Nissan 350Z

Sourcing new and used parts.

Despite following the proven formula of fitting a powerful engine at the front, sending drive to the rear and cloaking the whole lot in a sleek coupé body, the Nissan 350Z cleverly rekindled the love felt for the original ‘Z’, Datsun’s 240Z, when it appeared in 2004.

At launch, the 276bhp 3.5-litre V6 provided supercar performance, while a sophisticated aluminium multi-link suspension kept it grounded. More than that, in order to compete against other innovative cars such as the Audi TT, it also incorporated lots of neat design details, such as aluminium door handles and some interior features that aimed to make the owner feel a bit special. The optional GT pack that added leather seats, cruise control and a better stereo was the icing on the cake.

In 2005, Nissan released 176 limited edition GT4 350Zs, which had six-spoke magnesium alloys and 295bhp, and these revisions appeared as standard across the range from 2006. Be wary, though, because of its higher emissions, you’ll be paying a hefty £515 annual VED for these beefier-engined cars. A roadster with an electric folding roof also appeared at around about this time.

In 2007, what’s referred to as the HR (High Revving) version arrived, with 308bhp on tap (also putting it in the ‘M’ VED bracket), before being replaced by the 370Z in 2009.

The 350Z wasn’t a pricey car new and, almost two decades on, the price of early cars has ducked below £5000, making it even more reasonable. So what should you know about the cost of parts if you’re thinking of taking the plunge?