Best Year for 350Z and 5 Reasons Why You’ll Want this Car

Are you eyeing a 350Z but still in doubt? What about we show you which year is best for 350Z and why you should have it?

If there is any Z-car that could take the throne from the Nissan 370Z, that would be the 350Z. We have been receiving many inquiries about this front-engine, two-passenger sportscar. The gearheads are asking if the 350Z is worth spending when it comes to reliability and longevity.

We cannot blame these peeps because the 350Z is a natural head-turner. With its sleek and muscular curves, the large grilles in a low stance, an arched roof sloping into a fastback tail, not to mention its luxurious interiors plus comfortable seating in premium upholstery, the 350z will surely draw attention as it parades in a sea of stunners.

But this car is not just a face and a hood to remember. It also loads Nissan's brainchild that most enthusiasts would recommend for its reliability- the VQ engines.

The 350Z comes equipped initially with the VQ35DE engine, which was consecutively listed in Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2002 to 2007 and 2016. Later, Nissan improved it into the VQ35HR engine, a more powerful version of the first one.

If that doesn't excite you, we have more information about the 350Z. So buckle up as we recommend the best year 350Z you could own and five more reasons to love this car.

What do you Need to Know About the Nissan 350Z?

The 350Z is a two-passenger sports car from the Z-car line produced from 2002 to 2009. The fifth generation of the Z series comes with a 3.5 L V6 engine and is available in a coupe and convertible enclosures.

Known for its aerodynamic design, the 350Z boasts a long hood, short deck, wide stance, arched roof line, bulging fenders, and center console angled intelligently to the driver's position.

Going back to the engines, the power it produces starts at 287 hp at 6200 RPM and a torque of 260 lb-ft at 4800 RPM from the VQ35DE engine. The performance increased to 304 hp at 6800 RPM and 268 lb-ft torque at 4800 RPM with the VQ35HR engine.

The trim available comes in Base, Touring, Performance, Enthusiast, and Track. Its transmission comes with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearbox. In its seven years of production, the 350Z has gone through numerous improvements to excite you. Some of these improvements are:

• New rear spoiler
• Upgraded exhaust system
• Improved intake manifold.
• Facelift: New front fascia, improved headlights, new rear bumper
• Interior upgrade: Gauge cluster upgrade and new steering wheel
• Upgraded engine to VQ35HR
• Improved transmission and suspension
• Added stability control system

We will get into these details in a bit.

5 Reasons to Own a 350Z

If you are still finding reasons to own a Nissan 350Z, check this out.

1. Style & Appeal

We couldn't stress enough how the Nissan 350Z dons a sexy, sporty, and masculine look. The 350Z is beautiful from the inside out. From the curved edges of the rooflines that slope into its tails, it only matches the wide low stance side skirts, round tails and headlights, and curved spoiler.

Unique to 350Z are its aggressive frontal features that boast its edgy look: wide and bold grille, curvy edges, and roomy intakes. This appeal doesn't decrease a bit when driving a roadster trim. Instead, it continues to be a king of stunners as it marches with pronounced wheel arches, a sloping back, and a long low hood.

Indeed, any color will still turn heads on drop jaws if you could have one in your garage and drive in on the road.

2. Performance

Even without the upgrade, the Nissan 350Z engine is already reliable. Being included in the Ward's 10 Best Engines five years in a row is enough proof of the reputation it has built. The VQ35DE alone could produce a high power output, 287 hp at 6200 RPM at the least and 26lb-ft at 4800 RPM. And the VQ35HR is better than that as it can pour out the power of 306 hp at 6800 RPM and 268 lb-ft at 4800 RPM.

If you are riding a Nismo unit, you will appreciate its response to sharp turns and corners with its Brembo brakes. Thanks to its advanced suspension and limited slip differential technology.

All its variants could run at a maximum speed of 155 mph. The 2006 Nissan 350Z runs fastest at 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. On average, the 350Z consumes around 20 mpg of fuel. The 350Z could deliver considerable fuel economy, especially when working with manual transmission.

Also, the 350Z is proven to meet strict emission standards. One notable feature of the 350Z is the increased airflow because of having a roomy intake manifold.

3. Reliability

With regular and timely maintenance, Nissan 350z vehicles could last 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Most problems with Nissan 350Z after it marked its 100,000 miles are common for aging cars. These problems in 350Z include burning oil, exhaust leaks, high mileage due to faulty oil sensors, timing chain issues, transmission synchro wear, oil galley gasket failure, suspension knocking, and worn shock absorbers.

These issues happen as the 350Z ages, and the concerned components would need replacement after 100,000 miles.

Good thing the 350Z maintenance is affordable. Replacing parts could be easier as it shares them with other Nissan cars like Altima, Maxima, G35, Cefiro, and Infiniti. That means servicing costs of replacement parts will be the same. Also, using high-performance liquids is not a requirement but an option. It doesn't require high-octane fuels. But if you want a cleaner and more efficient engine, use premium fuel.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Purchasing a 350Z is a wise investment and, at the same time, cost-effective. You can enjoy the luxury of a stylish sports car without breaking the bank. Aside from that, caring for this car is not costly, and using it doesn't consume much fuel. Also, with the 350Z, you can rely on it for longer use and enjoyment. Most major parts replacements are required only after marking 100,000 miles.

5. Experience

Nothing compares to the experience of driving a Nissan 350Z. You can make so many memories with your car as soon as you hop on your Z.

Get to enjoy the upgrades and the luxury of a car at a much lower price, especially if your 350Z is past the 2007 models.

You can do a lot with your Nissan 350. Bring it on a long scenic drive on a country road. Take it on your local race track. Drive it for your daily commute. Customize it to your performance preference. Take it on a car show. Join 350Z owner communities.

What is the Best Year Model for Nissan 350Z?

The best year model for 350Z is in 2007 and 2008 releases, where the most advanced upgrades came to perfect the 350Z system. Assembled in 2006, the 350z received its new engine, VQ35HR. The new engine added more power and increased its efficiency. During this time, the engine could produce 306 hp at 6,800 RPM and 268 lb-ft torque at 4,800 RPM.

Also, the 2007 model had better trimming options. The available trimmings were: Base, Grand Touring, Touring, Enthusiast, and NISMO for the coupe. From the front fascia to the rear bumper to the side skirts to its internal features, the 350Z has improved more on the 2007 year models. Upgrades on 2007 to 2008 models depend on their trimming:

• Base trims upgraded Bi-Xenon HIDs, 18-inch wheel and rim upgrade, and 6-speed manual transmission.
• For Enthusiasts trims, the system adds Traction Control System (TCS), Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD), Cruise Control, upgraded audio controls on the steering wheels, aluminum pedals, and rear-view mirror upgrade. These added technologies are available both in manual and automatic transmission.
• Touring units added VDC (only on MT), Bose Audio upgrade, and heated leather seats,
• For Grand Touring units, the 350Z got Brembo brakes, Rays forged wheel rims, Bose audio system upgrade, leather seats, and an underbody aero kit.
• Nismo units include Brembo braking system upgrade, Nismo factory aero body kit, Nismo OEM suspension setup, and lightweight Rays Rims. These technologies come in Manual Transmission units.

If you're getting 350Z older than 2007, you may come across the usual problems: burning oil, synchro wear problems, timing chain issues, oil galley gasket problem, and more. But with 2007 models and up, most issues have been addressed with the VQ35HR upgrade. For this reason, the best model you can get is units released in 2007 and up.

Final Thoughts

Getting a Nissan 350Z is a wise investment. For people who want to experience luxury in a gorgeous car but have a limited budget, the 350Z will not disappoint. Its engine is proven for reliability and durability and would not give you headaches in finding replacement parts.

What we love about the 350Z is the availability of trim options that fit your personality. Also, your 350Z is not limited to modifications and is tuner-friendly. You can easily find aftermarket performance parts to customize your car.

So, get a 2007 model or up and get the most out of this car because owning one is worth it.