If you’re considering purchasing your first (or next) sports car, then a Nissan 350Z could fit the bill. Going for a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) car is a choice you can never regret. But which one to choose – Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, or Honda? The focus of this post is going to be Nissan, specifically, a Nissan 350Z. So, is the Nissan 350Z worth buying?

Well, the short answer is yes. The Nissan 350Z is definitely worth buying thanks to its dashing looks, amazing price point, and superb drivability. If you have trouble recognizing the car, then you would probably remember it from Fast and Furious 3: Tokyo Drift. It was the car of the villain – DK. Yes, he did lose in the end, but don’t blame the car, blame the driver. Besides, who doesn’t want to own a car shown in that franchise, especially one that looked this sleek?

Now that you know the legendary status of this car, it’s time to dive deep into what other factors make the Nissan 350Z a car worth purchasing.

Unique Looks

Although subjective, the 350Z is a fantastic-looking car. The fastback look that Porsche usually pulls off with its cars works very well on this car as well. If we had to pick a favorite feature, it would have to be the head and tail lamps. They look mean, especially the taillights. If you don’t trust us, just switch them on in a pitch-black environment and you can see the beast staring back at you.

But that’s not where it ends. JDMs are renowned for their aftermarket customizability. With the right kind of spoiler at the back, you will be turning a lot of heads as you zoom past them. And fortunately for you, the 350Z makes almost every spoiler look good on it. You don’t need to stop there either. With the correct body kits and roof scoops (maybe?), you will personally be escorted to a Fast and Furious movie set.

Customizability

As mentioned above, you can go absolutely crazy with how the car looks and because the car looks so darn good, it can pull off most of the looks. But that’s just about the body. One of the reasons people love the JDM cars is because of the amazing ability to customize the car’s powertrain to your heart’s content.

The most common mods include those to your intake and exhaust system. These not only improve the acoustic value of your already great-sounding 350Z, but it all makes your car go faster. That’s right, putting in the right type of mod might help you gain anywhere from an extra 5-30 bhp. 

Of course, with the extra power, you would also want brakes and tires that can handle it– yet another avenue to aesthetically improve your car. Hope you are ready to deal with all the paparazzi circling around your car next time you stop your car at the signal or park it.

Affordable Price

One of the most important reasons to buy the Nissan 350Z is because of its amazing price point. While this JDM manufacturer has even more legendary models like the GT-R as a part of their offering, not everyone can afford the $100,000+ price point that it comes in. The Nissan 350Z has a similar driving experience as the GT-R and costs a fraction of the price.

Of course, currently, the 350Z is out of production and has been replaced by its successor the 370z. However, there are plenty of these models available in the used car market. While a brand new one used to cost anywhere from $30,000 to $40,000, a used version can range from $7,000 to $25,000 depending on the trim and the mileage. In a used JDM car like this, the type of modifications made to it will also influence the price.              

Performance

You are probably tired of hearing this but, the 350Z drives like the GT-R as mentioned in the previous section. It is important to understand that the GT-R has about twice the amount of power and thus it is much faster. The driving experience is similar in terms of how quick the car feels even though it is quite heavy at around 1500 kg which varies depending on the trim you go for.

The 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine is enough to propel this car from 0-100kph in just under 6 seconds. It also helps the car reach a maximum speed of 248 kph and let’s be honest, there are very few roads in the world where you can test that limit…legally. Needless to say, these are the numbers for the stock option of the car. Since you are more likely to get your hands on a used car that has been modified, you can expect these numbers to vary a bit.

Driving Experience

Finally, the most important factor to consider while selecting a car. The driving experience in a 350Z is not for people who want to travel to their destination on a cloud. It is for people who want to have some fun before reaching there. The interiors aren’t very luxurious. However, the positioning of the seats, the dashboard, the steering wheel, everything is suited for the driver to have complete control over the car.

The hum that the car produces at high speeds is something you will want to turn off your music systems and roll down your windows for. Again, this is something subjective, but I am sure that most people will enjoy it. And if you feel like it could be better, it’s a JDM! Just try your own combination of exhaust parts till you find a sound that feeds your soul every time you floor it.

Final thoughts

The Nissan 350Z is a great daily driver that you can use to have some fun with from time to time. Unfortunately, this iconic car from Fast and Furious is no longer up for sale and thus you will be limited to buying the used car for this model.

Fortunately, it is an extremely reliable car, with some easy DIY solutions to any problems you might face. Moreover, you can get it for a bargain price when you buy it used. In conclusion, the Nissan 350Z is definitely a car worth buying, even if it is pre-owned.

FAQs

Is the Nissan 350Z a good first car?

The Nissan 350Z makes for a perfect first car due to its reliability, safety features, and affordable price point. It’s twice as powerful as your typical first car, meaning insurance prices will cost you a premium.

Did Nissan stop making the 350Z?

Yes, they switched out the model with an upgraded version called the 370Z. However, this version is also only available in select regions. Your best bet is to probably go for a used car.

Is it worth buying a used Nissan 350Z?

It’s worth purchasing a used Nissan 350Z as long as the car has been taken good care of. Just keep an eye out for a few common problems like excess oil consumption while inspecting the quality of the car. As mentioned in the article, there might be some modifications too that you can expect.

Is the 350Z a reliable car?

Overall, the 350Z is a very reliable car. One of the most common problems is a high rate of oil consumption. This is not a major issue and all you need to do is check the level of oil once or twice a month. If it is low, you can just top it up as required.

Another problem some users notice is the clicking noise in the rear axle. This can be rectified easily by just changing the rear axle nut and some grease.

How fast is the 350Z?

Depending on the model you go for, the stock model can go 0-100 kph in 5.5 to 6 seconds. The top speed is around 250 kph but can be higher depending on the mods you go for. It should cover the 1/8 mile in around 10 seconds and the ¼ mile in 14 to 15 seconds.

How much space is there inside a Nissan 305Z?

Unfortunately, one of the disadvantages of the 350Z is the amount of space there in the car. While there is an option of 4 seats, only two small kids (or very uncomfortable adults) could fit in the back seats. Moreover, the trunk is rather shallow and limited due to a support bracket at the back.