Going from a sensible car to a sports car

fyreboltx · 05-31-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by didymus

There are lots of threads about each of your questions.. its almost like you already knew this and just want people to confirm what you've already read, bizarre..

I did my fair share of research, but the main issue here is that I've never driven a sports car (my brother's IS350 is the closest thing I have driven but that's more of a luxury car) so I was hoping for responses from those with both, to try and see if this was something I could live with.

I'm sure what I've asked is probably nothing more than redundancy to most of you but you guys are seasoned with Zs. I'm not.

And they won't let me test drive the Z at my local dealership... not sure why but I'm guessing age is a factor. They let me ride in it but riding in a car and driving it are two different things.

Also, to those of you who have answered my questions and/or voiced their opinions: thank you, you're help is appreciated.

shadoquad · 05-31-2010, 01:53 PM

My suggestion: do fun and practical. For Z money, you can climb into a Mazdaspeed3, a VW GTi, or a Subaru WRX. All will fare better in the snow.

Even then, I don't have a gauge on maintenance cost for those, but I'm assuming they're a little easier, since you can't rotate a Z's tires due to size difference. All of these cars listed suck down premium fuel, so you may want something without a turbo...

Just sayin'.

Oh, and about road noise... Yes, it's loud. The Z is a sports car. I like my sports cars loud. I want to hear the engine and tires and feel many bumps along the way. It's immersion. Just my opinion.

LunaZ · 05-31-2010, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

My suggestion: do fun and practical. For Z money, you can climb into a Mazdaspeed3, a VW GTi, or a Subaru WRX. All will fare better in the snow.

Buy my Mazdaspeed3.
It even comes with a set of winter wheels!

The Mazdaspeed3 is quick and practical at the same time. I used it as a daily driver and other than me wearing out the tires, the only maintenance it required was regular oil changes.
My wife and I drove it from PA to FL non-stop and it was comfortable, fun and all of our toys fit in it with room to spare.

Click the link in my sig.

billydsz · 06-01-2010, 08:54 AM

I would never drive the 370z in icy conditions. If you have an hour commute and have to drive in winter like conditions you are out of your mind to use a 370z to do it. Sorry man it is what it is. Get a four wheel drive vehicle if you want to stay alive to enjoy your masters degree.

Cyberium · 05-31-2010, 03:44 PM

Even with snow tire's I wouldn't drive the Z in the snow. Bad things will happen. Even if you don't crash it, it will look like it's been through WW3 because of the crappy paint.

I would either buy a beater for the winter and drive this in the Spring / Summer or end up buying a different car.

Just my advice

PapoZalsa · 05-31-2010, 07:14 PM

I think the MB and white are the colors with the least paint problems. I don't have any complaints about my MB color.

Jesse_Hunter · 05-31-2010, 07:51 PM

The Z is my daily driver. It is ok for me because I don't normally need much cargo room (which it does not have), mainly only have to drive it on fairly smooth roads. No dirt roads, extremely rough roads, etc. The advantage I have is that even though it is my daily driver I don't drive it to work. My dad has a work truck, a 1994 nissan pick-up, and an '08 Titan. He practically drives his work truck all the time, So I use his titan while I'm working.

The Z is so much fun to drive that the road noise doesn't bother me much, besides that all it takes is a little radio (minimal volume) to get rid of almost all road noise.

Anyways you should just go test drive one so you'll get an idea of how stiff it is, road noise, etc.

Vegitto-kun · 06-01-2010, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyreboltx

Some things I'd like your opinions on are:
1. How does it fair as a daily driver? I've read a few of the previous posts on this topic and most of it seems generally positive but... not really reassuring.

I'll be driving to/from school (an hour each way) in the fall when I go back to school for my Masters and most of it will be fairly smooth roads. I know it's not going to comfortable, like my previous cars but is it at least bearable? In my city there are plenty of really bad roads which I'll have to drive through nearly everyday but they're short stretches. I'm only 5'8" and have sat in one already so space isn't an issue.

2. I've read a lot of complaints about road noise. Has that issue been fixed or is it still prevalent?

3. Now... I'm sure this will make some of you cringe but can this be driven during the winter, with the standard all season tires? (*My brother's IS350 has summer/winter tires and that's something I'd rather not put up with.)

My commute will be done in the northern IL area and winters here are pretty bad... and I know that going from two front wheel drive cars to a rear wheel sports car is NOT going to be an easy transition.

4. The paint really that bad? I mean... I sofa-king hate swirls/chips on my cars. I understand it's unavoidable but from "Most Fragile Car I've Ever Owned!", it sounds like the paint just falls off for some of you.

5. To those of you with the 2009 model, is it a fairly reliable car? We've always bought Japanese since they make reliable cars but JD powers gave the 2010 Z a 6/10 rating in terms of reliability. I understand it's only an estimate but still, figured I'd get some of your opinions.

And any other tips/opinions/advise would be well appreciated. If I learned anything from GI Joe, it's that knowing is only half the battle (they never did tell me what the other half was...).

I drove a clio and megane coupe before my 370 so I went from pretty sensible cars to a sports car.

But the one thing I will tell you, go sport + nav I think the 370 looks alot worse without even just the fricking spoiler

1. I use it as a daily, I never regretted it. Sure it isn't a BMW or mercedes but its pretty comfy, seats are great and plenty of room. I had a 2009 megane coupe and this is more comfy for some reason. Yes you will feel the road but its the good kind of feeling. I personally love the feeling of the steering wheel since its not very light and you can feel the road through it.

2. Yes you hear quite abit of road noise from the back especially if you get some fine rocks in the wheel arches. But you get used to it after a while and strangely it is kinda relaxing because you hear the exhaust more and the road. unless you drive on a broken road with alot of loose pebbles

then it turns into some sort of music.

3. Depends on how bad the winters are. if you really drive in alot of snow I advise good winter tires since it IS a RWD so going sideways will happen.

4. I personally don't hate the paint sure I got quite a bit of small dents on the bumper because of the broken roads but my megane had the same problem. Hell I actually accidently rubbed my right side against a truck while trying to get through a small road because some old woman in a BMW couldn't wait

There was some kind of white stuff on the paint but I rubbed it off, not even a scratch.

5. My 370 has about 14.000 miles, no problems except for my alarm apparently freaking out. I think its pretty reliable.

fyreboltx · 06-02-2010, 07:31 PM

Thanks for all the honest answers guys.

I've decided not to get the 370Z. While I'm sure it would be just fine for most of the year, it's clear that it wouldn't fare well during the winter, even with snow tries.

I'll be getting a G37x instead. I honestly didn't think the G37 would be a good option, thinking it would be fairly similar to the Z but decided to try it since just to be sure and wow, it's definitely a completely different car. And we were shocked at the offer we received on a G37x with no options/accessories (have a choice of 4 different colors)... it's a huge dealership and they have nearly 30 coupes in stock, all X. It actually costs less than the 370Z touring, believe it or not, and they also have a financing offer which works out nicely for us.

shadoquad · 06-02-2010, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyreboltx

Thanks for all the honest answers guys.

I've decided not to get the 370Z. While I'm sure it would be just fine for most of the year, it's clear that it wouldn't fare well during the winter, even with snow tries.

I'll be getting a G37x instead. I honestly didn't think the G37 would be a good option, thinking it would be fairly similar to the Z but decided to try it since just to be sure and wow, it's definitely a completely different car. And we were shocked at the offer we received on a G37x with no options/accessories (have a choice of 4 different colors)... it's a huge dealership and they have nearly 30 coupes in stock, all X. It actually costs less than the 370Z touring, believe it or not, and they also have a financing offer which works out nicely for us.

Good choice! G37's are plush Z's, and the AWD should do well in the snow. Rock on.

sonic370 · 06-02-2010, 07:59 PM

good choice the z is not for everyone.
daily driver yes
road noise it's a sports car with 19's yes. but not that much
it does ride and handle better than most in its class
i never get tired of looking at the car inside or out and i still turn around
and check it out as i'm walking away. i know sounds crazy.

didymus · 06-02-2010, 07:51 PM

I think people overplay the RWD in snow/ice danger. But I also realize a lot of people don't know how to drive in abnormal conditions. Or normal for that matter..

Anyway, enjoy the G37!

05-31-2010, 03:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cyberium Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vermont Posts: 379 Drives: 370z Touring \| Sport Rep Power: 17	Even with snow tire's I wouldn't drive the Z in the snow. Bad things will happen. Even if you don't crash it, it will look like it's been through WW3 because of the crappy paint. I would either buy a beater for the winter and drive this in the Spring / Summer or end up buying a different car. Just my advice __________________ Stillen G3 Intakes \| F. I TDX

05-31-2010, 07:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
PapoZalsa A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Not in Sunny Florida Posts: 6,358 Drives: 16 Nismo w/Tech Pack Rep Power: 4500	I think the MB and white are the colors with the least paint problems. I don't have any complaints about my MB color. __________________ 2009 370Z MB Base w/Sport Package 6MT Modshack's Custom Air Intakes /3M Clear Bra/ Illuminated Kick Plates / F. I CBE w/12" resonators / EVO-R Front Lip / Rear Hatch Wing / Tein S-Tech Springs /Ilegal Tint in the Rep. of VA/4x20mm Z1 Spacers/ Vinyl Roof/Liquid Carbon Designs

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05-31-2010, 01:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
shadoquad A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: . Posts: 42,608 Drives: . Rep Power: 3887	My suggestion: do fun and practical. For Z money, you can climb into a Mazdaspeed3, a VW GTi, or a Subaru WRX. All will fare better in the snow. Even then, I don't have a gauge on maintenance cost for those, but I'm assuming they're a little easier, since you can't rotate a Z's tires due to size difference. All of these cars listed suck down premium fuel, so you may want something without a turbo... Just sayin'. Oh, and about road noise... Yes, it's loud. The Z is a sports car. I like my sports cars loud. I want to hear the engine and tires and feel many bumps along the way. It's immersion. Just my opinion.

06-01-2010, 08:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
billydsz Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New Bern Posts: 252 Drives: 9 370z SptCp SRd 7AT Rep Power: 17	I would never drive the 370z in icy conditions. If you have an hour commute and have to drive in winter like conditions you are out of your mind to use a 370z to do it. Sorry man it is what it is. Get a four wheel drive vehicle if you want to stay alive to enjoy your masters degree.

05-31-2010, 07:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
Jesse_Hunter Track Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Denton,TX Age: 39 Posts: 738 Drives: 07' Sky Redline Rep Power: 366	The Z is my daily driver. It is ok for me because I don't normally need much cargo room (which it does not have), mainly only have to drive it on fairly smooth roads. No dirt roads, extremely rough roads, etc. The advantage I have is that even though it is my daily driver I don't drive it to work. My dad has a work truck, a 1994 nissan pick-up, and an '08 Titan. He practically drives his work truck all the time, So I use his titan while I'm working. The Z is so much fun to drive that the road noise doesn't bother me much, besides that all it takes is a little radio (minimal volume) to get rid of almost all road noise. Anyways you should just go test drive one so you'll get an idea of how stiff it is, road noise, etc.

06-02-2010, 07:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
fyreboltx Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: IL Posts: 5 Drives: 2006 Accord EX I4 Rep Power: 16	Thanks for all the honest answers guys. I've decided not to get the 370Z. While I'm sure it would be just fine for most of the year, it's clear that it wouldn't fare well during the winter, even with snow tries. I'll be getting a G37x instead. I honestly didn't think the G37 would be a good option, thinking it would be fairly similar to the Z but decided to try it since just to be sure and wow, it's definitely a completely different car. And we were shocked at the offer we received on a G37x with no options/accessories (have a choice of 4 different colors)... it's a huge dealership and they have nearly 30 coupes in stock, all X. It actually costs less than the 370Z touring, believe it or not, and they also have a financing offer which works out nicely for us.

06-02-2010, 07:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
sonic370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orange Texas Posts: 1,574 Drives: 09 370Z Sports PGK Rep Power: 19	good choice the z is not for everyone. daily driver yes road noise it's a sports car with 19's yes. but not that much it does ride and handle better than most in its class i never get tired of looking at the car inside or out and i still turn around and check it out as i'm walking away. i know sounds crazy.

06-02-2010, 07:51 PM	#12 (permalink)
didymus Track Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Providence / Boston Posts: 564 Drives: 280 / 370Z Rep Power: 307	I think people overplay the RWD in snow/ice danger. But I also realize a lot of people don't know how to drive in abnormal conditions. Or normal for that matter.. Anyway, enjoy the G37!