Potential 2011 370z owner

[ewgrosschris]

First of I want to say I've been impressed with the community on this forum so far.

Hello all,

I'm a potential buyer of a 2011 370z with Manual transmission. I have a few questions and want to hear from people who know the 370z the best.

I currently drive a 2010 VW Gti. It's pretty much full bolt ons with out upgrading to a larger turbo. I'm considering the 370z along with some other cars one of them being a 2012 Golf R. The Golf R seems to be one the hidden secrets of the tunning world being able to obtain 350whp fairly easily with little modifications.

However I have a few questions about the 370z. I'd just like some informative answers on the following questions.

-How reliable is the car on the whole, is there any issues that will frustrate me?
I'm looking into a 370z in hopes i can control myself and keep it stock and make use of a factory warranty as long as possible.

-How is the 370z as a DD. It would be my DD for about 4 days a week. I'm a little considered about the lack of practicalness (Is that the right way to say that?) compared to the hatch back of a Golf R and even losing the space i currently have in my GTI. However I do only drive about 6 miles daily when commuting to work. I do make some longer trips into the city during the weekends but its only about 30 miles I would estimate. I've yet to test drive one yet, but it's on my agenda once I can find sometime within my busy work schedule. Will this thing beat me up on longer drivers? How are the seats? Will they work for guys like me that are a little umm wider then most?

-How is the transmission/Clutch on this car? I've driven a manual car before but never full time. I'm sure my skills could use some tweaking but that is part of the fun and why I am deciding on this car.

-what have/have not been able to fit in the Z? It hard to tell from just pictures.

Fun stuff
-What kind of numbers can these cars put down stock? With slight modification?
-Whats the single biggest bottleneck of this car? What mod produces the mosts gains?

-What kinda of kills is this car capable of stock? With bolt ons?


I'm sure I'll have more questions as the thread develops. I'm really excited.

[mhill0425]

I've had my Z since February, I got it used, base+sport Automatic transmission.

Seats- For me, they're perfect. I'm 6' 150lbs. For a friend, who is probably 5'10 225 lbs he thinks the seats are a bit tight. He also thinks that the ride is harsh so he doesn't quite get the idea of a sports car.

Storage Capacity- This is really where there is a will, there is a way. I have to travel to my parents to do a full detail because my condo association doesn't have a hose spigot and I like to take my time polishing, sealing, glazing, waxing etc etc. I can fit all of my detailing supplies(including two buckets) into the Z. This isn't a take your girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband on a shopping spree kind of a car, but there's plenty of room for a trip to the grocery store between the floor board and hatch, especially if you don't carry a bunch of junk with you every where that you go. The week before I got my Z, I cleaned out my old car and just lived out of my front seats, ignored the fact that I had a back seat. There's a lot of junk that people carry in their cars that they don't really need.

I would suggest doing two test drives. One to get over the fact that it's a sweet ride and then a more thoughtful drive to pay attention to how the car really feels, go over some bumpy roads and such. There's a lot of road noise with these cars(a lot of my friends hate riding with me because of the noise)

Hope this helps

[ElVee]

I have a touring with the heated, leather seats. I'm about 6' and 240lbs, and I'm probably at the limit of what I'd find comfortable when in the seats. You definitely should try it out, and just sit in the car for a while. Play with the adjustments and, if touring, the lumbar support handle on the right side. Some people get tired of the ride after a few hours. I personally have been driving for 2-4 hours a few times and I am fine.

I have plenty head room, and plenty other room for legs, knees, etc, and I can move around into different positions on longer drives just fine. I do wish, however, I could telescope the steering wheel.

Older models (2009-2011 is my guess) have had complaints about consistent road noise being annoying. My 2013 is fine. I think the consensus has been Nissan has quietly improved the sound dampening over the years. Going for a test drive is tough to figure this out, since you'll hear things you don't hear on other cars for the first few weeks (rocks in the wheel wells, exhaust just because it's fun, quite a bit of rain sound if you're in the rain). If you can upgrade this on your own, then don't worry about it.

That said, if the roads you drive on suck, you will feel it. Uneven, cracked roads can get a little busy...well...ok, downright violent. Bad backs need not apply. Then again, the Z is a sports car, not a normal pleasant car that happens to go fast. This is part of the type of car you're looking at.

Sadly, all of this is just me, and is completely subjective to what you like. If you can find an acquaintance that has a Z to do an extended drive with it, I wholly suggest it. Or even find a place to rent one for a week.

[Corona370z]

I have had mine since Halloween of '09 and still use it as a daily drive. As the others have mentioned, it does get a little "noisy" but the way I see (hear) it is that I'm more part of the car than someone just moving over pavement.

Being that it is a 2011, I would suggest looking into the "Steering Lock Issue" since it wasn't fixed until the 2012's. I had this problem but was fixed by the warranty. Thread can be found here: Sticky***** Steering Lock Failure Database ***** Sticky Don't let this turn you away though.

I learned to drive manual on this car and did just fine. This does put me in a place where I only have experience on this car being manual but I have not had any issues. As far as the amount of space, yeah, you lose a lot of space coming from a GTI but what exactly will you be hauling? I haul my groceries, soccer stuff, guitars. However, if you're buying a TV or something of that size or bigger, get a friend.

Hope you get what you want. Good luck!

[alvitdk]

I just got my car about 2 month ago, replacing a BMW convertible. I bought it as a DD with 60 miles each way, on not so great NY state roads and HW. I test drove the NISMO as well as a non-sport equipped Z, and decided against the sport package since for long distance driving I thought it's being to hard and rough on my spine

In the meantime I moved to Texas and will probably upgrade the suspension soon, the streets are so much better. I also added the rear spoiler, but since I am not tracking, the brakes are just fine with me. Everything else is stock, even though a CAI and axle back exhaust are on the short list, mainly for sound.

It is what it is, a 2 seater sports car, so no illusion about carrying a lot in the trunk, much more space in the Golf, I had the TDI, but thats also not the purpose of the car.

Now the gearbox and clutch is an interesting one, and I'm not too happy with the chunkiness and noise it produces, thought it was broken right when I got it, but turns out thats a normal noise it produces when shifting from 1st to 2nd.

If you have not much experience it might not be a problem, but I came from the BMW which has a awesome manual gear box.

Overall it's a fantastic car, but if you need space.....it is very limited.

[LakeShow]

The Z is an absolutely fine daily driver, especially as I see you live in Dallas where the weather is fairly consistent. The road noise, engine noise, seating position, suspension, etc all varies by personal preference. It's a raw sports car, not meant to be luxurious or anything of that sort. On the other hand the car lacks practicality with it being a 2 seater and limited trunk space. If none of this bothers you then by all means it is a fantastic car.

I've actually driven the Golf R and actually took a liking to it. A bit underpowered but still definitely a nice quick car putting power down to all 4 wheels. The car is considered more luxurious and a more of a comfortable car with lots of space and practicality, especially with the 4 door version. That engine is known to be mod friendly as well.
The Z is more of a full on sports car/drivers car. The Golf R is more of a comfortable 5 passenger vehicle with a sporty side. The Z being a daily driver/only car may pose issues because of its size and space, if that's not the case I would take it 10/10 times over the Golf R. You have to drive both to get a better understanding.

[CDepp]

Originally Posted by ewgrosschris

First of I want to say I've been impressed with the community on this forum so far.

Hello all,

I'm a potential buyer of a 2011 370z with Manual transmission. I have a few questions and want to hear from people who know the 370z the best.

I currently drive a 2010 VW Gti. It's pretty much full bolt ons with out upgrading to a larger turbo. I'm considering the 370z along with some other cars one of them being a 2012 Golf R. The Golf R seems to be one the hidden secrets of the tunning world being able to obtain 350whp fairly easily with little modifications.

However I have a few questions about the 370z. I'd just like some informative answers on the following questions.

-How reliable is the car on the whole, is there any issues that will frustrate me?
I'm looking into a 370z in hopes i can control myself and keep it stock and make use of a factory warranty as long as possible.

-How is the 370z as a DD. It would be my DD for about 4 days a week. I'm a little considered about the lack of practicalness (Is that the right way to say that?) compared to the hatch back of a Golf R and even losing the space i currently have in my GTI. However I do only drive about 6 miles daily when commuting to work. I do make some longer trips into the city during the weekends but its only about 30 miles I would estimate. I've yet to test drive one yet, but it's on my agenda once I can find sometime within my busy work schedule. Will this thing beat me up on longer drivers? How are the seats? Will they work for guys like me that are a little umm wider then most?

-How is the transmission/Clutch on this car? I've driven a manual car before but never full time. I'm sure my skills could use some tweaking but that is part of the fun and why I am deciding on this car.

-what have/have not been able to fit in the Z? It hard to tell from just pictures.

Fun stuff
-What kind of numbers can these cars put down stock? With slight modification?
-Whats the single biggest bottleneck of this car? What mod produces the mosts gains?

-What kinda of kills is this car capable of stock? With bolt ons?


I'm sure I'll have more questions as the thread develops. I'm really excited.

I use mine as a DD. I tack 100 miles a day onto the Z in heavy traffic driving a standard. Great DD IMO. I had the transmission replaced under warranty, otherwise it's been flawless. The warranty change wasn't a fight with the dealership and they did the swap in 1 day. I couldn't be happier with my Z. If you're looking to do light mods on a car already designed for the track, you probably won't see much gains. Heavy mods (FI, gear swaps,etc can turn this sports car into a sports monster.

[Z_ealot]

Originally Posted by Corona370z

I have had mine since Halloween of '09 and still use it as a daily drive. As the others have mentioned, it does get a little "noisy" but the way I see (hear) it is that I'm more part of the car than someone just moving over pavement.

Being that it is a 2011, I would suggest looking into the "Steering Lock Issue" since it wasn't fixed until the 2012's. I had this problem but was fixed by the warranty. Thread can be found here: Sticky***** Steering Lock Failure Database ***** Sticky Don't let this turn you away though.

I learned to drive manual on this car and did just fine. This does put me in a place where I only have experience on this car being manual but I have not had any issues. As far as the amount of space, yeah, you lose a lot of space coming from a GTI but what exactly will you be hauling? I haul my groceries, soccer stuff, guitars. However, if you're buying a TV or something of that size or bigger, get a friend.

Hope you get what you want. Good luck!

steering lock was removed on 2011 models manufactured later in 2011, ex. my previous 2011 was manufactured in june 2011 and had no steering lock.

[Corona370z]

Originally Posted by Z_ealot

steering lock was removed on 2011 models manufactured later in 2011, ex. my previous 2011 was manufactured in june 2011 and had no steering lock.

Thanks for the fix

[kenchan]

Dsltr

[Leuz]

I use my Z as a daily driver and love it. Seats are comfortable (leather, heated) and quiet (<-- this will change once I get my HFC+CBE though) for every day driving, and the stock tuned suspensions that come with the sport package are a very good compromise between sporty feeling and comfort.
I'm European so I've always driven manual but I have to say that the only real problem with the Z is the horrible clutch pedal. I test-drove the Golf R and it's not even comparable how smooth the R's clutch/gears feel compared to the Z. I hated the clutch feeling from the first time, but there's a solution for that (in my signature). Other than that, Z FOREVER!

[UNKNOWN_370]

Were you in a slammed GTi getting on the 360 yesterday????


Anyway, Texas, Dallas. First thing you want to do is get a high viscosity synthetic oil change. (I won't name my preference and start a debate). Second, I would get an oil cooler. Size is subjective to quality. If you get a 19 with a very large core, you'll do fine.

But 25 and 34 are your safest bet. 25 staying mostly stock. And 34 if the mod bug is going to hit you.

Personally, with the kind of weather we get in Tx, I think K&N filters with silicone hoses make the Z more responsive than, heat conducting aluminum CAI's.

If staying NA I would save money with Zen like patience... Then do your intake, cams headers, HFC/TP, exhaust all in one shot for the best gains.

If going turbo... Well, You will need even more patience.

The Z will need minor suspension mods to make it more neutral in corners, Brake hoses and better brake pads to resist fade when going crazy in the car. Rotors will also aid in this. I prefer adding brake lines to complete everything but that is also a topic of controversy.

The z will be faster than any other NA v6 in its price range and will also rival the BMW turbo6 stock and the challenger RT and camaro when stock. These v8's modded create more power and we can't take them down without FI.

The Z handles well but if you're looking for extreme precision, you might want to test drive a used Cayman or new FR-S. The Z is still a very precise handler and gives good stock muscle to boot.