USED Nissan 350Z - The common problems & should you buy one?

[@mrnicktoyou]

I remember sitting in a 350Z at the Melbourne Motor Show back in the early 2000's. It felt so futuristic at the time. It still looks it actually.

[@hellothere4342]

OMG same hahaha. It was a bronze colour with caramel interior. I've just started my apprenticeship and I promised myself that I'll get one. End up with 350Z,370Z and finally the Z. I was hooked ever since I was playing SNES where the character drives a 300ZX chasing down baddies and shooting from the car.

[@mrnicktoyou]

@@hellothere4342 it must have been the exact same car we both sat in because that colour combo is what I saw too.

[@masibulelemnguni6554]

​@mrnicktoyou that's crazy , small world they say

[@timvanngman]

I sat in one at the Adelaide Motor Show 😂 Agree that it did feel futuristic (and inviting and driver focused). I had a Skyline R33 GTST at the time. Never did get a Z car. Currently own an R33 GTR.

[@なでしこの手帳_海外の反応]

The fact that we can buy 300hp car at a affordable price is wonderful

[@Vinoisthename]

also if you want a 4 door variant. there's the lexus is350 with the same Power. affordable and reliable

[@なでしこの手帳_海外の反応]

@@Vinoisthename oh😀 that sounds nice

[@NotWBT]

Was effortless 10+ years ago. It's not expensive to make a 300hp engine. It's that they stopped doing it do to emissons regulations. My first car was a 1JZ soarer with 350hp with basic bolt ons. Paid $5,700 for it. Sold it years ago. They probably go for $25k and up now. Just that the times have changed do to supply and demand sadly.

[@なでしこの手帳_海外の反応]

@@NotWBT ソアラも良いねえ☺️♪( ´▽｀)

[@s15melb]

@@Vinoisthename the 4door variant is the 08 skyline 350gt same engine vq35hr and same platform but 4 doors

[@Mattawy]

The fact this is posted just now and I want to buy one is perfect timing. I am subscribing. Very well presented info too. Good job mate.

[@ReDriven]

Awesome mate! Thanks for watching

[@Agret]

Get a 370z, better in every way.

[@headphones1861]

Great video and closing statement. I've had mine nearly 20 years now and use it daily. No regrets. No plans to sell. If i did i'd be that mature enthusiast owner you've recommended to buy from 😄

[@nukesdabomb5704]

As a Z enthusiast, I just wanted to add: the most common issues are Door handle failure, dash cupholder failure, bleeder valve. Good mention about the Gallery gasket failure and CSC failure. I would recommend VQ35DE engine owners to be careful pulling the dipstick slowly, otherwise you get a bad reading of oil, most owners ive spoken to check it when warm. These cars are capable for every application, but get massive hate because of how the exhaust sounds when straight piped.

[@samartz]

Cheers! Is the 370z a lot more reliable?

[@nukesdabomb5704]

@@samartz I have two 370z both over 210,000km (one is a daily the other is a weekender), they share alot of similar issues with the 350z, such as the CSC failure, galley gaskets and bleeder port failure. But other than that nothing critical to the engine, the steering lock module is an issue but can be fixed for free.

[@samartz]

@@nukesdabomb5704 great to hear!

[@Iridiumcosmos]

Gallery gasket failure is mainly an HR/VHR thing. DEs rarely experience that failure.

[@nukesdabomb5704]

@@Iridiumcosmos Sure DEs have the metal gasket, however the screws start untightening which causes the failure. This can be resolved with the EPS Tuning kit hardware which has more threads

[@LankyLee]

I had a 350Z HR when I was a little younger. 4 years and the only thing to ever go wrong with it, other than consumables was the water pump. fairly easy fix though, a little scary to do because you have to move the timing around a little, but easy enough. Fuel was a tad much but for a 3.5V6 you dont expect prius level economy. Sounded amazing in tunnels too. 8/10 car in my honest ex-owner review.

[@KansaiBoruto]

recently purchased 03 track, black with tan leather interior , drive it to work everyday and it is simply a joy to drive.

[@brucepritchard5327]

I bought an 06 Track 350Z a couple of years ago. Same colour as previewed car but with the tan interior. It is a fabulous car and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

[@spdaltid]

Thanks Guys. I know, on paper, the 370Z is the better developed car. But, the 350Z look has just aged so much better without the manga inspired design cues. A Nismo would be very nice in the garage.......

[@davidwild66]

I don't know why I'm watching this. My back is so stuffed that I wouldn't be able to get out of one, even if I did buy it.

[@daweigo6851]

😅😅

[@Orvieta]

How would you get in first?

[@davidwild66]

@@Orvieta Gravity assisted.

[@Orvieta]

@@davidwild66 That'll do :)

[@KnightIndustries572]

Love the Z'ds, always have since I was a teenager. When I stopped having to do the daily school run for my daughter and 3 of the neighbours kids 3 years back I was really considering a 370 or a G37/Q60 Infiniti. Prices were a bit silly then and I also thought long and hard that there is my son (who has special needs) and of course his school mates in the same boat. The reality was that even though that most times it's me and my young bloke in the car (he loves the Zed too btw!) often there would be his friends who will probably never drive either (so there would be three in the car) , so I bought what I believe to be the '4 Door Z'..the 2012 Lexus IS 350 ;-). ..and we love it!

[@stephenmoore1541]

I Love Redriven, Adam and Jim, you guys are awesome. If you want a 350Z that's more practical, get the Infiniti G35 aka Skyline. It came in 2 and 4 doors with the same engine and tranmission. That's the way I'd go because it even the 2 door has back seats and I have a kid.

[@Jez3134]

To me the 350z is the perfect middle ground. The chassis has potential to do any kind of motorsport, and can be a reliable, comfortable fun daily given preventative maintenance. It's not full of electronic complexity like today's cars, and it's not full of mechanical complexity like the TT 300zx. I feel like these are now in the same space the S13 and R33 were 10 years ago, parts are affordable and plenty

[@DanielSchramm]

That car looks in *immaculate* condition - well done Brad!

[@davidkirk6249]

Similar drowning spark plug problems with my V6 Stagea. As an amateur mechanic the replacement gaskets took 6 hours. Lots of patience required.

[@TalooshDaBoss]

great reviews man, the wheelbase being so much smaller then the g35s is the best part internally

[@ReDriven]

Cheers mate!

[@greaper5123]

This is no joke, i watch all your videos, the last 3 cars i have purchased, literally a few days later you guys do a review, the last 3 cars, its bloody freaky guys knock it off 😂

[@NightmareDealer]

Top video once again 🍻

[@zzhughesd]

I watch them from UK. Only see Aussie once every 3/4 years and love channel.

[@pass_the_flask]

Main problems you need to worry about: Lack of oil changes by previous owner = failed timing chain tensioners (noise at cold start) and gearbox synchros in pre 05 models with the CD008 and older gearbox revisions (shifting into 2nd, 3rd and 5th) If there's no issues with those, the rest is generally pretty cheap to repair, loads of parts out there.

[@pass_the_flask]

To critique the driving experience, the steering is pretty average (heavy, lack of feel in the steering). Also the clutches have no feel combined with an "on-off" feeling at the bite point, can make it a bit laborous to drive as a daily.

[@juki6377]

i love the old design, the new one is just as good. Although the only 350s i see are completely rinced out and victims to the backyard modders, and i see way fewer than i used to

[@Dawisco]

Valve covers. If you can't verify they've been changed buy a new set now. You'll need them. And don't get cheap aftermarket ones. Valve covers are essential part of the engine. Don't cheap out With the convertible be sure to check the 'rubber band' straps on the interior of the top. They get stretched out over time and the top won't fold correctly causing it to rub against the frame and tear. Also the main motor (sometimes called the 5th bow motor) which raises and lowers the top can go bad over time and need to be replaced

[@andrewst12]

It was my dream car when it came out and I loved driving it on Gran Turismo, now that it's so affordable it's kinda tempting to get one or maybe a newer 370Z

[@Saqib-l2e]

Nice video! I liked the 370z also.

[@rogerdavis2056]

Great video! But what about the 300zx ?

[@K.J.H_]

Love the 350z! Im a bit of a watch guy too, was cool to spot an aussie owned Erebus Origin too 👍

[@paulsimpson8990]

I owned one in 2005 and it developed a rod knock at idle at about 100,000km. My local Nissan dealership told me they’re not designed to last beyond 100,000km and refused to fix it under warranty. They even sent engineers up from Melbourne to inspect and said the knock was a characteristic of the vq35 engine. Never owned another Nissan!

[@fritzmckellar1756]

Are you the original owner? If not, who knows how hard it was beaten, or lack of maintenance? Good news is that used blocks are cheap to buy and easy to swap.

[@paulsimpson8990]

@@fritzmckellar1756 yep from new

[@houstonraver834]

I have a 05 145000 miles still runea great

[@paulsimpson8990]

@@houstonraver834 yes but you’ve got a good one not the newer direct injected versions

[@atrothe]

Automotive Marraca..you crack me up. i like your videos.

[@Maverick-cl2lt]

You need to come test my 260Z. Almost 50 year old car and a daily driver.

[@Maverick-cl2lt]

And... I can fit a 5 piece drum kit in it. No passengers.

[@tbagsx]

Badass. I still have my 260z that was my daily in my 20s. Im restoring it now to have another go in it in my 40s and beyond. I miss that car sooo much. It was a blast every time I got in it.

[@Megatraum504]

wrist check? is that an erebus??? if so im subbing instantly lmao. great video none the less

[@ReDriven]

You’ve got keen eye!

[@Megatraum504]

@@ReDriven thats awesome man. im undecided on which model i want atm.

[@fritzmckellar1756]

Had a 2003 years ago and sold it. I very much regret it. Last year I bought a 2003 Track from a Nissan master mechanic for only $10,000 Canadian LOL. The car is mint. Came with a pricey Nismo stainless exhaust too, sounds sooo good, accentuates that VQ growl w/o being obnoxious. I've since spend another $5k in preventative maintenance (used CD009 tranny, new crank/cam sensors, knock sensor harness, hatch shocks and springs, clutch and heavy single mass flywheel). This car is so fun to drive - IF you know what it is, a cheap, reliable, sporty GT car. In this era where speed cameras and heavy fines exist for any kind of spirited driving, this car makes an awesome and honest DD. Yes, the rear strut tower bar does suck and is 100% the worst design feature.

[@rogerdavis2056]

Not to be picky, you talked about the 240z, 260z & 280z. 300zx should be mentioned. Thanks for the video!

[@zigadiboom982]

I have the 2007 Nissan 350GT sedan with the VQ35HR generating 232kw. Being a family man in my 40's its a good practical family car with the same 350z drivetrain threaded through allowing for some good driving pleasure.

[@MLax-t5d]

Great honest review great host and mechanic 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ReDriven]

Thanks mate!

[@rezolute4249]

I have a mk3 Focus ST would love to see you guys do a video on one.. your XR5 video was great too!

[@TwistedDonners]

For some reason the 350Z always riminds me of a shoe in its design for some reason. While this looks like a nice car the risks of buying one over its competitors just doesn't seem worth it. It's definitely a thirsty beast with it's fuel consumption for the engine size which isn't a good thing. Was an enjoyable video to watch guys and still up too your usual quality of work as well. Keep up the good work guys and as always I look forward to next week's videos as per usual 👍.

[@ReDriven]

Cheers as always mate!

[@murrieteacher]

Get a good one of these and they are magic. There is a heap of mods (really good stuff) available from the USA but the postage is stupid. Only to be expected from the land of the 2 weeks for a vacation each year. The land of paradoxes.

[@vikasgnan4022]

Hey Adam and Jim!! Can you also please review a Skyline 350 GT/ V35

[@ddsgardening7437]

Adam totally agree with your opinion about this amazing car I bloody love them, Cheers Mate

[@ReDriven]

Thanks for watching and commenting mate!

[@Vourn-75]

Hi Adam, I have a challenge for you and Jim... Look for a Proton Satria GTI and review the car. 😉

[@rc70ys]

There are 2 for sale in NSW

[@Vourn-75]

Wow ​@@rc70ys that's amazing.

[@MrJohnRhee]

i bought a 21 year old XR8 three months ago. Wish me luck

[@genzigzag]

Great car, highly underrated. Sometimes a simple formula is best, personally I believe it's better than the current Z

[@plamenfilipov5501]

You definitely have to do a video for the Ford Mustang GT s197 2005 🙏🙏🙏

[@scotty6346]

I'm in the UK and was deciding between a 350Z or an E86 BMW 3.0 si coupe, The BMW won! Greater rust resistance in our UK climate and a more fuel efficient N52 straight six engine, Liked and subbed 👍

[@lilnips]

Did you get it, mate?

[@scotty6346]

@@lilnips Yep! I love it mate 👍

[@themystx2]

I had one of the first 350z in the USA. It went through two failed manual transmissions (second of which I paid for out of pocket), tire cupping, failed power steering in 8k miles to where I simply sold it and got something else. Turns out 2 of the 3 issues were recalls down the road and I should not have paid for the second transmission. I swore off Nissan for life after than experience.

[@christopherthompson7443]

The 350z is actually a mid engined car according to Nissan, the engine is as far back as possible. for weight distribution.

[@bg9994]

Considering the small incremental changes it's basically a current day z with a few mods.

[@damilolaakanni]

I'd personally go for something with four doors. Something like the Infiniti G35, Lexus IS350 (preferably the GS350 as it offers more interior space) or BMW 335i sedan. Something that serves two purposes, a commuter car during the week and a fun car during the weekends. BTW, I'm surprised that no competitor from Mercedes was mentioned. W203 C320/C350 or the equivalent CLK coupes.

[@bullymaguire8868]

I love these and was considering buying one until I raced one with my IS350 F Sport (which I don't consider fast) and beat it handily

[@rockino2562]

😂😂😂

[@PGIxHunter]

Wanted a 2nd gen mr2 as my first car. But would be too old to figure out whats going on with it if something arises, so im getting a 350z next month as my first. Beautiful car.

[@TarikSammour]

When are we getting a Z32 300ZX review??

[@Izaakswrld]

Can you guys review a 2006 mazda 6. Much like the MPS but the base version!

[@tonyshelsher7872]

The coupe is nice but I have the convertible and I think that if you haven’t driven one you are missing out. Also mine has only done 60000 kms. Most hardtops are flogged out and past it. I would steer past the hardtops.

[@maz500]

No small pretentious coffee comments in this video

[@GameWithTonyYT]

One day, I will buy one !

[@flamerunnerfn4701]

perfect viedo!

[@carlosarellano4]

Mine starting Eating Oil when it only had 2k Miles on it!!! when it was new basically! Never again! Also didn’t like how easy the dash would scratch up around the heater control areas

[@the7dan7dan]

I’m a simple dude, I see a new redriven video, and I skip to see how bad Jim says it is!

[@vespafetish]

Ha ha hell yeah. Jim is straight to the point, and you can almost tell from the look on his face whether it's a 'buy' or 'run away' car

[@joshgiuliani7724]

Z32 review would be sweet! 👌👌👌

[@jabbarshoro]

they feel diffrent because the VDC and the throttle response is adjusted by how the car is drivien. its driver dependant

[@nostalgiclife1075]

Can you guys please review the 2016 Holden Barina RS. Awesome little car for 10k

[@christianolssontravels]

20 yo cars are not the issue per se, lack of maintenance (including changing bushings etc) is.

[@Mexxx65]

20 years nothing for a modern car ..... thats been maintained.

[@ReDriven]

100% agree

[@Berserkism]

Damn these have gone up in price. I got one in great condition for $8k AUD about 8 years ago.

[@iamamlaar]

Having owned and driven both, for the same money you’ll get a GT350 (which is basically the same car underneath) but is a little more practical in terms of boot space and back seat. Watch out for the cam shaft sensors going bad - it’s a real cheap part, but costs a lot in labour to pull the engine apart.

[@pass_the_flask]

all the cam shaft sensors can be easily accessed reaching between the firewall and rear of the engine. Sounds like someone took you for a ride

[@user-ej1yx4rw3y]

@@pass_the_flaskyeah i didn’t feel like doing it myself so i paid somebody 100 bucks to do it

[@pass_the_flask]

@@user-ej1yx4rw3y Ok.. I was responding to the guy who said it costs a lot in labour to pull the engine apart when all the sensors are reachable without removing anything

[@user-ej1yx4rw3y]

@@pass_the_flask i was vouching for u lol weirdo

[@wendidrew7374]

I love my 350z. 2005 kids ruin e'm. I keep stock.❤

[@primeroclipz9380]

Is it worth it to buy a 350z as a daily? It seems it would be a fun daily but is it reliable? Would buying a 350z from a dealer be best?

[@beniciobaeza]

If the car is properly taken care of then yes. Sometimes you can get lucky and find low mileage examples for a reasonably affordable price. I recently purchased a 2008 350z Grand Touring (Fully Optioned) with 16k miles for 17k USD. It still had the original tires on them! You'll find that dealers have significant mark ups on theirs, buying from a private seller is where you find the deals. Needless to say, I daily it and it's great. Just be diligent in your search for one, nothing better than knowing that your car was taken care of before you.

[@dwestfall1000]

What years would you stay away from?

[@160ms3]

Mate can you add mazda cx7 2006 model for the review please. My friend says it kinda like a budget Porsche

[@Thunderkorn]

I had the itch for a rear wheel drive 300 ish hp car. I ended up picking up a Lexus sc430.

[@embars3399]

please review a honda prelude

[@shakethedrummer2351]

Was very tempted to get a 350 or 370. But 2nd hand good ones were going for over 35k Decided to just get a new gen2 BRZ for 44k

[@reitsmaassociates]

Have owned three of them! - my first back in its release year of 2003 - a manual Track coupe - loved it for about 4 years then sold it to buy a house . In 2018 I bought a low km manual only yellow anniversary model(2005) - enjoyed that too as a weekend car for a few years before selling for somewhat more than purchase 😊. Missed it so much I bought an obscenely low clicked 2004 automatic (yes sacrilege automatic)350z track in black with an as new orange interior and optional factory rays wheels - love it auto and all . It is truly an amazing car even when compared to my recent/current daily/work cars which have included (Alpine A110 ,mk8 GTI, New defender 90 d250s , Volvo V60 ,VW Arteon, Tesla Model 3) but most weeks I will still choose to take the 350 :). - fab honest review as always - cheers from Brisbane

[@OfficialSolDios]

Even the auto is pretty nice to drive for a cruiser.

[@ihavealife002]

The good news is that Nissan is still using the same parts they used to make this car on the new Z, so you can still buy one new!

[@pass_the_flask]

Same horrible clutch 20+ years later.. lmao

[@pasilinnosto6712]

The convertible was nice

[@gav_bray]

Not car related, but do I spy with my little eye an Erebus Origin watch on your wrist? Great watch 👍🏼

[@ReDriven]

You absolutely do. Great pick up

[@peteypoo2470]

the mechanic should have been more specific. the gallery gasket leak happens with the latest model 07-08 the oil consumption issue happens most on the 04-05 (often considered the worst of all the models) ect ect do specific research on the specific model and engine.

[@hutton40599]

Is that an Erebus watch?

[@dannyy0007]

I thinking of buying this for my first car, I don't want anything serious or super new, but I was told by some friends I should get this. Automatic is the way to go for me, but is this a good first car? I wont be driving a lot and to far places, max ill travel is maybe 30 miles. Mainly to be used to go and get from school, practice, errands, and weekends. Ill like to hear some opinions from some owners. What should I look out for when purchasing a used? Average cost for maintenance a year? How does it hold on gas?

[@IzaakPoppleton]

I've owned a Nissan v35 skyline auto coupe, which is my first car, for about 7 months which has the same engine, transmission and chassis as a 350z. It is a very reliable car but it's important to maintain them properly otherwise you'll have very costly issues. I've spent about $1000 in maintenance including a minor service and camshaft sensor replacement (very common issue which is mentioned in the video). My fuel economy seems to average around 13L/100km which isn't great, so I've probably spent round $2500 on fuel. You should probably expect to pay around $1500 per year on maintenance and $3000 on fuel, given that you don't plan on driving it that much. I'd say that if you're a car enthusiast who is willing to pay a high price for a fun driving experience, it could be a great first car for you. Otherwise, you might want to avoid it. Also keep in mind that a 350z is very powerful for a first car.

[@jabbarshoro]

i have a similar infiniti qx70 with 3.7 vq engine. no support for infiniiti here in sydney, where can I buy true brembo pads, i installed bendix and they make loud noice all the time.

[@Saqib-l2e]

Make a video for the Lexus RC350

[@michaelinzitari]

hahahah that french AI girl was so good i had to listen to it twice. speaking of safety features, thats about all i want anyway!

[@TimSlee1]

16:40 You say that but it still has 300bhp which is enough to get you into trouble if you're not careful.

[@Jack14432]

Please review the Lexus SC430 mate!

[@MrTyphoonracer]

Next video what goes wrong on the Jeep cherokee XJ? 😀

[@Swwa89]

I absolutely love s chassis cars aswell as 32/3 and 4 skylines but have just never found the 350/70z or even the new one appealing for some reason!! They just seem a bit girly as do the maxima looking "skylines" of the same era. Old z cars are stylish though the mcm one with an rb26 is amazing!

[@jeancoetzee2800]

These vehicles, in my country, aren't worth much considering what they are irrespective of condition or age. They range from AUS$10 000 (clarification: early model, manual with 160k kms) to AUS$25 000 (clarification: This is a factory stock, manual car with 50k kms).

[@ForgetfulFoot]

We purchased an auto high mileage 370z for $14000 5 years ago for the wife. Excellent car and held up very well. Only issue we had was a split at a coolent Y pipe (replaced with metal one for $25). And some degradation of the steering wheel and door seals. Solid car as a comfy daily cruiser if you only need two seats. But they arent no where near fun as something like a MX5 or Boxster/Cayman. Rear storage is a highlight tho. I fit my massive inflatable kayak in there.

[@Iridiumcosmos]

Damn. Bro just roasted 90% of the community. LOL.

[@Minidisc_cc]

The r32/33/34 gtst/gtt would also be comparable options

[@ashar1353]

Could u reveiw a skyline 350gt😅?

[@pass_the_flask]

It's the same car with different interior/exterior, you can basically apply all these same things to the v35 skyline

[@ashar1353]

@pass_the_flask yeah well I own one too, yet I still want a review

[@johnhannonHanno]

I still love the 26 oz.

[@swatmann7541]

It’s the Silvia of our time. Not because it’s amazing, it’s a cheap skid car that boofheads😮 buy.

[@klinkske]

It s way to expensive to own where i live. Petrol, and most of all, getting in on the road here. Tax kills it

[@tobysemler]

Would be a far better, more appealing, more useful car with rear seats. Limited to kids and retirees.

[@jiyuzhao8122]

I have a 2012 MX5 NC, aka NC3. If you're interested to review let me know 😊

[@nickwilliams-li6wr]

Can we have cars that people these days can afford falcons Holden and etc seriously

[@mikeg8698]

I heard some of these had LSD and others didn't - very hard to tell without jacking up the car; does anyone know of an easy telltale?

[@vxsr33]

All of the Australian delivered ones had LSDs, we only got the track and touring packages which are higher specs. The USA got the base model trim which is the only one without a factory LSD. The factory LSD is crap though

[@philbass5875]

Time to do a review... 'How does the HELM Vanuatu hold up over time'

[@robertguenther2987]

I have a 2006 . That right hand drive …… no way . I live in Canada .

[@A861967]

Wish it was a 2+2 😊

[@tellyawhatmate]

Ahh, the broccoli tops vehicle of choice