By Finn Hart The 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower, faces common issues including moderate oil consumption, transmission slipping, and suspension wear, all affecting owner satisfaction rates, which range from 60% to 80%. Key recalls involve the fuel pump relay, airbag system, and steering column, necessitating thorough vehicle history checks. Maintenance costs average $500 to $700 annually with a depreciation rate of 15%. Despite some criticisms on cabin noise and limited trunk space, the 350Z Roadster remains popular for its performance. Further insights can clarify potential pitfalls and beneficial strategies for interested buyers.
Overview of the 2008 350Z Roadster
The 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster is a two-door convertible known for its performance and style. It's part of the Z series and has a sleek design with a retractable soft top for open-air driving. The car measures about 169.4 inches in length, 72.6 inches in width, and 51.7 inches in height, giving it a sporty look.
It has a strong 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood. The engine produces 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. You can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The car is rear-wheel drive, which helps with handling and traction.
Inside, the car is designed with the driver in mind. It has leather seats, a well-organized dashboard, and a good sound system. Standard features include a six-speaker audio system, keyless entry, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The car has good safety features like stability control, anti-lock brakes, and dual front airbags.
The 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster offers a fun ride with a mix of performance, style, and technology.
Common problems reported for the 2008 350Z Roadster
| Component/System | Specific Issues | Frequency of Occurrence | Trends/Changes Over Time | How the Problem Manifests | Impact on Performance | Consumer Satisfaction (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Oil usage | Moderate | Increased in later years | Too much oil use, warning lights | Less engine efficiency | 70% |
| Transmission | Gears slipping, rough shifts | High | No big change | Hard to change gears, noise | Poor speed up | 65% |
| Suspension | Worn bushings, strut noise | Moderate | Consistent | Clunk noise, bad ride quality | Worse handling | 75% |
| Electrical System | Battery drain, bad alternator | Moderate | Increased in later years | Warning lights, start problems | Possible stalling, dim lights | 80% |
| Brakes | Wear, squeaking noise | High | More awareness | Noise when braking, slow response | Longer stopping distances | 60% |
| Cooling System | Overheating, coolant leaks | Low | No big change | Temperature gauge rising, leaks | Engine risk, performance loss | 85% |
| Interior Features | Dashboard cracks, seat wear | Moderate | Increased in later years | Looks bad, seat discomfort | Minor impact on driving | 70% |
Issues Reported for the 2008 350Z Roadster
Engine:
The 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster often sees moderate oil usage issues. Owners notice high oil use and warning lights for low oil. This happens more in later models, affecting engine life and reliability. The satisfaction rating is 70%.
Transmission:
Transmission problems are common, with many reports of slipping gears and rough shifts. Owners find it hard to change gears and hear unusual noises. These issues have not changed much over time, leading to a lower driving experience and a satisfaction rating of 65%.
Suspension:
Suspension troubles like worn bushings and strut noises occur moderately. These cause clunking sounds and lower ride quality. This has stayed the same over time, affecting handling, and has a satisfaction rating of 75%.
Electrical System:
There are moderate reports of battery drain and bad alternators. People see warning lights and have starting troubles. These issues have increased in later models, possibly leading to stalling. The satisfaction rating stands at 80%.
Brakes:
Brake issues like wear and squeaking are frequent. Owners hear noises when braking and notice slower responses, causing longer stopping times. Awareness has grown, with a satisfaction rating of 60%.
Cooling System:
Cooling problems, such as overheating and leaks, are less common. Signs include rising temperature gauges and visible leaks. The situation hasn't changed much over time, keeping a satisfaction rating of 85%.
Interior Features:
Interior troubles like dashboard cracks and seat wear happen moderately. They cause bad looks and discomfort, leading to a satisfaction rating of 70%. Awareness has slightly increased in later models.
Recall information specific to the 2008 350Z Roadster
The 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster has had some safety recalls. These recalls are meant to fix certain problems with the car to keep it safe to drive. Here are the main recalls for this model:
- Fuel Pump Relay: The fuel pump relay might be faulty. This can make the engine stop without warning, which is dangerous, especially at high speeds. Owners need to replace the relay to avoid this issue.
- Airbag System: The airbag control unit could have a defect. This means the airbags might not work during a crash, which can lead to serious injuries. It's important to get this fixed for safety.
- Steering Column: There might be a problem with the steering column assembly. This can lead to losing control of the steering, which is a big safety concern. Fixing this problem is necessary to keep the car stable on the road.
If you own a 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster, check if your car is affected by these recalls. You can find this information with dealers or on the NHTSA website.
Getting these issues fixed will help keep the car safe.
Owner reviews and satisfaction rates for the 2008 model
Owners of the 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster often express high satisfaction, particularly with its performance and style. They love the strong 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivers 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides quick acceleration, taking the car from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds, making it a strong contender among sports cars.
The car's design gets a lot of praise too. Many like its sleek and bold look. Inside, the layout focuses on the driver, and the seats are comfortable for both fun drives and daily use, even if it's a bit simple in design.
Driving the 350Z Roadster is a thrill for many. Its rear-wheel-drive setup and good suspension offer precise handling. Drivers find it responsive and steady, especially when cornering. Some mention that the ride feels firm, which might not suit everyone who prefers a softer ride.
Most owners are happy with the car's reliability and its low maintenance costs. A few talk about the noise inside the cabin at high speeds and the small trunk space as downsides.
Comparison to previous and subsequent 350Z Roadster model years
When you look at the 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster compared to earlier and later models, you can spot some key changes in how it drives, looks, and the tech it offers. The 2008 version is part of the final phase of the 350Z series and brought improvements over the 2003 to 2007 models.
For how it drives, the 2008 Roadster kept the strong 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 306 horsepower. But it got better in terms of aerodynamics and suspension, making the ride smoother. It added a Rev Matching feature that helps match engine speed with gear shifts. Earlier models didn't have this feature.
In terms of look, the 2008 model had small changes to the outside, like updated front and back bumpers, giving it a sportier look. Inside, it got better materials and a more user-friendly layout, which fixed some issues people had with earlier models.
If you check out the models that came after, like the ones from 2009 and beyond, you'll see small tweaks. In 2009, Nissan brought out the 370Z, which had a stronger 3.7-liter engine and a new platform. It improved performance but changed the classic style of the 350Z.
Tips for buying a used 2008 350Z Roadster
Buying a used 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster can be fun, but you need to be careful to avoid problems. The car looks great and drives well, but you should do some homework before you buy it.
1. Check the Car's History: Get a vehicle history report from a service like Carfax or AutoCheck. Look for past accidents, service records, and changes in ownership. A report with few issues means the car was likely well taken care of.
2. Get a Mechanical Check****: Have a mechanic look at the car before you buy it. They should check the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes.
Make sure the convertible top and seals are in good shape, as leaks can be expensive to fix.
3. Take a Test Drive****: Drive the car to see how it accelerates, handles, and brakes. Listen for weird noises, especially from the engine and transmission.
The car has a 3.5L V6 engine with 306 horsepower, so it should feel powerful and smooth.
Maintenance recommendations for the 2008 350Z Roadster
To keep your 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster running smoothly, regular maintenance is key. This helps prevent bigger problems and keeps your car in top shape. Here's a simple schedule for taking care of your car:
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Change | Every 3,000-5,000 miles | Keeps the engine running smoothly |
| Brake Inspection | Every 10,000 miles | Checks pads, rotors, and fluid for safety |
| Tire Rotation | Every 5,000 miles | Makes sure tires last longer |
| Fluid Checks | Every 6 months | Looks at coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid |
| Air Filter Replacement | Every 15,000 miles | Helps the engine work better |
Besides these tasks, check the convertible top's seals and parts twice a year to avoid leaks. Also, keep an eye on tire tread and alignment for safe driving. Using good-quality synthetic oil and original parts when replacing anything can make a big difference. You can explore tuning options for better performance, but always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for basic maintenance.
Resale value and long-term ownership costs
Knowing what it costs to own a 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster and what you might get when you sell it is helpful. The 350Z Roadster's resale value is about average for sports cars. How much you can sell it for depends on how many miles it's driven, its condition, and how well it's been maintained. Each year, it loses about 15% of its value, which is normal for cars like this.
Owning the car long-term involves costs like insurance, maintenance, and fuel. The 2008 350Z Roadster is known for having low maintenance costs. You might spend between $500 to $700 each year, depending on how often you service it and how you drive. Insurance can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $1,800 per year, depending on who you are and where you live. For fuel, expect to get around 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway, which is decent for a sports car.
Here's a quick look at the yearly costs:
| Cost Category | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | $500 – $700 |
| Insurance | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Fuel | $1,000 – $1,500 |
People Also Ask
What Is the Fuel Economy of the 2008 350Z Roadster?
The 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster gets about 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. This means it can go 18 miles in the city or 25 miles on the highway for every gallon of gas it uses.
How Does the 350Z Roadster Perform in Winter Conditions?
The 350Z Roadster doesn't do well in winter because it has rear-wheel drive and sits low to the ground. To make it safer, you should use winter tires and be extra careful when driving on icy roads.
Are There Aftermarket Modifications Recommended for the 350Z Roadster?
You can make your 350Z Roadster even cooler with some changes! Try adding a new air intake for more power, a better exhaust system for a nice sound, or improve the suspension to handle turns better. These updates make driving more fun!
What Is the Typical Lifespan of the 350Z Roadster's Engine?
The Nissan 350Z Roadster's engine usually lasts between 150,000 to 200,000 miles. This depends on how well you take care of it, the roads you drive on, and how you drive. Regular check-ups and maintenance help keep the engine running longer and better.
How Does the 350Z Roadster Handle in Terms of Steering and Suspension?
The Nissan 350Z Roadster has good steering and a smooth suspension, making it fun and easy to drive. It feels stable and responsive, which helps drivers feel confident whether they're driving to work or having a fun, fast drive.