Do a search on "clutch squeak" or "clutch noise" or "clutch problem" and get back with me. I did lots of research on the 350Z before I purchased it, including problems. Some 2003 models had a tire feathering problem caused by faulty alignment, etc. To be honest, any first year model car will have problems and consumers are only beta testing the finished product at their own expense. Look at the MY 00' S2000 and the TSB's out there for it. Another ridiculous feature of the 00-01 S2000 is the plastic window. I know "Just use Plexus"...... What a joke. Why should you have to put a "Muz Mat" in the window to keep it from having creases? Should have been glass from the start. Either way, Nissan has attempted to fix the tire problem and replace them at no charge on most Z's. The 2004.5 Z's should not have these problems. I am not trying to come off as bashing the S, I do love the car and will miss it. But for anyone to say, "an S2000 with that many problems, that's pretty rare", you must not have done research on what others are experiencing. If you have 0 problems with your 00-01' S, congrats, b/c I think that is rare.

 

BTW, it is not the drop down model... I did not think the convertible was worth an extra $10K, especially since it will be a daily driver and it is the first year for the convertible. Actually, I think the convertible model looks odd when the top is up.

I can't wait to break it in so I can really get on it. I like the raspy sound of the engine and exhaust note. The added torque down low is also excellent.

 

Can't argue with you there. I really like the sound of the exhaust.

Good luck.

 

well, i can say i have been in your situation but backwards. I had a 03 350z track. i had it for 1 year 24kmiles as much as i loved that car, it had numurous problems, i had replaced my tranny twice, the tires were feathering, my seats had to be redone after 3000 miles, the interior started getting noiser. overall though the car was fun to drive and you will enjoy it if you don;t have these problems. However after i traded that car for the s2k, i must say that was one of my smartest moves, because i have had nothing but fun in this car. No problems or nothing. so we will see howit holds up thru time
good luck on the purchase. what model did you get anyhow.

 

I hate the Drop Top Version. To me it looks like a TT and have had numerous of other people agree

 

I was deciding between a S2000, 350Z, and EVO and did quite a lot of research on these cars. From what I saw the S2000 and 350Z are relatively reliable sports cars...best of luck on the Z.....P.S. the S2000 clutch might not be the strongest ever, but check out the clutch issues on the EVO...it's crazy!

 

lemon s2k

 

In your shoes, I might have traded for an '04 or '05 S2000.

 

I hope you have better luck with the Z than you did with the S2k. I have driven both the tin top and rag top versions, and if I were in need of a daily driver, I personally think the Z would be more practical than our car. Never-the-less, the S2000 is my personal choice for my expectations and clearly my favorite of the two. My daily driver is a 14-year old Nissan Maxima, which I still love. Locally Nissan is a much better dealership than Honda (it's no contest) and that was one reason I looked hard at the Z. As for the plastic window, I think way too much is made of it but then I've been driving an MGA with a plastic window for 32 years. No big deal to me. When it comes to putting up the top, now that's a different story. Anyways, best of luck.

 

i don't hate you for trying something new...it's your money...have fun exploring different cars and find your true love.....Honda is a motor god but makes some mistakes in other areas...no company is perfect