Nissan 350Z (2002-09)

COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The Nissan 350Z, while generally reliable, does have some common faults that owners should be aware of:

1. **Oil Consumption**: High-mileage 350Zs, especially those with the VQ35DE engine (2003-2006 models), are known to burn oil.
2. **Timing Chain Issues**: Problems with the timing chain guide and tensioner can occur, particularly in earlier models.
3. **Synchro Wear**: The manual transmission can experience synchro wear, leading to difficulty in shifting gears.
4. **Fuel Damper Failure**: Some models have issues with the fuel damper, which can cause a ticking noise.
5. **Throttle Body Problems**: Issues with the throttle body can lead to erratic or high idling.
6. **Clutch Defects**: The clutch can be prone to wear and may need replacement sooner than expected.
7. **Paint Quality**: Some owners have reported poor paint quality, leading to chipping and fading.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.

The Nissan 350Z, also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33) in Japan, is part of the fifth generation of Nissan's Z-car line. It was produced from 2002 to 2009.

Here are the trim levels that were available for the Nissan 350Z:

1. **Base**: The standard model with essential features.
2. **Enthusiast**: Included additional features like cruise control and traction control.
3. **Performance**: Added features such as a limited-slip differential and upgraded brakes.
4. **Touring**: Included luxury features like leather seats and a premium audio system.
5. **Track**: Focused on performance with features like Brembo brakes and lightweight wheels.
6. **Grand Touring**: Combined the luxury features of the Touring trim with the performance features of the Track trim.
7. **Nismo**: A limited-edition model with a stiffer suspension, aerodynamic upgrades, and other performance enhancements.
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Engine
The Nissan 350Z was equipped with a **3.5-liter V6 engine**. There were two main variants of this engine:

1. **VQ35DE**: Used in models produced from 2003 to 2006, this engine produced around 287 horsepower.
2. **VQ35HR**: Introduced in 2007 and used until the end of production in 2009, this revised engine offered improved performance, delivering around 306 horsepower.

Both engines provided the Nissan 350Z with a powerful and responsive driving experience, making it a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts.
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Performance
The Nissan 350Z is known for its impressive performance. Here are some key performance specifications:

**VQ35DE Engine (2003-2006 models)**:
- Horsepower: 287 hp
- Torque: 274 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.6 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 155 mph

**VQ35HR Engine (2007-2009 models)**:
- Horsepower: 306 hp
- Torque: 268 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.1 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 155 mph

These specifications made the 350Z a strong competitor in the sports car market, offering a thrilling driving experience and solid performance.
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Rivals
In 2002, the Nissan 350Z faced competition from several sports cars in the UK market. Here are the performance specifications of some of its main rivals:

1. **Porsche Boxster**:
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.4 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 155 mph

2. **BMW Z4**:
- Horsepower: 231 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.9 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 155 mph

3. **Mazda RX-8**:
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.0 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 140 mph

4. **Audi TT**:
- Horsepower: 225 hp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.4 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 150 mph

These specifications made the 350Z a strong competitor in the sports car market, offering a thrilling driving experience and solid performance.
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Designer/Dimensions
The Nissan 350Z was designed by **Ajay Panchal** at Nissan Design America in 2000.

Here are the dimensions of the Nissan 350Z:

- **Length**: 4,315 mm (169.8 in)
- **Width**: 1,815 mm (71.5 in)
- **Height**: 1,325 mm (52.1 in)
- **Wheelbase**: 2,650 mm (104.3 in)
- **Curb Weight**: 1,414 - 1,633 kg (3,117 - 3,602 lbs)
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Spares/Specialists NI
You can find spare parts for the Nissan 350Z in the UK and Ireland from several sources:

1. **eBay**: Offers a variety of spare parts for the Nissan 350Z, including wheels, brakes, and more.
2. **AutoPartsPro**: Provides a comprehensive catalog of Nissan 350Z parts, including brakes, filters, suspension components, and more.
3. **BreakerLink**: Allows you to compare prices for new and used Nissan 350Z parts from various suppliers.
4. **AutoVillage**: Offers a wide range of Nissan 350Z car parts and spares.

For garage services in Northern Ireland, you can consider the following options:

1. **Charles Hurst Nissan Belfast**: Located at 62 Boucher Rd, Belfast BT12 6LR.
2. **Shelbourne Motors Nissan**: Located at 334 Tandragee Rd, Portadown, Craigavon BT62 3RB.
3. **Hughes Autos**: Located at 34-36 Dundrod Road, Crumlin BT29 4ST.

These garages offer various services, including maintenance, repairs, and parts replacement for the Nissan 350Z.
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Racing
The Nissan 350Z has a rich history in motorsport. It competed in various racing series, including:

1. **Super GT**: The 350Z was a popular choice in the GT300 class of the Japanese Super GT series. Teams like NISMO and Calsonic ran the 350Z with considerable success.
2. **FIA GT Championship**: The 350Z competed in the GT2 class, with teams like RJN Motorsport preparing the cars for competition.
3. **Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup**: The 350Z was also raced in this production car racing series, showcasing its performance capabilities on the track.
4. **SCCA (Sports Car Club of America)**: The 350Z was a common sight in SCCA events, competing in various classes and proving its versatility as a race car.

These racing endeavors helped solidify the 350Z's reputation as a capable and competitive sports car.
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Valuation
The value of a Nissan 350Z in the UK in 2025 can vary depending on factors such as condition, mileage, and specific model. On average, a Nissan 350Z is worth around **£12,611**. However, prices can range from as low as **£4,049** to as high as **£42,362**.
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Clubs
There are owners clubs for the Nissan 350Z in Northern Ireland. Here are a couple of options:

1. **350Z & 370Z UK Forum**: This forum has a dedicated section for local meets and events across the UK, including Northern Ireland. You can find more information and connect with other 350Z owners [here](https://www.350z-uk.com/).

2. **350Z-Ireland Facebook Group**: This private group is for Nissan 350Z owners in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. You can join the group and connect with other enthusiasts [here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/350zireland/).

These clubs provide a great opportunity to meet fellow 350Z owners, share experiences, and participate in events and gatherings.
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