Thinking of pulling the trigger, thoughts?
 

Hey all,

Let me first introduce myself, I've been lurking for the last week or so reading up on some of the known issues (paint, oil over heating, road noise) and yet I am still here, lol.

A little bit of background on myself, I am 25 and currently drive an 07 LS460L with about 53K on the clock. Obviously this will be a change. I am considering an 09 touring with bose but no nav (going to go aftermarket on this one, suggestions?).

Here are my questions, am I making a terrible mistake? Will I miss the LS if I pull the trigger?

I want something fast, good looking, and fun (Z seems to fill all these criteria), however, I am worried about the long term build quality of the car (interior components), and the road noise. What are your thoughts?

I'll take a stab at helping you out as I own a '10 370Z Touring with Bose and also have a 2006 LS430. Obviously, they are two very very different cars. Everything you mentioned will be very noticeable in terms of the increased road noise and a lower level of build quality in certain areas. You might also miss the torque from the V8 as well at lower revs.

However, the interior of the Z is greatly improved with the touring package and it has held up very well over time. I have no complaints about build quality as everything feels very well put together and there are minimal cheap plastics in the cabin. If you plan to go aftermarket with the sound system, I would get a Base + Sports Package Z but then you miss the leather seats and suede door panel inserts and then just upgrade the base stereo to make that process easier.

i have a 09 Z with 91k on the odo no issues. make sure you get the sport pkg!

Thanks for the rapid reply. Nice to hear from a fellow LS owner who knows about the drastic change I would be in for. Unfortunately getting a base car is not an option as I am not willing to loose the leather seats. From what I understand there is a "PAC" adapter that is needed to interface with the bose speakers?

In regards to the road noise, since the car has under 8K miles on it, it still has original rubber (build date of 12/08 btw) and I am wondering if I should push the dealership as a condition of the sale to change out the tires to something that would produce less noise?

This is a used car that my local lexus dealership has so it's pretty much this Z or no Z because of the ability to transfer my Lexus warranty towards the Z and I can continue to have the Z serviced at the dealership (really like my long term service adviser).

Why do you recommend the sport package? I ask because this specific car does not have it.

Also, investing in a clear bra was going to be one of my first priorities as well as changing out the nav.

Another question, in terms of safety/size of the car, do any of you feel overly vulnerable in your Z's or do you just accept the risk and move on?

Because you are worrying so much about road noise and such I would suggest you not get a sports car and look into a G. It's more of the blend you are looking for.

I dont want a g37 considering that there is a strong likelihood this time ext year there will be a new model this time next year. I am not saying I am averse to road noise, but I'd like it to be a bit quieter.

Wats a 25 yr old driving an old geezer Lexus? Get out there and live like a 25yr old. Get the ford focus. :icon17:

^hahahah

I agree on the sport package. You get bigger brakes and syncro rev matching is amazing. As far as the road noise it really does not bother me that much. I can drive on the freeway and still have a conversation with the lady friend... unless I drive over a patch of rocks then it sounds like exploding popcorn rocks in the car and scares me everytime! But I do try to avoid rocks as much as I can!

Haha..:iagree:

+1....... :iagree: As stated the sport package is a must have. Get the paint protection film (PPF) ASAP & it is a good investment. The noise just boils down to the road condition. The Z is a sports car & it is fun to drive. My mom says that my Nismo is like being in an airplane b/c it is bumpy & noisy. The 370 itself isn't as bad, so you should be all right big guy.

PPF? you mean the clear-bra 3M not a spray on film right? Please don't tell me you fell for the dealers "never has to be waxed again" crap at the title signing :shakes head:

OP please don't buy this car and then put soft cushy quiet tires on it that ruin the handling of the car. High performance tires have some noise to them thats a part of the trade off for stickiness.

Sports packages for looks and performance, simply better!

As my DD I couldn't feel safer. The thing clings to the ground and can make avoidance maneuvers on a split second notice.

Also, I LOVE the small size. You don't have to worry about hitting anything with your bulky car.

Tossing in my 2 cents on my first post. Part of the sports car experience are looks, road noise and ride. Either can be increased or decreased in comfort/tolerance depending on what you buy and what you drive it for. My new and first Z as of Saturday :hello: (pics will follow soon) is definately a sports car and feels like it but it can be very civilized if asked to. The 370 has no bad angles to look at it from as far as I'm concerned and I've owned my share of sports cars. Even if I do have a non-spoilered roadster ;).

Absolutely get a sport package, the syncro-rev feature is great.

A nav system, with all the great tech the jammed into it, is a definate must if you like connectivity to your phone/MP3 player/tablet. The 272 page manual takes some wading through though.

Build quality I cannot answer to, but there are more plastic bits where I would have rather seen aluminium or carbon fiber, but that too can be solved.

Fast, yes it is that, it will get you in trouble with folks who drive Crown Vics etc quickly but thats half the fun isn't it...

Lastly, at least where I live, there are fewer Zs on the road than many other sports cars, no being like everyone else is good.

Hope this helps...

I will trade my Z for your LS460. That car is pimped!