Used car buying guide: Nissan 350Z

If you’re looking for a truly special 350Z, keep your eye out for the commemorative GT4 edition. So called because it was available as a playable car on the Gran Turismo 4 video game, it celebrated 35 years of Z cars with bespoke yellow or black paintwork and a free PlayStation 2. Only 176 examples were imported to the UK, so expect to pay at least £15,000 for a good one now – and that won’t even include the console.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the 350Z’s relative affordability and capable performance made it a firm favourite among tuners, and although the smart money is in factory-spec cars these days, you’ll still see a lot of garish paint schemes and lairy bodykits on the market.

If that’s to your taste, then no harm done, but do take the time to inspect the quality of any aftermarket components that have been installed and make sure the car has never been driven beyond its limits.

How to get one in your garage

An owner's view

Jack Dabrowski: “Check for rust, mainly underneath, on the braces and arches. Check its history; regular services are key, and ask if it uses any oil; they’re prone to burning a bit. Let it warm up properly before giving it the beans to get the internals and oil up to temperature. Service it regularly and it should be good. It’s a solid engine if looked after, so don’t be put off by mileage, as long as the history shows it has been maintained well.”

Buyer beware...

â–  Engine: Nissan’s 3.5-litre V6 is revered for its dependability, but the less powerful DE unit fitted to pre-2007 cars is known for burning oil, which can cause fatal damage if left unchecked, so look for smoke and pull the dipstick. Keep an ear out for excessive noise at idle; the standard exhaust is prone to cracking just before the catalytic converters.

â–  Suspension: Original bushes will need replacing by now, especially those on the lower control arms; they typically fail at around 75,000 miles. Any knocking noises over bumps are likely to be from worn anti-roll bar links; Nissan sells uprated replacements.

â–  Steering: Heavy power steering could be a sign that the pump is on its way out, but check that it has enough fluid first.

â–  Gearbox: A clicking noise from the rear indicates the driveshaft joints need lubrication, which you can easily do at home with a tub of heavy-duty grease. Clutch replacement at around 45,000 miles is a more involved job that should cost about £600. Seek out a specialist to do this, rather than a dealer, because they’re likelier to know the car’s quirks.

â–  Bodywork: Many 350Zs have been fitted with bodykits that can be removed but should be treated with caution; is there any overspray from a dodgy paintjob and is the metalwork beneath in good condition? Apart from that, your focus should be on the underside, where rust can take hold, particularly on the front crossmember. Be especially wary of cars that have lived on the coast.

â–  Electronics: Radiator fans are prone to failure on older cars, so watch the temperature on your test drive. Other weak spots include the seat adjustment switches, window motors and filler cap actuator.

Also worth knowing

Japanese imports are popular and can often be cheaper with little penalty in terms of kit and performance. The 350Z (or Fairlady Z) was restricted to 112mph in Japan, but this is lifted on removal of the km/h speedo. That aside, the differences relate mainly to trim levels; Japan’s ST is basically the same as the GT sold here, for example.