Nissan Fairlady Z 2002-2009 used car review
The Nissan Fairlady Z is a loud, fun-to-drive sports car yet luxurious at the same time.
The Nissan Fairlady Z is a loud, fun-to-drive sports car yet luxurious at the same time. A lack of storage limits its usefulness.
The Nissan Fairlady Z was launched in 2002 as the latest generation of the famous Nissan “Z” sports cars. It shares its engine and chassis with the Skyline, despite being shorter and more sports-focused. All models have seats for only two people and a “Roadster” convertible model is available. The New Zealand-equivalent is called the 350Z.
Inside and out
For a car launched in 2002, the Fairlady Z still looks very modern. It is a very low car, with a curved roofline sticking relatively close to the lower part of the vehicle. There’s no traditional grille at the front, just a Nissan badge and a large vent low in the bumper. Coloured lights are set into the edge of the bumper and the indicators themselves are set into the headlight units. The door handles are vertical and made of contrasting grey plastic. The rear features long, narrow reversing lights and taillights that cut through the bumper, rear door and corner panels.
Getting into the Fairlady requires you to lower yourself down, something that should be noted if you have restricted mobility. The window line is very high - almost to the driver's shoulder level, which makes the space feel closed in. Sporty orange gauges sit in a pod which moves up and down with the steering wheel when adjusted for rake.
At the top of the centre console are a further three gauges. Below this is a large storage cubby where a navigation system sits on top models. The stereo in our model is a high-end Bose system which can take six CDs and has a subwoofer behind the seats. It will require a band expander to receive local stations.
The seats are surprisingly comfortable for a sports car. They are heavily shaped with large side bolsters but are soft and supportive. Even larger drivers won't feel squeezed in. On manual models, there is a cut-out in the side bolster so it will not get in the way of your elbow when shifting. The electric driver's seat adjustment buttons are in an odd place, next to the centre console. There are no rear seats.
Boot? There is one but it’s not particularly practical. A large chassis beam runs across the middle of the shallow storage space. That means carrying hard cases is nearly impossible so soft bags work best for a weekend away. And with the space covered almost entirely by window, items stowed here are on display. Small storage cubbies behind the seats are not easy to access.
On the road
In standard Fairlady Z models, there is only one engine option, a 3.5-litre six-cylinder, though models built from 2007 were re-tuned for more power. The 350Z has a slightly higher power output. A series of rare Nismo specials feature a 3.8-litre version of the engine. In our 2004 model, the engine produces 206kW and 363Nm and is paired to a five-speed automatic, which can be shifted manually. Performance is excellent. The Fairlady scurries away from the lights in a hurry and with a loud and pleasing roar.
The transmission is quick shifting and smart. The combination can be a little aggressive and unrefined yet it suits the vehicle. Handling is excellent, with a considerable amount of grip and the ability to corner fast and flat. The steering has a nice weighty feel to it and is responsive. The brakes are excellent. The Fairlady is not the lightest or most nimble sports car, though it is fast, loud and fun. The downside is a very firm ride - you will feel the bumps in the road, even through the soft seats.
Visibility from the driver's seat is lousy – because you sit so low it is hard to see the front edge of the nose, to the rear of the car or even to the side. Reversing cameras were not standard, though they are fitted as an option to some cars out of Japan. The Fairlady is a car for occasional use so going to the extent of having one fitted is up to personal choice.
Safety
There is no local safety or Japanese rating for the Fairlady Z. The only information we could find is an American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration five-star rating for the 2003 model. The Fairlady gets driver and passenger airbags as standard, along with traction control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. Side and curtain airbags were fitted to New Zealand-new 350Zs, which later also received electronic stability control. These were all options on the Fairlady version.
Reliability
The Fairlady Z is a well-built car. However, it is a sports car and most have been either driven hard or modified. Few carefully kept, standard vehicles are out there and are worth the extra money they command.
The issue will reveal itself by a slight occasional misfire at idle and the engine check light warning lamp lighting up. Replacing the chain on this engine is a big job that requires the removal of a lot of equipment from the engine bay. It will cost around $2,000.
When buying, verify that the car has been serviced properly and check the oil on the dipstick to make sure it is not too thick and dirty. Poor-quality oil or infrequent servicing can cause a build-up of sludge in the engine, causing wear and further problems.
Make sure the airbag lights turn on with the ignition and then go out again when the car is running. There have been issues with the airbag wiring routed around the seat being damaged. This can be a Warrant of Fitness issue.
Cost of ownership
The Fairlady Z requires quality oils and is sensitive to a lack of maintenance. A Nissan dealer told us they need to be serviced every 10,000km or six months, whichever comes first. Each service is at the low cost of around $225.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year the Fairlady Z will cost $3,220 a year to fuel. It needs premium fuel, and the 80-litre tank will cost $160 to fill at $2 a litre. You should be able to travel 650km before the fuel light comes on.
The Fairlady is in the cheapest class for ACC levies, so the annual licensing fee is $76.92.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Fairlady Z valued at $11,000 will cost $53.38* per month. Despite being a sports car, no additional excess is always necessary.
Buyers’ guide
The Fairlady Z is available on Trade Me priced from $9,000 to $21,000 for later and lower mileage models. Manuals are more desirable and a little harder to find.
Variants
The Fairlady Z is available in four grades, in either “Version” hardtop or “Roadster” convertible forms. The following are the main models, though Nissan produced some special editions with unique features including body kits, suspension systems and more powerful engines. Most were only sold in very small numbers.
- S - Features 18-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, leather steering wheel, CD player stereo and climate control air-conditioning.
- T - Adds leather interior, electric driver’s seat and premium Bose sound system with subwoofer.
- ST - Adds electrically heated front seats, factory navigation and infotainment screen (Japanese maps only).
- Nismo - Features unique 19-inch alloy wheels, body kit, projector-style headlamps, sports exhaust, sports suspension, limited slip differential and stiffened chassis.
Timeline
- 2002 Launched in Japan
- 2003 Roadster version added
- 2007 Nismo model added to the range
- 2007 Engine re-tuned for more power
- 2008 Replaced by a new model in December, so this generation was also sold as a 2009 car
Details
2004 Nissan Fairlady Z S
$10,000 to $20,500 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
3.5-litre six-cylinder, 206kW/363Nm (claimed)
Five-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
10,000km or 12 months
Space saver
11.5-litres per 100km (claimed)
Premium
4303mm
1816mm
1318mm
10.8m
This review covers the Nissan Fairlady Z for model years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
Image gallery
Also consider
Peter Louisson 