![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s--jJ4WTAZb--\/f_auto,t_author-mobile@1\/v1677494864\/autoexpress\/2023\/02\/Matt%20Robinson.jpg\")
\n
![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s--gc6gHHL---\/f_auto,t_content-image-full-mobile@1\/v1695730386\/autoexpress\/2023\/09\/Nissan%20350Z%20icon-3.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
The turn of the century was not a good time for Nissan. Narrowly avoiding bankruptcy, it was the least of the Japanese firm\u2019s worries that it was lacking a Z-branded sports car for the first time since the introduction of the 240Z in 1969.<\/p>\n
While 1999\u2019s retro-styled 240Z concept, powered by a 240SX-borrowed inline-four, kept the dream alive, it wasn\u2019t until 2001 that plans for an all-new Z were finally put in motion. With the added financial stability of the formation of the Renault-Nissan alliance, the Z Concept was revealed at that year\u2019s Detroit Auto Show, with a more future-gazing aesthetic than its 1999 predecessor. It wasn\u2019t anything like its nearest production ancestor \u2013 the wedge-shaped, rather chunky 300ZX \u2013 either.<\/p>\n
The look came from Nissan\u2019s California design house, whose take on the all-new Z won an internal design contest. The production version that emerged a year later was barely altered, although it did have a name change. Keeping with Z-car tradition, it was christened according to its engine displacement, becoming the 350Z.<\/p>\n
Initial reviews, including one from Auto Express, were glowing. Nissan had a new and exciting car in its line-up, but at first, it wasn\u2019t thought that the 350Z would make it to Britain. Eventually it did (and at a great-value price of around \u00a324,000), which is how, a couple of decades on, we find ourselves behind the wheel of a 2005 UK-registered Daytona Blue Pearl Metallic example.<\/p>\n
Sliding behind the wheel, we\u2019re presented with a small instrument binnacle that moves with the steering column as it\u2019s adjusted. There\u2019s a trio of gauges topping the central stack of the dashboard \u2013 a multi-function digital display, plus oil pressure and battery voltage meters \u2013 each angled towards the driver. Just below these is a surprisingly large storage compartment.<\/p>\n
Getting comfortable is easy: the two seats offer an impressive range of adjustability. In a modern context, the cabin seems a little drab, and perhaps a little cheap in places, but this was par for the course back then.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s---lvgjmbL--\/f_auto,t_content-image-full-mobile@1\/v1695730382\/autoexpress\/2023\/09\/Nissan%20350Z%20icon-5.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The 3.5-litre, naturally aspirated V6 fires up quietly and with little fanfare, settling to a smooth idle. First gear is engaged with a dip of the heavy clutch pedal, giving a hint of what the driving experience of this car is all about: heft. Everything feels butch, particularly the gearchange, with each ratio requiring two distinct and heavy movements from the stubby lever to engage. The shift quality is a little rubbery, but the throw is nice and short.<\/p>\n
Nissan\u2019s V6 is a lazy one. It\u2019s not especially quick to rev, and there is a little bit of rev hang when changing gear. It makes a good noise, though, and propels the 350Z forward with enthusiasm, if not rapid pace. Peak power comes in at 6,400rpm, 200rpm before the red line, while the full torque of 363Nm is felt from 4,800rpm and up.<\/p>\n
The 276bhp output is modest enough not to trouble the rear wheels, making the 350Z unintimidating to drive quickly. Further helping rear-end tidiness, all UK cars came with a standard-fit limited-slip differential. There\u2019s a reasonably willing front end, meanwhile, although placing it where you want provides a bit of a workout. That\u2019s because the steering matches the general theme of this car: it\u2019s heavy, but reasonably natural feeling. There\u2019s more body roll than you\u2019d experience in a modern performance model, but nothing excessive. It\u2019s generally a comfortable car you could look to do long distances in, provided you pack light. The boot has a chunky chassis brace running through it, making for an awkward space that offers a mere 235 litres of volume. You do at least get some instructions on how to stow two golf bags, though, and there is a potentially handy storage drawer behind the seats.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s--2ndlamRb--\/v1683626472\/assets\/partners\/powered-by-motorway_150x70.png\")
\n![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s--e6fhhgCU--\/f_auto,t_content-image-full-mobile@1\/v1695730421\/autoexpress\/2023\/09\/Nissan%20350Z%20icon-10.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
It stuck around for a lot longer, too, soldiering on until 2021. Those now-aged underpinnings still aren\u2019t finished, though, because they\u2019ve been used for the 370Z\u2019s replacement, the turbocharged Z. A car which, sadly, won\u2019t be making it to the UK via official channels, nor the rest of Europe, for that matter. And that merely makes driving this 350Z all the more special an experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cQuick and easy to drive, the \u2018affordable\u2019 Z is one of the most exciting machines the firm has built since it launched the mighty Skyline R34.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Unlike many sports cars from 20 or so years ago, the 350Z is still very affordable. We\u2019ve seen some for sale for less than \u00a34,000, but with such a low starting point, we think it\u2019s worth spending more to get a lower-mileage example that\u2019s been really cared for.<\/p>\n The VQ35 engine is a simple brute that should last for a long time, but pre-2007 units are known for heavy oil consumption, so check levels carefully and also listen for rattles that could indicate the V6 has been damaged by insufficient oil.<\/p>\n The 2005 350Z you see here is run by Auto Express\u2019s senior test editor Dean Gibson. His dad bought it and owned it from new, but a life-changing operation a few years ago means he\u2019s unlikely to drive the car again, which led to Dean becoming its custodian.<\/p>\n The only non-standard element is the wheels. Dean\u2019s father wasn\u2019t a fan of the optional Rays wheels that were part of the GT pack, so he asked the dealer to replace them with the stock rims, which were later refurbished in Audi gunmetal grey.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s likely one of the lowest-mileage 350Zs in the country,\u201d Dean says, because there are only 18,000 miles on the clock.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 350Z was a landmark car that deserves as much recognition as the 240Z that it emulated or any GT-R,\u201d Dean adds. \u201cI\u2019m proud to be looking after such a sweet example \u2013 not just to maintain Nissan\u2019s sports-car history, but also for my dad.\u201d<\/p>\nInterested in buying one?<\/h2>\n
I\u2019ve got one!<\/h2>\n
\n\n
\n Model:<\/td>\n Nissan 350Z<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Production dates:<\/td>\n 2003-2009<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Price then:<\/td>\n From \u00a324,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Price now:<\/td>\n From \u00a34,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Engine:<\/td>\n 3.5-litre V6 petrol<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Power\/torque:<\/td>\n 276bhp\/363Nm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transmission:<\/td>\n Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 0-62mph:<\/td>\n 5.9 seconds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Top speed:<\/td>\n 155mph<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n