Questions from a prospective 370Z buyer

Mike S.

Hey Guys,

I've got a bunch of questions as a prospective buyer. First off, I'm a long time Nissan/Infiniti fan. I know the cars well. My first car was a 93 Maxima GXE (bought used in 98), an 06 Altima SE-R 6sp and now I'm driving a 09 Infiniti G37xS. Guess you could say I've steadily moved up in the car world. My G is a lease and is up in about 6 months. So, the hunt has begun. I'm pretty sure I'll be sticking with Nissan/Infiniti, but there is a bit of doubt. I really would like an updated G Sedan, but honestly, it doesn't seem like one will be out in time. They have been dragging this model out for 6 model years already and it sounds like the 2013's will be the same car too. I just don't want to drive a 2013 G that is really the same car as 2007! That said, I really don't want to leave the family. Lately I've been seriously considering a 370z and I've got a bunch of questions!

1. I do planing on driving both a 6sp and 7AT 370z. The 7AT is corporate Nissan. It seems to be pretty much praised highly in the 370z. However, the Infiniti boards are riddled with complaints, including from me. Infiniti has released TWO transmission software updates since I've had the car. Each one has helped, but it still isn't perfect. Clunkly downshifts, "Flare" when shifting, throttle lag, etc. How has it been in the 370z? I suspect that 7AT in the Z has been tuned differently right from the get go. Quicker/firmer shifts, etc. Has anyone driven both a G AND 370z?

2. Noise. I know, this is not a Lincoln. Sounds like in the early 370z model years, tire noise was a problem (but that the ride is actually better than the 350z). I saw somewhere (I can't remember) that mentioned Nissan was doing something to the air baffles (that release cabin air out of the car). Has that been a running change? Any idea?

3. Rattles/Build quality. My SE-R was a rattle trap. The G is much better, but not perfect. How is the 370z?

4. Test drove a G37 Sedan 6sp. The shifter vibrates quite a bit. I would assume it's the same in the Z. True? I plan on driving one so I can check then too.

Thanks in advance, hope to be a part of the community.

Mike S.