I just had my first test drive in a 370Z

cossie1600 · 09-08-2012, 10:45 AM

So do most cars, it isn't a luxury feature. Cars evolved, so do people.

MacCool · 09-08-2012, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

So do most cars, it isn't a luxury feature. Cars evolved, so do people.

It's not a luxury feature on the Z either, right? The point is, where does one draw the line? Everyone is different. I expect power windows, AC, cruise control. I don't care about road noise beyond a certain level. Back in the 80's, Nissan assumed that their Z customers wanted soft handling, velour interior, decreased road noise etc. I mean, what's a little body roll and jello-like shocks if the majority don't want to be bothered by tar strips in the road? Some apparently would like Nissan to "evolve" back in that direction. If they do, no doubt I'll look elsewhere for my next sports car. Again.

GTMat · 09-10-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huck

Also, check out the audio section of this forum where you can get a free sample of GTmat, and get a great deal on more when you want to buy it. It has DRAMATICALLY reduced the level of noise in my car.

What he said ^^

Check out some reviews here: FREE! GTMat Automotive Sound Deadener

Huck · 09-08-2012, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellmen

Manual gearbox - seemed clunky. I didn't like it much. I've read reviews claiming the automatic does the engine more justice, does it?

Noise. My god. Ok, I've never owned a performance car before so what do I know, but jesus it's loud. Swedish roads are not in great shape, but the road noise was very much an issue. I'm not sure I could cope with this car alone, I'd need an A-to-B carrier for transportation and shopping or lose my hearing after 500 miles.

I also connected my iPhone via bluetooth and called a friend to check that function. I heard him fine but he said I came through horribly. Sounded like talking out of a tin can. Unfortunate since I was hoping for a good hands-free integration. Maybe it was just that one time.

But, driving-wise, hair on fire bad-*** fun which is what I came hoping for. I'm in the market for a fun and impractical sports car to thrill me for 1-2 years. No kids, no wife, not even a dog. It's readily available at good prices in Germany thanks to the cheap euro, much less than similar cars from porsche and BMW.

If you had the choice between a used Porsche Cayman S, BMW Z4 35is, 335i convertible or M3 convertible or a spanking new 370z which would you go for?

I've emailed the sales guy to get an idea of what the cost of ownership is, service intervals and so on. Any major snags to expect? As a brand, Nissan is pretty reliable isn't it? Much like Honda.

Anyway, I appreciate any input. I wouldn't want to pass up a great car based on it being loud.

Also, I'm not sure what it's like in the US, but in sweden cars like this tend to lose value quite quickly. The market for them is not great to begin with and people tend to stick with the well-known models and brands. In the segment, I think the 370z is a bit of an outsider. I've yet to see one on the roads here at least, but I've seen three GT-Rs so far.

the stick is clunky, but I don't really notice it anymore. I love driving stick.

Noise. Ditch the loud stock tires and get Continental DW's, much better for noise and a good tire. Also, check out the audio section of this forum where you can get a free sample of GTmat, and get a great deal on more when you want to buy it. It has DRAMATICALLY reduced the level of noise in my car.

You're gonna upgrade the stock cd player anyway, so get one with bluetooth and mount the mic either under your rear view mirror or on your steering cluster somewhere. Problem solved.

Get this car. The others you mentioned are also nice, but there's something about this one that I love. You won't regret it, especially after you throw a few mods on there, the car REALLY wakes up

Sent from my iPizzle using magic and new-fangled science stuff

wilsonp · 09-08-2012, 05:45 PM

I would say definitely a Cayman S over the 370Z (possibly my next car). Top Gear liked the BMW over the 370Z but I would only get it if you wanted a hard top convertible (interesting to me, but I'm not that into front engine cars). My personal issue with both is no local dealers (45 minutes away) and I was tired of taking the NSX to the Acura dealer.

I think I'd also miss some of the 370Z technology in the other cars (I have Touring sport with 7AT).

If you get an older Cayman S PDK, try to get one with the paddles, the earlier/cheaper shift buttons not as nice.

MacCool · 09-08-2012, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilsonp

Top Gear liked the BMW over the 370Z but I would only get it if you wanted a hard top convertible (interesting to me, but I'm not that into front engine cars)

Are you talking about this episode?

Arabian Drift | We Love Cars, Do You? - Top Gear - BMW Z4 vs. Nissan 370Z

If so, you might have drawn the wrong conclusion.

UNKNOWN_370 · 09-11-2012, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilsonp

I would say definitely a Cayman S over the 370Z (possibly my next car). Top Gear liked the BMW over the 370Z but I would only get it if you wanted a hard top convertible (interesting to me, but I'm not that into front engine cars). My personal issue with both is no local dealers (45 minutes away) and I was tired of taking the NSX to the Acura dealer.

I think I'd also miss some of the 370Z technology in the other cars (I have Touring sport with 7AT).

If you get an older Cayman S PDK, try to get one with the paddles, the earlier/cheaper shift buttons not as nice.

Top Gear loves the kia rio over the 370z...

dmhenderson · 09-10-2012, 01:38 PM

It has taken me 3 years and 2 370zs to really master the cluch work on this car. It has a hair trigger and you have to know when to feather and ease off. Stomping pedals doesn't work with the 370 for sure.

hellmen · 09-11-2012, 08:11 AM

Thanks for all the input, I'm still looking at a purchase in the spring, but I'm more and more geared towards the convertible now.

I was wondering what the service scheme looks like, how often and what costs are involved. Are there any problems with the roof? Any maintenance costs the coupe doesn't have?

DIGItonium · 09-11-2012, 08:17 AM

All cars need maintenance of some sort. When you're under warranty, try to resolve whatever issues arise.

Oh, and if you think this car is fun wait until you get bit by the mod bug.

2theextreme · 09-11-2012, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DIGItonium

All cars need maintenance of some sort. When you're under warranty, try to resolve whatever issues arise.

Oh, and if you think this car is fun wait until you get bit by the mod bug.

What is this "mod bug" you speak of? I have never heard of it.

DIGItonium · 09-12-2012, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2theextreme

What is this "mod bug" you speak of?

OP check out his photo album. He has a fairly mild case of this mod bug. Oh and I have one , too!

hellmen · 09-13-2012, 02:41 PM

I don't even have one yet and I'm already looking at what you can modify and improve he he.

Mt Tam I am · 09-13-2012, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellmen

I've wanted one ever since I saw a 350Z next to me in Miami. The looks are fantastic, the 370z really stands out. I booked a test drive at home (in sweden) and drove a black 2012 version for about 20 mins. It was hard to do it justice because of all the traffic.

Manual gearbox - seemed clunky. I didn't like it much. I've read reviews claiming the automatic does the engine more justice, does it?

Noise. My god. Ok, I've never owned a performance car before so what do I know, but jesus it's loud. Swedish roads are not in great shape, but the road noise was very much an issue. I'm not sure I could cope with this car alone, I'd need an A-to-B carrier for transportation and shopping or lose my hearing after 500 miles.

I also connected my iPhone via bluetooth and called a friend to check that function. I heard him fine but he said I came through horribly. Sounded like talking out of a tin can. Unfortunate since I was hoping for a good hands-free integration. Maybe it was just that one time.

But, driving-wise, hair on fire bad-*** fun which is what I came hoping for. I'm in the market for a fun and impractical sports car to thrill me for 1-2 years. No kids, no wife, not even a dog. It's readily available at good prices in Germany thanks to the cheap euro, much less than similar cars from porsche and BMW.

If you had the choice between a used Porsche Cayman S, BMW Z4 35is, 335i convertible or M3 convertible or a spanking new 370z which would you go for?

I've emailed the sales guy to get an idea of what the cost of ownership is, service intervals and so on. Any major snags to expect? As a brand, Nissan is pretty reliable isn't it? Much like Honda.

Anyway, I appreciate any input. I wouldn't want to pass up a great car based on it being loud.

Also, I'm not sure what it's like in the US, but in sweden cars like this tend to lose value quite quickly. The market for them is not great to begin with and people tend to stick with the well-known models and brands. In the segment, I think the 370z is a bit of an outsider. I've yet to see one on the roads here at least, but I've seen three GT-Rs so far.

Except for the guy who has never heard of an AT guy wanting a MT later, all the input was good.

MT not as nice as a BMW's buttery smooth clutch.

Noise gets tiring on a long trip. I disliked it so much I bought a better exhaust and tires that made the entire car more enjoyable.

The Blue tooth works so well people do not know I'm mobile, until I start bringing up the revs. By 6,00rpms it is hard to hear and everybody now knows I'm mobile.

If you live in Sweeden get the heated seats. The convertible can too.

Good luck.

hellmen · 09-14-2012, 04:49 PM

Would you say the car is good to go straight from the dealers or is there stuff that needs adding or fixing to make it "right"? I ask because there seems to be many people with overheating issues and oil cooling. Maybe that's just for people who drive on racing circuits? Seems like the 370z was built for that on the other hand. Can I pick up a 2012 and just drive it normally without any mods or tuning and expect a good experience or is there a list of points to fix that Nissan overlooked in you opinion(s)?

09-08-2012, 05:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
wilsonp A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,134 Drives: 2009 Touring Sp Nav Rep Power: 18	I would say definitely a Cayman S over the 370Z (possibly my next car). Top Gear liked the BMW over the 370Z but I would only get it if you wanted a hard top convertible (interesting to me, but I'm not that into front engine cars). My personal issue with both is no local dealers (45 minutes away) and I was tired of taking the NSX to the Acura dealer. I think I'd also miss some of the 370Z technology in the other cars (I have Touring sport with 7AT). If you get an older Cayman S PDK, try to get one with the paddles, the earlier/cheaper shift buttons not as nice. __________________ 2014 Cayman S PDK Sport Chrono White/Black Was 2009 370Z Touring Sport+Nav 7AT Metallic Black/Persimmon Was 1991 NSX Auto Black/Black

09-10-2012, 01:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
dmhenderson A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 5,930 Drives: AWD TT 370z Rep Power: 27	It has taken me 3 years and 2 370zs to really master the cluch work on this car. It has a hair trigger and you have to know when to feather and ease off. Stomping pedals doesn't work with the 370 for sure. __________________

09-11-2012, 08:17 AM	#10 (permalink)
DIGItonium A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,800 Drives: 09 Z34-TT 6MT Rep Power: 43	All cars need maintenance of some sort. When you're under warranty, try to resolve whatever issues arise. Oh, and if you think this car is fun wait until you get bit by the mod bug. __________________

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09-08-2012, 10:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 31	So do most cars, it isn't a luxury feature. Cars evolved, so do people.

09-11-2012, 08:11 AM	#9 (permalink)
hellmen Base Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 5 Drives: nothing Rep Power: 13	Thanks for all the input, I'm still looking at a purchase in the spring, but I'm more and more geared towards the convertible now. I was wondering what the service scheme looks like, how often and what costs are involved. Are there any problems with the roof? Any maintenance costs the coupe doesn't have?

09-13-2012, 02:41 PM	#13 (permalink)
hellmen Base Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 5 Drives: nothing Rep Power: 13	I don't even have one yet and I'm already looking at what you can modify and improve he he.

09-14-2012, 04:49 PM	#15 (permalink)
hellmen Base Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 5 Drives: nothing Rep Power: 13	Would you say the car is good to go straight from the dealers or is there stuff that needs adding or fixing to make it "right"? I ask because there seems to be many people with overheating issues and oil cooling. Maybe that's just for people who drive on racing circuits? Seems like the 370z was built for that on the other hand. Can I pick up a 2012 and just drive it normally without any mods or tuning and expect a good experience or is there a list of points to fix that Nissan overlooked in you opinion(s)?