If it's a stock car, I think it'd be no problem. The Z is naturally aspirated so fewer parts to break and maintain and there isn't any super fancy tech going on here, just you standard electronic systems, plus SRM. None of those parking assists, lane change assists, blind spot indicators, pop up speakers, etc with little sensors or motors that could break easily. Just change that damned steering lock haha.

Reliability is hard to quantify when it comes to sports cars. Some people drive them like an old lady and some drive them like an old lady on crack. The main issues that have popped up are as follows:

-Oil Consumption (few reported claims on early models)
-CSC failure and/or master cylinder(prevalent and will fail eventually)
-6-speed Transmission Problems (grinding/bad syncros)
-Steering Lock issue (Covered under recall)

Forums like this tend to over-exaggerate issues especially when you see 50 threads on the same issue. I have an '09 with over 42k and the only issue I've had from above is the transmission grinding into 5th gear. I'd say it's about 9/10 in terms of reliability, but then again, that's from my personal experience. Some have had better, some worst. It all comes down to how the car was treated, proper maintenance and a little bit of luck.

Be extra careful when doing your due diligence on a used sports car. I would make sure it's stock and lowest miles possible.

The Z does have a few issues, what years are you looking at? I would steer away from an 09. Late 2010s and up will be your best bet.

In addition to everything people have already stated, the n54 335i has a history of HPFP (high pressure fuel pump) issues related to the direct injection system. When I was looking at cars, my sense was that in the 335i/s community, HPFP was kind of like the steering lock problem with the Z... except there doesn't appear to be a reliable fix for the HPFP issue... and steering lock just means you're stuck at home or in a parking lot somewhere, while HPFP failure could mean sudden loss of power in traffic and being stuck on the side of the road. Also, the entire community seems to be on pins and needles to see if the N55 engine has the same issue.

Best of luck with your search.

Strongly disagree with this. My last four performance cars have been used, and all were solid, reliable performers. You have to buy smart, have the vehicle inspected, and run a CarFax or similar report. Many used cars still have warranty time left too. Lightly used cars are a smart buy if your smart about how and what you buy. My 2012 Nismo w/ 10K miles cost me less than $32k. Nothing wrong with a good, clean used car.....

Sorry I cant comment on the manual trans or used purchase I opted for 7AT because I do a lot of road trips.

That being said, I bought my 2010 brand new back in July '10, have done minor engine mods, always run full synthetic, and drove it across country 3 times. No outrageous issues to report from me.

When it comes to reliability, the Z has been spot on. No ridiculous breakdowns, no obnoxious smells, and it holds its ground in extreme weather. From the Oregon forests, to the Arizona desert, to the West Virginia hills and to the snow-frozen North Dakota plains, the 370Z has been like an uninjured first string QB for me. FTW.

bought mine a year and ~4 months ago new. 28k miles (mostly highway) and still running great. No problems at all.:worship:

The Z is built on the same assembly line as the Infiniti. Asian vehicles are normally more reliable and more reasonable to repair compared to German vehciles where parts and services are really expensive. I've got 30K miles on a 2011 touring sport six speed that I purchased new. No issues, no rattles, no problems. It's a daily driver so it's seen rain snow and sunshine.

Bought my '09 new and no problems. Had SLU done under recall. That's it. Conscientious maintainence is important. Light recreational mileage on my odometer to date though. But I plan to keep it 15 years and 100,000 miles and expect no systemic failures.

I'm waiting for JungleZ to troll here.
Bought mine new in 2011, no issues. I bought a new CSC though when I added a new clutch & flywheel. I think that's one thing that most would almost guarantee to break. Likewise the steering lock. If you are looking at a sport model with over 50k miles, might as well write off the diff. LAte 2011 models don't have a steering lock mechanism anymore. 2012's come with a small oil cooler, almost worthless, but it helps. That's the only real notable difference. Rest has been said already

Bought in June 2010 with 10 miles on the odometer. Clocked in around 63,000 now and no issues.

I have routinely changed engine, transmission, differential, and brake fluids throughout the course of time. Not easy on the car either because I will romp on it when I can.

I bought the car brand new in 2010. Currently have 26k miles on it and I never had it serviced in the nissan factory...EVER!

0 problem

I think it's a solid car that can run up to 200k miles(At least for the manual transmission) if you take good care of it.

Give it some frequent oil change and you're golden. Just remember.....the more aftermarket parts you add on the car, the less reliable it gets.

And my honest opinion is that you should get the car new. You never know the history behind a used car......especially sports car. People tend to put their sports car to its limit and abused the poor thing. Keep in mind that majority of the 370z owners are in their 20s with over the limit testosterone........and you know how we like to drive these things :stirthepot:

Buy it new. It's worth the extra cash. Good luck :tup:

The majority of the Z owners on forums are in their twenties, but the people I see driving them look to be more in their 40s and 50s, which is always preferable when buying a used car.

:icon18: :tiphat:

:iagree: