New Car and Driver review of the 370z... oil temp fail!

Zaggeron · 09-03-2011, 09:53 AM

I'm thinking the real question here is whether NIssan's 370z sales suffer at all because of these sorts of reviews. If sales suffer, is it because Nissan just misjudged the American market -- Would an increase in price of 500-700 for the addition of an oil cooler really made that much of a difference to the number of units sold? Or was it just bad timing that right after they released the car there was this upsurge of moderately priced performance cars?

kent370 · 09-03-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zaggeron

I'm thinking the real question here is whether NIssan's 370z sales suffer at all because of these sorts of reviews. If sales suffer, is it because Nissan just misjudged the American market -- Would an increase in price of 500-700 for the addition of an oil cooler really made that much of a difference to the number of units sold? Or was it just bad timing that right after they released the car there was this upsurge of moderately priced performance cars?

The 370z is a low-volume enthusiast car, and as such, I think it is much more affected by bad comments in the established auto media that your typical commuter automobile.

I would offer as a counterpoint -- would the addition of a $300 (Nissan's cost in volume can't be the same as retail) oil cooler added to cost of the "Sport" package reduce sales of that package ($3000 vs $3300)?

If it reduces bad press, and it's costs are covered, IMHO, it's a good deal.

spearfish25 · 09-03-2011, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kent370

I would offer as a counterpoint -- would the addition of a $300 (Nissan's cost in volume can't be the same as retail) oil cooler added to cost of the "Sport" package reduce sales of that package ($3000 vs $3300)?

If it reduces bad press, and it's costs are covered, IMHO, it's a good deal.

100% agree. Nissan could relatively cheaply install an oil cooler package and a true 'track' brake package and transfer all the cost to the consumer who purchases them. It takes very little R&D to fix either of these issues. Then they'd have a stellar performer that can withstand these road course reviews.

daleks · 09-03-2011, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kent370

The 370z is a low-volume enthusiast car, and as such, I think it is much more affected by bad comments in the established auto media that your typical commuter automobile.

I would offer as a counterpoint -- would the addition of a $300 (Nissan's cost in volume can't be the same as retail) oil cooler added to cost of the "Sport" package reduce sales of that package ($3000 vs $3300)?

If it reduces bad press, and it's costs are covered, IMHO, it's a good deal.

This is the worst part. The fix is so simple, so why not? It's like settling for an A- because you were simply too lazy to earn an A. In honor of Nissan I made the following.

That said, I never encountered any oil temp issue with spirited driving in my NISMO. It is a non-issue, but very little about why we buy cars is based on need. Like it or not it's driven by emotional and intellectual satisfaction.

Red__Zed · 09-03-2011, 10:38 AM

Posting what I have.

Seems to be some notable exclusions from this test---wonder how bad the results would have been had they used a GSR...

sonic370 · 07-20-2012, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

Posting what I have.

Seems to be some notable exclusions from this test---wonder how bad the results would have been had they used a GSR...

come on now last place on the fun to drive list..........i call BS

kenchan · 09-03-2011, 10:40 AM

that Z on the cover looks great.

SPOHN · 09-03-2011, 10:42 AM

None of this means anything to me but it needs better pads and there are some oil cooling issues when being push hard (mostly on the track). Easily altered in my eyes. Though I know Nissan should address and they will but that's no reason I still wouldnt buy the car ten more times. Most Z owners don't push there cars like a good bit of us here. Most probably don't even know what is considered high oil temps. So even with the majority of Z's sold the car is perfect for the average driver.

Also( just thinking out loud) I wonder if Nissan made a bigger block itself with bigger oil passages but with the same displacement would that help. Whatever happens it's probably going to be easy for the pros to figure out. Nissan made a lot of improvements over the 350 and keep it the same price so next time around they'll improve more. Maybe a little more money but will be well worth it.

elmz · 09-07-2011, 11:07 AM

I find it hard to believe that a Mini and GTI is more fun to drive than a 370Z.

cossie1600 · 09-07-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmz

I find it hard to believe that a Mini and GTI is more fun to drive than a 370Z.

Small cars with a little power (Miata and Mini) are always fun to drive. It's not going to make the Vin Diesel crowd happy, but they are a blast to toss around the corner.

Cmike2780 · 09-07-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

Small cars with a little power (Miata and Mini) are always fun to drive. It's not going to make the Vin Diesel crowd happy, but they are a blast to toss around the corner.

Totally agree.

kenchan · 09-03-2011, 10:44 AM

yep, the article means nothing to me either. ive never had issues with the pads or oil temps in my weekend drives.

Red__Zed · 09-03-2011, 10:50 AM

^ part of the reason I (and everyone else that probably should) pretty much ignore anything C&D has to say. The staff is primarily composed of wannabe car guys with access to test equipment and tracks. They nitpick things that are non-issues to people that actually track (if you track with stock pads, you deserve what you get), and gloss over certain things that are ACTUALLY issues to people that run the cars hard (like the inherent understeer in the Z and EVO chassis.

Red__Zed · 09-03-2011, 10:51 AM

and then people that don't actually track freak out over things that don't matter to them, like oil temps and brakes.

kenchan · 09-03-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

and then people that don't actually track freak out over things that don't matter to them, like oil temps and brakes.

this is so true.

09-03-2011, 09:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
Zaggeron A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,951 Drives: '10 370ZR '13 BRZ Rep Power: 19	I'm thinking the real question here is whether NIssan's 370z sales suffer at all because of these sorts of reviews. If sales suffer, is it because Nissan just misjudged the American market -- Would an increase in price of 500-700 for the addition of an oil cooler really made that much of a difference to the number of units sold? Or was it just bad timing that right after they released the car there was this upsurge of moderately priced performance cars? __________________ 2010 Platinum Graphite 370z Roadster:Touring/Sport 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited

09-03-2011, 10:42 AM	#8 (permalink)
SPOHN A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Covington, GA Age: 46 Posts: 14,844 Drives: Waiting on next Z Rep Power: 222	None of this means anything to me but it needs better pads and there are some oil cooling issues when being push hard (mostly on the track). Easily altered in my eyes. Though I know Nissan should address and they will but that's no reason I still wouldnt buy the car ten more times. Most Z owners don't push there cars like a good bit of us here. Most probably don't even know what is considered high oil temps. So even with the majority of Z's sold the car is perfect for the average driver. Also( just thinking out loud) I wonder if Nissan made a bigger block itself with bigger oil passages but with the same displacement would that help. Whatever happens it's probably going to be easy for the pros to figure out. Nissan made a lot of improvements over the 350 and keep it the same price so next time around they'll improve more. Maybe a little more money but will be well worth it. __________________

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09-03-2011, 10:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
Red__Zed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: window seat Posts: 28,940 Drives: Mostly on two wheels Rep Power: 121	Posting what I have. Seems to be some notable exclusions from this test---wonder how bad the results would have been had they used a GSR...

09-03-2011, 10:40 AM	#7 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141522	that Z on the cover looks great.

09-07-2011, 11:07 AM	#9 (permalink)
elmz Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 674 Drives: 2014 Porsche Boxster Rep Power: 18	I find it hard to believe that a Mini and GTI is more fun to drive than a 370Z.

09-03-2011, 10:44 AM	#12 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141522	yep, the article means nothing to me either. ive never had issues with the pads or oil temps in my weekend drives.

09-03-2011, 10:50 AM	#13 (permalink)
Red__Zed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: window seat Posts: 28,940 Drives: Mostly on two wheels Rep Power: 121	^ part of the reason I (and everyone else that probably should) pretty much ignore anything C&D has to say. The staff is primarily composed of wannabe car guys with access to test equipment and tracks. They nitpick things that are non-issues to people that actually track (if you track with stock pads, you deserve what you get), and gloss over certain things that are ACTUALLY issues to people that run the cars hard (like the inherent understeer in the Z and EVO chassis.

09-03-2011, 10:51 AM	#14 (permalink)
Red__Zed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: window seat Posts: 28,940 Drives: Mostly on two wheels Rep Power: 121	and then people that don't actually track freak out over things that don't matter to them, like oil temps and brakes.