2003-2008 Nissan 350Z | Used Spotlight car

It’s time to share with you how the new 2023 Nissan Z. drives so we thought it would be wise to take a step back into Z’s recent story with help this week Used Spotlight car. The Nissan 350Z was produced from the 2003-2008 model years, and this paved the way for the Z to become a modern sports coupe.

Choosing in a few years 300ZX was put to rest, c 350Z adopts a body style that we can still see in today’s brand new Z. Its shape is reminiscent of the original 240Z, and the layout is as convenient as possible for enthusiasts. The two-door coupe with rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive has a long hood, a short deck shape with a long wheelbase and a tiny cabin. It’s a double, and although it has a hatchback, the cargo compartment isn’t particularly spacious.

When he was new, Nissan sought to make the 350Z affordable and fun sports car experience. It had a 3.5-liter V6 that produced 287 horsepower and 274 pound-feet of torque. From a certain point of view, 2003 Ford Mustang The GT produced 260 horsepower with its 4.6-liter V8 – yes, in 2003 the Z was serious.

Why the 350Z?

Today, the 350Z is an affordable sports coupe for those looking for power and performance on a small budget. You can get it with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The experience in the cabin is elementary, but it is likely for the better, as the technology in cars of the mid-late 2000s is not very outdated. The weight distribution of 53/47 gives the Z a good balance. In addition, the VQ engine (Nissan engine code) is a well-known and widely used engine, so there are many sources you can turn to if you have a problem.

The 350Z Roadster has been available since the second model year Z (2004), so you can even get it roofless if you want. When released, Z received mostly positive reviews. It offered tremendous performance along with a stylish look and was affordable.

Nissan superfans will also like the Nismo model, which was introduced later in the 350Z series. Frequent track-day visitors have plenty aftermarket support, but Nismo will be your best starting point to meet the third day.

Which Nissan 350Z to choose?

The most coveted 350Z are post-upgrade models that feature extra power and a host of other improvements. The 2006 model year is the first for the updated 350Z, which means that the 2006-2008 models will cost you more than the 2003-2005 350Z. If you want an updated Z, you’ll enjoy the revised 3.5-liter V6, which produces 300 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque (yes, torque has dropped). However, the automatic 350Z still had a pre-engine at this point, rated at 287 horsepower and 274 pound-feet of torque.

Other upgrades include a revised front end, new taillights, a revised interior, a new power steering system (speed-sensitive), a new wire-operated throttle, more brakesthree new ones colors and Rays forged discs are available.

Several different 350Z configurations were available, including the Base, Enthusiast, Touring, Track and Grand Touring. Grand Touring and Track are the most desired for us because they have all the possible extras that you can only wish for. These include Brembo brakes, a tuned sports stabilization system from Nissan, wrought iron Rays wheels and a front / rear spoiler. The track came exclusively with a manual transmission, but you could get a car from Grand Touring.

Nismo (right above) is the most hardcore of them, and it has been available since the 2007 model year. Nissan has improved it with additional body welds, added supports, unique body shock absorbers, customized Nismo suspension, forged Rays wheels and a special Nismo exhaust. We’ll also note that Nissan has significantly revised its 3.5-liter V6 for the 2007 model year, so in these Z cars it develops 306 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque.

Our lists of used cars it can be helpful to find a bargain near you. Narrow down the offers on the radius around your zip code and pay attention to the deal rating in each list to see how the car compares to others in a similar area.

What else to consider?

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If you’re looking for a rear-wheel drive coupe with sporty intentions, options outside the 350Z abound. Both Mustang and Camaro are available alternatives. Those interested in the 350Z Roadster can find happiness in a Miata instead, but again, American oil curries of the time could also be homeless. The Mazda RX-8 was a modern alternative, but you have to do your research before choosing a rotary machine.

Nowadays, luxury cars have dropped in price and become comparable to the 350Z so you can plunge into the world BMW coupe – or maybe even Audi TT – if you can handle the potential repair costs. Finally, Dodge Challenger appeared right at the end of the 350Z, so if speed is important to you, not handling, this is another alternative to look out for.

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