As many as it takes!

That's what this forum is all about

 

Alignment problems (on pre-MY04.5 Z's) caused the car to eat tires. Rear tires would last 5-7k miles before roaring at 45 mph.

IMO the Z just has too many problems if you don't buy new. Pre-MY06 cars have a terrible shifter/clutch setup. MY06 Z's have oil consumption problems. Whereas the RX8 uses oil to lubricate the engine by design, many '06 Z's have been consuming oil for no apparent reason. Clearly this would not be the case for every '06 Z but this is a known problem. Gear grinding for each MY is considered normal if you bring it up during service.

I was originally set on buying the Z but after seeing the whole slew of problems through the years, I decided I don't need the problems that accompany them. I guess the S's reliability (despite its very high revving engine) is just a testament to Honda's attention to detail and over-engineering. It's a simple car that fulfills its purpose as a sports car very well.

I have to admit that the Z's wads of torque in every gear can be pretty intoxicating and makes it an easier daily driver but it's just not the car for ME. Look more into it and good luck on your purchase!

 

I don't have any idea what part of the 350Z you think is French... it was designed in San Diego and they are manufactured in Oppama, Japan.

 

Renault is a French carmaker.

 

I know Renault is a french car manufacturer. What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?

The 350Z is manufactured by Nissan Motor Co. in Japan, start to finish.

 

I think he's trying to refer to the fact that Renault bought a 45% stake in Nissan (now Nissan-Renault). The said engine was still designed by Nissan, not sourced from Renault. It is an excellent engine.

 

Ah well if that's the case, I think people should stop buying Lincolns, Volvos and Jaguars because they are subsidiaries of FoMoCo.

 

I just traded in my Z on an s2000. The Z was obviously more roomy inside and hade more trunkspace although the rear strut bar cuts it in half. The Z also has more torque at a lower rpm, but what do you expect from a 3.5 being compared to a 2 liter. I had an 03 and they were prone to lots of issues, but mine had no problems at all other than the grease streaks on the windows which they still have today. The ride is pretty stiff but bearable. They redesigned the suspension in 05 to make it softer but I never rode in one of those.

The 07 would be the only model I would consider honestly. The engine is redesigned and makes a little more power. I remember trying to check the oil in my 03 and the dipstick was in the worst place possible and when pulling it out the oil would be scraped off from all the kinks in the dipstick. They fixed it in 07.

I think the S2000 has a better transmission and the lighter weight is a HUGE difference in the turns. I went out with a couple miata guys for a drive last month and they left me in the dust b/c I had to slow down much more for the turns than they did. The S just feels more suited for turns. The Z is more of a GT car for cruising and high speed runs. The S seems better suited for canyon carving and pure fun.

 

Well I used to own a 2004 Z and I have to say its a great car BUT eversince I own an 2007 S2000 I never looked back and LOVED my S!!!
Like what others said, the Z felt so mechanical, heavy like a pig, cheap interior, not as good handling as the S, gearbox and clutch IMO not as good as Honda S.


In the end, everytime I drive the S im HAPPY!

 

i honestly wanna find a 350z forum and see what they say..... lol but anyways the thing about cars is weight is a major issue heavier cars use up tires and breaks faster isnt the z like 800 pounds heavier than the s and thats alot... i honestly havent driven either of the cars yet but i do know honda has GREAT service and you theres no question that their cars are reliable.... so why dont you just go with wat works? because honestly i was in the same position as you are... i even posted a thread here askin which car would be better.... bein a honda driver myself i'd rather stick with what i know