Future Dallas Z Owner with a question

[Cheatham]

Hi 370Z owners, my name is Jarrod and I am a 25 year old Web Developer from Dallas(Richardson), Texas. After months of going back and forth on my vehicle decision, I am planning on picking up a 2013 370Z tomorrow in McKinney. I was able to test drive both an AT and MT and enjoyed both.

Here are my issues:
1. I live in Dallas (Richardson) and spend almost all of my time on 75, George Bush or 35. All equally crappy roads with heavy traffic in my opinion.

2. I have not driven a MT since '03 in my '02 Mustang GT. Not sure if the clutch is way different or if I totally suck at shifting all over again, but I had a hard time getting it right the past two Z's I have test drove.

3. I was heart set on a MT until I got in the AT today and had a blast using the sport shifter (if that is what it is called :/).

I had an Acura RSX ages ago and was 'reminded' on a constant basis how stupid my decision was to purchase an AT.

So basically I am curious what the general opinion was of the AT from the 370Z community. I know that this is generally a person to person opinion, but I can tell you my experience with RSX and GTI people (which I had a bit ago) love giving you crap for an AT.

--- Sorry if there is a thread on this. I tried doing some searches but my brain is a little fried right now. Wouldn't be rushing this if I wasn't headed to the dealership in the morning. Thank you for all your help.

[cptspeed]

I wont say that I don't miss shifting, but I like having both hands on the wheel. I never put my car in auto except in a parking lot or just moving the z to wash etc.. Plus the auto is quicker.

[Magic Bus]

Congrats on your decision to go with a Z! You will enjoy it either way a/t or m/t.

I have a GTI but won't give you crap (haha). My GTI is a 2011 auto with the paddle shifters and my Z is a 2013 6 m/t. Gotta say, I enjoy driving the stick much more (but then again it's a Z!). However, if I know I'm going to be driving in rush hour and stuck in stop & go traffic for a long time, I will take the GTI.

This decision is only something you can make, but what I can tell you is this, if you choose the 6m/t, get the clutch spring that LMBMikeZ has on here for sale. It's only $20 and makes the manual easier to drive. Good luck on your decision!

[LakeShow]

Welcome

[Red_Z]

The Z is my first auto car. I got it because we need another car and the wife won't drive MT. Surprisingly I do like it, the paddle shifter is fun. After having my Z for a few month now, I think 70% chance I would get a AT Z if I am given the chance to pick again.

[Cheatham]

Thanks guys for all your responses. I now feel more comfortable investing in the automatic. If all goes well today, I'll have some pictures posted. Very excited to trade my SUV in for a sports car.

[Eighties Meta]

well, I drive in pretty heavy traffic myself in baltimore/washington corridor and I must say i often find myself still using the paddle shifters and basically keeping the car in 2nd gear the whole time if I can manage to not come to a dead complete stop, obviously with the paddle shifters you can't stop it from shifting into first but leaving it in auto mode in heavy traffic to me at least is very annoying because it shifts from 1 st to 4 very quickly under 35mph which is what's occuring most of the time, 0 to 40 back to 10 or 0 mph and leaving it auto for me is bothersome it's always shifting which is why I started just leaving it manual mode.

[NuffZed]

If your on the fence and heavy traffic is a fact of life the AT is the way to go. The paddles are fun and you'll be quicker with the AT paddles than most MTs

The clutch on this car is a %&^%$. When I bought my 6MT I thought I was rusty then drove a friend's GTI about 3 weeks later and had no issues. Now its not an issue anymore but that first while was rough.

Enjoy your new car and welcome.

[Cheatham]

Well guys and gals, stopped by the dealership today to sign the paperwork and the one they had for me in Houston sold. So they are trying to hunt another one down. Hopefully I'll see her Monday or Tuesday. They kept my trade so I'm rolling around in a '13 Altima COVERED in signage from my dealer haha. Luckily I tend to work from 8am till about 9 or 10 tomorrow night. That should keep me busy till Tuesday.

I want to thank everyone again for your responses. I look forward to helping out and taking part in the 370z community as much as I can.

[sparky]

Originally Posted by Cheatham

Well guys and gals, stopped by the dealership today to sign the paperwork and the one they had for me in Houston sold. So they are trying to hunt another one down. Hopefully I'll see her Monday or Tuesday. They kept my trade so I'm rolling around in a '13 Altima COVERED in signage from my dealer haha. Luckily I tend to work from 8am till about 9 or 10 tomorrow night. That should keep me busy till Tuesday.

I want to thank everyone again for your responses. I look forward to helping out and taking part in the 370z community as much as I can.

wait a minute, did you go MT or AT? Last minute change of mind maybe?

[Cheatham]

Originally Posted by sparky

wait a minute, did you go MT or AT? Last minute change of mind maybe?

Nope, the dealership I want to buy the car from does not have the car I want. We spoke with them and they had a 2013 Black AT at a dealership in Houston they felt confident they could get me if I decided to go with the AT. When I went in today, they said that the other dealership sold it today. So they hunted me down another one in Houston and are planning on switching for it on Monday if the Houston dealership does not sell it today.

Currently I am driving around a demo car until the dealerships can sort it out. They didn't want me to drive the trade around since they weren't willing to guarantee my trade in amount. So now both the dealer and I are playing the waiting game till one comes available. We have bought two vehicles (Altima & 350Z) from them in the past and really love the way McKinney Nissan does business (If anyone was curious why I so strongly want to go with them and am willing to wait).

But to answer your question, I am still waiting for my automatic to show its face

[NuffZed]

Have you thought about Black Cherry? Not that there is anything wrong with MB... Just sayin...

[Cheatham]

Originally Posted by NuffZed

Have you thought about Black Cherry? Not that there is anything wrong with MB... Just sayin...

I just googled some shots of the Black Cherry and it looks amazing in convertible with the wine leather interior. Cracks me up that nearly every google images search for a 370Z takes me to this site.

I do think my mind is made up with the black unless they just can't find me one any time soon. I tend to like the simple colors like black and white. Maybe that makes me boring but they make me happy Though I might need to invest in a fitted car cover. There are a lot of trees where I work.

[nmjaxx9]

welcome!! good choice going with AT

[ZKraken22]

The new 7 speed transmission is the best auto i've driven. dont regret it. my opinion the 7AT is faster then the 6MT.