If you’re feeling a bit 2009-nostalgic, take a look at this extremely low mileage Nissan 350Z!
The CarFax seems to confirm this thing went into someone’s garage and just came out at registration time.
The 350Z could best be described as a premier, late-model sports car with a 306 horsepower Nissan VQ35HR engine, rear-wheel drive, and sharp, responsive handling. Unlike a lot of sports cars, it’s known for its reliability - and it’s no slouch when it comes to speed, offering a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds.
Engine & Performance: The final-year HR engine is known for its high 7,500 rpm redline, offering smooth, reliable power, with 306 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque.
Handling & Dynamics: Known for a balanced, stiff, and engaging ride, making it an excellent track or spirited daily driver, particularly with the available 6-speed manual transmission.
Design & Styling: Features the refreshed exterior (often called the "hood bulge" for the upgraded engine) that provides a timeless sports car look.
Value & Modification: Offers exceptional performance-per-dollar, with a massive aftermarket community for upgrades.
Top Trim/Special Models: The Grand Touring or Track models are highly desirable for their Brembo brakes, lightweight RAYS forged wheels, and improved aerodynamics.
If you find yourself needing this specific RWD sports car or any other rear-wheel drive sports car, be sure to use caution in these instances:
1. Avoid Aggressive Throttle in Turns
Unlike FWD cars, where extra gas might just cause the front to plow straight (understeer), giving an RWD car too much power mid-turn can cause the back end to slide out. You have to be much more gradual with the gas pedal while the wheels are turned.
2. No Sudden "Lifting" or Braking
If the car starts to slide, your instinct might be to slam the brakes or instantly let go of the gas. Don't. This shifts the weight to the front, making the rear light and more likely to spin. Instead, slowly decelerate to keep the car balanced.
3. Avoid Rough Shifting
Aggressive downshifting without rev-matching can "shock" the rear wheels, causing them to lock up momentarily. In an RWD car, this can lead to a stalled engine or an unpredictable loss of control at the rear axle.
4. Don't Use the Handbrake Without the Clutch
If you're driving a manual, engaging the handbrake while the car is in gear (without depressing the clutch) sends a massive shock through the transmission and wheels. This causes unnecessary wear and mechanical stress.
5. Never Drive in Snow with Improper Tires
RWD cars are notoriously light in the rear. Without proper winter tires, the driving wheels won't have enough grip to push the car forward on slippery surfaces, often leaving you stuck or sliding. Before you ask, adding bags of sand to the back of a RWD sports car can help improve rear-wheel traction in slippery conditions, but it generally negatively impacts the vehicle's performance and handling during normal driving.
Thanks for reading everybody!
-Paul