Thoughts after my first test drive of the 6MT 370z
 

On May 28th I finally stopped by a few Nissan dealerships to look at their inventory 370z's. I was allowed to drive the 7AT and the 6MT. The auto was smooth, but it didn't feel faster than my current Mazdaspeed3 that I was going to trade in. When I drove the manual version, it felt much more fun compared with the auto.

The weird thing was when driving the 6MT was that the clutch pedal was too close to the brake pedal, so occassionally when I press in the clutch I would hit the brake pedal arm on the top. I find that unusually close. To avoid that I would need to use the big toe side of my left foot to press the clutch pedal. I find it uncomfortable since I'm used to resting the top center sole of my left foot on the clutch pedal.

The shifter was not impressive and is clunky. I couldn't get into gear as easily as my Mazdaspeed3 or my Civic Si. I test drove the 350z a few years back before I bought my Mazdaspeed3, and I see that the shifter feel had not much improved.

I love the exterior and interior styling of the 370z and would still consider purchasing one, but I hope I can overcome the bad clutch pedal placement and the clunky shifter feel. Plus the dealership had none of the colors that I wanted (red, blue, or white). There were no base models with sports package, all were touring models with or without sports package and the 40th Anny model.

I may have to hold off until I can find the color that I want. The dealerships kept pushing me into an auto touring and the dull colors that they had. I was informed by the dealerships that they only receive silvers, gray, and black 7AT Z's, which was disappointing to me being this is a sports car.

Now my question: what did you think of the clutch pedal location and bad shifter? Is the clutch pedal too close to the brake pedal or is it just me???

From: RCGsupra
<img src="http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss233/RCGsupra/DSCN0306.jpg?t=1240797038" border="0" alt="">

I have no issue with the location of the clutch pedal. I have always used the ball of my foot to push the clutch with and have not bumped the brake pedal.

E

Thanks for the input, it may be a "getting use" to thing. It was my first time driving the 370z.

It's just you or you have a very wide foot. I've yet to inadvertently depress the brake pedal on any standard I've owned. Anyway, the looks and handling of the Z alone should outweigh minor issues in a decision to purchase. Be noticed and get the Z!

It's not a "bad shifter," you're just not used to the direct input transmissions. This is a common complaint for people that just aren't used to feeling everything that's going on inside of their transmission. Feel can be improved by installing a short-throw shifter which will eliminate most of the "slop" associated with the factory shifter.

As far as the clutch pedal placement is concerned... I have never felt like the clutch was too close to the brake. You may just be used to your other cars and will have to take time to adjust.

As far as the feel of power is concerned... the 370Z delivers it's power very linearly, so unless you punch it from 5,000 RPM, you never feel an abrupt rush of power like you would with a V8 or a turbo car in boost. The car doesn't have much "go" below 4,000 RPM, so you need to keep the revs up for any go-fast driving.

I like the notchy feel, let's me know I am in gear. Seems like a lot of people like a smooth shift with zero feedback.

I've never had that problem with my clutch.

I can agree that the shifter is maybe not the nicest I've ever seen/felt, but it doesn't detract enough from the driving experience to bother me.

As for the color and options, I suggest you hold out for what you want or search your surrounding area using maybe cars.com to find what you're looking for. It's out there if you look hard enough. There are base Z's with sport, and hopefully in one of the colors you like. Never let a salesman place you in a car. Do your research, figure out what you want, and stick to your guns. It's your money, and your time investment. You gotta look at the thing in your driveway (let alone drive it) for the next X years. The salesman doesn't.

OP... you're in my neck of the woods, and seem to be having the same problem as I. Keep looking around, you will find the one you are looking for. The key is to be patient, and not let these dealers here know what you want. Unfortunately, Lou is in St.Lou, and Fontana is just about 5-7 hours away. More 5 for me, 6-7 for you. Good luck!!


P.S. You really shouldn't rest your foot on the clutch pedal. That's what a dead pedal is for. Unless I misunderstood, then disregard that last part. :tiphat:

:iagree:

Yeah, I like it as well. Makes me feel more connected to what's going on and more likely to feel something, if something didn't work properly.

I also agree that you just probably need to get used to the clutch placement. I've never hit the brake on accident. Definitely do not settle for a color/trim you aren't sure you want. When you're spending this much money on anything, it makes sense to get EXACTLY what you want.

Can't you modify the shifter to your personal tastes? I don't get it. But as far as dealerships go. OP, I understand what you are going through. I been to dealerships left and right and nissan is just playin a bunch of hoe games when it comes to the Z and I'm getting bored myself. My experiences have been very similar.
They only have black, gray, white black cherry and red. I'm looking for blue. No one has a blue. Everyone is trying to make me pay msrp or $500 over to order my blue. No base+sports. I guess they are mad that base + sport was the 1st to run out in 09. Nissan has become more rapist at the dealership. Not only that I feel the touring package is the biggest rip off in the history of car option rip offs. Ok. For nearly $4,000.00 you get, leather bolstered fake suede power seats, a trunk cover and a bose stereo that sound 5% better than the RDS in the base model. Ummmmm where did nissan get $4k? I think the base should have a minimum a 4way drivers power seat. Save weight is the reason they choose for not offering a few things but, the prices they ask are not on par with what u get in the touring package. Period.
Not only that, they like justifying not haggling by saying. The Z has no direct competition. Maybe not in price but there are other cars. The corvette and porsche cayman on the certified pre owned tip is an option. The corvette at year end with 10k rebates is an option.
I'm married so I'm not trying to attract chics. I just want a fun sports car that's fast as f*#k that I can mod. I was Z crazy but its wearing down as I haggle prices. I'm waiting for year end on the camaro to see what happens? I'm also considering, trading my G for a genesis coupe. I don't know yet. But nissan as a corporation is just starting to bother me.
Don't know if I should wait and see if the RX-7 will come back out. The RX7 was my 1st import and a buick grand national was my first sports oriented car. Or should I say sport boat. Lol. Either way it is fast.
My purchase of a Z would have me owning 3 nissan products at one time. The fact that I have a 5 nissan vehicle history and they don't want to budge on the Z price is really pissing me off. I own a 09 G37s and 08 altima 3.5. I previously owned another 98altima, 06G35, and a 98 240sx. I've also owned 3 GM cars and a 93mazda rx7. The mazda has been my favorite car other than my experience in a 370z. (Not including exotic rentals)
Overall I prefer imports, but will go back to muscle cars if the stealership keeps getting greedy. I don't go more expensive cuz I need vehicles for other purposes as well.

wait wait wait lemme get this straight you sayin' Silver sucks? :icon23:

Yeah, a true Mancar!

I too have a Mazdaspeed 3 and when I test drove the 370 I thought it was a lot smoother than the Speed. But I also have upgraded motor mounts in my speed to make it more rigid....so maybe thats why lol. I didnt have any problems with the clutch and brake and really the only problem I did have was I stalled the car once at a stop light. Prolly from not being use to driving it yet. Seems like the sweet spot is a lot bigger than it is in the Speed, where you have to pretty much decompress the clutch all the way before the car starts moving or anything. I remember getting out of the car after the test drive and being like...yeah this is gonna be my next car. Felt alot quicker than the speed, and through me back in the seat at first. I can only imagine what it feels like with being twin turboed.

The only time I had a problem was when I have to wear my winter combat boots while in the Army. Other than that no issues.



To me Silver is the best color to maintain and keep the car clean. I didn't get a Silver 370 because my 350 was that color and I wanted to changed color.

Silver definitely does NOT suck. It's just not my color choice for the 370z. Dealing with the dealership is so troublesome. The whole time I was there, I was promised a car that they didn't have or was pushed into another vehicle that I didn't want in the first place.

I was continuously pressured to have my credit ran, even though I provided them my full credit report dated May 11, 2010 from my Identify Theft Protection from my bank; and even before showing me the car that I wanted to buy.

In summary of what happened, the dealership was trying to sell me a car that doesn't exist and go through with the sales transaction process. I assume they were going to try and do a dealer trade from the Bay Area. I was hinted that there was a white 370z Base with Sports that can be driven to the Sacramento area within 24 hours. I advised the dealer that I would rather not have my car being driven from the Bay Area, as that would put on unwanted miles on my brand new car.

Its the waiting game for me.

The shifter feeling is a what a true sports car should feel like. If you want a super buttery, easy sliding manual buy a GTI. But **** if you want to feel manly and be manly... buy a Z!

Size 11 with wide feet here. I've never so much as grazed the break pedal when pressing in the clutch. Were you wearing tennis shoes or work boots?

I had a 2007 Civic Si. The shifter on that car has a linkage that allowed more flexing which leads to a "smoother" feel. The Z has a more direct linkage where you need to actually hit your gears. The "smoothest" shifter I've ever used was a rental Toyota Auris while in Portugal. It was "smooth" as pushing a rubber band around, but in no way felt rewarding in the driving experience department.

What is it with dealers. Before I went to my friends dealership I went to a larger Nissan dealer just to take a look at a couple of Z's and get some numbers. I told them I wanted a Red 2010 Base+Sport 6SPD. They kept telling me they could not find the car and tried selling me Black white gray Auto Touring w/o sport. It was kind of funny after a while. After like the 5th time he came back to me telling me about a Auto I told him "If Nissan stops production of a 6spd and only offers AT I will not be buying a Z" LOL. Long story short I ordered it from my friend and he luckly found a couple on the boat on there way here.

Ya know your the first person who has the same problem with the clutch and brake as I did when I went to test drive the car. I'm about 6' tall and I feel like the clutch pedal was I guess too high or too long? I had problems test driving the car and I had driven manual cars since 16 and I'm 24 lol. When I was test driving every time I change gears the shifter felt strong but not heavy like the other said like a sports car compared to the my Civic Si, the SI shifter was much more flexible.

Anyways every time I change gears the car would jump because the clutch was so high. Someone here I think told me that it can be fixed after I purchase it, the dealer can lower it and shorten it for me because of that jump, sometimes it would push my foot out and my shoe would rub against the break. I test drove a 09 Silver Touring with Sport honestly, I didn't even know if syncro rev was on XD. I love it in Silver, looks great in person.

I also drove a 7at Red base and it didn't feel any different from my Si, except there's a huge surge of power when you actually step on it, faster accel and more torque. After all I am currently driving a torque less wonder honda XD. So since this had happened to someone else, can any one confirm that the clutch pedal could be fixed? because the only reason I liked the AT more was only because the car doesn't Jump like the manual. Anyone have that problem with their clutch?

The clutch pedal can't be adjusted. It just takes some getting used to. I had an issue with the engagement point at first before I got the hang of it.

I wear size 11 tennis shoes on that day when I test drove the 370z. I am 5'11" tall and weigh 205 lbs.

So when you drive your 370z, do you rest your heel on the floor or keep your left leg elevated? I keep my left leg elevated and the top center part of my foot on the clutch pedal. I do not rest on the pedal, just only when I need to depress the clutch pedal for shifting.

I find it weird that I need to use only the right side (big toe) part of my sole to depress the clutch pedal.

I have another appointment with another dealership next week, so I'll give the 6MT another test drive to see if I can live with it.

FuszNissan, I acknowledge that you are a dealer...maybe you can help me get into a Red Base w/Sports 6MT. I live in Sacramento, CA. I read that you usually have great deals to give.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but VW GTI's are automatic with the paddle shifters. They are not manual.

You are wrong. GTI's come with available 6spd manual.

Golf R32's are what you were thinking of. They're AWD and only came in Auto.

^^^ gotcha...

Can someone post a picture of the pedals inside their 370z for closer observation? I can't find a pic that shows the pedals clearly and closely.

I should've bought this before I left for vacation:

http://www.the370z.com/members/tongm...-next-370z.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/tongm...6-img-0094.jpg

Never had the clutch pedal location problem. Clutch engagement and shifter notchyness is just something you get used to over time.

I do find that the gas/brake pedals are too close and I don't even have a big foot (size9.5-10). I haven't had to slam on the brakes yet but I do feel my foot sometimes hitting the gas pedal as I am applying brakes. And I think I've read on here where somebody had an accident because they slammed on the brakes and it seemed like maybe they hit the gas at the same time.

I wear a 13 and have a semi-wide foot and not once have i even brushed the brake pedal while shifting, not in my boots or sneakers. The clutch is supposed to be near the brake pedal in real sports cars so that you can use left foot braking if you choose to on the track or spirited street driving.

I totally agree with your post. It must have been my lucky day when i bought mine i walked up on the lot and there it was a blue base with the sports package. Last 09 on the lot and it was marked down from 35,600 to 29,500. i couldn't sign the papers fast enough!

Way to call it Papo I was thinking the same thing... Clunky shoes or something... Remember too that you were test driving a relatively new car... My 370 is 2 weeks old today.. I got it with 26 miles on it. The first 500 miles you TEACH Yourself how to feather the clutch in a 370... I have 1600 miles behind me after the trip to Zdayz. Breaking mileage is complete and first oil change to get that break in oil out of the crankcase.. and this baby is as smooth as silk. As a previous 350Z AT owner who once a month kicked themselves for not getting a manual tranny I am now in the heaven I was dreaming about back then.

Make the leap, take the time to learn your particular car... and drive it like you stole it!

Honestly, this sounds like your problem, NOT the car's..There is nothing odd or unusual about the pedal spacing on the Z...

Heh...Fly out and buy mine! http://www.the370z.com/370z-sale/194...rt-w-mods.html

http://images30.fotki.com/v38/photos...MG_2101-vi.jpg

Its this part that my left foot was hitting:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...MG_2101-vi.jpg

I would definitely buy your Z, but you live too far and I would need to sell my Mazdaspeed3 first.

Is it just me or does anyone else clutch more to the left side of the pedal? I'm not saying I use the clutch with the corner of my left foot but I definitely don't bring my foot over that far to where my left foot could hit the brake where he has indicated.:confused:

I think you just need to adjust your style. Press the clutch with the ball of your foot...

If you're going from a Mazda3 or any other ummm---daily(?)/normal(?) car (excluding the M3, BMW poured money into making that car, hence the cost) that has a souped up "package", LIKE the Mazda3, or the Matrix/Corolla XRS, etc., you're still driving the same car as their base model. Don't expect significant improvement over their base model, especially in the transmission department. They normal soup up those cars to make them handle and feel "LIKE" a sports car. Eventho they're an "upgrade" from the base model, they're still the same as their base counterpart. They just added a little minor change here and there to make it sportier...The Z was built from scratch as a sports car, and it was designed to put out power, drive fast, and cut all the unnecessary dead weight, etc....they're not going to research on how to make the Z quieter, or how to help assist the driver in lazy shifting (I do love the SRM...but I already knew how to downshift properly..hehehe), etc...if you want a true raw sports car, then get the Z...if not then get another Mazda3, it's a lot more tame, and at the end of the day, you're still driving a Mazda3...SERIOUSLY, are we really comparing Civic Si and Mazda3 to a 370Z??? I mean, the Corolla is a at smoother in the shift than the Lamborghini Murcielago, but you don't see me running to the Lamborghini dealership to buy a Lambo do you? (that was sarcasm)...I didn't buy the Z because Nissan was offering better incentives than Mazda was...I bought it because Mazda was never anywhere near my list of cars to buy...actuall, "CAR", cuz there was only one car on that list...

in any case, I don't even know what I'm writing about anymore....sorry, brain fart...I do think the 350 shifts better than the 370...the clutch catches a lot higher in the 350, the 370 not AS high, but still....the pedals are in perfect positions I think...and as far as you saying the Z didn't feel as fast as your Mazda3, are you outta your mind??? The only problem with the Z is that when the power charges up, a lot of people hesitate people the engine is roaring so loud that they feel like they need to shift gear....try cruising in second gear above 5k RPM...

hahaha is true sometimes. Especially when you're paranoid of a cop hearing your take off. Sometimes I shift into 2nd early and wind that out instead but nothing beats the raw sound and power of winding out 1st and rippin into 2nd, 3rd....

LOL just look at the picture the clutch pedal is so high up. So there's no adjustments and the only way is to juts get used to it. Well it's is going to take a while for sure. Other then that one kick back problem I had as mentioned. I've never hit the break pedal like that...anyways good luck on searching for your blue. when I went to test drive there was only one blue that was a touring with persimmon leather and Nav. I see two blue around in my area, one Im not sure who it belongs to, the other I think belongs to a person named Tony, you see his Z in pictures all the time. I still unsure of which color Z i want to be honest, but it's hard to find base over where I am everything is a touring.

And Joe.....after reading your post....what??? lol good points tho the ones I understood =)

I will have to rest my heel on the floor of the footwell for this car. I usually alway elevate my foot on the clutch pedal while driving my other manual cars. I'm certain that I'm just not used to driving the 370z.

Thanks all for your input. Now to find my Red or Blue 370z!!

hahaha...sorry, I was rambling on too long...hehehe...I had just woke up...

I have both a Mazdaspeed3 and a 370Z.
I just took the Mazda out for a drive this weekend after ignoring it for a few weeks, and after 2 months in my Z, everything about the Mazdaspeed3 feels flimsy by comparison.
There's no weight to the clutch pedal, the shifter feels like it's going to break, and the steering is way too light.

I'm gonna have to agree with the OP on this one.
The Mazdaspeed3 "feels" faster. The kick of the turbo combined with the car's lightweight and somewhat flimsy feel and the crazy torque steer that makes you feel like you're always trying to rein the car in, gives the car a fast "feel".
For the first couple of weeks of driving my Z, I felt like I might have made a mistake, but then I came to the realization that the car was just very solid and very capable and was doing things with such ease that it didn't feel fast even though it was indeed faster.