Jimbo Mahoney Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 Hi all, Proud new owner here and want to have my new baby looked after but at the same time, don't want to spend money unnecessarily! (Don't we all?!). It's a 2004 350Z with GT pack. 75k miles. I'm also a relative car newbie and would not do any work myself. My expected annual mileage is very low - 4000 - because I travel for work a lot, so the car will mostly be a weekend drive. I think I plan to keep the car for a while - so far I tend to keep a car for about three years, but I might keep this one longer since it's so special. Here's what I know for sure: FNSH up to 48k miles Some receipts since then: New clutch in the days before I bought it (phew!) but no flywheel Spark plugs done in 2012 / about 63k miles Things the previous owner says have been done, but no receipts: Front engine belts (they look pretty new) Some work done to the exhaust (stainless steel section?) So far, the only problem I've found is a knocking / thudding noise from the front passenger-side when going over bumps / holes in the road. I gather this is a common problem and could either be cheap (bushes) or expensive (arms). The previous owner says he bought some bushes but some were missing and that's all that's needed, but I guess I won't know for sure until I get it looked at. Here are my questions: Given my low mileage, should I just wait until I've had it a year and then get it serviced? This fits my budget better because I get my cars serviced every year despite the low mileage. Should I get it serviced by a Nissan dealer or go indy? (I'm guessing the latter, although I quite fancy having the 10 year inspection / stamp). Should I get the airbags tested? (I'm guessing yes - it's 10 years old and they could save my life). Should I go for a P3? Since the clutch has been done, should I bother gettting the lubricant changed and/or the flywheel done? Anything else you'd recommend? Many thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Almeida1234 Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 As it is a new purchase I will get it fully serviced and change all the fluids at the same time so you have a peace of mind. If they changed the clutch should have done the flywheel at the same time as it make sense. You can get all the parts from clark motor sports and competitive price. Buy the parts from Clark motor-sports and get it serviced independently that works out to be cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flex Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 Just get a full service and have done with it, you'll feel better and will look better when you come to sell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhackyWill Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 Welcome to the Land of Zed... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KyleR Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 I agree. Usually what I tell people is to go and do everything, gear, diff, engine oils, brake fluid, Coolant, belts and plugs. But if your belts look new and have evidence of a plug change then forget those Depending where you are, take it to a good Indy, there are a few specialists on the forum which may be close and can look the whole car over for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nissan_pip Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 If you're in striking distance of the midlands (or a bit further away) may I recommend Cougar Stores at Leicester, they service my 2008 "Z" , I had a problem with mine that after 18 months of failure to resolve by Westway ( Nissan Coventry) Cougar stores sorted out after one visit & it has been running sweet as a nut ever since Their prices are very fair & they will not rip you off. & a free cuppa to boot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetSet Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 Just get a full service and have done with it, you'll feel better and will look better when you come to sell. +1 Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Payco Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 He's in Belfast !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 I bought some Belt Dressing off ebay, great stuff, just spray on the belts a couple of times a year to keep them fresh. Indy all the way for servicing, I dont think anyone would not buy your car because it hasnt been handed over to some Micra service mechanic in a Nissan garage who doesnt know what a 350z is. I would also start up a build thread on here, I find it works wonders for when it comes sale time, people will have a good read through and be encouraged seeing photos of work and progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo Mahoney Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 (edited) Update after it's been for a health check @ Hughes Autos near Lisburn: (Clutch was done just before I got the car and spark plugs were done 2012, so they're OK): Important / getting done first: Diff oil Gearbox oil engine oil track rod end ~£250 Less important / will get done next: Front and rear discs and pads clean and paint all brake pipes ~£350 Less important / will get done last: Front upper arms, both sides Rear drop links ~£500 Prices and detail seem fair to me, having had a quick look around, although I must admit to being a serious car newbie... Edited May 21, 2014 by Jimbo Mahoney Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 If you have no records for this being done I'd get the engine coolant changed and brake fluid ~ also possibly the power steering fluid. The brake fluid should be changed every two years (or 27K miles if sooner) and the engine coolant every three years (or every 36K miles if sooner). From the service schedule which can be found here; http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/31110-service-schedule-for-a-350z/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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