I just had my first test drive in a 370Z
 

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.

I've never read any reviews that say that the automatic does the car more justice... I may be biased since I drive a manual but I would have to say the opposite. The shifting may be clunky at first, but once you get used to the car a lot of that clunkiness begins to fade away and it is an extremely rewarding process.

As far as noise... Yes, the car is loud. But isn't that the point of a sports car? It's all personal tolerance I suppose. The noise level doesn't bother me (or my fiance) at all. I love how loud the car is honestly.

As far as bluetooth and all that jazz.... I never expected anything from the Z since I was buying it for the actual car not the gadgets... Go install an aftermarket head unit.

If you hate the noise of the car and are comparing to those other sports cars the Z might not be for you... But only you can decide that for yourself.

I also considered a used Cayman S, which is a nice car...but I've had my share of German cars and when the warranty is over, its very expensive to maintain and some parts have to come from Germany. So I got the Nismo and bought dynamatt to cut the noise down and its all quiet inside now.

same here the US, swedish car depreciate rather quickly too and no offense they're butt ugly but then again i think it's just me.

Buy it and dont look back. Its great here in Germany on the Autobahn. Its not quiet. Buy an Audi S5 if you want that. Its Porsche performance without the cost of purchase and maintenance.

The press here calls it the Japanese 911 and you will stand out in public as well. Buy the auto if you dont like the manual. No car is without compromises. This one does everything right overall and its fun! It will be a conversation starter in Sweden for sure. Just watch your speed!!! Its deceptively fast.

Yes it is fast isn't it, I had to watch the instruments quite closely when the road opened up.

Another question, would the roadster be possible to use during the winter or is the soft top more for autumn/spring protection?

The automatic is generally putting up faster times and is pretty fun, but if you love manuals, you'll want to get the manual anyway. I've got one and wouldn't have it any other way. I say test both.

Measures can be taken to reduce the noise, such as DynaMat and quieter tires, but it is a noisy car.
Don't know what to tell you. My mother's got the same system in her G37 and I usually hear her quite well when she calls.
She's a thrill a minute :)
The Z, but I'm biased.
I don't know what year you're looking at and what kind of driving you intend to do. If you're going to track days or planning to drive hard, you'll want to invest in better brake fluid and pads, probably better transmission fluid, and if it's a model from before 2012, you'll want to look at an oil cooler. There is also an issue with fuel starvation if you take hard sweeping right turns on low fuel on a race track if the fuel is under a quarter tank. Keep the car topped off or don't drive it that hard is all I can suggest for that.

It will depreciate rapidly from new, but they hold their value ok after initial depreciation.
That would be a question for roadster owners. I know some have had issues with the top, but I know quite a few who drive theirs year round, so I don't know.

I have the auto and it is indeed alot of fun. If you do get an auto make sure you get one with the sport package as it comes with the paddle shifters. With the 7AT and paddle shifters you just may find yourself not missing a manual at all ;) And if you find yourself sitting in a traffic jam you can switch over to drive and relax. It's the best of both worlds to me.

Since most Sweds are into rally, watch this youtube video in HD with your speakers turned up.

It is different for everybody. I will never give up my third pedal. It is simply more engaging and more fun for me. That said, it is subjective, and the flappy paddles are a fun substitute. The car is no less a sports car for it, it's all about personal preferences. I'm the type who doesn't mind shifting in heavy traffic. Again, I would encourage any prospective buyer to test drive both and decide what is right for them. :tup: Clearly, you could end up coming to the same conclusion that I have, or the same conclusion that Gatorman has. No right or wrong, and we both love and enjoy our Z's. :D

auto without sport package also comes with paddle shifters :icon23:

I just got off an 800 mile road trip, the road noise didn't bug myself or the wife at all. She daily drives the Z and loves it. I use it on weekends and nights for fun. But if you start to compare it with some of the cars you have listed, they definately are better cars, but cost a lot more than the Z. Dollar for dollar you can't beat the Z. We test drove many MANY 2 seater cars, Z4's, MB's, Saturns, Vettes etc etc. With everything that came in the Z for the price we definately fell in love. That along with the fact I have owned many Datsun and Nissan products over the years with minimal complaints. In fact I have yet to have a warranty issue knock on wood.

Now all that being said I still have my eye on a Cayman R. I will probably make that my next vehicle after a new project Jeep. Of course that is a few years away.


Oh and I test drove the 6mt many times, the last time I had the 6mt for more than 2 hours. I really wanted to like it but the 7at was so much better I just couldn't get past it. You need to drive them and decide for yourself though. This is coming from a once very hard core MT kind of guy.

Newbie here too just recently in the market for a new toy as well, and looks like I'm haunting the same kinda dealerships you are. So as part of the process I just had a couple new 370Z's out for a test drive; a 2013 Coupe 6-speed+sport and a 2012 roadster 7AT+sport. Forgetting the whole roof thing for a moment, it was quite a different driving experience in both. Mainly in that I was very surprised at just how nice the 7AT felt from a performance car perspective. Seat of the pants it did indeed feel faster (for what seat of the pants is worth) and the car felt no less handicapped over a good manual box, again from a street driving fun toy focus. And part of that was because, as you noted, I too felt the manual box was something less than great. It was clunky/heavy with a weird resonance felt through the clutch/shifter that was a bit off-putting, but which I chalked up to probably just being a new car with very few miles on it kinda thing. But I've owned/driven/tracked manuals in various performance cars my whole life (and I'm no spring chicken anymore LOL), so I have some small experience to draw on there. So, surprisingly, with those two specific cars I tested, I'd have to give the initial nod to the slushbox version.

Re "noise", it didn't stand out or seem an issue as you described. Not Lexus quiet, but really didn't seem excessive to me. Only thing related to that was the exhaust note could have a little more presence IMO ;) , but that would be easily fixed via aftermarket no doubt.

Didn't try the BT function, so can't comment on that. LOVED the "cooled" seats in the roadster though..hey it was a hot sunny day LOL.

You mentioned the Z4 35is and that is the other car that is left on my short list right now. Loved everything about it, but is it worth the extra $$$ - that's my personal sticking point right now.

As a counter-point, I know quite a few Z owners who bought automatics and later regretted not getting the stick. Again, no right or wrong, just individual impressions. I've driven both and like both. I think everyone should test drive both if they want to feel it for themselves. The above posters all did their due diligence and decided they liked the 7AT better. I know quite a few who've gone the other way as well. A very good friend and member here tells me all the time that he wished he'd learned manual before buying his 7AT, and says he would have bought the manual instead. I also know 6MT owners who wished they'd bought Automatic.

I'd like to avoid the sort of debate that arises. They are both good. The manual is cheaper, the automatic is generally faster. My whole point is that if you're considering both as options for purchase, drive both and see which you like better. Better to do that up front than regret it later.

I have never met one Z owner with the 7at that wished they went the other way.

Talk to b1adesofcha0s.

I know a few others as well.

I'm not saying Auto is worse. I'm saying that people have differing opinions. I can accept yours.

Again, I'm trying to avoid a debate here. I don't want this thread devolving into another of the countless and futile arguments about which transmission is better.

I just think that prospective owners should test drive both and decide for themselves. Is that something you would seriously argue against?

Shadoquad is correct in that you should test drive both and see which you like best. If you're sometimes wanting to chill out in traffic without shifting and then tear it up at other times using the paddle shifters go for the 7AT. If you're wanting the manual and don't mind shifting all the time that's the other option.

I can drive stick but chose the 7AT but it doesn't mean the 7AT is better for everyone. It comes down to what the driver's choice is. You'll have fun with the car either way that's for sure :)

Cool, learn something every day! I still wanted the spoiler, lighted step plates, bigger brakes, etc so I'd definitely recommend the sports package.

The auto puts out a higher torque feel and is faster or at least faster feeling. (probably due to feeling more of the Z's natural torque). But the manual gives you more connection to the car and is more engaging. The Z has better engine characteristics from the auto. Adding an intake increases throttle response and greatly improves that feeling. The Z manual is most preferable if you compete or plan on eventually going FI.

most auto Z comes with option added front chin, rear spoiler and step plates. the only thing it lacks are the bigger breaks. but unless you are tracking it, the normal breaks are better than 90% of the cars on the street already anyways

manuals are fun, dont get me wrong... but i chose the auto bc of constant rush hour traffic here

My 370 is the most fun I've had with a car period. Not the fastest but that's OK. I've owned 2 vettes that I turned into race cars, a jag, an alfa Romeo, mustangs, trans am and others not worth mention but the 370 is a joy for me to drive.

My crowning moment thus far with it was last month when a gorgeous copper Audi R8 GT pulled up beside me at a light and the knockout woman driving it says she loves my car... Sadly my invitation to coffee resulted in a "Sorry"and a wave of her hand with a very big ring on it. But damn a BMW or Cayman wont get that level of attention.

Buy it, put softer rubber to lessen the noise and enjoy. Maybe the R8 driver who admires yours won't be married...

I would say it also depends on the road surface. Some roads the car is quiet a cruiser others its like dam i can't hear myself think. Sometimes when I go away for buisness and have a rental like a camry or altima I get used to them being so quiet. Get back home hop in the Z and think dam this car is loud. Ha! But I still love it. The only thing I don't like about the car is the rear quarterpanel blind spots. Makes backing up in parking lots and merging onto highways a little adventurous.

Same car situation with me. Was in downtown seattle one night on first ave right by pikes place and my car was parked on the side of the street. My GF went inside to look at stuff to buy while waiting for a friend who was with his GF decided to miss the exit when he was following me. While we were waiting for him to meet back up with us a R8 drove by while I was standing next to the Z. Dude damn near redlined his throttle when he glanced over at the Z. Put a big azz grin on my face to know a almost $200k Audi took enough notice to rev up.... Just concretes my thoughts on how well Nissan did with the design and budget that the 370Z brings to the table. :happydance:

I got the 370Z trying to be reasonable in my expectations. It has significantly exceeded those in the performance area. As to the rest, I was expecting it to be a sports car. Noisier than some cars, yes, but not intrusively so for me. It's not gadget-laden, but is very functional (sport-tourer) and has a sufficient number of amenities to make it generally commensurate with modern sports cars.

My first Z was a 240Z and my last one before this 370Z was a 280ZX Turbo. By the time I got the Turbo, the Z had gone far from the sports car category and become a bloated GT luxo-cruiser. I lost interest in the platform. Thirty years later, the 370Z goes back to my expectations of a performance sports car and I am completely happy with it.

Well said. Its what a sports-car should be. If you want airconditioned seats and heated massage lounge chairs get an Audi A8L or the like and leave the real sportscars to those of us who know the difference. People beeotch about what it doesnt have, forgetting what they actually bought in the first place.

Given most of the cars don't ever see the track, what's the point to have it built like a race car? I will take the AC and power windows anyday.

My 370Z has AC and power windows.

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

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 :) :tup:


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

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.

True dat. I've got a base model 7AT 2011. Test drove a manual, and coming from the silky smooth manual on my Bimmer, the Nissan wasn't nearly as good. The automatic, however, is way quicker off the line and with the paddle shifters I can still enjoy the thrill of shifting through the twisties. The two things that I will never regret are going with the automatic and the Solid Red A54 color. I get around five compliments a day when I drive my car. It makes Dudes jelly and chicks wet.

One caveat, though. If you're looking for a quiet car with uber luxury features and soft steering and practicality, then steer clear of the Z. Buy a Toyota Camry or Lexus instead.

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.

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.

I bought my '09 base new 2.5 years ago and love it. Reduced the cabin noise by repolacing stock tires with Continental Extreme Pro DWS. My 7 sp auto tranny is great and I'm pleased I got it. Get a ClearBra. Value in these cars will depreciate a good bit.
Nissan dealership service has been excellent for me---I've owned several. Haven't really needed it with the Z, as my car has been trouble free in three years. Many are.
Test drive the car a bit more before you decide.

:iagree: What he said ^^

Check out some reviews here: http://www.the370z.com/exterior-inte...-deadener.html

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.

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?

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. :rolleyes:


:bowrofl:

Top Gear loves the kia rio over the 370z... :ugh2: