Nissan 370Z Forum - Considering buying 370z.

Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)

- Nissan 370Z General Discussions (http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-general-discussions/)

- - Considering buying 370z. (http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-general-discussions/27593-considering-buying-370z.html)

I've had my Z for about 9 months now and love it. It's a great car and fun to drive. From all the posts that I've read over the past 9 months, some of the problems that have popped up more than once are:

1. Grinding of the gear when going into 5th.
2. Oil consumption of the engine.
3. ECU whine and stuck hatch on '09 models.
4. High oil temps on spirited runs and tracks.
5. Soft paint attracting chips.
6. The clutch slave cylinder breaking.
7. Cars crashing from VDC being off.

I think those were the biggest issues.

The problems that I have experienced on my own car are the rock chips (which you can get a clear bra to protect it for about $800), my hatch rattling, and Nissan taking 8 1/2 months to refund me $4200 for the extended warranty and maintenance program cancellation.

I hope you end up buying the Z!

Even you too, ImportConvert!!! Hurry up and make the jump, so that I don't have to hear anymore WS6 stories.

Mine has 19,700 Miles so far.......No major issues-

1) Rear Hatch sticks, FIXED just adjusted rubber bushings with a lil twist
2) IPOD Interface cable, FIXED had to buy a new one, guess the old was defective
3) No Oil Temp issues, mine stays around the normal 180-210, on very HOT Days when temps are above 100F then its gotten up to 220-230 but no drop in performance
4) Being a HWY driven car......paint is soft, but nothin a Bra can't fix
5) Zero Transmission issues and or ECU issues

Overall great performance and style, SHIFT_the way you move

Just waiting on MRworks Vented Fenders and Craft Square TC-F Mirrors :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckd05 (Post 804309)

got a little carried away but I litteraly just looked over 100s of his posts and they all come across as him being an arrogant know it all who loves to talk about his old trans am that he traded in for a classier g20 and that he is confortbale with money ... why do i know or care ? Im not sure, but I do, and it bothers me... LMAO

+1:tup:

there are a few guys on here that come across like this...take little side jabs and act like they know everything, take indirect blows at members and the Z...mrcardio, importconvert are the obvious that come to mind

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25 (Post 804169)

Three words...

Nissan Ester Oil

It's the 'Chuck Norris' of the 370Z.

It's just a synthetic blend. But it's Nissan's over-priced blend and they can't get mad if the engine uses oil with their special blend. For that reason, use it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370zsport09 (Post 804470)

2011 Chevy Corvette Coupe 1LT MSRP $48,950 6.2L V8

? $10,000 more is not costs about??? NISMO is still cheaper by about 8 Grand........... plus lets just say you got 3.0 APR for 5 yrs would be $11,500 not included taxes and tags.....plus insurance will be just a tad bit more....just my 2centz

I would use the $11,000 and buy a Daily Driver or just MOD the S*** outta the Z

You could buy a 1LT for probably around 43K if you felt like it, +TTL of course.

You can get a new Grand Sport for around 47K.

MSRP's on a corvette are a joke. You pay the dealer $1-2K over dealer-cost (about 12% below MSRP) and they are happy to deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rui Z (Post 804455)

Rep given....we shall all bow down to the omnipotent WS6:bowrofl:

Plenty of FI and full bolt-on 350's did, as did the new Camaro SS. I never got a shot at a 370 though. Sold before I had the chance. :tiphat:

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakoye (Post 804317)

Awww, you guys are too hard on him. He's just young and a bit immature (I think he said he's 25). I'm sure you weren't "all grown up" at that age either.

Besides, I think a little controversy is more interesting on a forum than just one big circle jerk. :tiphat:

24, and of course I have some growing to do. I think if any of you/or myself were done "growing" at age 24, it would be a sad story. Of course, I acknowledge that I have some room to go and improving to do.

Enjoy your Z, and revel in the fact that my G20 is being a pain in the *** and breaking more than any American car I have owned thus-far except for the WS6. They are currently tied for POS factor right now. I have lost all faith in Japanese cars of the early 2000's era. Poor workmanship and materials abound.

Don't buy a 370Z. It's not perfect and you'll worry about the minor issues. Buy a Mustang or Camaro. Wear your baseball hat backwards, call everyone "dude" and be one of the crowd.
The more sophisticated and mature Z owners will thank you for not making us look like douche bags.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwight Frye (Post 804692)

I think you will find that you can find people of every walk and way of life driving different cars. One of the fastest street-driven/full interior (formerly, and for the time, about 2 years ago) civics in the south is owned by an over 6' tall country-talking big 'ol boy who goes by "Mike", for example and rolls a mustang GT for his daily. Talk about breaking a steriotype.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert (Post 804725)

"in the south"...

Have you seen whats being done in Houston? Well, you did say "one of". :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoriumHotdog (Post 804767)

"in the south"...

Have you seen whats being done in Houston? Well, you did say "one of". :)

Back in 2007/2008 a 700+whp full-interior civic that was DD'ed was big medicine. Yes, it used to roll around Houston...
It is now a trailer-only 8-9 second car.

There were 10 second civics rolling on the streets before that, still are. That definitely wasn't the only big dog civic in Houston or the south. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckd05 (Post 804276)

Import, Ive read over all your threads, some redundant and all they do is pick apart the apparent " flaws " of this car that a few forum members post about. You stir the pot and act like you know about the car.

Your trans am is also a disgusting car IMO and I wouldn't take it for free. The fact the clutch felt better to you is prob because it was YOUR car and its what YOU are used to, just like we like the 370z stuff.

IMO you come on here acting like a know it all and I really never get like this but you and your threads/posts just rub me the wrong way. Its amazing that you consider this car at all because almost every thread and post you make you put ur trans am on a pedestal and act like its better than the Z ...

I will guarantee put a pro driver in the 370 and in your trans am and the Z will absolutely demolish the trans am around a road coarse ... Of coarse if you throw cams + bolt ons to a big v8 it will make power but with that power do you get anything else ?

On another note my car has a intakes, test pipes , exhaust , a tune, OIL COOLER , springs, etc and my car was just in for warranty work and they actually complimented me for getting an oil cooler. Nissan is well aware the motor runs hot and will not void your warranty for it. If you blow a hose off your cooler, leak all your oil and continue to beat the piss out of you car, yea it can get voided, IF they know that happened. Thats about it.

The Z will also beat every single SRT 8 out in the 1/4 stock IF driven correctly and be right there with SS's and GT's. And lets not forget the Z came out first BEFORE the 5.0, it laughs at 09 GT's by a significant margain in every aspect imaginable. Some test only show the 5.0 13.1-13.0 but I do agree they are faster/more capable 1/4 mile cars ... When I ran my 12.9 there was a camaro SS with Long Tubes and a flash and he did no better than 13.0 in his Auto...

Jnaut went 12.3 with bolt ons and a good launch... how many SS camaros run 12.3 ? Not as many as you think. The Z will run circles around the z4 and regular caymen, caymen S is a fine machine but way more money and is worthy of its price tag.

But out of all those cars I still take the Z ...

also MANY corvette guys have driven Z's and actually had more "fun" in the Z ... straight line acceleration is just one aspect of a car. The car handles phenomenal, I drive the e92 m3 when ever I can get my buddy to swap our cars for a few hours and our car is 85% of that car, and dare I say this because there will be nay sayers, but on a private road by us , me and him went at it several times, once to a VERY high speed and EVERY SINGLE TIME the outcome was within a few feet of each other either way. 6m e92 M3 ... and that car is used as a benchmark for track beasts and my buddy litteraly sweats that my Z feels as good as it does. The Z is absolutely no slouch and out of all those cars looks as nice as any of them except the M ...

:iagree::iagree:

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoriumHotdog (Post 804876)

There were 10 second civics rolling on the streets before that, still are. That definitely wasn't the only big dog civic in Houston or the south. :)

Nope, just one of. How many of those had full OEM interior, A/C, radio, and no wing on the back, though?

ok sticking my neck out here. but i would bet 99% of these cars everyone is talking about are driven on the street. 0-60 is a good judge, so often do you test you 0-60 times a day,where i live no much. on handling on any given day
i don't get that much of a chance either to test that out. can't remember the last time i had it up to 150,just kidding never.

so my point imo all these cars are bought by there appeal to each driver
looks sex appeal call it what you want... and the 370 takes a back seat to none of them in its price range......

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckd05 (Post 804276)

Import, Ive read over all your threads, some redundant and all they do is pick apart the apparent " flaws " of this car that a few forum members post about. You stir the pot and act like you know about the car.

Driven it a few times, enough to compare it to other stuff. Certainly don't know ALL about it.

Your trans am is also a disgusting car IMO and I wouldn't take it for free. The fact the clutch felt better to you is prob because it was YOUR car and its what YOU are used to, just like we like the 370z stuff.

Cool, I basically gave my WS6 away as I agree with you. Maybe you skipped those posts and just read what you wanted to? Still, the Z has a very light clutch without much feel for the engaugement point compared to any other standard I have driven except a Ford Ranger.

IMO you come on here acting like a know it all and I really never get like this but you and your threads/posts just rub me the wrong way. Its amazing that you consider this car at all because almost every thread and post you make you put ur trans am on a pedestal and act like its better than the Z ...

Again, you only read what you wanted to. Please find ONE post where I said my WS6 was superior in ANY way save the driveline department or the steering feed-back. I agree, it was a pile, and I got rid of it.

I will guarantee put a pro driver in the 370 and in your trans am and the Z will absolutely demolish the trans am around a road coarse ... Of coarse if you throw cams + bolt ons to a big v8 it will make power but with that power do you get anything else ?

Once again, see last comment in red.

On another note my car has a intakes, test pipes , exhaust , a tune, OIL COOLER , springs, etc and my car was just in for warranty work and they actually complimented me for getting an oil cooler. Nissan is well aware the motor runs hot and will not void your warranty for it. If you blow a hose off your cooler, leak all your oil and continue to beat the piss out of you car, yea it can get voided, IF they know that happened. Thats about it.

It's a shame the dealership isn't the one that "OK's" the replacement of major components under warranty. That is forwarded to corporate and THEY decide if they are buying you a new trans/motor/whatever. I guarantee corporate will not be as complimentary.It's a shame, but thats the way all companies are going, now.

The Z will also beat every single SRT 8 out in the 1/4 stock IF driven correctly and be right there with SS's and GT's. And lets not forget the Z came out first BEFORE the 5.0, it laughs at 09 GT's by a significant margain in every aspect imaginable. The pre '11 GT's ran mid 13's. I saw a magazine publish a 13.1 by Evan Smith back in the day when it first came out in '05. True, it was at 99mph and Evan Smith at E-town is a driving machine/track match made in heaven. Either way, a few tenth is not "laughing at by a significant margin" unless you will admit that the high 12's run by the Camaro's and 5.0's are "laughing at the Z by a significant margin" as well. I mean, c'mon. how is 13.3 laughing at 13.6 when 13.3 is "right there with 12.8? I just don't get where you come up with that, but if it makes you feel good, go for it!
Some test only show the 5.0 13.1-13.0 but I do agree they are faster/more capable 1/4 mile cars ... When I ran my 12.9 there was a camaro SS with Long Tubes and a flash and he did no better than 13.0 in his Auto...
[COLOR="Red"]'grats on your time. It's good stuff.COLOR]

Jnaut went 12.3 with bolt ons and a good launch... how many SS camaros run 12.3 ? Not as many as you think. The Z will run circles around the z4 and regular caymen, caymen S is a fine machine but way more money and is worthy of its price tag.

But out of all those cars I still take the Z ...

also MANY corvette guys have driven Z's and actually had more "fun" in the Z ... straight line acceleration is just one aspect of a car. The car handles phenomenal, I drive the e92 m3 when ever I can get my buddy to swap our cars for a few hours and our car is 85% of that car, and dare I say this because there will be nay sayers, but on a private road by us , me and him went at it several times, once to a VERY high speed and EVERY SINGLE TIME the outcome was within a few feet of each other either way. 6m e92 M3 ... and that car is used as a benchmark for track beasts and my buddy litteraly sweats that my Z feels as good as it does. The Z is absolutely no slouch and out of all those cars looks as nice as any of them except the M ...

Well, I will have to say, it sounds like you got all in a tizzy over it, but you need to remember it's just the internet and I'm just some guy hundreds (thousands?) of miles away and you shouldn't get all worked up over it. You don't like me? So. Not my problem. Just don't read my posts. Skip right over 'em if they drive your blood-pressure up like that.

I will have to take issue with your statement about the 370Z beating "every" stock SRT-8, though.

Find me a stock 370Z timeslip that betters 13.1@108 from a reliable source (i.e. published). Here is one for the SRT-8.
2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8 Vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Specs & Stats - Motor Trend

*Or you can opt to skip this post as I earlier suggested. Nothing off my back. For what it's worth, if I end up with a 370Z, I will defend it just as ardently. However, the only things negative I have consistantly said about it is that it's 50bhp light and an oil-cooler short. To me, steering-feel and clutch engaugement can be learned (as you stated above.) I simply felt that the feedback was lacking. That's it. You make it sound like I have "torn the car apart". Again, reading what you want. We all do it, though. :tiphat:

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonic370 (Post 804916)

ok sticking my neck out here. but i would bet 99% of these cars everyone is talking about are driven on the street. 0-60 is a good judge, so often do you test you 0-60 times a day,where i live no much. on handling on any given dayi don't get that much of a chance either to test that out. can't remember the last time i had it up to 150,just kidding never.

so my point imo all these cars are bought by there appeal to each driver
looks sex appeal call it what you want... and the 370 takes a back seat to none of them in its price range......

To get a 4.7 second 0-60 out of the 370Z requires a real launch. Not just off-idle at a light. Do you rev to 3200 and slip the clutch or higher and burn the tires on a daily basis? IF so, you're right. If not, I think 5-60 is much more accurate regarding how the car will feel in daily driving. The difference between the two is significant. 4.6-7 for a "launch" and 5.8 for a roll-on off idle (5-60).

This is what Motortrend had to say about achieving those 0-60 times: "Acceleration Comments: 370 Z seems to like wheel spin off the line-- and it's required to keep from bogging engine. We found at least 5,000 rpm works best. Get the clutch out quick or it will sink."

SO if you launch from 5K rpm daily, yeah, 0-60 is important. If not, 5-60 is much more meaningful.

^^^

So, you don't even own a Z?

Out of curiosity... why do you post on this forum?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TypeOne (Post 804951)

^^^

So, you don't even own a Z?

Out of curiosity... why do you post on this forum?

I was considering buying one. I bought my WS6 back in 2006 because "LS1's were fast, and the WS6 is cheaper than a 'vette".

I did not spend ANY time researching it. I just liked the numbers so I bought.

I don't EVER want to do that again. I want to see what good/bad REAL people have to say about a car. So I went and joined this forum. I test drove numerous Z's in various configurations, and formed opinions from those test-drives, my friends who have owned 370's long-term, and what I see posted here.

My conclusion so-far is that if I decide against a 'vett, I will go for the 370 and just trade it in as soon as Nissan makes a faster one.

That, is why I am here. I post things based on my personal experience (limited it may be) with the Z.

I see. Well, don't take this the wrong way... but I don't think you'll be seeing a much faster Z for a long time.

You know, YOU could always make it faster... there isn't anything stopping you from doing that. Right?

I drove a WRX STi for a while, GT35R rotated turbo kit w/meth injection... made 520whp. It wasn't a jet... it pulled so hard under full boost it made your stomach hurt. I would run down street bikes on the highway, but I sold it for a Z.
The Z is just a nicer, sportier car.. I think. I could have easily bought a Mustang or something "faster" but to me, it wasn't something that needed to be #1 on the list.

I can't speak for everyone, but I would never even think about owning a WS6 after driving and living with my Z.

Do you post on Corvette forums as well?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert (Post 804911)

Nope, just one of. How many of those had full OEM interior, A/C, radio, and no wing on the back, though?

Um. Yes there were and still are. I'm not trying to diminish your friends accomplishment but it's not that uncommon now and there were 10 second Hondas rolling the streets. We just tore my turbo CRX down and when I buy my 370z we're going to build the crx up to those numbers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TypeOne (Post 804994)

Yes, I could modify the Z, but I would like to maintain my warranty. I want a full warranty and re-sale.

Yes, I see what is going on on the 'vette forum as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoriumHotdog (Post 805006)

I digress, you know more about the scene than I do. I was impressed with a 706whp civic that had a clutch as civil as a stock one that I could drive like it was OEM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert (Post 805012)

I digress, you know more about the scene than I do. I was impressed with a 706whp civic that had a clutch as civil as a stock one that I could drive like it was OEM.

I wouldn't say that. I just know more about my local scene. Or I did before I left TX for a while. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoriumHotdog (Post 805101)

I wouldn't say that. I just know more about my local scene. Or I did before I left TX for a while. :)

10.9@139 with the car having a couple of issues (50% and 70% leak-down in 2 cylinders, and a slipping clutch, and no traction, all since remedied) and a 300# man driving still wasn't shabby for a DD'ed civic 2-3 years ago.

I ran a mile in 5:50 once

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckd05 (Post 805127)

I ran a mile in 5:50 once

Impressive. My mile times have always sucked. My stride sucks and beats me up, etc. so I just stopped that kind of stuff so I don't fall apart when I'm 40.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert (Post 803862)

Yes, it has great grip. The steering felt a bit insulated to me, though. My Trans Ams had better feed-back. The clutch wasn't nearly as good as my Trans Am's regarding feedback/engaugement point.
I agree, it is on par with the E46 for speed, but the E46 engine is a masterpiece and I love the way they feel. The VQ is an aging design.

Oh, the oil-cooler voids the warranty on the engine, just so you know.

The 370Z is almost where my F-body was a decade ago, power-wise. It isn't a slow car, but it is not in line with its competators unless you are comparing it to 4-cylinder cars or Kia's. It's definitely meant for corners, not straight-line. If you understand/accept this, it will fulfill your expectations nicely, I think.

If you are used to the interior on your M3, the Z is a good choice, though. It has a very nice interior. The best I have seen/felt in its price range, easily.

wtf is this shiet? :rolleyes:

your f-body can't do anything but go in a straight line. trans am has better steering feed back? do me a favor, pass that dutch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihatepotholes (Post 805134)

wtf is this shiet? :rolleyes:

your f-body can't do anything but go in a straight line. trans am has better steering feed back? do me a favor, pass that dutch.

I felt more pavement surface feedback through the wheel of the WS6. My old F-body was a straight-line machine for sure, though. Not saying it turned better.

The Z's steering was precise, well-weighted, and accurate. It just felt more insulated. I was less sure of the pavement I was rolling across, based on the feel from the steering-wheel. Maybe that's a good/refined thing? Either way, just an observation.

The clutch on the other hand, I could only learn to live with. Never love. It was just to light and vague for my taste. Of course, that is personal too. My first manual was a 5.0 GT with 4.10's, cam, heads, full bolt-ons and a TKO500 with a King Cobra cable-operated clutch, and it had VERY good feed-back. I loved that clutch...and that's about all about that car I loved except the sound, lol.

Most of the drive-by-wire cars I've driven felt disconnected from the road. I wonder how much of a shock it's going to be coming from a car with no power steering the Z. ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoriumHotdog (Post 805154)

Most of the drive-by-wire cars I've driven felt disconnected from the road. I wonder how much of a shock it's going to be coming from a car with no power steering the Z. ;)

I have not driven the Z extensively, but MOST of the complaints I hear about drive-by-wire come from throttle-lag. I didn't experience that with the Z. The Z felt connected, the steering-wheel just didn't communicate it, the rest of the car did. The steering-wheel seemed focused on talking to the tires instead of listening to them. You would think I could have related to that, but no. I have not heard any complaints about the GT500's EPAS after the re-calibration offered mid-model. Those guys are too worried about the rear-ends groaning in slow corners and their transmissions not going into 2nd gear.

The Z's steering is slightly numb, but it still has better feedback than most cars. Definitely better than the C6 Corvettes I've driven and about even with my Sport-package Mustang (with sport mode engaged).

Of course, you will be tainted for life if you ever test drive something like a Cayman S. :icon17: That car (the base Cayman, anyway) is the 370's benchmark and, for the price, Nissan did a great job coming up with something that gives it an honest run for its money.

When I first was looking at a sports car I was looking closely at the 370, Cayman S, and Corvette C6.

The C6 had the power, but lacked refinement and an interior worthy of its price tag.

The Cayman S had a wonderful balance of power, incredible handling and feel, and quality. Unfortunately a new one cost more than a new C6, and a used one still cost more than a new 370Z.

The 370 had a great balance of power, handling, and feel with a great price tag to boot. Sure it wasn't as fast in a straight line as the Corvette, but it had a better feel and a higher quality interior, and no, it wasn't as refined and didn't have the feel as the Cayman S, but for $35k vs $40k used or $60-70k new, none of that really mattered to me anymore. :)

The 370 is a great car. I don't care what anyone says. If you like it, buy it. It WILL make you happy. Enjoy the thing for as long as it makes you smile. Owning a Z is great experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquid_G (Post 803571)

they suck, they are horrible cars. everyone here hates them.

Why the bad blood toward the E46 M3? I like both cars a lot. One thing that you have to remember though is that the S54 in the E46 M3 is a 10 year old engine and it is making as much hp as the 370Z with a 3.2l.

Just saying.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamboworld (Post 807743)

so what..its not like in those 10 years incrementally the engines have progressed. Allot of the current bmw engines arent impressive, at all! infact the ones that are note worthy are assisted by turbos...and the new M3 is now a v8which by many accounts have been reported as a drivers race. there is no bad blood at all here

"just saying"

no regrets on getting the 370. had the 350 and the 370 is a major upgrade.
it is fast enough to get your xss into trouble on any public road...
i don't think the steering is numb in anyway but i don't track the car..
but on the curves i drive on the car sticks to the road like super glue...

but if you won't to keep a low profile and don't like people staring at you and asking you a hundred questions about your car then the 370 isn't for you..

ps........i'm at 12,000 and have only had to put a new gas cap on it...

no rattles,hatch was fixed under recall and car is as solid as the day i bought it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by GZ3 (Post 807853)

I'll have to side with lamboworld here. As much as I love the power in the Z, those BMW powertrains, are well, just engineering wonders.

Yes, the S54 was putting out as much power back then as our Z is now, but the smoothness of that Beemer engine is awesome (like the vibes of our VQ at 5k+ rpms? :happydance: ). Their M3 engine is a V8 with an 8500 rpm redline.

Yes, assisted by turbos, but I really toyed with the idea of a "stripped down" new 335i for that powerplant - it's pure awesome. No lag, just gobs and gobs of torque.

Now, the V8 turbo engines that the M5/M6 is about to get? Hopefully I'll never drive one in the next few years... temptation to sell my kids' tuition savings may get the better of me. ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GZ3 (Post 807853)

http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezfl...bb1496d3cf.pdf
Not for a 370Z it isn't.
http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezfl...bb1496d3cf.pdf

The V8 in the new M3 weighs less than the I6 in the E46 did.

.8L and nearly 85bhp more and @15kg less than the E46 engine...
What evolution would it take to impress you?

But... with BMW, you get what you pay for. More refinement = more $$$.

I'll take the Z instead of the 335i and put the remainder towards landscaping and kitchen countertops for the wif!!! :tup:

Thanks for all of the replies. Ended up buying a 2008 135i 6MT with 22k for 27.9k. Has all of the BMW packages. Bought a $800 tune from Cobb Tuning and she pushes 355hp and 377ft/lb at the wheels.

Much faster than my E46 M3. Will get a custom tune in a few months and it should put down 375hp and 400ft/lb.

I drove a new 370Z and quite frankly was not impressed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamboworld (Post 887458)

Very nice congrats on the purchase