370z as a first car

Th3 On3 · 06-24-2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattP725

Id say no. Blind spots, bit more maintenance sensitive than say a civic or Camry, and too much power/temptation for your average teenager. Also not much space for your average high school/college student with any sort of active lifestyle. It would never function as my only car either. Oh yeah and lackluster mpg and premium fuel requirements will mean 70-100 dollars a week in fuel.

All just my opinion.

This!

- The One -

Tribalpinoy91 · 06-24-2012, 11:19 AM

Not to mention the Z car's ability to make you feel a much better driver than you really are.

DarkZ · 06-24-2012, 11:30 AM

Not only does it have a huge passenger side blind spot, there is always some giant knob riding in that blind spot and staring at my car. Almost every time I need to switch lanes on the highway to exit right, I have to punch it before I make the switch just to make sure I go past anyone that may be there because my car hypnotized their dumb ***. You know the kind. They are the same mouth-breathers that feel the need to turn their flashers on in the rain so you can't tell what lane they may go to.

I have even thought about getting those little blind spot mirrors that go on each sides door mirror like the Mustangs have now.

DarkJak · 06-24-2012, 12:06 PM

More likely than not, you'll run your first car into things like curbs, mailboxes, and maybe other cars. When I started driving, it was enough knowing that I may scratch the paint or the wheels on our old family car. I'd suggest getting a lot of time behind a more forgiving car at first to get used to driving around through traffic and then move on to a more powerful car when you feel comfortable driving your car at the limits.

+1 for the FR-S, BR-Z making a pretty good first car, along with the Miata. They handle very well while not having as much power to get you into trouble fast. Nothing wrong with starting with the family sedan either. Much more practical and less of a burden to not ding it.

rich conover · 06-24-2012, 01:06 PM

You should listen to those more experienced, though applaud your first choice.

My first was a 69 Nova that I beefed up with headers, high rise, cam, holley 650, and transmission work. Not much more power than today's 370....maybe just a little.
Ended up with a nice BIG "V" in the truck when it got away from me and back ended a telephone pole.

You have time...wait for the 470Z.

blaQouT · 06-24-2012, 09:47 PM

I got an 06 Infinti g35 coupe when I was 16 and I am 19 now. But it was an Automatic and I am currently looking for a 6MT. Did a few minor things such as hit a garbage can (scratch), curbed my rims, avoided a wreck, etc. Got my first speeding ticket during first week of getting my license but never gotten another one until a few months ago. Just be a responsible driver and know your limits.

Ackrite · 06-25-2012, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

From what I read so far... the FR-S and BRZ seem like great first cars. Acceptably quick, very neutral in daily driving and tossable when having fun. Quick without being exaggeratedly fast. A Z for a first time buyer has too much margin for error.
I don't believe FWD is a good first time car due to its plow effect in corners. FWD is harder to control for a youngbuck starting out and trying to develop good driving habits. RWD is better. Keep your VDC on, on roads in your car no matter what... Lower hp rwd is a great way to start... and get a MANUAL. I love my auto but if you're starting out? Get the manual. That way you know how to drive both.

Just remember ONE true rule and you won't have a problem.

Its not how fast your car can go that matters. Its how well you can handle the car. A car should be an extension of you before you attempt to go fast. And that takes time in the drivers seat.

As long as he's not like this guy then the FRS/BRZ should be good. This is a good example of why you keep traction control on and don't try to show off.

UNKNOWN_370 · 06-25-2012, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

I do not. Having watched so many new drivers bounce their car off minor objects, until they get the hang of it. Then, they learn how to avoid things and it is time to upgrade. The Z has a huge blind spot on the right hand side. To learn with blind spot and too much power seems the wrong fit right out of the chute.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ackrite

As long as he's not like this guy then the FRS/BRZ should be good. This is a good example of why you keep traction control on and don't try to show off.

I addressed this issue on the last paragraph of my post. the you drive any car, sports or not, like a D1ck and that's the outcome.

mhcoss · 06-25-2012, 04:07 AM

yea. you need something slow and fwd as your first car.

falconfixer · 06-25-2012, 05:57 AM

I'd look for something along the lines of a mid 80s Dodge Aries K-Car. Very forgiving, great gas mileage and built like a tank.

DjSquall · 06-25-2012, 07:24 AM

The Z is my first car and Pretty much learned to drive in it. The biggest concern is that you will want to have fun, but the car is so damn unforgiving. I didn't find the blind spots an issue, just correctly setting up the mirrors and looking out keeping track of other cars will help. My biggest concern was the lack of visibility around the car, especially in tight areas with curbs. I can't see anything within 10' of the car.

When you take it to a car wash, make sure you go to the drive through ones, not the ones where there's a rail for the wheels. The wheels are too wide to fit, you will destroy your rims.

And I can't stress this any more, but respect the power. This is a 2-ton missile that doesn't hesitate to break loose and out of control. VDC off = bye bye car. No joke. Avoid showing off, because it WILL result in a wreck. I personally pulverized 18" of curb and had to replace my rims after sending my Z airborne just in my second week of owning it. Be extra extra careful in the rain and easy on the right foot.

If you have a head on your shoulders and can be responsible, get the Z.
If you want to fool around just to impress friends and chicks, don't get the car.

SS66 · 06-25-2012, 08:35 AM

Buy the car. If you survive and become a better driver it is all good. If you do not then we can call it a thinning of the herd. Just kidding. Good luck.

Spikuh · 06-25-2012, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Yes lets start with even MORE power!

He said Mustang, not a 5.0....so obviously its the V-6.

And OP, just get your mirrors setup correctly and keep VDC on until you get thoroughly adjusted to the power.

SS66 · 06-26-2012, 08:08 AM

Dude your a guy....... Guys don't ask other guys if you should buy a car you know you want. Man up and go with what you want. The Z. Drive the Z and get use to everything mentioned here good and bad. This thread feels soft and cuddily. PS. Don't buy an 80's Dodge K-car. LOL
Again good luck.

ALTN8NRG · 06-26-2012, 10:15 AM

Nope...Definitely not a good first car. It has poor visibility. It's low to the ground (can't hop a curb), expensive; the list goes on. Are you talking about first car as in for a new driver??

06-24-2012, 09:47 PM	#36 (permalink)
blaQouT Base Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Atlanta Posts: 19 Drives: . Rep Power: 13	I got an 06 Infinti g35 coupe when I was 16 and I am 19 now. But it was an Automatic and I am currently looking for a 6MT. Did a few minor things such as hit a garbage can (scratch), curbed my rims, avoided a wreck, etc. Got my first speeding ticket during first week of getting my license but never gotten another one until a few months ago. Just be a responsible driver and know your limits. Last edited by blaQouT; 06-24-2012 at 10:01 PM.

06-24-2012, 11:19 AM	#32 (permalink)
Tribalpinoy91 Track Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 607 Drives: 370z PW Rep Power: 14	Not to mention the Z car's ability to make you feel a much better driver than you really are.

06-24-2012, 11:30 AM	#33 (permalink)
DarkZ Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 76 Drives: 10 BCherry 6MT Sport Rep Power: 15	Not only does it have a huge passenger side blind spot, there is always some giant knob riding in that blind spot and staring at my car. Almost every time I need to switch lanes on the highway to exit right, I have to punch it before I make the switch just to make sure I go past anyone that may be there because my car hypnotized their dumb ***. You know the kind. They are the same mouth-breathers that feel the need to turn their flashers on in the rain so you can't tell what lane they may go to. I have even thought about getting those little blind spot mirrors that go on each sides door mirror like the Mustangs have now.

06-24-2012, 12:06 PM	#34 (permalink)
DarkJak A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,393 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 13448	More likely than not, you'll run your first car into things like curbs, mailboxes, and maybe other cars. When I started driving, it was enough knowing that I may scratch the paint or the wheels on our old family car. I'd suggest getting a lot of time behind a more forgiving car at first to get used to driving around through traffic and then move on to a more powerful car when you feel comfortable driving your car at the limits. +1 for the FR-S, BR-Z making a pretty good first car, along with the Miata. They handle very well while not having as much power to get you into trouble fast. Nothing wrong with starting with the family sedan either. Much more practical and less of a burden to not ding it.

06-24-2012, 01:06 PM	#35 (permalink)
rich conover Base Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: pa Posts: 32 Drives: 012 370z Rep Power: 13	You should listen to those more experienced, though applaud your first choice. My first was a 69 Nova that I beefed up with headers, high rise, cam, holley 650, and transmission work. Not much more power than today's 370....maybe just a little. Ended up with a nice BIG "V" in the truck when it got away from me and back ended a telephone pole. You have time...wait for the 470Z.

06-25-2012, 04:07 AM	#39 (permalink)
mhcoss Track Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Edmonton Posts: 520 Drives: 2012 370Z SPORT M/T Rep Power: 14	yea. you need something slow and fwd as your first car.

06-25-2012, 05:57 AM	#40 (permalink)
falconfixer Track Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: 10aC Posts: 978 Drives: Taco Rep Power: 76	I'd look for something along the lines of a mid 80s Dodge Aries K-Car. Very forgiving, great gas mileage and built like a tank.

06-25-2012, 07:24 AM	#41 (permalink)
DjSquall A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tottenham, ON Age: 36 Posts: 1,340 Drives: My first car Rep Power: 22	The Z is my first car and Pretty much learned to drive in it. The biggest concern is that you will want to have fun, but the car is so damn unforgiving. I didn't find the blind spots an issue, just correctly setting up the mirrors and looking out keeping track of other cars will help. My biggest concern was the lack of visibility around the car, especially in tight areas with curbs. I can't see anything within 10' of the car. When you take it to a car wash, make sure you go to the drive through ones, not the ones where there's a rail for the wheels. The wheels are too wide to fit, you will destroy your rims. And I can't stress this any more, but respect the power. This is a 2-ton missile that doesn't hesitate to break loose and out of control. VDC off = bye bye car. No joke. Avoid showing off, because it WILL result in a wreck. I personally pulverized 18" of curb and had to replace my rims after sending my Z airborne just in my second week of owning it. Be extra extra careful in the rain and easy on the right foot. If you have a head on your shoulders and can be responsible, get the Z. If you want to fool around just to impress friends and chicks, don't get the car.

06-25-2012, 08:35 AM	#42 (permalink)
SS66 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 165 Drives: 2011 370Z SP m6 Rep Power: 14	Buy the car. If you survive and become a better driver it is all good. If you do not then we can call it a thinning of the herd. Just kidding. Good luck.

06-26-2012, 08:08 AM	#44 (permalink)
SS66 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 165 Drives: 2011 370Z SP m6 Rep Power: 14	Dude your a guy....... Guys don't ask other guys if you should buy a car you know you want. Man up and go with what you want. The Z. Drive the Z and get use to everything mentioned here good and bad. This thread feels soft and cuddily. PS. Don't buy an 80's Dodge K-car. LOL Again good luck.

06-26-2012, 10:15 AM	#45 (permalink)
ALTN8NRG Base Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Northern VA Posts: 15 Drives: 2010 370Z M6 SIL Rep Power: 14	Nope...Definitely not a good first car. It has poor visibility. It's low to the ground (can't hop a curb), expensive; the list goes on. Are you talking about first car as in for a new driver??