NISSAN 350 Z (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 39 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
39
Avg Mileage
100,075 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2002 NISSAN 350 Z reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 22 years old, 92% of NISSAN 350 Zs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 39 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 100,075 miles.
How does the 2002 NISSAN 350 Z compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 NISSAN 350 Z has 100,075 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a NISSAN 350 Z?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2002 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2002 NISSAN 350 Z cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
NISSAN 350 Z by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 95% | 37 | 31,840 mi |
| 2019 | 95% | 60 | 28,568 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 166 | 29,472 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 168 | 32,025 mi |
| 2016 | 88% | 278 | 41,549 mi |
| 2015 | 93% | 212 | 44,100 mi |
| 2014 | 90% | 144 | 42,336 mi |
| 2013 | 92% | 135 | 53,849 mi |
| 2012 | 96% | 50 | 60,352 mi |
| 2011 | 87% | 30 | 69,162 mi |
| 2010 | 82% | 38 | 77,199 mi |
| 2009 | 88% | 380 | 74,747 mi |
| 2008 | 80% | 760 | 83,449 mi |
| 2007 | 83% | 1,305 | 86,152 mi |
| 2006 | 79% | 1,653 | 88,278 mi |
| 2005 | 82% | 2,401 | 87,497 mi |
| 2004 | 78% | 2,083 | 98,243 mi |
| 2003 | 81% | 683 | 98,315 mi |
| 2002 | 92% | 39 | 100,075 mi |
Checking a specific NISSAN 350 Z?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 NISSAN 350 Z
The 2002 NISSAN 350 Z is a performance with a 3498cc petrol engine. 39 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2002 cars for reliability.
With an average of 100,075 miles at 22 years old, NISSAN 350 Z owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 NISSAN 350 Z Fuel Costs
The 3498cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2002 NISSAN 350 Z?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
NISSAN 350 Z Reliability Trend
Newer NISSAN 350 Zs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 NISSAN 350 Z
At 22 years old, the NISSAN 350 Z is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 39 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2002 NISSAN 350 Z
The NISSAN 350 Z is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2001) 77% pass rate (-15%) from 9,406 tests
- MERCEDES E (2004) 78% pass rate (-14%) from 8,333 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (2004) 88% pass rate (-4%) from 5,191 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2003) 82% pass rate (-10%) from 5,008 tests