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

[Keyo Racing]

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]

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]

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.

[xxAGAVExx]

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]

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.

[Keyo Racing]

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

[stevent85]

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]

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]

Five Time FTW

[gbrettin]

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]

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?

[Keyo Racing]

Oh 5 time gets the 6 pack in 2013!

[JungleZ]

Get a z man , we were in my buddies z06 this week and he was jealous my z gets more looks even though his car is another monster on another level.

[mults]

If you want to get a Vette, then you'll have to differentiate it from the other bazillion ones out there. I like Vettes and all, but when you see 15 Z06's on a Sunday drive, they all start to look like Chevettes. If you want something that you probably won't see in your neighborhood, GET A Z!!!

Good luck with your selection...

[CDepp]

Originally Posted by JungleZ

Get a z man , we were in my buddies z06 this week and he was jealous my z gets more looks even though his car is another monster on another level.

I see a Corvette here in Charlotte every other day. I see a 350Z here about the same rate, maybe once every 3-4 days. I only see another 370Z here once a month, and it stops traffic like the hott blonde jogging everyone gawks at because of her.....headband.

It definitely is a rare(r) machine on the road, and I like that. Too many Porsche, Corvette, Mercedes, and waaaay too many Mustang/Camaros here.

My opinion: for whatever it's worth-
Get the 370Z as a DD. If you want a track car, then get something you can build for the type of track you run (even if another Z). I run Club Rally, and my DD has to be very close to stock.
Running 1/4mi straights would make me want a V8 with higher base HP that can mod easily. Running straight rally, I would want a EVO or STi.
I wouldn't dare try to buy a EVO or 5.0 Mustang to use as a DD and then try to run 1/4mi or pro-rally with it. That would make it about useless on my DD.
The 370Z fits right in the middle. I can use as a DD, run my laps with the SCCA *as-is*, and if I choose, I could take it down the straight for a modest run (though I wouldn't do it often).