Nissan 370Z Forum

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-   -   Consumer Reports' Obsession (http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-general-discussions/32524-consumer-reports-obsession.html)

Jordo! 03-04-2011 06:39 PM

I love my Z, but it does have numerous little issues that are frankly, ridiculous, for a new car to have.

Nissan is like the Japanese Ford, so what do you expect?
Quote:

Originally Posted by b1adesofcha0s (Post 970097)
What is this ECU whine everyone keeps talking about? Also what is a TSB? Is it like a recall that the dealership will fix for free? Should I take my car in to get all of those issues fixed?

Some '09's had some electrical interference that produced a high pitched whine -- apparently attributable to the ECU.

TSB = Technical Service Bulleton.

Not a Recall, but a special note for problems or service issues that crop up that may not be immediately obvious.

Some are just details on how to do a repair others refer to problems that should have a recall associated with it, but didn't get one for whatever reason.

b1adesofcha0s 03-04-2011 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo! (Post 970285)
I love my Z, but it does have numerous little issues that are frankly, ridiculous, for a new car to have.

Nissan is like the Japanese Ford, so what do you expect?

Some '09's had some electrical interference that produced a high pitched whine -- apparently attributable to the ECU.

TSB = Technical Service Bulleton.

Not a Recall, but a special note for problems or service issues that crop up that may not be immediately obvious.

Some are just details on how to do a repair others refer to problems that should have a recall associated with it, but didn't get one for whatever reason.

Thanks! Luckily I haven't had any issues yet. Don't know about the previous owner though.

Jordo! 03-04-2011 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1adesofcha0s (Post 970290)
Thanks! Luckily I haven't had any issues yet. Don't know about the previous owner though.

I would just skim over the TSB's to be prepared.

For '09 other than the ECU whine I think you have the same (admittedly, generally minor) flaws we all do (e.g., cheap windshield and paint).

But the crappy, unreliable fuel sender and now my failed secondary O2 are just horseshit :shakes head:

christian370z 03-04-2011 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo! (Post 970315)
But the crappy, unreliable fuel sender and now my failed secondary O2 are just horseshit :shakes head:

Agreed on the fuel sender, but you can't blame Nissan entirely for the o2 sensor when you are running test pipes that will expose the sensor to much higher levels of unburnt fuel and particulates (which kill o2 sensors).

sonic370 03-04-2011 07:51 PM

were the ecu units a hit and miss sort of thing. or did nissan catch the problem
mid year and fix it. iv'e never had a problem with my 09.

and as far as TSB'S go very few cars go without having any reported.
and the 370's are nothing major.

Jordo! 03-04-2011 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christian370z (Post 970340)
Agreed on the fuel sender, but you can't blame Nissan entirely for the o2 sensor when you are running test pipes that will expose the sensor to much higher levels of unburnt fuel and particulates (which kill o2 sensors).

Sure I can. Name one other member with TP's who has had this problem?

Also, I ran same set up on my (HEAVILY modified) 10 yr old Toyota celica and the secondary O2's never had an issue for over 100K miles.

Probably has nothing to do with the TP's -- I bet something stupid like a rock nailed it or water got in and shorted it or something.

It's still ridiculous that it would fail with less than 17K on the car.

I've also never owned a car with:

1. A dodgy fuel sender (after 7K!)

2. Windshields that chip so easily (week 2)

3. Paint that chipped so easily (day 3!)

4. An auxillary jack on the stereo that stopped working (at 15K, thankfully, replaced under warranty).

These are, again, "minor" issues (love the engine, trans, suspension set up, etc), but they all point to how we have $50K worth of car sold for $30+ K: They used the cheapest parts wherever possible :ugh2:

torpedo2k 03-04-2011 10:11 PM

2 Attachment(s)
FWIW :rolleyes:

VCuomo 03-04-2011 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 969875)
Well, I'd avoid an '09 if I was buying used simply because all the issues with the '09s seem to have been solved in 2010+.

No way in hell would I put up with that ECU whine again, or waste my time fighting with a dealer to try and replace it with a 2010 ECU. :mad:

I wouldn't write off every '09 Z. Mine doesn't have the ECU problem at all. And all of the things that CR said owners rated the car low for are present in all 370Z model years.

dad 03-04-2011 10:30 PM

They named the Ford Mustang as best sports car.:stirthepot:

christian370z 03-04-2011 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo! (Post 970415)
Sure I can. Name one other member with TP's who has had this problem?

Also, I ran same set up on my (HEAVILY modified) 10 yr old Toyota celica and the secondary O2's never had an issue for over 100K miles.

Probably has nothing to do with the TP's -- I bet something stupid like a rock nailed it or water got in and shorted it or something.

It's still ridiculous that it would fail with less than 17K on the car.

I've also never owned a car with:

1. A dodgy fuel sender (after 7K!)

2. Windshields that chip so easily (week 2)

3. Paint that chipped so easily (day 3!)

4. An auxillary jack on the stereo that stopped working (at 15K, thankfully, replaced under warranty).

These are, again, "minor" issues (love the engine, trans, suspension set up, etc), but they all point to how we have $50K worth of car sold for $30+ K: They used the cheapest parts wherever possible :ugh2:

Agree on 1-4 for sure, I am shocked how I already have chips on the windshield after doing little highway driving and only 3,000 miles. They did have to hit a pretty aggressive price target and that is not an issue, just cut costs where we can't see them!

ProfessorDave 03-05-2011 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torpedo2k (Post 970512)
FWIW :rolleyes:

Thanks for posting the detailed ratings, torpedo :tup:

Dang it, a little black, a lot of red, and the overall conclusion is a solid black dot?!? :icon14:

m4a1mustang 03-05-2011 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VCuomo (Post 970517)
I wouldn't write off every '09 Z. Mine doesn't have the ECU problem at all. And all of the things that CR said owners rated the car low for are present in all 370Z model years.

Mileage and age of driver?

I know mine didn't start until after 8k, and only really younger folk who can still pick up those high frequencies can hear it. My dad thinks I'm crazy because he can't hear it. Well he can't hear anything to begin with. :rofl2:

SPOHN 03-05-2011 08:43 AM

My 2011 has a little whine to it at times. Alot of times I don't notice it unless I'm really paying close attention (listening). But that's mostly when sitting at ideal with no back ground noise. My car has 1200 miles on it at the moment. No big deal though. Like people cars are not perfect. Just like the ECU people whine to much also. Some get tired of it, some don't.

Lug 03-05-2011 10:32 AM

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/12/te...gy/12ring.html

ZeeingAround 03-05-2011 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGuy (Post 969561)
Got the new car edition of CR today. I expected its ongoing gripes about the 370Z's poor visibility, harsh ride, road noise and reliability (ECU whine, oil temperature, thin paint, etc) but the crowning gem in this issue is that my year, the 2009, is now listed as among the worst USED cars to buy. I'm sure this will be flaunted by my buyer during re-sale negotiations and will cost me.
Perfect example here of how much harm the press can do.

isn't that the same mag that was raving about the ford taurus?

i am going to enjoy my new Z and not waste one brain cell on what it is worth on the used market.

Put down The consmers reports and pick up a playboy. you'll feel better.

dad 03-05-2011 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeeingAround (Post 971167)
Put down The consmers reports and pick up a playboy. you'll feel better.

:iagree::bowrofl:

LunaZ 03-05-2011 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGuy (Post 969561)
Got the new car edition of CR today. I expected its ongoing gripes about the 370Z's poor visibility, harsh ride, road noise and reliability (ECU whine, oil temperature, thin paint, etc) but the crowning gem in this issue is that my year, the 2009, is now listed as among the worst USED cars to buy. I'm sure this will be flaunted by my buyer during re-sale negotiations and will cost me.
Perfect example here of how much harm the press can do.

When I went to test drive a Z, I had some pre-conceived notions based on what the magazines had said about the car. One of those ideas had to do with the road noise.
It's certainly not quiet, but it's also nowhere near as bad as the magazine writers make it out to be.

Why even buy Consumer Reports?
You can get all the whining you need for free here on this forum. :tiphat:

Jordo! 03-05-2011 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christian370z (Post 970620)
Agree on 1-4 for sure, I am shocked how I already have chips on the windshield after doing little highway driving and only 3,000 miles. They did have to hit a pretty aggressive price target and that is not an issue, just cut costs where we can't see them!

Don't get me wrong -- i love my car, and unless the FT-86 turns out to be super awesome, I'd probably just replace it down the road with another Z.

I'm just whining like a baby because of my wonky O2 sensor :shakes head:

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeeingAround (Post 971167)
Put down The consmers reports and pick up a playboy. you'll feel better.

x2


Hey -- who's the chick in your avatar?

PapoZalsa 03-05-2011 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VCuomo (Post 970517)
I wouldn't write off every '09 Z. Mine doesn't have the ECU problem at all. And all of the things that CR said owners rated the car low for are present in all 370Z model years.

:iagree:

Mine is 09 too and I don't have an ECU problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeeingAround (Post 971167)
Put down The consmers reports and pick up a playboy. you'll feel better.

:tup:

chuckd05 03-05-2011 08:22 PM

I bet if you check how many short blocks Nissan has replaced due to oil consumption you would be suprised... Talking to my service advisor he told me they have done 6-7 motors due to OC just last summer... and suprisingly a ton of AT's , but on here I have yet to see anyone have one fail...

On top of the trunk hatch, ecu whine, and road noise there is a lot going against it... but I bet OC hurts it badly

b1adesofcha0s 03-06-2011 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckd05 (Post 971628)
I bet if you check how many short blocks Nissan has replaced due to oil consumption you would be suprised... Talking to my service advisor he told me they have done 6-7 motors due to OC just last summer... and suprisingly a ton of AT's , but on here I have yet to see anyone have one fail...

On top of the trunk hatch, ecu whine, and road noise there is a lot going against it... but I bet OC hurts it badly

What is the trunk hatch issue? Is it supposed to open automatically when you push that button underneath just once? I have to push it once, then push it again and hold it, and then lift the hatch while holding the button to open it. I just thought it was a stupid way to have to open the hatch.

steveg78 03-06-2011 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1adesofcha0s (Post 972068)
What is the trunk hatch issue? Is it supposed to open automatically when you push that button underneath just once? I have to push it once, then push it again and hold it, and then lift the hatch while holding the button to open it. I just thought it was a stupid way to have to open the hatch.

THAT my friend, is the trunk hatch issue.

http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-g...ase-issue.html

http://www.the370z.com/370z-technica...se-button.html

b1adesofcha0s 03-06-2011 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveg78 (Post 972128)

Thanks man! So Im assuming Nissan will fix this for free, correct?

LunaZ 03-06-2011 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1adesofcha0s (Post 972160)
Thanks man! So Im assuming Nissan will fix this for free, correct?

Yes. Ask your service manager to check for TSBs on your car. He'll search by your VIN, so have that handy.

b1adesofcha0s 03-06-2011 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunaZ (Post 972334)
Yes. Ask your service manager to check for TSBs on your car. He'll search by your VIN, so have that handy.

Will do. Thank you sir :tiphat:

metson 03-08-2011 08:03 AM

Disappointed...
 
I'm not one of the many guys I see on this forum who can put a turbo on the car, put in a new audio system or do a new custom paint job to their Z. I'm not jealous or anything as I do enjoy reading about them and hoping some day I will be able to do some of that. I'm doing okay...just glad to have a Z which I try to take good care of as it is kind of my dream car. I was happy in a way except for property taxes of how the car held its value. But then I read this about Consumer Reports and its very disappointing because I know how it will effect things. I had this happen to me many years ago with a car that I owned. When the day comes to purchase another vehicle even another Z....the dealer will go, "Well...that year was not good as you can see in Consumer Reports so we can only give you this on the car" or if you try to sell it..some guy will go "Consumer reports says...." I like consumer reports myself but sometimes their judgement is unfair. I have had none of the issues that I read about. I guess the sad thing is that maybe all the research they hear is from people with problems and not those who are happy with the car.... Don't know if what I'm saying is making any sense as I was surprised to see this and as I said very disappointed. I'm too disappointed with Nissan. Some issues and problems they could react to better then they do and many customers would not be upset and frustrated as they get due to Nissan's reactions. Sometimes I feel that all they want to do is just sell you the car.... and then the heck with you afterwards. THANKS CONSUMER REPORTS AND NISSAN......THANK YOU!:mad:

jpit 03-08-2011 09:54 AM

Consumer Reports gives the 370Z its highest mark for holding retail value.

Sundown 03-08-2011 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGuy (Post 969561)
Got the new car edition of CR today. I expected its ongoing gripes about the 370Z's poor visibility, harsh ride, road noise and reliability (ECU whine, oil temperature, thin paint, etc) but the crowning gem in this issue is that my year, the 2009, is now listed as among the worst USED cars to buy. I'm sure this will be flaunted by my buyer during re-sale negotiations and will cost me.
Perfect example here of how much harm the press can do.

Funny thing. I just spoke with my insurance adjuster, and they valued my car at $2K more than what I owed on it. So, who said they don't hold their value?

Bunch of morons.

Super Red Z 03-08-2011 08:36 PM

I don't care.Only thing I do know I love my Z...peace out

Jordo! 03-08-2011 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metson (Post 975285)
I'm not one of the many guys I see on this forum who can put a turbo on the car, put in a new audio system or do a new custom paint job to their Z. I'm not jealous or anything as I do enjoy reading about them and hoping some day I will be able to do some of that. I'm doing okay...just glad to have a Z which I try to take good care of as it is kind of my dream car. I was happy in a way except for property taxes of how the car held its value. But then I read this about Consumer Reports and its very disappointing because I know how it will effect things. I had this happen to me many years ago with a car that I owned. When the day comes to purchase another vehicle even another Z....the dealer will go, "Well...that year was not good as you can see in Consumer Reports so we can only give you this on the car" or if you try to sell it..some guy will go "Consumer reports says...." I like consumer reports myself but sometimes their judgement is unfair. I have had none of the issues that I read about. I guess the sad thing is that maybe all the research they hear is from people with problems and not those who are happy with the car.... Don't know if what I'm saying is making any sense as I was surprised to see this and as I said very disappointed. I'm too disappointed with Nissan. Some issues and problems they could react to better then they do and many customers would not be upset and frustrated as they get due to Nissan's reactions. Sometimes I feel that all they want to do is just sell you the car.... and then the heck with you afterwards. THANKS CONSUMER REPORTS AND NISSAN......THANK YOU!:mad:

I wouldn't worry too much about it -- all cars depreciate quite a bit. Anyway, if you trade it in, the dealers will invariably fvck you running on the deal anyhow :tiphat:

In the end, you'll never get close to its theoretical value back (closer on a private sale, obviously) -- that's just the way it is with 99.99% of all cars.

Inspector71 03-09-2011 12:01 PM

Minor problems
 
I had 5 Rx7's before the Z and CR trashed them for road noise. Some friends sold their Mazdas for that reason. I never noticed or didn't care. I wasn't buying a sound studio but something that would fly and handle. Same with my 09 Z. I don't pay attention to road noise as this is a sportscar after all. I can turn up the stereo or mash the throttle and hear some sweet sounds.

BLM 03-09-2011 12:04 PM

Buying a used sports/performance car is always a crap shoot. Aside from a lot of mid life crisis-mobiles, most people buy sports cars to drive them hard. They rev the engines to redline, test the limits of braking, handling, and the transmission usually takes a beating too. It's always buyer beware. I pity the fool who ended up with my parted out WRX. I returned it to stock form but that thing had more than twice the power going through the engine and transmission than what it came with and I drove it hard.

macaddict111 05-09-2012 05:21 PM

Consumer Reports makes themselves sound like they are the authority on everything. I've read them since I was a kid. But honestly, they are the last place I would really turn. And think about it: who the hell would get product ratings literally on paper? By the time their report is published, none of the models are even on the shelf anymore! They target exactly the type of consumer that would choose a car based on a non-car specific magazine: people who don't use the internet. Honestly, who the heck buys a car because of pure economy?!? If that were the case we would all be driving a Yaris (it's a car!) They make some of the most nonsensical comparisons and honestly I think sometimes they just rate things oddly so people feel "informed" and "aloof", like they found out some product revelation they wouldn't have found anywhere else. Back when stability control was first starting to get popular on new cars, they made a VERY strong point about the fact that they would NOT RECOMMEND an otherwise perfect car if it didn't come with stability control standard, base-trim. That's when I stared to realize that Consumer Reports is more of a consumer advocacy and activist magazine than anything.

LakeShow 05-09-2012 05:23 PM

From the depths of the past.

macaddict111 05-09-2012 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeShow (Post 1712534)
From the depths of the past.

Exactly. They're the type of thing that would have been great when folks didn't really have anywhere to find out what companies weren't good and were taking advantage of customers (Shocking Revelation: Sun Lamps cause Skin Cancer!) But they've been easily outmoded and now I feel like they mainly publish stuff for the shock value than for actual information.

JAYNO20 05-09-2012 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeShow (Post 1712534)
From the depths of the past.

:icon18:

m4a1mustang 05-09-2012 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeShow (Post 1712534)
From the depths of the past.

I got it. :bowrofl:

Bucketlist2012 05-09-2012 07:33 PM

Boy....It is good.....No it is bad......No it is good....no it is bad...

I have a 2009 and I won't be checking the Oil all the Time, and i won't be looking at the temp gauge..

I will just keep the tank full of gasoline as i always do with my other cars..

Since i just bought the car, I don't know if it has any issues.. If it has Oil consumption problems, the Dealer will change the engine when it blows up..

And i bought a bumper to bumper warranty for all the other BS...

I am hoping for the best, but i will not baby the car or check it's Diaper every week..

If it blows, the dealer will fix it and they include a free rental car.

I LOVED my 2004 350Z, and I love the 370Z so far..i just have too much to worry about , to baby a newer car..

I have no complaints and if they happen, then I will deal with it..But I will not be checking and re checking the car..

If it blows....Oh well..And the Oil temp....I won't be watching the gauge... nice that they put one in, but a digital speedo would have been better..

The car better hold up, but I cannot worry about it...It is only a car, and it is only Money..

Sure i want it to be as bullet proof as my 350Z..If it ends up that it is not...Then i will deal with it then..It would only force me to buy something better, and that wouldn't be a bad deal...Costly ? Yes, i would take a financial hit, but again, it is only money..

Pampering the car is not going to happen...I just hope for the best..If it blows....it goes...

Since i have Heart and brain issues, a Car is just a pimple in Life...But I do hope my 370z does not cause me grief, but again, a Brain or a heart is Wayyyyy more of an issue in the bigger picture of life..

UNKNOWN_370 05-09-2012 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpit (Post 969696)
Despite all this, they actually rate the car highly with a score of 86 (3rd out of 26 tested). In areas that matter, acceleration, handling, braking etc. it gets top marks. Predicted depreciation is also excellent.


This is how you know for sure C**k Rider magazine is blowin smoke to help other brands.
What nissan did wrong was that they are too cheap to pay off a magazine. They'll secretly add an oil cooler that isn't stock for a better review, but they won't pay for one...:ughdance:

The Z doesn't have anymore TSB's than any other sports car Co*k Rider reports is polishing off corporate sponsors. This is why I now go to you tube for reviews from enthusiast mags that can't afford or aren't smart enough to make million dollar deals yet. They know cars, and they speak on a level I can relate.

Mazda, honda and hyundai get rode hard on CR. BMW is shyt reliable and they say it. But they would never call it a horrible car for resale... meanwhile, my Z is holding more value than bimmers, G's and benz's when I visit the dealer. Bad buy? They are talking about steering, lock, oil, fuel starve... but even still. These issues are easily overcome except fuel starve but that's the rarest one. Take them with a grain of salt.

CR sponsored by...

magnumb, do it big.

Anal eazee. When doing it big, prevent getting ripped

Hondo, mazdo and BWM. We pay to be the best. :roflpuke2:

UNKNOWN_370 05-09-2012 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucketlist2012 (Post 1712807)
Boy....It is good.....No it is bad......No it is good....no it is bad...

I have a 2009 and I won't be checking the Oil all the Time, and i won't be looking at the temp gauge..

I will just keep the tank full of gasoline as i always do with my other cars..

Since i just bought the car, I don't know if it has any issues.. If it has Oil consumption problems, the Dealer will change the engine when it blows up..

And i bought a bumper to bumper warranty for all the other BS...

I am hoping for the best, but i will not baby the car or check it's Diaper every week..

If it blows, the dealer will fix it and they include a free rental car.

I LOVED my 2004 350Z, and I love the 370Z so far..i just have too much to worry about , to baby a newer car..

I have no complaints and if they happen, then I will deal with it..But I will not be checking and re checking the car..

If it blows....Oh well..And the Oil temp....I won't be watching the gauge... nice that they put one in, but a digital speedo would have been better..

The car better hold up, but I cannot worry about it...It is only a car, and it is only Money..

Sure i want it to be as bullet proof as my 350Z..If it ends up that it is not...Then i will deal with it then..It would only force me to buy something better, and that wouldn't be a bad deal...Costly ? Yes, i would take a financial hit, but again, it is only money..

Pampering the car is not going to happen...I just hope for the best..If it blows....it goes...

Since i have Heart and brain issues, a Car is just a pimple in Life...But I do hope my 370z does not cause me grief, but again, a Brain or a heart is Wayyyyy more of an issue in the bigger picture of life..

According to past reports. The 350z was a POS too so... I guess you are on the right track of trouble free POS's.

Sponsored by

C**k R$der magazine. We blow through our corporate sponsors. :tup:


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