2008 Nissan 350Z Nismo Vq35HR from North America

Summary:

One of the best track cars to come out of Japan

Faults:

My car is still low miles, but these are the general problems and maintenance issues of the 350Z (2007-2008 with the HR engine).

The clutch slave cylinder needs to be replaced quite often if you drive this car hard. It is best to use an aftermarket relocation set up that moves it out of the transmission when it prevents the fluid from being contaminated with dust from the clutch.

Oil galley gaskets. These are made with low quality paper gaskets, and when they leak or blow you see a big drop in total system oil pressure, requiring the need to buy new ones or aftermarket stronger metal gaskets. The gaskets are very cheap. The labor is not, as half the front of the engine needs to be removed as well as the front core support to access them.

Window motors like to go out after 70-80k miles if you use them frequently.

Interior paint on the 350Z of all models is terrible. My car has less than 20k miles and is well taken care of, and is already missing paint from the cubby lid and the inside door arm rests. I plan on vinyl wrapping them to fix the issue, but you will be hard pressed to keep the original paint on the car in those spots.

General Comments:

This is one of the most amazing cars I have ever owned. Coming from a 2006 350Z, then a 2012 370Z, and a 85 MR2 before that. The HR engine is in every single metric leaps and bounds better than the old DE engine it replaces. With the HR pushing 300-315 (to the rear wheels) fully bolt-on and tuned vs. the VHR in the 370 hitting 310-330 (to the rear wheels) you are not missing much performance.

I've never been a fan of the 370Z styling, which is why when I had the opportunity to buy a low mileage 350Z Nismo, I jumped on it.

As if moving from the DE of my old 2006 350Z to the HR wasn't enough of a jump in performance, the Nismo is that much better in handling over the non-Nismo editions. The seam welded chassis with the extra dampening and better set up suspension makes the car feel like it's driving on rails. It out handles my old 370Z while having most of the power.

The styling of the Nismo with the functional aero might not be for everyone, but if you love 350Zs and you want the performance of the 370Z, the Nismo is the way to go. I will put this car on a track vs. a 370Z any day of the week.

Many reviews talk about the sparse interior of the 350Z marking the car down or saying negative things about it. Honestly this is one of my favorite things about the car. No distractions, no useless buttons everywhere. It's a car built to drive. And I love it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th March, 2016

2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster V6 from North America

Summary:

Great car. Car insurance is higher

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car.

General Comments:

The car is very dependable, Very tight and very good performance. I really love the motor and transmission.

Remember it is a sports car. The ride is like a sports car, but not really harsh.

I am very impressed with the car. I had a new 2013 Camaro and this car is so much better, and a better ride and better mileage. I had two buddies that bought Camaros and we all sold them...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2015

2008 Nissan 350Z Base 3.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Outstanding

Faults:

Nothing at all. Have to be careful because the black "rubber" material that is used on the door panel is subject to scratches (I always look at pre-owned vehicles to identify wear and tear spots before I buy one for myself).

General Comments:

I previously drove a 2003 Ford Mustang GT with the 4.6L 260HP V-8. The car was certainly fast at the time with estimated 0-60 runs around 5.4 seconds. I always enjoyed the low end grunt of the old single cam V-8, so it took me some time to become accustomed to the revvy nature of the dual intake, high output 3.5L V-6.

I think both cars were equally fast with an edge to the 350Z for having 306 HP, shorter wheel base, two seat sports car.

The Z is a blast to drive, and it finally seems that the 2007-2008 cars have addressed all of their reliability shortcomings of previous years. I am slightly over 12k and have had no problems whatsoever.

Drivers be warned that there is absolutely no cargo space, but considering you don't buy a car like this for that reason, I give what space it has as a 2 seater about an 8 on a scale from 1 to 10.

The handling and steering is amazing, taking whatever I throw at it. Some report that the V-6 becomes a bit harsh as you close in on 7,000 RPM, but I haven't experienced this at all. The short throw 6 speed is incredibly easy to row, and snicks into each gear with great precision.

I highly recommend this car to anyone shopping for a now used 350Z, since the introduction of the new 370. 2007-2008 cars feature the VQ35VHR motor, which gets noticeably more power with about 70% new parts versus the 2003-2006 motor.

Xenon HID headlights and 18" rims on the base car are my favorite features, as well as, gorgeous San Marino Blue.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2010