[SS 376]

Originally Posted by JMM1181

Coming from someone who owns an enthusiast HR 350z, I would definitely say to go with the 07-08 model year.

As Entaille stated, get the enthusiast if you can as it comes with the TCS (traction control) a few other features. Stay away from the 06 model year, not only did it have oil burning issues but, surprisingly, is the slowest model year 350z- don't know why exactly as it had around 300 hp, but it consistently runs a few tenths behind even the 03-04 model years.

The disagreement I have with what Entaille stated is that the power difference is not significant. Every model year Z prior to 07-08 was a low 14 second, high 13 second car if driven well. The 07-08 model year Z is a 13.6-13.7 quarter mile car on average and a 13.1 second car if driven well. Just in the past two weeks a member on the forum hit 12.8 completely stock in his HR 350z besides drag slicks- not even an intake or exhaust. He is an exceptional driver, as were some of the others who have hit 13.1 completely stock. The 350z is a great car, but can be surprisingly difficult to launch properly. The HR 350z can also reach 300 whp with bolt-ons and a tune, but modding this car is extremely expensive compared to American muscle, and the insurance will be high for this car so take these into account.

Best thing to do is to test drive a few of the different year models, the 03-04's did have tire feathering issues, but you will go through tires in the Z faster than most cars anyhow because the tires can't be rotated. If I had to pick besides the HR, I'd probably go for an 03-04. Btw, there was a slave-cylinder recall on some 07-08's but if your car falls under the recall they'll take care of it at a local dealership for free with no hassles (at least they did for me). Good luck and please get a manual Z.

Originally Posted by Entaille

I sold my Z for my camaro. head over to my350z and start reading up.

if getting an 03, verify it doesn't have transmission (MT) issues, doesn't have tire feathering. avoid getting an 06 manual as the rev up engine setup was a serious oil burner. 07-08's have the dual intake engines (VQ35HR) and are the most powerful 350z. they also have upgraded headlights and tail lights that look worlds better then the older Z's.

03-05 have the VQ35DE engine, 35th anni models have the 'rev up' version of the VQ35de (higher redline / little more power), 06 models have the rev up version of the DE

04.5+ models have a revised spring rate in their suspension and handle better.

different trim levels.. you need to study these if buying one, because the dealer will not know a damn thing about the car. while shopping I didn't have a single dealer tell me the correct trim level of the 350z I was looking at.

base (lacking pretty much everything.. one tire fire ftl!)

enthusiast (adds vicious limited slip differential, HID' headlights, cruise control, tcs and more.. easiest way to tell is if you see the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel)

touring (adds leather seats, boss shitty sound system .. other goodies. easiest way to tell is it has steering wheel controls for audio as well as traction control on the other side)

grand touring (adds brembo brakes and rays light weight forged wheels and other goodies)

track (light weight forged wheels, brembo brakes etc)

nismo (07-08 only, limited edition, easy to tell via the aero kit it has)


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I had an 04.5 350z w/ auto trans and the manual shifting was very responsive, I miss that aspect. with bolt on mods my car was a high 13s car. the manuals are a bit faster, some broke high 12s with bolt ons.

overall it's a fun little car, just too small and impractical for me. I enjoyed it for the couple of years I had it.

Quoted for truth. I owned a 03 base model and very nearly almost bought an 04 track. I would say an 03-05 Track model would be the best buy since its the best combo of value and performance, though others may disagree. I can't imagine that they would be more than $15k or so. If you're buying to mod it, I would think long & hard; the Z always handled well but you never got a good deal of power from bolt-ons and forced induction could be a dicey proposition. Avoid any model without the LSD.

I would strongly recommend checking out the G35 coupe as well. It's more or less the same car but a lot more practical in my opinion.

[JMM1181]

Great point SS 376, the G35 is an excellent car and a lot more refined than the Z.

Personally, I think the OP may want to consider the 2007-08 G35 Sedan, believe it or not this sedan is as fast, if not faster, than any of the G35 coupes ever made

The reason is because the 07-08 model year sedan got the newer HR engine, while the G35 Coupe for some reason did not and kept the DE engine. These sedans are tested at a 5.2-5.6 0-60 and between 13.8-13.9 in the quarter mile. There are a number of owners over on the G37 forums actually swear this MY G35 sedan is faster than a G37.

Had I known better, I probably would have looked harder at the sedan, you get the best of both worlds (performance/luxury) and a backseat!