Which 370Z to get?

nismo2evox · 09-07-2015, 09:14 PM

Coming from an the Evo world... Do not buy a modified car unless you know the owner. Even then be cautious.

Other than a Cobb AP flash or similar, which is extremely reputable product, but not available for NA engines generally. Hell, even then, buy a stock one and be the first person who flashes it.

You are probably buying someone else's problem. After dumping nearly 20K into my Evo X and having everything installed and tuned by a reputable shop I brought it to be traded in praying it didn't blow up (as it had 3 times before) until I signed it over.

The problem with modified cars is you have to stay on top of them constantly and know what to look for. I started with the basic plumbing (intake, upper intercooler pipe, downpipe, and full exhaust and tune for about $5K). A short while later with spirited driving the ceramic around the spark plug broke and went into my engine.

$12K later I had a new engine with forged pistons and the car was awesome for the next 5,000 miles. Then the car wouldn't turn on. Apparently the timing chain stretched.

The car was one problem after another. After that whole experience I'm convinced (especially if you live in an area like New England with variable temperatures) don't buy a modified car unless you know what you are doing.

In my case, my peace of mind was gone. Driving a modified car wrecked the enjoyment because I never knew when something was going to go wrong.

The only thing i would say would be reasonable is a cat back exhaust only. Generally these require no additional tune and don't screw with the air fuel ratio going into the engine. It's just a nice noise without a tune. (Maybe minimal HP gains)

Sorry for the rant, hope this helps.

sambar · 09-08-2015, 04:10 AM

I would try and find one with the sports package, it makes a lot of difference.

Auto may be faster but manual is more fun to drive imo.

Lukcas61 · 09-08-2015, 09:14 AM

Manuals not that fun in traffic gridlock like Los Angeles. I believe the csc issue is with all the manuals right?

nismo2evox · 09-08-2015, 10:32 AM

Automatics are almost always going to be faster in newer cars. Even without dual clutches, transmissions and the programming has come so far.

Bottom line - it is very difficult to shift quicker manually than what an automatic can do. Back in the day automatic transmissions had rev hang, were slow to respond and did not have the same programming they do today. Manuals used to allow the user to optimize shift points better but now the computer does that for you. It's also why automatics generally get better mpg's than manuals today too.

With that said...unless you're looking for 10ths of a second on a track I would go with your personal preference. I like having a third peddle because it gives me something to do and it makes the whole driving experience more analog for me.

Frankly, I think the 370z is more about the driving experience than statistics. Yes, it's painful to admit but the manual is going the way of the dinosaur from a competitive standpoint. I think the "fun factor" is a whole other argument.

kenchan · 09-08-2015, 10:36 AM

FP in disguise?

SouthArk370Z · 09-08-2015, 11:21 AM

Asking which model car you should buy is like asking which man/woman you should marry. I prefer an auto trans but some people will have nothing but a manual. &c, &c, &c, ad nauseum.

I agree with the be-very-careful-if-the-car-has-been-modded crowd. I wouldn't necessarily cross a modded car off the list (especially if it's just CAI/exhaust/tune) but it gets a minus and the more mods, the more minuses I'd give it.

jpkirk · 09-08-2015, 01:30 PM

I like

2012 Nissan 370Z (No Badge) Z34 Cars for sale in VIC - Carsales Mobile

and

2012 Nissan 370Z (No Badge) Z34 Cars for sale in WA - Carsales Mobile

Both 2012, both with the 6MT, both with sports package (well worth it)

If you intend to drag race it, get an auto trans. If you going to drive stop and go traffic alot, get an auto. Otherwise the 6MT is way fun. That is my opinion. Whenever I am in stop and go traffic I find myself wishing for the auto. That is rare though since mine is not a daily driver, just a toy.

jpkirk · 09-08-2015, 02:05 PM

I like

2012 Nissan 370Z (No Badge) Z34 Cars for sale in VIC - Carsales Mobile

and

2012 Nissan 370Z (No Badge) Z34 Cars for sale in WA - Carsales Mobile

Both 2012, both with the 6MT, both with sports package (well worth it)

If you intend to drag race it, get an auto trans. If you going to drive stop and go traffic alot, get an auto. Otherwise the 6MT is way fun. That is my opinion. Whenever I am in stop and go traffic I find myself wishing for the auto. That is rare though since mine is not a daily driver, just a toy.

jpkirk · 09-08-2015, 02:48 PM

So the cool thing about the Z with the sports package is that it has syncro rev-matching. So down shifts are easy. It blips the throttle for you so heel-toe is not required. But if you are in stop and go traffic ... actual stopping ... then it is sometimes a pain. There are many folks who daily drive, some even during snow if you get that where you are. Just need tires that can handle it. Some of those modded ones you were looking at (aka lowered) will be a problem if your roads are not well plowed.

mishuko · 09-08-2015, 02:50 PM

just to chime into the auto vs manual thing as well... before the auto's were not as efficient at delivering the power to the wheels but technology has advanced so that the loss in power is a lot closer to maunal's.

i believe it was 15-20% drop off for manuals and 25+ for auto's. if you look at some of the tunes and dyno sheets here you can see that the manual's and auto's run statistically insignificant differences for like to like cars.

i occasionally drive in stop-n-go traffic (from DT toronto out to suburbia) and i'll just say it has its moments. it actually keeps me awake since driving an auto i get bored so constantly having to shift keeps me aware of the surroundings.

cooltoy · 09-08-2015, 05:54 PM

I daily drive a manual without any issues. No track here to go to.

JARblue · 09-09-2015, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooltoy

I daily drive a manual without any issues. No track here to go to.

70K miles on ours and still going strong.

The nicest track in North America (COTA) is 20 miles away from me, and I've only been once

I can't really afford $900 track days. I think it's $50K for one day track rental for up to 30 cars or something.

shadow85 · 09-09-2015, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

70K miles on ours and still going strong.

The nicest track in North America (COTA) is 20 miles away from me, and I've only been once

I can't really afford $900 track days. I think it's $50K for one day track rental for up to 30 cars or something.

Wow $900 USD for a day on the track, that's equivelant to something like $1450 AUD, insane!!

ZAtlanta_OG · 09-08-2015, 08:34 PM

Touring

cooltoy · 09-08-2015, 10:45 PM

Duc never said anything about drinking before starting the car.

09-08-2015, 04:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
sambar Base Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Sunnyvale Posts: 56 Drives: 370Z-2012-6MT Rep Power: 10	I would try and find one with the sports package, it makes a lot of difference. Auto may be faster but manual is more fun to drive imo. onzedge and BoneZ like this.

09-08-2015, 10:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
nismo2evox Base Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 39 Drives: Evo X Rep Power: 13	Automatics are almost always going to be faster in newer cars. Even without dual clutches, transmissions and the programming has come so far. Bottom line - it is very difficult to shift quicker manually than what an automatic can do. Back in the day automatic transmissions had rev hang, were slow to respond and did not have the same programming they do today. Manuals used to allow the user to optimize shift points better but now the computer does that for you. It's also why automatics generally get better mpg's than manuals today too. With that said...unless you're looking for 10ths of a second on a track I would go with your personal preference. I like having a third peddle because it gives me something to do and it makes the whole driving experience more analog for me. Frankly, I think the 370z is more about the driving experience than statistics. Yes, it's painful to admit but the manual is going the way of the dinosaur from a competitive standpoint. I think the "fun factor" is a whole other argument. SouthArk370Z and Kazzan11236 like this. Last edited by nismo2evox; 09-08-2015 at 10:35 AM.

09-08-2015, 10:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	FP in disguise? jpkirk and mishuko like this.

09-08-2015, 11:21 AM	#6 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324198	Asking which model car you should buy is like asking which man/woman you should marry. I prefer an auto trans but some people will have nothing but a manual. &c, &c, &c, ad nauseum. I agree with the be-very-careful-if-the-car-has-been-modded crowd. I wouldn't necessarily cross a modded car off the list (especially if it's just CAI/exhaust/tune) but it gets a minus and the more mods, the more minuses I'd give it. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

09-08-2015, 01:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
jpkirk A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Merry Land Posts: 5,515 Drives: '14 MidBlu ST MT Rep Power: 3377	I like 2012 Nissan 370Z (No Badge) Z34 Cars for sale in VIC - Carsales Mobile and 2012 Nissan 370Z (No Badge) Z34 Cars for sale in WA - Carsales Mobile Both 2012, both with the 6MT, both with sports package (well worth it) If you intend to drag race it, get an auto trans. If you going to drive stop and go traffic alot, get an auto. Otherwise the 6MT is way fun. That is my opinion. Whenever I am in stop and go traffic I find myself wishing for the auto. That is rare though since mine is not a daily driver, just a toy. __________________ intake \| exhaust \| wheels \| tires \| suspension ... um ... stock, do speed stickers count? intake \| exhaust \| TE37 SL \| RE-11 \| suspension ... um ... do speed stickers count? Signature under construction

09-07-2015, 09:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
nismo2evox Base Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 39 Drives: Evo X Rep Power: 13	Coming from an the Evo world... Do not buy a modified car unless you know the owner. Even then be cautious. Other than a Cobb AP flash or similar, which is extremely reputable product, but not available for NA engines generally. Hell, even then, buy a stock one and be the first person who flashes it. You are probably buying someone else's problem. After dumping nearly 20K into my Evo X and having everything installed and tuned by a reputable shop I brought it to be traded in praying it didn't blow up (as it had 3 times before) until I signed it over. The problem with modified cars is you have to stay on top of them constantly and know what to look for. I started with the basic plumbing (intake, upper intercooler pipe, downpipe, and full exhaust and tune for about $5K). A short while later with spirited driving the ceramic around the spark plug broke and went into my engine. $12K later I had a new engine with forged pistons and the car was awesome for the next 5,000 miles. Then the car wouldn't turn on. Apparently the timing chain stretched. The car was one problem after another. After that whole experience I'm convinced (especially if you live in an area like New England with variable temperatures) don't buy a modified car unless you know what you are doing. In my case, my peace of mind was gone. Driving a modified car wrecked the enjoyment because I never knew when something was going to go wrong. The only thing i would say would be reasonable is a cat back exhaust only. Generally these require no additional tune and don't screw with the air fuel ratio going into the engine. It's just a nice noise without a tune. (Maybe minimal HP gains) Sorry for the rant, hope this helps.

09-08-2015, 09:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
Lukcas61 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: California Posts: 104 Drives: 13 Nissan 370z Red Rep Power: 11	Manuals not that fun in traffic gridlock like Los Angeles. I believe the csc issue is with all the manuals right?

09-08-2015, 02:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
jpkirk A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Merry Land Posts: 5,515 Drives: '14 MidBlu ST MT Rep Power: 3377	I like 2012 Nissan 370Z (No Badge) Z34 Cars for sale in VIC - Carsales Mobile and 2012 Nissan 370Z (No Badge) Z34 Cars for sale in WA - Carsales Mobile Both 2012, both with the 6MT, both with sports package (well worth it) If you intend to drag race it, get an auto trans. If you going to drive stop and go traffic alot, get an auto. Otherwise the 6MT is way fun. That is my opinion. Whenever I am in stop and go traffic I find myself wishing for the auto. That is rare though since mine is not a daily driver, just a toy. __________________ intake \| exhaust \| wheels \| tires \| suspension ... um ... stock, do speed stickers count? intake \| exhaust \| TE37 SL \| RE-11 \| suspension ... um ... do speed stickers count? Signature under construction

09-08-2015, 02:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
jpkirk A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Merry Land Posts: 5,515 Drives: '14 MidBlu ST MT Rep Power: 3377	So the cool thing about the Z with the sports package is that it has syncro rev-matching. So down shifts are easy. It blips the throttle for you so heel-toe is not required. But if you are in stop and go traffic ... actual stopping ... then it is sometimes a pain. There are many folks who daily drive, some even during snow if you get that where you are. Just need tires that can handle it. Some of those modded ones you were looking at (aka lowered) will be a problem if your roads are not well plowed. mishuko likes this. __________________ intake \| exhaust \| wheels \| tires \| suspension ... um ... stock, do speed stickers count? intake \| exhaust \| TE37 SL \| RE-11 \| suspension ... um ... do speed stickers count? Signature under construction

09-08-2015, 02:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
mishuko A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: bouncin on tigga Posts: 8,062 Drives: '12 Z Rep Power: 9436	just to chime into the auto vs manual thing as well... before the auto's were not as efficient at delivering the power to the wheels but technology has advanced so that the loss in power is a lot closer to maunal's. i believe it was 15-20% drop off for manuals and 25+ for auto's. if you look at some of the tunes and dyno sheets here you can see that the manual's and auto's run statistically insignificant differences for like to like cars. i occasionally drive in stop-n-go traffic (from DT toronto out to suburbia) and i'll just say it has its moments. it actually keeps me awake since driving an auto i get bored so constantly having to shift keeps me aware of the surroundings. jpkirk likes this.

09-08-2015, 05:54 PM	#11 (permalink)
cooltoy Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Calgary Posts: 14,003 Drives: 14 PW 370Z S/T MT Rep Power: 243724	I daily drive a manual without any issues. No track here to go to. __________________ Member of kenchan's "photoshopped mods" and "proper offsets" gang.

09-08-2015, 08:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
ZAtlanta_OG Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Florida Posts: 315 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 323	Touring

09-08-2015, 10:45 PM	#15 (permalink)
cooltoy Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Calgary Posts: 14,003 Drives: 14 PW 370Z S/T MT Rep Power: 243724	Duc never said anything about drinking before starting the car. __________________ Member of kenchan's "photoshopped mods" and "proper offsets" gang.