Used Nissan 350Z review and buying guide (2003 to 2009): which one to buy and what to check

Which used Nissan 350Z should you buy?

Go for a 2006 or early 2007 car. That's when the 350Z got its 300PS power increase, and it's before the May 2007 facelift brought the VQ35HR engine, which put the clutch slave cylinder inside the gearbox bellhousing. On those later cars a failed slave cylinder means taking the gearbox out, so the clutch weakness every 350Z shares turns into a much bigger job.

Don't write off a 2003 to 2005 car, but don't buy one on age either: its clutch is just as prone to early wear. A car with receipts for a recent clutch and cylinders is a better buy than a newer one that's still on its first, whatever the year.

The Roadster arrived in 2005, so the same years apply if you want the open car. A 2006 or early 2007 Roadster gets the 300PS engine and dodges the HR's bellhousing slave cylinder. A Roadster built after the May 2007 facelift has the HR engine, so the receipts for clutch and slave cylinder work matter just as much as they do on a late coupe.

Which 350Z engines and gearboxes are the safe choices?

Every 350Z has a 3.5-litre V6, so the choice is between the VQ35DE fitted until 2007 and the VQ35HR that replaced it. With the six-speed manual, both share the same known fault: the clutch can be worn out well before 40,000 miles, and the master and slave cylinders fail too, leaving a pedal that drops to the floor and won't come back up.

The DE is the lesser risk. On the HR the slave cylinder's inside the bellhousing, so even that small part means pulling the gearbox, and the flywheel often has to be replaced along with the clutch. If you're set on a 2007-on car, ask the seller exactly which of the clutch, flywheel and slave cylinder have been done.

The 300PS DE from 2006 is also the nicer engine to drive. The 2007 and 2008 cars with the HR don't feel as gutsy as the 300PS ones, even though they make more power on paper, so the earlier engine gives you the stronger feel as well as avoiding the gearbox-out slave cylinder repair.

What should you check when viewing a used 350Z?

The clutch comes first, since it's known to wear out anywhere from 10,000 to 45,000 miles, and there have been plenty of reports of failures between 9,000 and 25,000. On the drive, put your foot down in a high gear: if the revs climb but the car doesn't pick up with them, the clutch is slipping. Pull away a few times and feel for judder or a biting point right at the top of the pedal.

Press the pedal and let it up slowly: if it sinks, feels soft or doesn't return, the master or slave cylinder's on its way out. Ask for receipts for any clutch, flywheel or cylinder work, and on a 2007-on car check whether the slave cylinder has been done, because that's the gearbox-out job.

Select first gear several times from rest, as one owner had a fault in first on a three-year-old car. Get underneath a Roadster with a torch, because one owner warned they need a careful rust check by eight years old. On a 2006-built gunmetal grey car, look for blistered or discoloured paint on the plastic parts that resembles stone chips but isn't.

Paste the advert into the free check and it runs these against the listing, the MOT history and the DVLA record before you travel.

What does a used Nissan 350Z cost to run?

What do 350Z owners like about them?

It's the drive that wins people over. There's plenty of power and lots of grip, and the handling's well balanced, so the car feels settled and keen when you push on. The Roadster's no softer option either: its handling is a real strength, it's quick, and it's a very good car to drive whichever body you choose.

They can cover big distances, too. One owner bought a 2004 car with 107,000 miles on it and did another 30,000 without a single problem, and it was still a much-loved car at 137,000. It's a strict two-seater, though, so there's room for you and one passenger and that's your lot.

• A 2004 350Z covered 30,000 miles over three years of ownership without any problems, achieving 30mpg.
• This car offers an excellent driving experience with ample power, strong grip, and well-balanced handling characteristics.
• This model is considered a genuine sports car, offering an authentic driving experience.
• The car provides superb handling, strong performance, and a very enjoyable driving experience.