Thinking of a 370z, questions about model years and reliability

[tw557]

I am seriously thinking about soon looking for a 370z. I currently have a TTRS but with kids in college soon and other expenses, I'm looking for a long term (8 years) reliable car. I'm afraid the TT would have the possibility of some costly repairs if I were to plan to take it to 180000 miles. I had a 03 G35 before and treated me very good with 150000 miles on it. I just can't like the new G37 style. So as I look for a 370z with a budget of around 22000 I am wondering what are the major differences over the years. What are the reliability concerns. And also part compatibility such as what years can auto transmissions and engines interchange if over the years either has a failure and I need to source parts. Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance,

[cooltoy]

I wouldn't get the 2008 model if I were you.

[Breadz]

For 22k i would try to get a 2012-2015 sport model (has upgraded rims and brakes and synchro rev matching) with 10-20k miles on it

[Larso1]

Originally Posted by tw557

I am seriously thinking about soon looking for a 370z. I currently have a TTRS but with kids in college soon and other expenses, I'm looking for a long term (8 years) reliable car. So as I look for a 370z with a budget of around 22000 I am wondering what are the major differences over the years. What are the reliability concerns. And also part compatibility such as what years can auto transmissions and engines interchange if over the years either has a failure and I need to source parts. Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance,

OK, this is kind of long, but I'm a Nissan guy. Ive always found Nissans to be a good choice for reliability. I've owned them continuous since a new '77 Datsun B-210 HB. I still own and drive, almost every day, my '97 Maxima SE 5-spd with 182k miles on it. Still love it! It's still quick and reliable. In the garage sits my '12 370z Sport/touring 6-spd. I expect a long life from it as well. There are reports the manual trans has a weak clutch slave cylinder. But even if so, I have read there are good after market replacements available. I mean, if that's the worst that can happen, I'm happy. Also the Nissan VQ engine is a gem, receiving multiple awards from the Wards Automotive magazine, year after year. I'm an older guy and I like a decently comfortable suspension/ride quality. I can tell you the Z equipped with the Touring package is surprisingly comfortable. Can't comment on the other models (Sport only, Base, and Nismo). If you need some storage/cargo area, it's obviously not for you. My only other gripe is the rear quarter driver visibility, or lack thereof. You need to rely on your side view mirrors and use caution before changing lanes. Did I mention it's great fun to drive and has good acceleration?? Also really like the Bose HU, speaker sound, USB input and NAV. That's it!

[nis350]

I too like my tour/sport/Nav/6MT. I bought mine from the first owner. I think it is a lot of car for the money.

Originally Posted by Larso1

I can tell you the Z equipped with the Touring package is surprisingly comfortable. Can't comment on the other models (Sport only, Base, and Nismo). If you need some storage/cargo area, it's obviously not for you. My only other gripe is the rear quarter driver visibility, or lack thereof. You need to rely on your side view mirrors and use caution before changing lanes. Did I mention it's great fun to drive and has good acceleration?? Also really like the Bose HU, speaker sound, USB input and NAV. That's it!

[bvl]

Originally Posted by tw557

I am seriously thinking about soon looking for a 370z. I currently have a TTRS but with kids in college soon and other expenses, I'm looking for a long term (8 years) reliable car. I'm afraid the TT would have the possibility of some costly repairs if I were to plan to take it to 180000 miles. I had a 03 G35 before and treated me very good with 150000 miles on it. I just can't like the new G37 style. So as I look for a 370z with a budget of around 22000 I am wondering what are the major differences over the years. What are the reliability concerns. And also part compatibility such as what years can auto transmissions and engines interchange if over the years either has a failure and I need to source parts. Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance,

Very little has changed in the Z: options/trim has been one of them recently. Minor refresh/wheel change with LED's circa 2013+.

It's a very stout platform overall: you can check out the forum for the common items (clutch slave, ESL (pull the fuse), some oil consumption on the VHR) but as a whole, very minor.

We've had our 2010 Sport/Touring roadster for the past 50K with only the rear axle clicking TSB done to it. Minor consumption, 1 qt between 6m/6K mile oil changes.

For 20K simply get the most Z you can afford based on MY/mileage. I personally like the first gen sport wheels over the second gen, but if a low mile still under factory warranty 2013/14 popped up you have to look at it.

To me sport package is a must when getting a manual. NAV unit ties the front of the dash together nicely but its not a requirement.

Happy hunting.

- b

[kenchan]

Originally Posted by tw557

I am seriously thinking about soon looking for a 370z. I currently have a TTRS but with kids in college soon and other expenses, I'm looking for a long term (8 years) reliable car. I'm afraid the TT would have the possibility of some costly repairs if I were to plan to take it to 180000 miles. I had a 03 G35 before and treated me very good with 150000 miles on it. I just can't like the new G37 style. So as I look for a 370z with a budget of around 22000 I am wondering what are the major differences over the years. What are the reliability concerns. And also part compatibility such as what years can auto transmissions and engines interchange if over the years either has a failure and I need to source parts. Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance,

i still have my 12yr old G35C.. original owner.

As for 370Z's considering the steering lock and csc issues, if u dont mind driving AT, i'd get a 2012+ AT one. just make sure when u start and shut off the car during ur test drive, u dont hear a wind up noise (steering lock).

even if u do find a 09-11 with steering lock, u can disable it very easily.

[kenchan]

btw, congrats for reaching a major milestone, raising ur kids to college.

[Spstone]

If you look through the highest mileage thread you will see that these cars hold up extremely well. I can't say much mine as spent more time sitting than driving in it's life, but I will say my previous Nissans took a beating. The 2008 Xterra I traded in on the Z 175K+ miles on it with not major repairs. I did normal service, brakes, fluids, belts etc. and that was it. I'll even be honest and say I beat the hell out of it. Drive it hard into all sorts of terrain it should have never been thrown into as a 2WD model, 24 Hr cannon ball runs from coast to coast and it never quite. Do to that alone we are now a Nissan family.

[waterfowler65]

Originally Posted by kenchan

i still have my 12yr old G35C.. original owner.

As for 370Z's considering the steering lock and csc issues, if u dont mind driving AT, i'd get a 2012+ AT one. just make sure when u start and shut off the car during ur test drive, u dont hear a wind up noise (steering lock).

even if u do find a 09-11 with steering lock, u can disable it very easily.

09-10
Are 11's on the list ? Mine is fine so far with 32 000 kms

[arvind_korha]

If you buy a 370z with the steering lock fuse still in, take it out ASAP. Mine failed at about 75000km.

The dealer fixed mine for free (recall). Even though they put a new unit in, I removed the fuse anyways. Mine is a 7AT so im not sure about the csc issues.