Alternatives

Ownership cost

Our recommendations

What is it like?

Reliability

Coupe

<p dir="ltr">Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.</p>


NISSAN

350Z

<p>The Nissan 350Z is a good head-turner, but not as civilised as rivals</p>


Used Nissan 350Z Coupe 2003 - 2009

<p>The 350Z has strong residual values, and because there aren't many around, you may have to pay high prices for the car you want.</p>

<p>Running it will be an expensive business, too. Average fuel economy is just 24.8mpg and, according to the handbook, you should feed the 350Z higher-octane premium unleaded petrol.</p>

<p>Servicing intervals are quite frequent at every 9000 miles. However, you could opt to use an independent garage for this, which will save you about 20% off your bills.</p>

<p>For all that, compared to the competition, the Nissan looks a good second-hand buy. And, although it's clearly in a lower league than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/boxster/sports/review/n27">Porsche Boxster</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/coupe/review/n12">Audi TT</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/rx-8/coupe/used-review/n474">Mazda RX-8</a> are squarely in its sights. The 350Z holds its value well and it should prove cheaper to maintain, but for some the stumbling block will be that it doesn't have the same quality image as the other two.</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


The Nissan 350Z is a good head-turner, but not as civilised as rivals

<p>There's only one engine, which comes with a manual gearbox, so there's just colour and spec to pick. However, there was a face-lift in 2006, giving slightly more power (297bhp) for better drivability. Power was increased again in 2007 to 309bhp.</p>

<p>The 350Z is well kitted out as standard, and features 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control, xenon headlamps, electric front windows, remote central locking and a CD multichanger.</p>

<p>Sat-nav was available as an option, and the optional GT pack adds electrically adjustable and heated leather seats, cruise control and an upgraded stereo system.</p>

<p>There are only six colours available, including Sunset Orange. The Z is aggressive enough to get away with it, but it is a turn-off for some buyers, and could make the car difficult to sell on.</p>

<p>You could also shop around for a car with some of the various dealer-fit extras available from Nissan's motorsport division, Nismo, including body styling kits and wheels.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Strong performance</li> <li>Good balance between ride and handling</li> <li>Excellent build quality</li> <li>Decent practicality</li> <li>Sophisticated interior</li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">Coupés are all about style, but while practicality undoubtedly takes a back seat to aesthetics, these cars still need to be easy to live with on a daily basis. It’s this that distinguishes a coupé from an out-and-out sports car.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Fortunately, there’s a wide range of style-focused models available, and you don’t even need to spend silly money to buy or run one.</p>

<p>Because of the popularity of the 350Z, there are lots of grey imports from Japan. While these work out cheaper to buy, they don't come with exactly the same specification as UK cars, and your insurer will probably want to charge you a higher premium. The exact service history and background of the imported car may also be unknown.</p>

<p>Overall, though, you should have little to fear. The company has a good reliability record, and Warranty Direct says that only 20% of Nissans require any attention. The only complaints about the 350Z concern knocking noises from the rear suspension, but this appears to be rare.</p>

<p>Depending on the age of the car, the service schedule should be complete, but the 350Z is a driver's car, so be wary of any vehicle that looks like it's had a hard life. Those big alloys are also prone to kerbing, and any uneven tyre wear will show up problems with the suspension.</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


<p>The Nissan 350Z is an old-school muscle car for grown-ups. With a 3.5-litre V6 engine driving the rear wheels and a six-speed manual gearbox, this is one mean coupe. You can sprint from rest to 60mph in 5.9 seconds and max out at 155mph. The engine sounds far bigger than it really is, and delivers great acceleration low down in the rev range, as well as having mid-range grunt.</p>

<p>It may have loads of grip, but the 350Z isn't quite as nimble as many rivals through a series of fast bends. However, the ride is firm but compliant, and the steering weights up nicely as speeds increase, providing plenty of feedback.</p>

<p>The Z is strictly a two-seater, and although driver and front passenger have plenty of head- and legroom, useable cargo space in the boot is very limited.</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


Used Nissan 350Z Coupe 2003 - 2009 reliability

Complete the 2024 What Car? Reliability survey >>

https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90474827/16ebb403e3a6&rdt=2

Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer

Renault Symbioz

Dacia Spring

Alfa Romeo Junior

Peugeot e-5008

MG Cyberster

NEW REVIEWS:

site ribbon config

Used Nissan 350Z Coupe 2003 - 2009 review

Because of the popularity of the 350Z, there are lots of grey imports from Japan. While these work out cheaper to buy, they don't come with exactly the same specification as UK cars, and your insurer will probably want to charge you a higher premium. The exact service history and background of the imported car may also be unknown.,Overall, though, you should have little to fear. The company has a good reliability record, and Warranty Direct says that only 20% of Nissans require any attention. The only complaints about the 350Z concern knocking noises from the rear suspension, but this appears to be rare.,Depending on the age of the car, the service schedule should be complete, but the 350Z is a driver's car, so be wary of any vehicle that looks like it's had a hard life. Those big alloys are also prone to kerbing, and any uneven tyre wear will show up problems with the suspension. 

What to look for when buying a Nissan 350Z 2003 - 2009, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

NEW REVIEWS:

Used Nissan 350Z Coupe 2003 - 2009 reliability

What should I look for in a used Nissan 350Z coupe?

What are the most common problems with a used Nissan 350Z coupe?

Is a used Nissan 350Z coupe reliable?

What Car? has cars in stock

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information