiculous! And, needless to say, THE POWER OUTPUT IS WAY TO WEAK (YOU CAN'T CRANK IT!!!!).

Finally, I need some recommendations from other owner for aftermarket components for this Bose system. I am trying to find a graphic equalizer and a power amp that can be integrated and also be non-obtrusive (i.e. fit in the empty front compartment that would house the non-existent GPS system). Or in one of the rear glove boxes. I have been unable to find compatible products online so far. Please post your thoughts. Thank you.

dbauer

please post my thoughts...hmmm...

first of all, im sure glad you dont live in my neighborhood. i get enough people blasting away at stop lights, driving down the road at 2 in the morning with your "you should be able to shake the entire car and the ones on either side and in front/back of you with the volume and bass at their highest" attitude.

qbrozen

I've read alot of complaints about the system. I can't figure it out. Personally, the speakers behind the seats vibrate my back so much at three-fourths volume that it physically hurts.

yeah, I guess I'm getting to be an old fart, but anybody else I ever give a ride to holds their ears when the stereo is at a volume I find entirely acceptable, so I know its not just me.

I will say that the Z's Bose system is not as clean and clear as my stock Volvo system, but I can't complain one bit about its power.

I agree with one thing ... the excess treble. I have it set, I believe, to +3 Bass and -1 or maybe -2 treble.

OH, by the way, the original sticker on my Volvo was about $7K more than the Z ... and that has no midrange control, either.