2004 Nissan 350 Z 3.5L Petrol · OV54 PFX

The most recent MOT on 8 June 2026 was passed, but it carried several advisories – all four tyres are reported as worn close to the legal limit and the near‑side rear hand‑brake cable is damaged. Earlier in the three‑year window the car has moved from a clean pass in March 2025 to a series of failures in 2024 (engine MIL inoperative, front position lamps out, and a repeat of headlamp defects) and a dangerous failure in 2022 (exposed tyre cords and major front exhaust leaks). Since the 2022 dangerous failure the record shows a clear improvement, with the serious faults being rectified and only wear‑related advisories now remaining, indicating a stabilising maintenance trend but one that still demands attention to consumables. At 147,743 mi the vehicle averages roughly 6,700 mi per annum, which is typical for a 22‑year‑old car and suggests it has not been subjected to extreme mileage stress. The relatively modest annual usage means that many components have aged more by calendar time than by wear, so age‑related degradation – such as rubber hardening, metal corrosion and fluid breakdown – is likely to be more significant than high‑mileage wear. The recent tyre advisories, however, hint at possible uneven wear that could stem from mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or an imbalanced drivetrain, so a closer look at the suspension geometry is warranted. When you inspect the car, start with the tyres: measure tread depth on all four corners, look for sidewall cracking, bulging or any signs of dry rot that can develop even on relatively low‑mileage tyres left standing. Check tyre pressures and listen for any thumping or vibration on a short drive that would indicate a mis‑aligned suspension or worn tie‑rod ends. Examine the rear hand‑brake cable for fraying and test the handbrake for firm, consistent engagement; a damaged cable can lead to reduced parking‑brake effectiveness and uneven rear‑wheel wear. Inspect the front brake discs for scoring, pitting or excessive rust – the advisories note they are worn but not yet weakened, so replacement may be due within the next 5‑10 000 mi. Verify that all exterior lamps, especially the front position lamps and headlamps, illuminate correctly and that the lens condition does not impair visibility. Given the car’s age, also assess the condition of the exhaust system for any lingering leaks, especially around the front flange where a major leak was recorded in 2022. Confirm that the engine management light is operative and that no fault codes are stored; a scan tool can reveal intermittent sensor failures that may not have triggered a MOT failure but could affect drivability or fuel economy. Check the 12‑V battery for terminal corrosion and perform a load test – a battery older than ten years often loses capacity even with low mileage. Finally, look for signs of rust on the chassis, wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and ensure that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes and timing‑belt (or chain) inspections appropriate to the model’s service intervals. Addressing these points will give you a realistic picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the near‑term maintenance budget you should anticipate.