Questions, questions and more questions for a potential 370z buyer!

tag824

Hello everyone,


I currently have a 335i and it's lease is up at the end of November. I'm very interested in getting the 370z and wanted to ask a few questions before I go in and test drive one.

I've read about the 370z having lots of NVH but wanted to ask you guys. Is it really that harsh and noisy? I also read somewhere it gets hot under the driver side legroom area, is this true and if so how hot? Also how good would you rate the NAV system and does it work really well with an iPod/iPhone?

Is there anything I should know regarding reliability, issues, etc?

I'll have more questions as they come to me, LOL.

Thanks!

antman22

its noisy but bearable...i mean, compared to the 335i its gonna be loud, but hey, its a sports car.

hot under the legroom? i guess it can if you dont have the a/c on...here in TX, we keep it on all the time, so maybe someone else can handle this one.

as far as reliability goes, i've had mine since dec of 09 and i haven't seen any issues so far (knock on wood). the only time its gone to the shop to get something replaced was the rear hatch lift springs, which they had a tsb for and was replaced in about 2 min. i drive my car pretty aggressively on an everyday basis as well, so it definitely hasn't been coddled lol.

Red__Zed

I would definitely not describe the ride as harsh. It pretty compliant for a sports car, but as it is with these things, they are pretty relative. Test drive one and see how it feels for you.

It's pretty noisy out back. Doesn't bother me at all, though. Some of that may come from driving an s2000 and a wrangler before though....

NAV works fine with an iPod. On the 09's, there were some non-charging issues, but you won't have those on a 10.

DIGItonium

In terms of noise, the stock Bridgestones are very noisy. Part of it is the inadequate noise absorbent material along the wheel well, so you may hear gravel kicking up and hitting the wheel well. I'm used to it, so it is NOT a deal breaker. On certain roads, the tires produce a drone. I'm running Hankooks, and the difference is like night and day. I can actually listen to the radio while cruising at 40mph on the same road.

As for engine noise, I never had an issue. Some say it's gritty, but I personally love this engine sound for a V6. IMO, it's not a wimpy sound. The exhaust, on the other hand, is very tame compared to to the last generation. You literally have to gun it to hear it. In other words, it is pretty quiet and does not drone. If this is too quiet, get an aftermarket exhaust for slightly louder and deeper sound. If you get high flow cats, you'll end up with a bit more raspy sound. Some people like it, and others (like myself) don't.

Footwell heat? I never heard of it or experienced it.

Is the car fun? My last car was a 350Z, so I may be a bit biased. It's not the fastest car, but it is a very fun car. The transmission is much better than an '03 350Z (my old car), and the suspension is much better and more comfortable for daily driving (350Z was bouncy).

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ZeeCar

For you coming from a BMW this car will be louder. For me though coming from and STi its very quiet...

I have not felt any noticeable difference in temp around the trans tunnel/floorboards.

The only "issues" ive seen floating around here is oil temp issues. Which i personally have yet to see myself. It seems unless you are tracking the car or driving in 90-100+ temps this really shouldnt be an issue.

Dont really have any input on the stock nav but i am fairly certain that you will better off with an aftermarket nav unit.

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2010 370z PW 6MT
She's Still a Virgin

gtkiller

Just got mine yesterday and it's pretty quiet overall, then again I'm coming from an EVO 9 which is pretty loud out of the factory.

In terms of heat under the driver side legroom area haven't experienced that. I ran the car no a/c and it was normal.

Sorry no navi can't comment on that.

tag824

If getting new tires makes it quieter and the engine is not that loud that's awesome. I'm going for a test drive tomorrow.

Does anyone know when 2011 model comes out and if there are any changes? My lease is up at the end of November so I have a little over two months to get into a new car.

Knewrome

2011 brings minor changes, including a rear backup camera for the Nav and Gunmetal paint for this year's special color. '11 models should be available around October.

I've had my 40th since March and it has been infinitely more fun and satisfying than I was expecting - and that is saying a lot. Zero complaints, other than the stock tires not lasting as long as I hoped.

The engine won't sound loud at all, unless you unleash the beast. Above 4000 rpms, this engine will roar unlike any V6 I've ever been around. The sound is extremely awesome in my opinion.

I skipped the Nav, but iPhone/iPod support were critical to me. I added a USAspec module to the factory Bose and am very satisfied for now (in a year or so I'll upgrade all audio).

Road noise is only an issue on roads with poor quality, above 60 mph. There is a stretch of interstate near me that gets on my nerves, but loud tunes quickly remedy that.

I doubt you will be disappointed if you take a test drive.

Zaggeron

I've got a roadster and the road noise is not bad -- some say the partition between the driver's compartment and the trunk make the roadster quieter. As for the Nav, it is very nice as far as OEM systems go. Is it worth the extra money? To me it was because it is integrated very nicely into the cabin. The Nav also has visual touchscreen controls for a lot of different functions like blue tooth, audio settings, stats, etc.

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2010 Platinum Graphite 370z Roadster:Touring/Sport
2013 Subaru BRZ Limited

tag824

Wow, a rear camera would be nice. I see the Z's are selling at invoice right now. Is that because it's the end of the 2010 model line? Do you think I would be able to pick up a new 2011 Z around invoice since it's almost winter?

All of the positive comments have me excited to go test drive it now.

optiontrader

Test drive now!

I've driven (friend's) BMW 335i (coupe), and I can say that overall, it's a better car *ducks*. I liken it being carved out of a solid piece of aluminum. It felt solid, more isolated, and that engine is an engineering marvel.

That said, the 370Z is more involving, partially from the issues you mentioned (a bit more noise and ride harshness). Everyone here says it's a sports car, and it shows. There's less between you and the road - plus, it's $15k cheaper.

So as much as I'd give the 335i a nod in the "better overall car" department, I find more enjoyment out of the driving experience and prefer driving the Z (plus, here in SoCal, you can't throw your fob twenty feet without hitting a Bimmer ).

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40th Anniversary Z - 3M Paint Protection Film, CA Legal Tint! (70/40)

wolf370z

Not to rip you a new one but a better overall car? Overall what? Sorry I purchase vehicles based upon a lot of feeling/connection to the car (and of course performance, fuel economy, ride quality, practicality, etc) and too many cars that promise a "sporty feel" or even a "sporty car" are full of crap. 335i is one of those (including the coupe -- not just the sedan). Sure they perform great and have a nice comfy ride but there is no connection between you and the road. The 370z has that great sports car feeling and is a blast to drive. No offense but the 335i is just another sedan with great engineering... (or attractive coupe). But all the engineering in the world doesn't mean the car feels right. I guess you could say I'm a slow car FAST kind of guy. Oh man I rambled again

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Good drivers just drive.

optiontrader

No offense taken - that's why I ducked.

Better car? Maybe a too bold and generalized statement.

You have to drive a 335i - it's just "right" on the road. Put it this way: if I have to drive 12 hours straight, honestly, I'd rather be in the BMW. But carving the back roads is fun in both (with a nod to the 370Z in "sportiness").

There is a connection with the road in the Bimmer - its seems a bit more refined. It can be tossed around, and is VERY capable when pushed to the limits. After driving one (for the first time, mind you) - I've gained a great deal of respect for those German driving machines.

But I probably compared apples to oranges; likening it to a comparison between our Z and an Infiniti M37S. Which is a better car? Okay - there's another bold statement that could have come out...

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40th Anniversary Z - 3M Paint Protection Film, CA Legal Tint! (70/40)

RCGsupra

In my opinion, the Z lacks feel. This is due mainly to the transmission, clutch, and throttle response. To me they don't feel like they are all working together. I dunno, this is my personal opinion from driving other cars that have that "sports car" feel. I haven't driven the 335, but the E46 M3 is a very solid machine and I have heard that the 335 is very similar. I would probably stick with that. Plus I hear it's very easy to get to 400 rwhp in those. I personally think you may be a little disappointed going from the BMW to the Z.

ProfessorDave

BMW is a nice car. If I had 70k, I'd probably buy an M3.

But if we're comparing cars within 10k or so of each other, I like the Z. I can go outside and stare at my Z because of its styling. And in these parts, BMW has a "look at me I'm pretentious" reputation, seeming to replace the "my SUV is bigger than your SUV" trend from a few years ago. And like optiontrader's observation, they are ubiquitous.

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Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB
Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT