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?

Then do your self a favor and dont overpay for the same car, get an older year. I went with 2011 because i couldn't pass up the deal otherwise i would have gone something 2012-2013, my suggestion is go with a 2012-2014 model, or if you find a great deal on an older model then go for it.

I'm assuming your paying USD so im not sure what the market is like for you but when i bought mine less than a year ago the difference between years were quite expensive and not worth it for the minor changes you could do yourself for much less.

just my opinion and my 2c :tiphat:

Good points, thanks. Anything wrong with 2015-2017 models? Or just pricing, since this gen Z has not been updated much?

You can deal on whats on lot.
I bought a 2016 in 2017.Was Nissan company car.Had 10,000 miles.Touring sport roadster with every option.They where willing to deal.Got car for $28,000.New price sticker would have been $51,000.The cars are sitting so great time to buy.

Nothing wrong with them, just not much has changed.

I wouldn't worry about the year otherwise you could miss out on great deals! I'd say stay above 2011-2012 and you'll be fine..... the newer then even better but don't dismiss any other Z because of the year.

Remember, since there weren't many changes between the years, if there is anything you do like, you can buy it for half the price and have money left over.

I got a 2017 Sport Touring Roadster with 2700 miles in December of 2017 for 29,995. it is essentially brand new with the remainder of the factory bumper to bumper and the 7 year powertrain warranty because it is a cpo car. Get a lightly used one for so much less than new! The car really is awesome! I traded a 2006 Miata for it and I am so much happier! It may be an older design but it does so much right! I just need better weather here in the northeast to drive it more. I only put about 500 miles on it since I got it...

Great thing.Get one cheap.Not many changes so Modifications work over several years.Buy cheap and Mod the hell out of it.

I agree with gsx95.

I purchased a 2016 Sport Touring Roadster cpo with 11 000 km last fall for peanuts, when compared to the cost a new 2017 would have been.

I retired 17 years ago and while I could have easily paid cash for a new 2017 (MSRP in Canada was $55 000), but keeping that extra $16 000 plus the Canadian Sales Tax of $3 328 in my pocket makes the car even more exciting to drive.

Yes it does!😀

Let's see if I can deal on a new 2017 SP M6 at or under 30K since I've seen some dealers still have them. Nissan is stalling on these poor Zs and not much interest from buyers, that's a shame, it's a great package still. Nothing changed much, the 2018s have the Exedy clutch, but is this so much better?

I haven’t driven a mew and old Z back to back, but 2016+ also has active noise canceling and active noise enhancement (noise canceling and fake engine sounds) if that is a deal breaker for you. The clutch action and bite isn’t my favorite in my car (2015) but I don’t remember the new ones blowing me away. It’s probably noticeably better driven back to back.

To echo what the others said, a lightly used recent car can easily save you a bunch of money compared to new. From what I’ve seen, the engines are pretty stout with routine maintenance. Just csc/cmc and oil temp at the track, so a medium or low mileage car shouldn’t scar you off. Come to the dark side!

The clutch action on the 2017 isn't great either, but I get used to it the more I drive it.

I am on Z car #5. First one I bought back in 1996 was a '73 240Z that I really learned a lot by working on it. Converted to '70 carbs, electronic ignition and did lots of other interior work on it.

I have owned two '83 280ZXTs...one with a manual and one with an auto. An auto is a travesty in any sports car and it certainly was in that one.

Recently I had an '85 300ZX NA car that was beautifully preserved. I rebuilt everything underneath that car and got my fill chasing vacuum lines when I restored the HVAC system in it.

2 years ago I found a 10k mile 2014 base coupe with a manual private part for $23k. Paid cash. No sales tax, no doc fees, and had essentially a new car for a very good price. I'll have this one for a while. I was actually looking at FRS/BRZs at the time but the deal was too good to pass up on the Z and I'm better off for the extra 132 horses under the hood in a much better handling package.

Always loved the Z. Nissan's other lineup is mostly crap these days with CVTs and horrible customer service, but somehow the Z still lives on, albeit by a thread.

I love my Z, but I think a Miata is the perfect entry level sports car. Less expensive and still lots of fun. Of course I don't really care about power, just a car that handles like a go kart.

I'm still and have always been a Z/Fairlady fan, that's why the interest before it's gone. Here's the thing, I did own an '08 G35S 6MT and I hated the clutch, very touchy to modulate even after monkeying with the pedal adjustment nut for a little more play. Does this gen Z still have the same issues? That G35 clutch action was pretty annoying, even my 240Z was easier to modulate LOL.

Yes it does. What I tell every Newbie, RJM clutch pedal. It may also save you $$ in regards to CSC issue. :tiphat:

Gentlemen,

Don't let the clutch action scare you off the car!

370Z & G37 AFP Clutch Pedal Assemblies

The above link is to a clutch pedal manufacturer that for $270 US completely transforms the clutch engagement feel and transforms the car. This guy lives 70 miles from me (I have nothing to do with his business) and I visited him at his garage at home to pick my adjustable clutch pedal for my roadster.

Once home, and a couple of hours later, I had a whole new car with the same perfect clutch takeup that my 1971, my 1984 and my 1990 Z's all got from the factory. How Nissan screwed up the 370Z's pedals makes no sense, but this RJM guy has got it fixed.

You will absolutely love it, and its fully adjustable, is a DIY install with basic tools, and uses your original pedal pads. Check it out. You will not be disappointed!!

Gene

I prefer the old style fangs than the newer running drls for the z.

Toss some dynomat or equiv in the door and hatch and you band you have a reduction in road noise and the pebble dings in the rear hatch.

I can comfortably say i have done multie long distance road trips (3000 mile+) and havent had any issues. I would play some tetris and you will be suprised what you can fit in

Clutch is a bit annoying, but I’ve gotten used to it in the last few months. Not a deal breaker for me, but you should probably drive one before settling on it. It is weird for sure. Bite point is a bit strange feeling and narrow, but doesn’t seem to like very much simultaneous throttle and and fast clutch release (for fast, but smooth take offs), it shudders. I would have said the clutch was slipping, but with a change in clutch style, I’ve been able to eliminate it.

I have to say, the car feels great going from gear to gear though, no issues really with medium fast shifts when you drive the car in anger. Gotta wait a little for the syncros though

Ive had wot 1 2 3 shifts that have been smoother than my nanny driving 1 2 3 shifts

Cold starts i find its clunkier. Definitely hold the clutch in to assist smoothening it out.

It just takes time to get used to. I did helper spring removal but the top end slack felt ghetto. Got the rjm pedal 3.1 much better personally. I run the windie at 25% iirc. Its a great ease of life mod. Not the most fun to install though :icon17: