deano350z

Hi there, I've been a member of this forum since I was 17, not really had much to contribute but I've been a regular visitor now and then just looking at the 350z's as I knew that one day I'd have one of my own.

Once christmas is out the way I'll be in a position to finally buy the car I've always wanted!

I'm looking to buy a 350z GT 313 in gunmetal grey, with all the extras, sat nav, bose, leather seats etc. I've seen a few on auto trader and eBay at the mo, so hoping there will still be a few after the new year. My budget is 10k so hoping to find a good example for that kind of price, ideally I'd like to know a bit of history on the car and buy from an enthusiast who has taken great pride in the car.

Really looking forward to 350z ownership, and becoming a more active member on this forum.

I love the HR engine in mine (07+) but I can't comment if its worth the extra money over the older engine as I never actually test drove one - I presume someone else can fill you in on that

I know that the HR engine is apparently built to a lot higher tolerances (and can therefore be tuned a lot more) but other than that, not sure what difference it makes.

 

No real problems yet touch wood. Had 2 services now and first MOT will be coming up shortly. Tyres are quite expensive but you probably know that. MPG is quite low, but mine has pretty much followed the figures Nissan state.

 

Luckily the 350z doesn't have a massive option list, you're basically looking for either a non-GT or a GT (which has heated seats, cruise control and bose stereo); I believe all of the 07+ cars have Rays and Brembos as standard.

 

I would say just have a look on all the car sale sites, and look for your ideal car. I originally wanted a gunmetal one, but once I saw night blue with the frost leather I had to get it

 

Feel free to ask any specific questions!

Thanks for the reply Mike, I’ve been doing my research and I’m definitely going to go for a GT model, and a MY06 facelift (2006 onwards I believe). Purely for the reason that it has all of the following extras:-

MY06 - 297bhp VQ35DE rev-up (also available on the GT4 limited edition cars)

Grand Touring model introduced

Revised front end appearance

Enhanced interior

Standard Bi-Xenon (low and high beam) headlights

Bumper reflectors at a straighter angle

Orange strip in headlight vanished

LED taillights

Vehicle speed-sensitive power steering system

Standard 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels

super lightweight 18-inch front/19-inch rear 5-spoke forged alloy wheels (Coupe only).

Manual Transmission models receive 300hp Rev-Up engine

GT Models include brembo brakes, rear spoiler (plus front spoiler on Coupe) and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control)

Steering wheel controls standard

mp3-CD capability for the available Bose audio system

Satellite Radio available option

Refined optional navigation system

Exterior Changes:

Front Bumper

Headlights

Taillights

Whilst researching, I found this bit of information on the MY03 models (MY03 being between 2003 and 2006)

The VQ35DE 300HP/260TQ Rev-up engine that was introduced mid-year 2005 with 6-speed manual was offered for every trim now

Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) on all models

Driver seat front and rear lift

Reduced clutch pedal effort for manual transmission models

Down shift rev matching for automatic transmission models

Heated outside mirrors

Faster navigation system processor for improved route calculation times (for optional navigation system, Touring and 35th Anniversary model only)

So my question is, am I right in assuming that from 2005 onwards, ALL 350z had those extras as standard??

My other questions are

1) How do you find the running costs of the car? Petrol, Servicing, Tax etc.

2) Do you use normal petrol or premium unleaded?

3) What actually is the HR edition? and when was it available?

4) What are good things to look out for or lsiten to when test driving and buying one?

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

Welcome! Same age as you, and did the same thing at 18!

 

Any ideas what you're looking for yet?

Hi Mike, Seems we have a bit in common, I'm not too sure which model I want exactly, I've always loved the 350z but now I'm doing my research and looking into the different models, specs etc.

I've been looking at some of the later models 07/08 GT models with as many extras as possibles, particularly the rays wheels (which I think come standard on all GT's)

I know that the later models are the higher BHP, but is it worth going for the later models, or is it just as good to let an older model, perhaps an 04 GT? because aren't these lower tax or something?

I'm basically just doing my research and would appreciate anybodys advice, in particular which models you guys have and why?

Also how do you find your car, and problems? things to look out for, and running costs etc?

Hey Everyone, My Name's Dean and I joined this forum 5 years ago at the age of 18 looking for some information on 350z's

Now I'm a bit older I'm seriously looking at buying one, they've been my favourite car since I was at school, and now I'm hoping to finally get the car I've alwasy wanted.

So I've returned to this forum looking for advice on buying, owning and maintaining a 350z

Hey thanks for all the replys guys

Yep, I'm still researching every now and then when i get a minute at work or home

Already learnt a few bits

A friend of mine recently went to collect some subwoofers he won on eBay and the seller, was a 21 year old who owned a 350z :o and his own house!

I was in shock... 21 years old, thats crazy, I've got my fingers crossed for when I'm 21 (yn)

Ano don;t worry, I'm a careful driver, i got caught doing 36 mph in a 30 after i passed my trest (the 2nd day after i passed my test) and I got offered a speeding seminar course, i took it straight away, and ever since I've stuck to the limit, I don't want to kill my insurance or kill anyone else

My thoughts on speeding are still the same however, doing a tonne on a motorway at 3 in the morning, when it's completely empty, is harmless, doing 40 outside of a school at 3 o'clock is dangerous

But before i go off the topic compeltely

Thanks for the warm welcome!

 

afraid I'm not up north or I would defintely take you for a spin - I'm sure someone will oblige though

Wow that would be great if someone on the forum would do that, I've never been in one before (apart from sitting in a stationary one)

I'd of course pay some money for petrol (As i know it must cost a bomb to drive these 3.5 litre cars)

You are of course very welome, mate!

 

Sounds like you may be more obsessed by the Zed than many of the owners...

Haha, well...

The car is just awesome, even though my knowledge of them is very minimal (due to the fact I've never owned one, and... unfortunately... won;t be owning one as quick as i'd like)

But since i joined the "Astra Owners Club" I've learnt so much more about my car, and I'm doing the same ehre, just reading through "F.A.Q's & Modifications" etc... Buyers guides lol

Preparing for 2025 when I might be able to own one haha

Of course you are whereabouts do you live? Some kind member might even offer you a lift in one!

Wow i never even thought of that!

I live in Grimsby, Near Hull

I've seen a few 350z's around my area, i even parked next to a silver one in the local cinema car park

I was gna slip a note under the guy (or girl's) window wiper saying "your car is awesome" haha

Hey Guys!

I've just signed up to this forum, and this is my first post

I don't however own a 350z, but this has been my dream car since i was about 14-15

I'm 17 now, and drive an "Astra SXi 1.6 16v"

There's my car

I am a 17 year old 2nd year "Control & Instrumentation Technician Apprentice" and I would one day, LOVE to own a 350z

I have never driven one, but have sat in a "fairlady Z" whilst I was in canada, everytime i see a 350z i have to take a picture of it lol the car just looks amazing!

The reason I wanted to join this forum, is jsut to learn more about the cars, as i joined the "AOC (Astra Owners Club)" after already buying my Astra, and i wish i had joined prior to buying my car, I could of learnt so much more, and bought the car from a memebr of the forum, as most of the members on AOC really look after their cars, and you tend to grab a BARGAIN when they come to sell it in the forums

So, that's my story

I hope you guys will welcome me even though I don't own my "dream car" just yet

But watch this space, in about 10 years, when the insurance is lower adn my job pays out more, then I'll have one haha!

Thanks

Dean