Going from a sensible car to a sports car

waaaasabi · 05-31-2010, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyreboltx

It's not that I want a low maintenance car, it's just that I don't know how different the maintenance is from a regular sedan to a sports. I understand how to check all the fluids, can change my own oil (though I probably wouldn't risk it on the Z), and I clay/wax my car twice a year (and polish every other year).

But obviously, there are somethings simple detailing and under-the-hood checking won't take care of. That's what I was more interested about.

Maintenance is pretty much the same, except you'll have to be a bit more vigilant on checking the oil as the engine will go through its share. Changing the oil yourself is pretty straight forward on this car, and AK has a great DIY guide in the DIY section of this forum.

But ultimately the reason I believe you want a low maintenance car is because you expressed unwillingness to change out your tires from summers to winters. If you want to drive it during the winter, through snow and sleet, snow tires are your only choice; compromising with all-seasons would be disastrous. As for potential paint damage from winter driving, a good waxing before the season and a good detail in immediate post-snow period will suffice, but again, if it's black, you'll be putting in more work. Also, you'll probably have to do some rust assessment after the snow season, but that's pretty simple, too.

fyreboltx · 05-31-2010, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waaaasabi

Maintenance is pretty much the same, except you'll have to be a bit more vigilant on checking the oil as the engine will go through its share. Changing the oil yourself is pretty straight forward on this car, and AK has a great DIY guide in the DIY section of this forum.

But ultimately the reason I believe you want a low maintenance car is because you expressed unwillingness to change out your tires from summers to winters. If you want to drive it during the winter, through snow and sleet, snow tires are your only choice; compromising with all-seasons would be disastrous. As for potential paint damage from winter driving, a good waxing before the season and a good detail in immediate post-snow period will suffice, but again, if it's black, you'll be putting in more work. Also, you'll probably have to do some rust assessment after the snow season, but that's pretty simple, too.

I guess that does sound lazy of me... but no, I'll definitely get snow tires since it definitely sounds like doing so otherwise would be idiotic. I have no plans to drive it when the roads are covered in snow. And I guess I better keep a few extra quarts of oil around, just in case.

Thanks.

AK370Z · 05-31-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

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?
ANS: It's a sports car. It'll always be noisy. High end sports cars like Lambo, Ferrari are far more noisy than this. I personally have no complain. The Z will certainly be more noisy than your previous cars, no doubt.

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.)
Ans: Dry Winter = all season no problem. A lot of snow winter = you need dedicated winter tires. I have a winter tire set for winter snow driving. 370Z is a very light RWD car. Coming from FWD Acura TL and Accord, I DO NOT suggest all season for you. Also, you must learn how to drive RWD in snow too (how to accelerate slowly in 2nd gear, no gas during turns etc)

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.
Ans: Look at my reply to the previous question.

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.
Ans: I think some paints are more fragile than other (i.e. Black) but I have no complain with Monterey Blue. I just wash/waxed with the cheapest wax on the market and here's how it came out. It'll get much better with professional detailing product (which I'm planning on using next time after I attend detailing clinic on how to do proper detailing)

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.
Ans: just rolled over 19,250 miles (and that's in just over 1 year). Only made 1 trip to the dealer so far and that's because I overtightened a lug nut (wheels) and broke it. Those who rides with me knows that I def "DRIVE "the car (don't baby it). Maintain any car, put the best stuff in and it'll be problem free for years.

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