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Buying guide

Nissan Fairlady Z Z34 (2008 to 2020): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Nissan Fairlady Z Z34 was built from 2008 to 2020 as a coupe or convertible, with a manual or automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis codes: Z34 and HZ34. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2008 to 2020
Chassis codes
Z34, HZ34
Body types
Coupe, Convertible
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
RWD (rear wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Nissan 370Z (2008 to 2020). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Clutch slave cylinder

    The clutch slave cylinder is a known weak point. When it fails the pedal goes hard or drops to the floor.

    Where to look
    The clutch pedal
    How to test
    Press the clutch many times and feel for a pedal that is hard, sticky or slow to return.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost gearbox off on many cars

    Sources: whatcar.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Steering lock

    Steering locks are a known issue, and a broken one stops the car starting. Some cars have a fuse pulled to bypass it.

    Where to look
    The steering column lock and the fuse box
    How to test
    Check the car starts every time and look for a missing fuse. Ask whether the lock has been replaced.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost steering lock replacement

    Sources: whatcar.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. Manual gearbox noise

    The manual gearbox is known to be noisy, mainly in 1st and at idle.

    Where to look
    The gearbox, at idle and in 1st
    How to test
    Listen at idle with the clutch out, then in. Excess noise needs a check.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost depends on the cause

    Sources: whatcar.com (opens in a new tab)

  4. Rear hatch release and struts

    The hatch release mechanism is known to fail, and the tailgate struts are weak.

    Where to look
    The rear hatch release and the gas struts
    How to test
    Open the hatch with the button and check it stays up on its own.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost struts are cheap; the release is fiddly

    Sources: whatcar.com (opens in a new tab)

  5. Alignment and tyre wear

    Uneven tyre wear suggests the suspension is out of alignment.

    Where to look
    The inner and outer edges of each tyre
    How to test
    Look at all 4 tyres for wear on one edge, and feel for the car pulling.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost an alignment

    Sources: whatcar.com (opens in a new tab)

  6. Modifications

    Mods and upgrades are common.

    Where to look
    The engine bay, exhaust and suspension, and the receipts
    How to test
    Ask for receipts and who did the work.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost undoing poor work

    Sources: whatcar.com (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 1 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Has the clutch slave cylinder been replaced?
  • Has the steering lock ever failed or been replaced?
  • Have the gearbox and diff oils been changed on schedule?
  • What has been modified, and who did it?

New Zealand notes

  • NZ has NZ new 370Zs and Japanese import Fairlady Zs. Check the service book against the Nissan schedule.

A 370Z suits a driver after a simple, naturally aspirated rear drive coupe.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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