Nissan 370Z Forum - Some 370Z Concerns

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Some 370Z Concerns

My fiance and I are really looking at the 370Z for our next car. We are replacing our 2003 G35 Coupe. We've been doing a lot of research and are now down to the final few things that need to be addressed before making a decision. Here is our list:

Which year has the best reliability? We're not interested in the 2009 due to poor reviews and higher miles.
That back window is very small and causes concern for visibility issues. Also, the blindspots are pretty apparent but I've been told that there are extra mirrors you can stick on the sideviews to compensate. Is this the case?
The space inside the Z is really concerning. What happens if we want to put an overweight friend / family member in the passenger seat. Will it be extraordinarily uncomfortable? Is it safe for the passenger?
We live in New Orleans where there are a lot of terrible potholes and uneven roads. How will this affect the Z?
How bad is outside noise? If my fiance and I are on a long road trip will we be able to talk at a confortable volume in the car? Or will we have to scream to hear each other? I've been told there is some sort of fix for the road noise called "Dynamat". Does anyone know anything about this?
What about cargo space? Can you pack the car comfortably for two people to take a road trip for a week? It seems like if you have a navigation system there isn't any storage space in the front.
We've heard that the 370Z has reliability issues. Can someone please explain what that really means? What kind of notable issues are there?

If anyone can address any of our concerns we would be most appreciative. This whole process is a little overwhelming so we're just trying to cover all our bases the best we can. My fiance really loves this car and we want to make sure its a reasonable buy for what we need. Thanks in advanced.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cagan (Post 1837991)

Which year has the best reliability? We're not interested in the 2009 due to poor reviews and higher miles.
That back window is very small and causes concern for visibility issues. Also, the blindspots are pretty apparent but I've been told that there are extra mirrors you can stick on the sideviews to compensate. Is this the case?
The space inside the Z is really concerning. What happens if we want to put an overweight friend / family member in the passenger seat. Will it be extraordinarily uncomfortable? Is it safe for the passenger?
We live in New Orleans where there are a lot of terrible potholes and uneven roads. How will this affect the Z?
How bad is outside noise? If my fiance and I are on a long road trip will we be able to talk at a confortable volume in the car? Or will we have to scream to hear each other? I've been told there is some sort of fix for the road noise called "Dynamat". Does anyone know anything about this?
What about cargo space? Can you pack the car comfortably for two people to take a road trip for a week? It seems like if you have a navigation system there isn't any storage space in the front.
We've heard that the 370Z has reliability issues. Can someone please explain what that really means? What kind of notable issues are there?

As you can see in my signature, I owned a 03 G35 6MT so I can definitely answer some questions with having come from the same car.

1. You already owned the first year of the G35. Did you notice any major problems? Mine went in for some TSB's but that was it. The 09's in my opinion don't have any reliability problems though they may have some TSB's as they were the first year model. You do get some added features if you go later such as heated outside mirrors and music blue tooth streaming.

2. The visibility isn't any worse than the G. It is a sports car and it does have poorer visibility than a family car. I don't think it is really any worse than the G was though except out the side rear.

3. Very safe car and the seats are sport seats. They will be a little tighter for a large person (width). I don't buy my cars based upon the occasional passenger though. My wife and I have to be comfortable and that is all I care about. It only has 2 seats after all which is one of the reasons I got the G in March 03. Ordered it in November of 02.

4. I've always thought the Z to be pretty forgiving on the road. It is a sports car but again not much different than the G.

5. It is louder than the G. One of the ways to reduce weight is to take some of the sound deadening out. You do not have to yell to talk. We take it on long (5 hour or so) trips and are comfortable and not worn out at the end. You can put sound deadening in place with dynomat and other substances.

6. Not a lot of storage in front with either the nav or without the nav. There is storage behind the seats (shelves behind both and a glove box also behind passenger). The trunk holds a lot more than you think. If I go by myself, many times I've put $250 to $300 worth of Costco items in the car. You are better off to have loose items though because of the struts.

7. Just as reliable as the G. I've had 0 problems with mine. As with ANY car, you may run into problems but I laugh at those that say this is a problem car. You will see posts where someone got a lemon on here but with as many owners there are you don't see many bad posts. Every car forum has the lemon post though including the G.

I didn't need 4 seats anymore and I thought they softened the G too much with the new model thus my switch to the Z from the G. You will get more looks than the G as the car is more aggressive looking and there are not many of them out there.

I came from an 04 G35 and now have a 09 Z. I agree with everything said above. I would recommend that you take care of the steering lock issue right away. That's about the only issue I have had and I'm at 48000 miles right now both summer and winter driven.

as far as cargo space, the 370Z has more (at least usable) than your rear glove box on the G. lol

all the issues you brought up are very very minor. if you know what you are letting yourself in for...

the 370 is a true sports car it's not perfect what car is...
sounds like you won't someone to talk you into buying one. your not sold yet...

if you understand what your buying you will not be disappointed.

as far as reliable bought 09 brand new have done nothing but change the oil every 3500 miles. sitting at 44,000. only been in for service once for a new gas cap. It's a DD and the most thing i'm impressed about is that there aren't any rattle's. car is still as tight as the day i bought it.

All seem to me minor issues. Blown out of proportion on the Internet

Quote:

Originally Posted by KERMIT (Post 1838209)

All seem to me minor issues. Blown out of proportion on the Internet

^^ +1. yah, especially the double take hatch release. :facepalm:

it's like who gives a shitt just press the button twice, or just do the 4 penny mod. :icon17:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cagan (Post 1837991)

Which year has the best reliability? We're not interested in the 2009 due to poor reviews and higher miles.
That back window is very small and causes concern for visibility issues. Also, the blindspots are pretty apparent but I've been told that there are extra mirrors you can stick on the sideviews to compensate. Is this the case?
The space inside the Z is really concerning. What happens if we want to put an overweight friend / family member in the passenger seat. Will it be extraordinarily uncomfortable? Is it safe for the passenger?
We live in New Orleans where there are a lot of terrible potholes and uneven roads. How will this affect the Z?
How bad is outside noise? If my fiance and I are on a long road trip will we be able to talk at a confortable volume in the car? Or will we have to scream to hear each other? I've been told there is some sort of fix for the road noise called "Dynamat". Does anyone know anything about this?
What about cargo space? Can you pack the car comfortably for two people to take a road trip for a week? It seems like if you have a navigation system there isn't any storage space in the front.
We've heard that the 370Z has reliability issues. Can someone please explain what that really means? What kind of notable issues are there?

Ive driven my 09 NISMO from NOLA east to Tulane and Broad every weekday for the past 3 years, and I havent had one gripe with mine.

You dont need extra mirrors for the blind spots. There are no blind spots as long as you adjust your mirrors where you can see the rear fenders and the the lanes to the left or right of you at the same time. Backing up in parking lots can be tricky. You just have to use your mirrors and back out slowly.

I dont know how OW you are talking about, but I am 6ft1 270 and I am very comfortable. Im not super wide though.

As far as potholes go, we are in trouble in our city no matter what car we drive. I havent changed my routine at all from other cars I have driven. I know my routes and I drive slowly in new areas. You more so may want to worry about the areas you will be driving in flooding wise. With that said, I have lowering springs on the way, and i am scared ishless. You will be fine without a drop easily other than flooding.

Road noise is there, but you definitely dont have to scream to talk to each other, I mean its nothing like my buddy's old S2000. Once you swap from the stock tires though, I hear the road noise is much less. It isnt as bad as some people make it out to be.

Road trip can definitely handle a bunch of stuff for just 2 people.

The only notable issue would be high oil temperatures if you decide you want to track or autox the car. You would need an oil cooler in that case. For daily driving with the occasional spirited driving even in our warm climate, you will be good to go.

If you have any other question, ask away.:driving:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cagan (Post 1837991)

Which year has the best reliability? We're not interested in the 2009 due to poor reviews and higher miles.
That back window is very small and causes concern for visibility issues. Also, the blindspots are pretty apparent but I've been told that there are extra mirrors you can stick on the sideviews to compensate. Is this the case?
The space inside the Z is really concerning. What happens if we want to put an overweight friend / family member in the passenger seat. Will it be extraordinarily uncomfortable? Is it safe for the passenger?
We live in New Orleans where there are a lot of terrible potholes and uneven roads. How will this affect the Z?
How bad is outside noise? If my fiance and I are on a long road trip will we be able to talk at a confortable volume in the car? Or will we have to scream to hear each other? I've been told there is some sort of fix for the road noise called "Dynamat". Does anyone know anything about this?
What about cargo space? Can you pack the car comfortably for two people to take a road trip for a week? It seems like if you have a navigation system there isn't any storage space in the front.
We've heard that the 370Z has reliability issues. Can someone please explain what that really means? What kind of notable issues are there?

This car is not for you based on your concerns. You may want to consider a Jaguar or Aston Martin or other plush sports car. Or be like us mortals and live with the quirks of a 370Z. Qualifier - you get what you pay for.

^ I agree...this probably isn't the car for you. I have a 2009 and have loved every minute of it. My wife and I have taken many road trips with a couple travel bags, dog cage, and dog and had no problems (though the dog sat in her lap the entire time). You may want to look at something that has more than 2 seats. If you're in the market for a sports car...you're going to have to move past those concerns. Any sports car is going to be a bit louder than a family sedan and have less space.

Just my :twocents:...good luck!!

this car is not for you... Get a 335I or Lexus IS-f

I agree with everything that was said already. I have a 2009 and I came from a 2006 G35 coupe. The car is great in every way and if the G35 was good enough, the 370Z is better in every way (except for the lack of two small seats in the back) Car is alot faster and sportier too. It is noisier but I don't mind it as it's an improvement in the sports car department so that is expected. You can always get quieter tires and Dynamat the hatch to help quieten the road noise. I have not bothered and it's a non issue for me now. I would definitely not lower the car at all if you live in a place with sh!ty roads.

I still own an 06 G35 coupe so I can speak for it too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sboden (Post 1838030)

As you can see in my signature, I owned a 03 G35 6MT so I can definitely answer some questions with having come from the same car.

1. You already owned the first year of the G35. Did you notice any major problems? Mine went in for some TSB's but that was it. The 09's in my opinion don't have any reliability problems though they may have some TSB's as they were the first year model. You do get some added features if you go later such as heated outside mirrors and music blue tooth streaming.
Agreed. 09-12 370z are all the same in terms of reliability. There are only few added features on the later models.

2. The visibility isn't any worse than the G. It is a sports car and it does have poorer visibility than a family car. I don't think it is really any worse than the G was though except out the side rear.
I disagree on this one. The visibility IS worse then the g coupe. Especially on the passenger side and the rear. Back up onto the road will be little tricky especially at night. Mine is worse since I have a Nismo and that big spoiler blocks the rear view. But then again, I already get used to and it's no longer an issue for me.

3. Very safe car and the seats are sport seats. They will be a little tighter for a large person (width). I don't buy my cars based upon the occasional passenger though. My wife and I have to be comfortable and that is all I care about. It only has 2 seats after all which is one of the reasons I got the G in March 03. Ordered it in November of 02.
Agreed.

4. I've always thought the Z to be pretty forgiving on the road. It is a sports car but again not much different than the G.
Agreed. I have HKS coilovers on my g and Nismo springs on my Z, they feel about the same on the street.

5. It is louder than the G. One of the ways to reduce weight is to take some of the sound deadening out. You do not have to yell to talk. We take it on long (5 hour or so) trips and are comfortable and not worn out at the end. You can put sound deadening in place with dynomat and other substances.
Agreed. It IS louder then the g. But not like you can't talk in the car. You will get used to.

6. Not a lot of storage in front with either the nav or without the nav. There is storage behind the seats (shelves behind both and a glove box also behind passenger). The trunk holds a lot more than you think. If I go by myself, many times I've put $250 to $300 worth of Costco items in the car. You are better off to have loose items though because of the struts.
Agreed. I don't care about the storage space anyways. I bought this car as a sports car not a family car for road trip or carrying stuff. Extra weight is not allowed in here!:icon17:

7. Just as reliable as the G. I've had 0 problems with mine. As with ANY car, you may run into problems but I laugh at those that say this is a problem car. You will see posts where someone got a lemon on here but with as many owners there are you don't see many bad posts. Every car forum has the lemon post though including the G.
Agreed. I have 0 issue so far as well.

I didn't need 4 seats anymore and I thought they softened the G too much with the new model thus my switch to the Z from the G. You will get more looks than the G as the car is more aggressive looking and there are not many of them out there.

All in all, this is a pure sports car will have less passenger and storage capacity but give you more fun to drive. Another factor of the 370Z is I get more thumb ups on the road then the G coupe.:tup:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cagan (Post 1837991)

My fiance really loves this car.

Her and the 4 billion other chicks on the planet :D

I'm 6'4 235lbs with wide shoulders and its pretty comfy to sit in and drive. like any non suv/truck I get out of it's not fun, but I slide right in when getting in. I have a MT Touring model and have no issues driving it. I too was worried about the blind spots, but I got over that really quick. The hardest part for me is parking it for some reason... The car is really short but it has a wide a$$.

You get used to the slight road noise, it will be a non-issue and like mentioned above, you can get better tires.

A good idea is to go to a carmax(needs premium gas and oil change asap) and get one. Condition and miles are good and price is very reasonable. The kicker is, you have 5 days to drive it and return it with no questions asked if you don't like it.

It's really hard not to fall in love with the car. This car also holds its value really well so I'm sure if you decide to sell it in a year, it wont be much of a loss.

So why not make your fiance's 50 shades of grey dream come to fruition and get the car!