Isn't this car the perfect entry into sports cars???
 

Hey fellas, just thought I'd post for fun. After a few months with this car... it's so good. It's such a good blend of classic front engine, RWD layout, good power, reasonable weight, relatively small footprint for this day and age, and good driving dynamics. I don't think it excels in any one category, but it's so good in each, I just don't see why others haven't caught on...

It's like a modern E46 M3 without the reliability issues, but also without the nicer interior. My friend has a really clean M3 and other than the really great (IMO) sound of the straight six, the two cars felt really similar. I think I liked the brakes on the Z better actually. The Z loses out on practicality, but can still be daily-ed and get groceries. I just don't get why other people haven't jumped on the Z bandwagon for a great driving sports car. :confused:

I'd argue it because it's the essentially same 9 year old design we've had since the car launched. Don't get me wrong, I've had mine for 7 years and I love it, but the platform is in desperate need of a refresh and what delivers for the price really puts it in a niche market. At this point you basically have to want a Z to justify the purchase.

If you want gobs of power at similar price you get a V8 Mustang or Camaro. They're both fun cars and they can do more than put power down in a straight line these days.

If you want something that's quick, nimble, and inexpensive you get a Miata or Toyota 86.

You said it yourself, the Z doesn't excel in any one category, it's just kind of middle of the road by today's standards. You can get a fun spirited car for less money than a Z or more power for the same cost as a Z. The one thing the Z still has going for it is that you don't see many on the road, which kind of makes it special to own one.

I agree, it needs a refresh, but I think it doesn't fall into the same categories as the camaros/mustangs or the miata/86s. It's an in between. The Camaros and Mustangs are big cars, lacking the smaller footprint, and the miatas and 86s are lacking the oomph. The SS, GT350, and performance pack for the GT are in a different price range too.

The Z is the jack of all trades, but the master of none. Enough power to please, a bit more nimble than the pony cars, and a quite reliable to boot. I guess I just like the Z too much. Maybe it is just the special-ness that there aren't quite as many of them on the road that's getting to me haha. Just like the car a bunch after coming from a seriously underpowered 04' A4 haha.

For me it wasn't an entry, but was pretty much a perfect daily and fun car compromise. Tame enough for a comfortable commute, but responds if you want to throw it around every now and then. I like the philosophy of the car.

It being an older design actually appealed to me, knowing that it was pretty dialed in now and mostly bullet proof for my purposes.

That said, I think the MX5 is still king of entry into sports cars.

Not to mention the z got timeless curves, pictures really dont do the car justice.

As The Dimer mentioned, its in desperate need of a refresh. When i was looking to buy my Z, i couldn't justify paying an additional 10-15k more esp when the latest Z haven't changed much.

Shoeshear, I agree with your post. I have sold my 13 Sport 6mt Z fairly recently and been driving a 17 BMW 6mt M2 (new E46 M3 ;)). While the Z could use a refresh, there are still driving charecteristics that are superior to my new car. Number one is steering feel, next is shifter, compact and low to the ground sports car feel, looks and *exhaust.

*On my Z, I installed axle backs and the M2 has a high flow cat down pipe. While they both sound great, IMO the Z with it's VQ had the edge in sound. I often miss the smooth deceleration sound that the Z had vs the farts and burbles of the M2.

Yeah, I guess "entry level" is a bit of a misnomer. But my parents had an NB Miata for a while, and I think from a "feel" stand point, the steering and 3D awareness of the car was on another level compared to the Z or really most other cars. It was just so lacking in the power department, that I wanted something that could be a fun experience as a daily (i.e. in a straight line), but also on a twisty road or track day. I think a new Z is probably not a great bang for you buck option, but one a couple years old used, is pretty solid!

Thoughts for me on the 370Z, is what the 240Z matured in to. There are only two things I wish my Z had, bluetooth and a backup camera, both which I can add. But it has matured well, still get comments...

I was looking at a miata, and decided on the Z, just couldn't fit in it (6' 3"), I also fell in love with the Black Cherry color, Actually sat in the dealership for 6 hours, should have walked away. But I was the only one who test drove it, and I walked out the door with it.

Love the way the car pulls and feels and like several have said, do not see many of them,,

Gentlemen,

I couldn't agree more.

The Z is a rare car where I live, and my roadster even more so. I know that my age shows when I say that a 71 240Z was my first sports car. Then over the years I aged into an 84 300ZX, and onto a 90 300Z which I sold 26 years later.

I've had a love affair with the Z's, and would have bought a new MX5 if my 6' 2
" frame would have fit inside the car. That car was built for midgets! Thank heavens I didn't fit, because this 370Z is such a high to drive ... and it stands out in a crowd. Its sexy as hell, and unlike the Mustang and Camero, doesn't make you look like the neighbourhood thug.

Lines and curves, road presence, driveability, bang-for-buck, pretty solid reliability, and Z-car lineage. It's a cult of personality. Not for all, but definitely for me. Will be holding on to my 2009, which I bought new, for many years to come.

Me too,but in s'pore,keeping it for another 10 years,will need to pay a fee of S$65,000.

Chan Chee Hoe,

Glad you jumped on the thread because here in the West we often don't hear from those on the other side of our planet.

Singapore obviously must tax automobiles more as they age, as does Japan. You have our sympathy, because that doesn't happen over here. We have to pass safety checks and emissions tests every so often, but those costs don't even come close to what you have to endure.

Good to hear from you. Jump in any time.

Gene

I think the perfect entry sports car is FR-S.

I have never received so many compliments on my car until now with my Z even if it's dirty, at first I didn't know how to answer now I say " Thank You is my mistress...." lol :driving:

OK, here's a little dilemma for me. Since I've been a Z faithful for years (still own a '73 240Z with R32 RB26DETT power for fun drives/clubs) I want to grab a 370Z Sport or Sport Tech before they're not made anymore. I know it's an old design but it's a proven nice driver overall, and they're sitting in lots.

What do you think of bargaining for a NEW 2017 (still a few unsold out there locally) or even a discounted 2018 since I know some dealers are willing to move them? Is it possible to get it under 30K in bargaining? Has anyone successfully done so?

I'm not interested in the overpriced Nismo, just the Sport/Sport Tech 6MT, and no other models. Got to have the VLSD, etc. Feedbacks?