What’s Good and Bad in the 350Z as the Daily Driver?

Are you looking for a car that can take you from the office to the track?

If you are considering Nissan 350Z to drive you to work and fulfill daily errands from doing groceries to commuting and light off-roading and still pull off the sporty look, it could be a viable choice. Although it does not make the best sports car out there, it is one good combination of comfort and reliability, suitable for everyday driving.

Although many enthusiasts find the two-seater sports car unworthy of Daily Driving (DD), there is a range of reliable engines and customizations option to make it work.

We've seen many owners drive their Nissan 350z to their offices. And a lot of people were also curious about how it does as a daily driver.

So if you're curious enough to see if the 350Z will be your next takeout buddy, read on.

A Quick Look at the Nissan 350Z

The 350Z is a two-door sports car released by Nissan in 2003. They produce the phased-out card from 2002 to 2009.

The 3.5 L V6 engine produces 287 hp and 274 lb-ft of torque. The rear-wheel drive sports car is available in 5 or 6-speed manual transmission.

A lot of users loved its exciting features:

• The active limited-slip differential
• Brembo brake kit
• Traction control
• Leather seats
• Premium sound system

These are just a few of the features of the 350Z, and there's more to know.

The Good

Let's take a look at why a lot of owners love the 350Z for daily driving.

1) Aggressive sporty exterior design

Driving a Nissan 350Z will surely turn heads. Carrying a low and wide stance, the V6 vehicle runs with a long curving hood, two-door frame, and sloping snazzy rear deck.

From the hood to the headlights to the tail lights, the sharp edges only reveal its aggressive sporty exteriors. We love how this car dons a more defined, stylish look with its side skirts, pronounced spoilers, and rear diffusers that decreases drag and enhances downforce. Also, this sports car features a dual exhaust system, boasting a more powerful growl.

2) Exotic exhaust sound

If you want to make a statement on the road, the Nissan 350Z would surely boast the power of the dual exhaust pipes from the rear. The V6 engine produces a distinctly deep and throaty distinct Nissan roar. The exotic sound comes from the finely tuned exhaust headers, high-flow catalytic converters, and a resonator that intensifies the powerful note. We cannot blame the car for creating loud, distinct, satisfying road noise because it generates 300 hp from the V6 engine.

3) Smooth handling

With the car's low center of gravity and advanced suspension system, the car handles smoothly like a go-cart. Although the car is heavy, at 3400 lbs, it is easy to maneuver. It runs, stops, and turns into corners without hassle.

Such weight puts more confidence that the car will stick on the road. The wide wheelbase and low profile provide a more stable feeling even if you have to turn on sharp corners. The Bilstein shocks with its multi-link rear suspension make it easier to handle.

4) Responsive brakes

Surprisingly, the Z brakes make a good buddy for daily driving. But if you're going on track, these brakes may not hold enough on hot laps. The 350Z brakes design stops your vehicle in no time with its four calipers and cross-drilled rotors on all its wheels.

Equipped with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), control your vehicle better during emergency brakes, heavy traffic, rains, and sudden stops. With this technology, the Nissan 350Z becomes reliable for your daily drive.

5) Comfortable seats

The Z seats are designed to experience an advanced level of comfort for daily driving. The Zero-gravity design situates them almost at the center between the rear and front axles. It features lateral support with its seat-back cushion with wings that keeps the driver in place. Under the leather-appointed cover is the comfortable form-fitting single-density urethane fill.

The seats offer comfortable adjustments, seat recline, and manual fore-aft adjustment. The headrest also has four adjustments available. This ultimate comfort makes daily driving more bearable, especially if you often get caught in traffic.

6) Reliable performance

While some people could say that the 350Z may be overkill for daily driving, it can still fit for the everyday commute as long as you don't try to turbocharge it. Being a 3.5L V6 makes it a reliable engine. Its engine is built with aluminum heads and can sustain different stresses.

With a low stance and an RWD, it seems the 350z cannot withstand driving under snow and slippery conditions. Good thing the traction control regulates the wheel when spinning. Also, the low ground clearance could be beneficial. It would hold on to the snow better, preventing it from rolling when it does not get much higher.

With proper maintenance, it could last from 190,000 to 300,000 miles. Although, we can admit that this car is oil-thirsty and eats more fuel. The Z could eat 25 to 40 mpg, so expect to spend more.

Overall, the 350z is reliable and durable when maintained properly.

The Bad

However, the 350Z is not always good. So, learn about future issues in your 350Z if you use it for the everyday commute.

1) Consumes more fuel

If you want to save more fuel money for a DD, the Nissan 350Z is not what you're looking for. But if you stay out of throttle most of the time, which is hard to resist, you will probably have a more decent fuel mileage. High-performance vehicles like the 350Z would consume more fuel.

Nissan even requires premium fuel for 2003 to 2006 models. For 2007 to 2009 models, using premium fuel is only a recommendation.

Aside from avoiding aggressive driving, you can reduce fuel consumption by keeping regular maintenance. Another way to reduce fuel consumption is to use premium fuel.

2) Lack of usable storage space

Having less room to haul things with the 350z may not be an issue if you always drive alone. But if you are thinking of using it to run some errands or grocery shopping, the time will come you may have difficulty hauling bulky objects.

It is designed for performance and not for family use or freight. For this reason, the limited space from the back of the two seats may be inadequate if you plan to ride with friends. You will never know you need more room until you have to bring in larger boxes and bags.

3) Visibility issues

Being a low-stance vehicle, its steep and sloping roof and small windows limit the visibility from the driver's spot. If you're a taller driver, you won't have difficulty judging spaces from the right or left when parking or reversing.

You need extra precautions to see blind spots when changing lanes. However, you can alleviate this problem using blindspot mirrors and rear-view cameras.

4) Brake dust

Nobody talks much about this, especially if they do not use the Z for everyday driving. But the brake dust tends to accumulate with the daily commute. If you love to drive a clean sports car to work, finding brake dust can be an eyesore.

5) Difficulty in getting in and out of the seat

Getting in and out of the 350Z seats would be a challenge, especially if you have a larger body. With the low-lying seat plus a small door opening, you may have trouble entering and exiting the vehicle. Additionally, it utilizes cramped seats that sit close to its door. Another concern is you have to open and close the door manually to see if there's a small headroom that can limit movements before you can fully get in or out.

6) Extra loud

While the unique exhaust notes of the Nissan 350z could be satisfying for enthusiasts, they may not be appropriate for city driving. Unless you are driving daily on open roads, this kind of noise can be intrusive for the community, other drivers, pedestrians, and people nearby.

Revving up more than 3,000 RPM would blast off a heavy deep throaty sound.

The tire and road noises get into the cabin, which is not ideal if you drive long distances.

You may not notice it, but this kind of noise can add more stress to your daily routines.

7) Bumpy Ride

The 350Z comes equipped with advanced but stiff suspension. Going for the rough roads could mean an uncomfortable bumpy ride.

Add up the low-profile tires. The rear-wheel drive could cause you to bounce on rough roads.

Good thing you can reduce these effects by going for regular maintenance and tune-ups. Additionally, you can adjust the suspension to make it softer. An option is to heighten the tires to reduce the bouncing effects on bumpy roads.

But if you're living or commuting nearby smooth roads, this should not be a problem.

Final Thoughts

It is seldom to find a sports car that you can also use to run errands and drive you to work. The Nissan 350Z is a decent daily driver you can take to the office and on track. However, taking up the challenge can lead to drawbacks if you do not prepare to own one.

If you intend to use the 350Z for weekdays and not just as a weekend toy, plan your purchase and expect to churn money for fuel and maintenance. These recurring costs are long-term when you use them for everyday rides.