Since the time of it’s launch in the UK in 2003, the Nissan 350z grew a strong following. Not just from Japanese car enthusiasts but fans from all backgrounds. With a V6 engine, rear wheel drive and in most cases a manual gearbox, the 350z has become a bit of a modern classic.

Nissan 350’z can now be picked up for bargain prices but be aware, get the worng one and yu could be facing some serioulsy big bills!

Keeping this in mind, always make sure to do your research, check forums, ask friends and local mechanics who will all be able to help advise you on what to look for when viewing a car.

Here is a list of things to look out for to start your Nissan 350z buying journey.

Nissan 350z Model Variations

During its years of availability, there was a range of 350z on the market for consumers to buy. Many of the below models are available in both automatic and manual models.

Standard Spec 350z

The stock 350z is a thing of beauty, especially for the price. for less than £25,000 people could pick up a 2 door coupe with a 276 bhp, 3.5 litre V6 engine.

The GT Package

The interior trim level of the standard 350z is solid, but there’s not much luxury to be had. That changed with the GT Package which was a £2,500 option for buyers. The GT Package came equipped with electric leather heated seats, cruise control and an uprated Bose stereo, making it a much nicer place to be on longer or even just colder trips!

The Roadster

In 2005 Nissan released a roadster version of the 350z. Although the convertible was dynamically less impressive due to its additional 150kg kerb weight, there’s few things more enjoyable then driving a v6 manual convertible – even in the cold with the heated seats on.

GT4 Special Edition

Interestingly, in 2005, Nissan also released a limited edition version of the 350z with an additional 20bhp. Taking it to 296 bhp (be warned though, it did have a slight decrease in torque). It came in a choice of two colours, Black or Ultra Yellow Pearl, unique alloys and a PlayStation 2 with a copy of Gran Turismo 4.

There was less than 180 GT4 editions sold in the UK and you’re not interested in the PS2 or Gran Turismo 4, just know that the engine upgrades that came with the GT4 edition were implemented on all the 350z released from that year onward.

HR 350z

In 2007, Nissan revised the engine and was given the HR designation, which stands for high revving. Power was bumped up to 309 bhp and now revved up to 7500rpm. Nissan also implemented a number of weight saving measures so the post 07 350z are regarded as the best driving.

Things to look out for while buying a Nissan 350z

The 350 is a great car because of its affordability and credible performance. Being Japanese the 350z is reliable too, but you still need to examine the car individual components and the paperwork before buying one.

The following are some tips that will help you pick up a decent example.

Get a Car Check

Get a check done on the car. Hpi checks start from £15 and is a worthwhile investment to make sure the car you are looking at isn’t written off, has outstanding finance or mileage discrepancies.

Service History and Paperwork

Given the age of the Nissan 350z, there are going to be many high mileage examples at good price points. If you are considering a high mileage car then make sure there’s a consistent service history and that the owner has as much paperwork as possible. This can be from when they’ve worked on the car or had someone do it on their behalf. Never forget to run a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check before buying the car.

Check the Engine Bay and Fluid Levels

Although the 3.5-liter V6 is looked up to for its reliability, the models before 2007 are known to burn excessive oil. Make sure oil levels are correct and there is no blue smoke on start up or during the test drive. Piston rings are the components most likely to fail if the engine oil gets too low, the problem is that by the time the light comes on, the damage to them has usually already been done.

Make sure you ask the owner what the oil consumption is like and what oil they’ve been putting in, chances are if they are proud of their vehicle then they’ll have cared for the car more than most. Whilst you’ve got the bonnet up check the other fluid levels – again this isn’t a key requirement but a well looked after car with good levels of screen wash etc. show an attention to detail from the owner.

Whilst not a deal breaker, it is also recommended that you run your 350z on premium fuel. Not only get some additional performance but to also keep the engine in as good health.

Suspension and Tyre Wear.

When you are looking for a quality purchase, make sure to check suspension bushes. If the original ones are still somehow there, they’ll certainly require replacement by the time you get the car home.

Make sure you also check the tyres, not just for wear, but ideally they should all match and be in good condition. Buying a good set of tyres is a small price to pay for that security. Cheap tyres also suggest that the owner will have cheaped out elsewhere.

The rear drive shafts can be susceptible to knocking, it’s a fairly simple fix for someone who’s used to getting their hands dirty. Alternatively, it’s a very quick fix for a professional with a ramp.

Brakes and Brake Fluid

The brakes on a Nissan 350z usually last around 40,000-50,000 miles, but this is completely dependent on how it’s been driven. If it’s had gentle road use you could see up to double that but if it’s seen any track time then it could be half, if not less. 

Replacing brake pads on a 350z is actually fairly cost-effective and you can save yourself a good chunk of money if you can do the job yourself.

Electrics

From anti-lock braking system (APS) to air-conditioning and warning lights., take a look at all the electrics of the car. It is common for the window motors to fail so make sure you check those. Also remember take notice the car’s temperature on your test drive. The radiator fans are also susceptible to damage and failure.

Interior

The interior of any car is of high importance when making a purchase. The car can look fantastic from outside but you never know what’s hidden within. Start by checking the bolster wear. Next, check if all the functions on electric seats are working fine. never forget to run a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check before buying the car.

Bodywork

Along with checking for any accident damage and cheap repairs, it’s important to check things such as the headlights, front bumper and bonnet for general road damage. Some people will have taken their car on the track so make sure you ask that question too. Check the doors open smoothly and consistently without dropping.

Underneath

The older the car the more susceptible to rust it will become. They are likely to have spent a lot of time outside, facing all types of weather conditions. Try your best to get underneath the car to inspect the condition of the metal. You can’t be too cautious when it comes to rust.

How much would you need to buy a Nissan 350z

For a decent Nissan 350z, you have to invest around £5,000 minimum. The best cars start from around £6,000 and the rates keep going depending on specification, mileage, number of owners etc. You can find cars cheaper, but they are usually cheaper for a reason and chances are they could have lots of problems ultimately costing you more in the long run.

If you’re looking for pristine car with modern electrics and less mileage, you might want to up your budget to £10,000. There are more expensive 350z available but at that price we’d recommend getting a Nissan 370z – the car that followed the 350.

Maintenance Costs of a 350z

• The Nissan 350z currently sits in the highest tax band at £600 per year.
• Expect to get around 17/18 MPG.
• Service costs, depending on what is due should be between £180 and £350

As long as you buy a good example with life on the consumables then there shouldn’t really be any other scary costs. Just don’t buy a 350z at the max of your budget. Keep some change leftover just in case anything happens.

Some Helpful Tips (Just in Case)

• As with buying any car, make sure you look at them in daylight.
• Given the age of the car, complete records on any servicing or maintenance will not only reassure you but will also make it easier for resale when you’re finished.
• If the car is especially dirty, this could mean It’s had a hard life. If it’s particularly clean then that should be a good thing but double check to see what the seller has used on the car – make sure they’re not covering anything up.
• Consider the weather. If it is raining, choose another day to check out the car.
• Previous owners, given how old the 350 is, it shouldn’t surprise you that many of them have quite a few owners. This could be because someone picked one up to scratch an itch and then moved it on after summer or it could be because of a more serious issue with the car that people want out of.

Final Words

No car is perfect, especially at the lower end of the used car market but If you are looking for cheap thrills, go and drive one. You may decide it’s not for you but you could also end up with one in your possession not too long after!

It won’t cost you a fortune to run and as long as you keep on top of maintenance and look after it you should always be able to recoup your initial investment.

check out our best mods for the Nissan 350z here: https://legacy.direnza.co.uk/jp-blog/best-mods-for-the-nissan-350z/