Hello All.... this is my first day here

Keyo Racing · 12-26-2012, 08:05 AM

Hi
SHHHHHHHHH don't tell anyone but i've just came in here from over at Corvette Forum. Ok first let me tell you my story... I have a C5 and was looking at going into a C6 here soon and decided.... "I also want a GOOD DD" So I started looking and 350SLKs and for the most part I was happy with that idea. While I was just out looking over cars they had a 370Z on the lot.... I have to admit I've never been a fan of any of the other Z's. I've had friends that have owned them just never cared for them. However, the 370's I REALLY like so for the last week I've been just looking and getting info of the Web....
What I'm seeing is 09,10 and some 11 around $25K or less. This struck me a bit odd because it seems like a nice car and thats about what I was looking to do for a SLK DD. After looking at the car I'd much rather do the 370.

I have a lot of question but I'll make this an easy one... Am I on the right track here....meaning is this car a good DD and do any of you think I could find a Vert in that price range?
Any years I should stay away from and are there anything's I can see right off the bat that I should walk away.?
Example:
I saw a 09 Fully loaded Vert in Utah (yes I'm willing to travel when I'm ready) on line for $24,990 Seems like a good deal but to me almost too good or am I missing something?

Anyway thanks for you time looking forward to picking some brains here soon.

edub370 · 12-26-2012, 08:41 AM

They are great cars. Shouldn't have any problem dd'ing it (depending on weather). Only issues the z's really have is the steering lock can freeze up causing u to become stranded and about $1000 out of pocket. However, can be solved in about 10 min by pulling the fuse and freezing it open.

Engines are pretty solid. There were some oil consumption issues way back, but if u have found a car with more than 5000 miles, then its probably past the point of worrying about that. 5th and 6th gear synchros are sometimes prone to failure, but its not very often.

Other than that, these were solid cars that take well to dd'ing and modding. These 3.7's and trannies can handle over 500whp with stock internals. Also, with light bolt ons, such as exhaust,.intake, tune, etc.., u can get another 40-50whp pretty easily. After coming from the vette, the interior quality will be miles above what you're used to. If i were u, i would search for a z with the sport package, at a minimum. That way u can enjoy the lsd and bigger breaks.

elmz · 12-26-2012, 08:44 AM

The Z is a comfortable DD. I don't know how much time you've spent driving one, but you should definitely take one for a spin. My only suggestion is to take it on a long freeway drive, because road noise is pretty loud in this car. Sure, you can install some sound deadening, but there have been mixed reviews with the end results on that. Other than that, the answer is "yes" the Z is a good DD.

Keyo Racing · 12-26-2012, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmz

The Z is a comfortable DD. I don't know how much time you've spent driving one, but you should definitely take one for a spin. My only suggestion is to take it on a long freeway drive, because road noise is pretty loud in this car. Sure, you can install some sound deadening, but there have been mixed reviews with the end results on that. Other than that, the answer is "yes" the Z is a good DD.

First off thanks you guys for the input...please keep it coming because this time last month I really didn't know anything about this car.
As far as "Road Noise" My C5 has Billy Boat Bullets on it so NOISE....doesn't bother me...LOL as a matter of fact I wouldn't drive the car without my Bullets.

As stated I was thinking SLK350 just to take to work and dinner blah blah blah...but for the same price there about I'm getting what seems to be more car.
The only think about SLK's is they all are Verts and I really want a vert...never had one.

Anymore I should know please all chime in...

Thanks

OldGuy · 12-26-2012, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmz

The Z is a comfortable DD. I don't know how much time you've spent driving one, but you should definitely take one for a spin. My only suggestion is to take it on a long freeway drive, because road noise is pretty loud in this car. Sure, you can install some sound deadening, but there have been mixed reviews with the end results on that. Other than that, the answer is "yes" the Z is a good DD.

Change out the stock tires with some Continental Extremes. Much easier than sound deafening and much of that road noise will go away.

edub370 · 12-27-2012, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGuy

Change out the stock tires with some Continental Extremes. Much easier than sound deafening and much of that road noise will go away.

never heard the words 'continental extremes' and 'less road noise' go together...

4r3s · 12-27-2012, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keyo Racing

...The reason I'm asking about the DD because I've used Vettes for DD and it doesn't work out all that well I don't think.

What about the Vette makes it not a good DD in your opinion? Everyone has different expectations from their DD they need satisfied and I feel like the Z and the Vette might come up short in the same categories. The would for me at least.

Keyo Racing · 12-27-2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4r3s

What about the Vette makes it not a good DD in your opinion? Everyone has different expectations from their DD they need satisfied and I feel like the Z and the Vette might come up short in the same categories. The would for me at least.

I've had 4 Corvette..(On one now) And this is the first one I didn't use as a DD and it's held up much better. The roads in Pa. suck and I'm sure that plays a part into this as well.
As far as Z's vs Vette's I'm still a 100% Corvette guy and as stated my first pick was to get an SLK350 as a DD but I'm pretty much off that idea and I'm liking this 370 more and more it's just 10 days ago I had no interest at all and now it's become a pretty big deal. I still haven't driven one and thats real important before I decide if I really like the car. Maybe it's the time of year but there doesn't seem to be a whole around here at the moment, i'm sure this will pick up after Xmas is over.

Oh for anyone that doesn't know some c5 Corvettes have the same steering column lock issue as this car seems to have...crazy when you think about it.
Also what I'm getting from you guys is an oil cooler seems to handle the over heating problem.

Just so you guys know I really have no plans of tracking this car at all... this is just for trips and Day to day stuff, I'm single...no kids so I really don't need a back seat...LOL Oh before someone says it, in case of snow I have a 02 Ford Ranger for the bad days so having this and a Vette is easy.

xxAGAVExx · 12-26-2012, 09:01 AM

I've had my Z for just over a month now, it's my dd, only complaint is the blind spot, I just adjusted my mirrors out more than normal and it's fine. It's a blast to drive, now I look forward to my commute everyday.

CDepp · 12-26-2012, 09:54 AM

I bought my first Z a few weeks ago. This was after almost 3 months of researching it and other vehicles (Cayman, EVO, STi, etc). I've been very impressed with the car and got my 2011 base w/sports pkg with 19K mi for what you were seeing for an '09. Good luck whether you get the Z or something else.

stevent85 · 12-26-2012, 11:39 AM

Ive had my '11 nismo for 3 months now and its my dd. Had my car shipped to me from seattle, had 8k miles on it and i managed to talk them down to 30.5k with warranty n all. I love the car! Car handles extremely well, theres tons of mods out and some are still coming out. You should check the classifieds here in the forums. Theres alot of good deals and most of them already have mods installed which will save u time and money for installation. The '09s and'10s had that steering lock problem....its a simple fix but if it makes u more comfortable go with 11 n up. Theres a couple '11s in the classifieds pretty well priced. Good luck with the search!!

bvl · 12-26-2012, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keyo Racing

I have a lot of question but I'll make this an easy one... Am I on the right track here....meaning is this car a good DD and do any of you think I could find a Vert in that price range?
Any years I should stay away from and are there anything's I can see right off the bat that I should walk away.?
Example:
I saw a 09 Fully loaded Vert in Utah (yes I'm willing to travel when I'm ready) on line for $24,990 Seems like a good deal but to me almost too good or am I missing something?

Anyway thanks for you time looking forward to picking some brains here soon.

Its a fine DD: very nicely put together for what it is, compliant suspension (sport model, 19" performance tires), and quite civil when you want it to be.

Roadster is 2010+: 09 was first year for 370 coupes. 25K seems like a great price if its a touring or a sport. If its a touring/sport I would expect pricing closer to 30-32K unless its got a lot of miles on it. List was 42-50K depending on options for the Roadster.

Inspect the top closely if you are getting into a roadster: there are a few pinch points that have rubbed for some people. If caught and under warranty, dealer should work with you but a dealer also can claim 'wear item' if they want to as well.

Roadster Forum covers this in a few threads: spend some time there

- b

m4a1mustang · 12-26-2012, 12:24 PM

Five Time FTW

gbrettin · 12-26-2012, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Five Time FTW

I've had my Z for a couple of years and DD it. The only issue I had with mine was an ECU whine. ECM? ECU? Certain early models produced a high pitch whine that only certain people could hear. I guess I'm one of the luck ones with good hearing. I took my car down to the dealer and they took care of the issue under warranty. Other than that the care has been flawless with 45,000mi on it.

Keyo Racing · 12-26-2012, 01:12 PM

To be honest if I do this the Z wont be the car I Mod... I do that to the Vettes. What I wanted was something cool just to have on non vette days which is kind of a lot considering I don't drive them ever day. The reason I'm asking about the DD because I've used Vettes for DD and it doesn't work out all that well I don't think. The Z wouldn't even be pushed all that hard, just wanted something fun and the prices seem good for that.
I kind of disappointed right now, there's one near me at a dealer i was going to take a look at just to look around the car but it's snowing a little.... lol so maybe tomorrow.

So are all of you pretty much saying the things I've read here about a few bugs aren't that big of a deal and should I stay away from 09... first year and all that?

12-26-2012, 08:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
Keyo Racing Base Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 37 Drives: 2000 Chevy Corvette Rep Power: 12	Hello All.... this is my first day here Hi SHHHHHHHHH don't tell anyone but i've just came in here from over at Corvette Forum. Ok first let me tell you my story... I have a C5 and was looking at going into a C6 here soon and decided.... "I also want a GOOD DD" So I started looking and 350SLKs and for the most part I was happy with that idea. While I was just out looking over cars they had a 370Z on the lot.... I have to admit I've never been a fan of any of the other Z's. I've had friends that have owned them just never cared for them. However, the 370's I REALLY like so for the last week I've been just looking and getting info of the Web.... What I'm seeing is 09,10 and some 11 around $25K or less. This struck me a bit odd because it seems like a nice car and thats about what I was looking to do for a SLK DD. After looking at the car I'd much rather do the 370. I have a lot of question but I'll make this an easy one... Am I on the right track here....meaning is this car a good DD and do any of you think I could find a Vert in that price range? Any years I should stay away from and are there anything's I can see right off the bat that I should walk away.? Example: I saw a 09 Fully loaded Vert in Utah (yes I'm willing to travel when I'm ready) on line for $24,990 Seems like a good deal but to me almost too good or am I missing something? Anyway thanks for you time looking forward to picking some brains here soon.

12-26-2012, 08:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
edub370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: KCMO Posts: 3,458 Drives: 09 370z S/T 6MT Rep Power: 20	They are great cars. Shouldn't have any problem dd'ing it (depending on weather). Only issues the z's really have is the steering lock can freeze up causing u to become stranded and about $1000 out of pocket. However, can be solved in about 10 min by pulling the fuse and freezing it open. Engines are pretty solid. There were some oil consumption issues way back, but if u have found a car with more than 5000 miles, then its probably past the point of worrying about that. 5th and 6th gear synchros are sometimes prone to failure, but its not very often. Other than that, these were solid cars that take well to dd'ing and modding. These 3.7's and trannies can handle over 500whp with stock internals. Also, with light bolt ons, such as exhaust,.intake, tune, etc.., u can get another 40-50whp pretty easily. After coming from the vette, the interior quality will be miles above what you're used to. If i were u, i would search for a z with the sport package, at a minimum. That way u can enjoy the lsd and bigger breaks. __________________ 09 370Z ST 6MT//Injen CAI//Greddy CBE//TP//TSW's//Swifts//Stillen lip//Whiteline sways 326whp/268tq

12-26-2012, 09:01 AM	#9 (permalink)
xxAGAVExx A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,016 Drives: 09 370Z BLK M6 Rep Power: 33790	I've had my Z for just over a month now, it's my dd, only complaint is the blind spot, I just adjusted my mirrors out more than normal and it's fine. It's a blast to drive, now I look forward to my commute everyday. bigdog1250 and danegrey like this. __________________ l 09/6MT l BP Twin Turbo Kit l E-85 w/Fuel Return l FI 18" Res CF CBE l Powertrix Ultra-Lite Coilovers l Wavetrac LSD \| Lots of SPL and Carbon Fiber \|

12-26-2012, 09:54 AM	#10 (permalink)
CDepp Track Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 837 Drives: sideways Rep Power: 13	I bought my first Z a few weeks ago. This was after almost 3 months of researching it and other vehicles (Cayman, EVO, STi, etc). I've been very impressed with the car and got my 2011 base w/sports pkg with 19K mi for what you were seeing for an '09. Good luck whether you get the Z or something else. __________________ -CDepp- 2011 MB Base+S M6 \| Invidia Exhaust \| TommyKairaHebiBeibi \| H&R Spacers 15/20 \| GTR Start \| 305hp/240tq Last edited by CDepp; 12-26-2012 at 10:38 AM.

12-26-2012, 11:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
stevent85 Track Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 928 Drives: 2011 370Z NISMO Rep Power: 13	Ive had my '11 nismo for 3 months now and its my dd. Had my car shipped to me from seattle, had 8k miles on it and i managed to talk them down to 30.5k with warranty n all. I love the car! Car handles extremely well, theres tons of mods out and some are still coming out. You should check the classifieds here in the forums. Theres alot of good deals and most of them already have mods installed which will save u time and money for installation. The '09s and'10s had that steering lock problem....its a simple fix but if it makes u more comfortable go with 11 n up. Theres a couple '11s in the classifieds pretty well priced. Good luck with the search!! __________________ Takeda stage 2 CAI, Z1 HFC, GREDDY Turbo TI-C

12-26-2012, 08:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
elmz Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 674 Drives: 2014 Porsche Boxster Rep Power: 17	The Z is a comfortable DD. I don't know how much time you've spent driving one, but you should definitely take one for a spin. My only suggestion is to take it on a long freeway drive, because road noise is pretty loud in this car. Sure, you can install some sound deadening, but there have been mixed reviews with the end results on that. Other than that, the answer is "yes" the Z is a good DD.

12-26-2012, 12:24 PM	#13 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	Five Time FTW __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

12-26-2012, 01:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
Keyo Racing Base Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 37 Drives: 2000 Chevy Corvette Rep Power: 12	To be honest if I do this the Z wont be the car I Mod... I do that to the Vettes. What I wanted was something cool just to have on non vette days which is kind of a lot considering I don't drive them ever day. The reason I'm asking about the DD because I've used Vettes for DD and it doesn't work out all that well I don't think. The Z wouldn't even be pushed all that hard, just wanted something fun and the prices seem good for that. I kind of disappointed right now, there's one near me at a dealer i was going to take a look at just to look around the car but it's snowing a little.... lol so maybe tomorrow. So are all of you pretty much saying the things I've read here about a few bugs aren't that big of a deal and should I stay away from 09... first year and all that?