Non-Owner With A Dilemma

shadoquad

Yeah, I tend to think that it was either a lemon in your case, or else maybe that model of Infiniti was just crap. Dunno. But I think the idea of basing a purchasing decision solely on country of origin, in this case the "Japan = reliable" leads to disappointment. My folks have an Acura with over 200k miles on it, and it's been very reliable. They also have a Chevy with over 200k on it, just as reliable.

domestics are cheaper to fix.

ImportConvert

It certainly did in my case. I bought into the "4 cylinders, Japan, RELIABLE!" myth. It has bit me in the arse. Now that I have replaced the axles,ignition,transmission,O2,cap,rotor,a few suspension bushings, all the motor mounts, transmission mount, radiator, I SHOULD be good for another 100K miles. Maybe.

shadoquad

ouch that sucks, man.

ImportConvert

It's fine. That is really what broke me of wanting a 370Z and sent me back to GM. I feel good about my decision. I jsut have to pipe up every time someone starts with that crap about how japanese cars are so good. I bought a 2002 Infiniti, and in my experience, they are just about the same as any other car, if not worse due to the inferior materials used. Nissan's paint is another such item. None of this shows up in the first 3 years or so of ownership, but after a while, cheap rubber, etc. rots, and you are left with very expensive repairs, a rattly ride, and in general, a piece of ****. SO yes, initial quality APPEARS very high as the panels in japanese cars are usually well fit, etc. It's how it holds up in 5-8 years that American cars show their superiority. Window motors are much cheaper than replacing all the motor mounts and every bushing in the suspension, etc.

shadoquad

Well, American cars can be really cheap to begin with, though. In fact, a Camaro I test drove had its interior literally falling apart on the test drive.

But anyhow, I hear you're buying a Vette? I'm a bit jealous. I love those things. Hope it treats you well, and I hope you love it to pieces!

ImportConvert

Thanks, yes, ordered a Z06 2 weeks ago. I always lusted after either a Z06 or a Viper ever since highschool, and when I came to this forum I was thinking maybe a TT 370Z as the TT kits had just recently become popular, but it seems they can't even get those tuned right half the time, so I passed.

I have heard a lot of bad stuff about the Camaro interior. The Vette interior is decent, but not as nice as the 370Z in my opinion. However, for the price of the car and the performance it offers, I would expect that GM cut a cost somewhere. I would rather it be in the interior than the driveline, so I'll somehow find a way to manage, lol.

If you don't have to have the Z06, you can get a regular Coupe in the VERY low 40's. 436 horsepower is still a whallop. Not much more than a Nismo Z regarding price.