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!

Lexus sedan to a Z? Hmmm I don't know? Why don't you test drive a 335I or G37s. You are concerned about a new model G coming out next year but. 6 to 9 months after that, there will be a new Z. Maybe you should hold on to your lex for a while? See what the new sports cars will bring. BMW updates will be coming in a year. Mustang redesign, infiniti redesign, corvette redesign, audi refresh... new benz models, subaru brz, frs is already being shipped to our shores... and you seem to have particular tastes with your cars... just a thought.

DUDE NO...... 3M isn't the only one that makes the clear bra & it is called Paint Protection Film (PPF). I'm not talking about some cheap spray on crap. One can go with Xpel, 3M, Sun Tek & etc (just do the research). I would hope one would put more than just a clear bra on a car like covering up front fenders, hood, outside mirrors. As I stated earlier this should be the first thing to-do.

I find it interesting that you put that time frame on the redesign of the Z. Obviously they do share platforms and it will only be a matter of time before the new Z deputes, however, I would anticipate that since the 13' Z just came out as a refresh and the previous 350Z seemed to go two years when it underwent the refresh (raised hood) that perhaps the life span of the Z is longer than anticipated.

In regards to the sport package, I know the sport brakes have been tested with a 60-0 distance of 101 feet. Does anyone know what the non sport brakes stopping distance is?

Interesting comments, keep them coming!

The 13 will be out in a couple of months. It will most likely run 2 model years. The new infinit will be out early next year. So its not that far away. Braking on standard brakes is 118ft and 101ft is with S tune pads on sport brakes. I have that option. On standard its 103ft. The sport pkg brakes are just a part of it. 19" forged rays eng. Wheels (volk), vlsd, and potenzas which are very sticky on the street. The base Z gets about .94g on a skidpad. A sport pkg 1.01g. Big difference.

Also, the 350z wasn't just a raised hood. The engine was redesigned to be the VQ35hr. Which the 3.7 is the bored out version of the same engine along with vvel technology. There were upgrades in interior quality as well.

I'll give you my thoughts on this matter.

Squeeze the trigger; never pull.

That's what I meant, the name is not so important. A few cars ago a dealer tried to get me on a "paint treatment" where it "never needs to be waxed" crap I was hoping you didn't mean that...which you didn't :yum:

118ft? I had no idea there was that much performance difference between the two braking set ups. I assumed it meant that the brakes would be fade resistant and would sequel when they were not properly warmed up.

Since this car does not have the sport package, can anyone recommend anything that would decrease the stopping distance without having to invest in a BBK?

Good pads will help but it wont hold weight against a BBK

Any particular brand of pads in mind? Would changing out the rotors to either slotted or cross drilled be worth it?

Not at all. For a street car, the cF of the tires is the main factor in stopping distances. R Compounds are going to the car in less distance then a M&S tire all other things being equal. Changing the pad/rotor for a single stop won't change this.

I have not driven non-sport brakes so I cannot comment on their feel. The OEM Nissan pads on the sport setup are very well matched IMHO. Brake grab is excellent without being too touchy.

- b

Oh hell no....... Sometimes those guys are fools.

For the street, the sport brakes are incredible. Upgrading the pads almost feels like too much, almost.

The stock tires make more road noise than Michelins, but this is not a quiet car like a Lexus regardless.

The stock brake will have harder initial bite and won't fade on the street under normal conditions or mild aggressive driving. Get into it and well, they're stock brakes. Akebono sport brakes (sport pkg) will never fade on the street and with proper pads won't ever fade on a track. Add a brake cooling kit and you are unstoppable brake-wise for a relatively low cost. Something you will never achieve with the stock brakes.

You have 2 choices for better brake performance that won't brake the bank.

1. EBC dimpled slotted rotors made for non sport only Z's (makes no fkin sense y we don't have) yellow stuff brake pads and brake lines from your company of choice will add really good power to yourstock brakes. But at best, they will be good only for mild track days.

2. Buy a used or new set of the OEM sport brake kit. New you can go to your dealership or Z1 motorsports. Used, you can look on the forum. The stock OEM brakes give you the same stopping power and reliabilty as the aftermarket with some minor mods. (Upgraded rotors and pads) stillen brake cooling is important no matter which BBk you go for. The general car design won't allow for proper cooling in extreme conditions without the cooling kit. Its only $300. You can probably fashion your own for half the price?

But don't believe Z hater hype about the brakes not being good enough. If you know the weaknesses? Its a relatively cheap weakness to overcome. And considering that after the mods your braking from 60mph can be as fast as sub 100ft? These are excellent brakes. One of the best in the industry. Just pick your brake mods wisely and always do brakes and possibly suspension before engine.
(GENERALLY SPEAKING, If people aren't addressing their stopping before go power and they want to track? Then I don't know where peoples common sense is @. )
Secondly. I would always modify stock brakes for betterbrake handling just cuz. Its not just about the sport. It may save your or someone elses life.

Incredibly useful post, thank you. I'll be frank, I won't ever take the car to the track, however, the idea of sub 100ft braking get's me as I am a bit of a safety nut.

Found this link from Z1 (Z1 Akebono Sport Brake Upgrade Package), and I think it may be the best option.

If you're not intending to track the car, would the upgrade to the sport brakes be enough or should I still consider the brake cooling kit from Stillen?

I was considering buying their (Stillen) exhaust until I realized my exhaust money might be better off going towards brakes, hahahaha.

Now that we have the brake situation covered, who can explain to me what needs to be done to have the Bose speakers work correctly with a Pioneer Avic 940?

I'd like to have all of the same features I have in my Lexus (nav, bt, xm, back up camera), however, I understand there is an issue with aftermarket head units interacting correctly with the bose speakers?

Fuzzywuzzy said it , look at the G Coupe, The Z is more of a raw sports car, IMO. I cross shopped both, Just was better for me going with the G.

RE: If you're not intending to track the car, would the upgrade to the sport brakes be enough or should I still consider the brake cooling kit from Stillen?

I'll say no you do not. I did it exclusively for the track.

IMHO if I had to do it over again I would get the base over the touring. The price jump isnt worth it especially when it takes so much to change out the headunit.
The touring seats are nicer but its only leather on the edges of the seat. You can always get leather seat covers later on for pretty cheap. And the door panels wouldnt be bad either plus both are easy to take apart.
Save the money on the touring and invest in an exhaust.

If your not intending to track... the EBC option on a non-sport Z would work. I am a strong proponent of purchasing the sport pkg. But I won't tell you its an absolute must if you won't track and you like the base Z.
That said. I would also seriously consider a G37. You might find it more comfortable. In the case of the G, what your second mod after brakes would be a good coilover. KW, HKS and JIC are the best for the G. Just something to ponder... removing the midpipe resonator is a good temporary mod while you ponder on exhausts.

:iagree:

The seats in the touring are very nice. Custom leather is nicer. And the touring is very expensive to mod the stereo. I bought a base for this reason.

But my advice is more catered to what OP's opinions are. Not my own preferences. Some people just can't get past choosing cloth over factory leather.

I would greatly prefer the leather over factory seats. My main complaint so far is just how much money I have to dump into the car in order to get it to where I want it to be (nav, bluetooth, back up camera, etc...)

Overall based on your responses to questions along with your OP it appears that the things that are important to you are not necessarily what the Z are good at. It does not seem as if you are a sports car enthusiast. I would hold on to the Lexus until the point that you can get sport turing model such as a M5. If you went with the Z you will have too many complaints.

Let me ask a few questions.

1. Aside from the Z being a nice car. Why do you want it?

2. How much money iis in your budget for a Z or vehicle? Monthly payment or total price.

3. Is the Z a status car for you or are you an enthusiast?

I will tell yyou right now that if you like it cuz its nice and are just trying to pile up as much luxury as possible just to stay feeling at home coming from a lex??? There are better cars out there for you.
If the Z is pricey? So is insurance.

If luxury is very important? The Z will wear out on you fast. I have a base and have driven a few tourings. I don't feel much of a difference feature wise. I'm so focused on driving that the little extras mean nothing. Z quality at its base point is high. But far from luxury high.
The more comments you make, the more I have to agree that this car doesn't seem ideal. Like I said before. Look at the G, look at some used bimmers. They will give you 90% of the sporting intention of the Z with more of what you like. A base Z and a journey G from 2009 run about the same. The difference is. In a G. You will get radio from bose, leather, moonroof and possibly a nav. Z, you get a shytty stereo and a great sports pkg. But you say you have little sporting intentions. So it doesn't matter. The EBC's will run on a G as well, you will have back seats and room. And at the pace you plan on driving. You won't feel much difference between the two in terms of performance.

You can always rim up and add akebonos later while getting more of what you want. The Z has nav but won't match up. And if you can get an 08 or 09 Z with that now defunct tech package paint? Your residual value will stay high for a long time if the paint still looks new? Tech package are highly sought after do to the self healing clearcoat.

You can get a Z if you really want it. I just don't see you being happy in the long term. You have lots of good advice here. I just hope whatever you decide? You really truly think it through... good luck man. Making these kinds of changes aren't easy.

Another option is wait for the next gen Z. I'm sure luxury standards will increase while reducing some weight for better performance. :tiphat:

honestly, i dont think the road noise is that bad. i can drive around with someone in the car and have a normal conversation, with the radio on, and not having to raise my voice. IMO the road noise on a 1-10 scale is like a 3 or 4.. obviously a sedan is pretty quiet, but unless you have extremely sensitive ears, i dont see what the "road noise fuss" is about. not saying anyone in this topic is complaining on road noise, im just saying in general...

Neither do I. What's worse is people complaining about the ride being too harsh. Lmfao. Really???? Lol. I actually think for a sports car. Its pretty soft imho. For a regular car, its hard but the Z is not a regular car. :driving: