Is the Nissan 350Z a Good Daily Driver? (10 Vital Aspects)
The Nissan 350Z is an average daily driver, but only if you can accept the drawbacks of a sports coupe and subpar ride quality.
Nissan 350Z’s Drawbacks as a Daily Driver
The cons outweigh the pros, but they may not work the same for all drivers.
#1 Average Fuel Economy (But Only In Sports Car Term)
A 350Z with manual transmission generally returns marginally higher fuel economy than the automatic version, but they don’t stray far from an average of 19 to 20 mpg in mixed driving.
It is so-so compared to the newer 370Z or a Chevrolet Camaro.
But that fuel economy pales in comparison with regular daily drivers like the Civic or Corolla that can consistently achieve 30s mpg.
They aren’t like-for-like, but every mpg matters when prices at the pump hit record highs.
| Combined MPG | |
| Nissan 350z | 20 mpg |
| Nissan 370z | 22 mpg |
| Chevy Camaro | 22 mpg |
| Honda Civic Si | 30 mpg |
| Honda Civic | 33 mpg |
#2 Getting In & Out Requires Effort
The difficulty in getting in and out of a low-slung vehicle like the 350Z is unsurprising.
The wide doorsill and sloping roofline, particularly in the coupe, means entering and exiting the driver’s seat are a constant challenge for taller drivers.
Once inside the cockpit, however, there is plenty of headroom and legroom, even for drivers exceeding 6 feet.
Unfortunately, the generous space up front poses a struggle for shorter drivers reaching for the pedals or getting a good view of the road from the low seating position.
Note that the absence of a telescopic steering wheel in the 350Z can translate into difficulty reaching a comfortable driving position.
#3 Compromised Visibility
The low seating position generally compromises the view out the front, although taller drivers will find it less challenging.
However, rear visibility is abysmal with the top up in the roadster, and reversing the car will require extra care and attention.
Changing lanes may require double-checking the side mirrors for blind spots.
If you’ve driven compact sports cars, visibility in the 350Z shouldn’t be an issue, but those with prior driving experience in a sedan or SUV will encounter a period of adaptation.
#4 Intrusive Engine and Road Noise
The 300-hp V6 accelerates strongly when revved past 3,000 rpm and generates one of the most distinctive exhaust notes.
The exhaust note is throaty and music to enthusiasts driving hard on a track day.
However, the 350Z does not make a compelling daily companion due to the considerable road and tire noise that makes its way into the cabin.
It is tolerable in short commutes, but the constant presence of a noisy cabin is not ideal and can be tiring for long journeys.
#5 Poor and Bumpy Ride
Sportiness and performance typically come at the expense of ride comfort.
The 350Z’s stiff suspension transmits every knock and shock to its occupants when driven on rough pavement.
The ride is harsh on poor-quality roads but acceptable on smooth asphalt pavement at sub-80mph speed.
But if you opt for a 350Z, fully aware it’s nothing but a sports car, the firm but smooth ride with minimal body roll on the twisty bits of the road will appeal.
#6 Limited Trunk Space
As far as daily drivers go, the cargo area in the 350Z is minimal
Still, it is a two-seater, and this limitation is typical.
The 350Z convertible has one of the smallest trunks among two-door coupes and convertibles.
| Cargo Capacity (seats in place) | |
| 350z (convertible) | 4.1 cubic ft. |
| Mazda Miata (convertible) | 4.6 cubic ft. |
| Ford Mustang (convertible) | 11.4 cubic ft. |
| 350z (coupe) | 6.8 cubic ft. |
| Subaru BRZ (coupe) | 6.9 cubic ft. |
| Ford Mustang (coupe) | 13.5 cubic ft. |
| VW Golf R (hatchback) | 22.8 cubic ft. |
| Honda Civic Type R (hatchback) | 25.7 cubic ft. |
Among entry-level sports and sporty cars, the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R in the hatchback body style are some of the most practical daily drivers.
#7 Premium Fuel Requirement
In the face of rising gas prices, it is crucial that your daily driver does not require premium unleaded fuel.
Regardless of trim, the 2003 to 2006 Nissan 350Z models require the use of premium fuel, although it is only a recommendation for the 2007 to 2009 models.
Opt for these later 350Zs to avoid paying more at the pump.
Still, you should note that using regular gas in a car that recommends the use of premium may result in decreased engine performance.
Or, the power difference could be negligible and unnoticeable.
#8 Pricey Used Car
Running costs determine a vehicle’s credential as a daily driver.
However, your initial outlay has a massive impact on the total ownership cost.
Insurance costs aside, the 350Z is a relatively expensive used car.
A 2003 Nissan 350Z in good condition with low mileage can cost approximately $20,000, although sub-$15,000 ones are available.
For comparison, a similar-age Mazda Miata is easily available around the $10k price tag.
Expect to pay more for a 2009 Nissan 350Z in the pink of health.
Nissan 350Z’s Pluses as a Daily Driver
#9 Below-Average Maintenance Cost
The 350Z is a discontinued model, but fortunately, its repair and maintenance costs are cheaper than the average compact car.
RepairPal estimated the Nissan 350Z to cost $452 annually in vehicle upkeep, below the $526 average for small cars.
Considering the 350Z’s extra performance over regular sedans and the typically higher running costs for a sports car, its upkeep expense is reasonable.
That said, a used vehicle’s condition varies, so you’ll need to check and verify its health before buying.
#10 Reasonably Strong Safety Ratings
Crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the 350Z model years had not been comprehensive.
NHTSA awarded the 2003 Nissan 350Z (first model year) and 2009 Nissan 350Z (final model year):
- 5/5 stars in Frontal Collision (Driver Side)
- 4/5 stars in Frontal Collision (Passenger Side)
- 5/5 stars in Side Crash (Driver)
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not rate the 350Z.
Nissan 350Z Comparison with Other Cars
350Z vs. 370Z as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Nissan 350z | 3.5L V6 | 287-306 hp | 19-20 mpg | Prem-ReC (2007-2009) Prem-ReQ (2003-2006) | $452 | Poor | Poor |
| Nissan 370z | 3.7L V6 | 332 hp | 20-22 mpg | Prem-ReQ (2010-2020) Prem-ReC (2009) | $504 | Poor | Poor |
Although clear visual ties between the 350Z and 370Z exist, the latter improved on the former in power output, fuel economy, and ride quality (but only marginally).
Crucially, those enhancements make the 370Z an overall better daily driver than the 350Z and an easier sports coupe to live with in day-to-day driving.
You pay a little more to maintain the 370Z, but its higher fuel efficiency balances your running costs.
The Nissan 370Z Daily Driver post details its pros and cons as an everyday car.
350Z vs. Other Daily Drivers
Table Guide:
- Horsepower: base trim.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Nissan 350z | 287-306 hp | 20 | $452 | NA | NA | Poor | Poor |
| Chevy Camaro | 275-323 hp | 22 | $585 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Poor | Average |
| Ford Focus RS | 350 hp | 22 | $569+ | NA | 5/5 | Good | Poor |
| Subaru WRX | 230-271 hp | 23 | $682 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228 hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good | Average |
| VW Golf R | 288-315 hp | 24 | $903 | NA | NA | Good | Good |
| VW Golf GTI | 210-228 hp | 27 | $791 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 116-181 hp | 29 | $429 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Honda-Civic-Type-R | 306 hp | 25 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205 hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Honda Civic | 110-158 hp | 33 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
The Chevy Camaro may be pricier than the 350Z of similar age, but it is the slightly better daily driver, providing a more supple ride with its base suspension.
Despite being a muscle car, it also returns marginally higher mpg in combined driving.
The Ford Focus RS, Subaru WRX, and Subaru BRZ have stronger fuel economy and improved visibility than the 350Z, with newer model years available – so they make better everyday cars.
That said, ride comfort in the Focus RS is barely passable with stiff suspension and an engine drone-filled cabin, similar to the 350Z – the BRZ performs better on that front, but not by much.
Both VW Golf R and GTI trump the 350Z in ride quality and fuel economy and have vastly superior visibility, making them ideal daily drivers.
Further, they are hot hatches – added performance over economy cars without sacrificing practicality – although they are European cars with typically costly upkeep.
If you love the appeal of a two-seater roadster, the Mazda MX-5 Miata rivals and betters the 350Z in various daily driver aspects.
The Miata is one of the most fuel-efficient sports cars.
Plus, it is current, and maintaining a Miata is thoroughly inexpensive for the exhilarating performance it provides.
The Honda Civic Type R and Civic Si are compelling options if you want a highly dependable, high-performance daily driver.
They strike the perfect balance between athleticism and comfort.
The relatively low running costs for these Hondas should make life easier as living costs increase.
The inclusion of the standard Honda Civic in this comparison gives a clear picture of where these high-performance vehicles stand relative to a regular sedan but an excellent daily driver.
References:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/NISSAN/350Z%252520ROADSTER/C/RWD
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2009_Nissan_350z.shtml