Considering the 370z again

gunz4me · 10-01-2013, 08:47 PM

In late 2011, I was considering a 370z but ended up buying a 2012 WRX instead. Unfortunately, my circumstances have changed and I am now driving a LOT more than I used to in stop and go traffic. Sadly, my 40 year old arthritic left knee isn't liking a manual these days.

My question to the collective is, should I even consider a 370z with an automatic or should I look elsewhere? I'm looking for the same or better performance as my WRX but in something with an automatic transmission. I would prefer something with RWD or AWD.

I'm also cross shopping BMWs... Something like a certified pre-owned 135 or 335.

I already test drove a GTI with a DSG and a BR-Z with an automatic. The only word I have to describe both vehicles is... UNDERWHELMING! Also, I came from a 2006 Mustang GT into the WRX, so there is no way I would even consider another Mustang!

EDIT: Sorry for sounding like I am rambling. I'm thinking out loud here and having a beer, or three.

axmea? · 10-01-2013, 09:02 PM

Looks like you already made up your mind and looking for some validation from your forum brothers and sisters. I'd say go for it --- get the sport version.

NickTurnon · 10-01-2013, 09:15 PM

You can't go wrong with the 7AT on the 370z.

Its such a blast to have multiple options when you want to drive differently!

Automatic for grandma mode, "stick shifting" for more fun, and paddles for the track or going beast mode!

The 370z beats all those other cars though. But i agree with axmea, look for the sport package our touring to get all the bells and whistles.

Felix 808 · 10-01-2013, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickTurnon

You can't go wrong with the 7AT on the 370z.

Its such a blast to have multiple options when you want to drive differently!

Automatic for grandma mode, "stick shifting" for more fun, and paddles for the track or going beast mode!

The 370z beats all those other cars though. But i agree with axmea, look for the sport package our touring to get all the bells and whistles.

Love my auto. Originally was wanting a stick, wife said it had to be auto

Then I test drove the auto it was all

If you can live with out back seats & cargo room, the Z is great.

Tribalpinoy91 · 10-01-2013, 09:36 PM

I actually find the cargo room in the Z to be quite generous, of course I'm not gonna go out and expect to fit $200+ worth of groceries or shopping bags, I mean who does? I have not once found the cargo room to be lacking, on beach trips that lasted a week, everything we needed fit just fine.

DEpointfive0 · 10-01-2013, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribalpinoy91

I actually find the cargo room in the Z to be quite generous, of course I'm not gonna go out and expect to fit $200+ worth of groceries or shopping bags, I mean who does? I have not once found the cargo room to be lacking, on beach trips that lasted a week, everything we needed fit just fine.

I put $200+ of costco crap in my car all the time! Lol

Most I've had in my car was an overflowed cart from Costco. (But I did use the passenger area, with room to spare!)

Oh, and 7AT FTW!

DIGItonium · 10-01-2013, 09:49 PM

Can you test drive it? Just want to make sure it's comfortable. It doesn't hurt to consider the 7AT. Just drive it.

gunz4me · 10-01-2013, 09:54 PM

They have some available at my local dealership for a test drive. In fact, I'm planning on going Saturday to test drive one!

As for cargo room, my wife has a 2013 Jetta TDi so any long trips would be taken in her car. We have no kids and no plans to have them either, so a 2 seater would be a perfect fit for me. It also keeps those pesky co-workers from wanting to tag along at lunch time!

fzgood · 10-01-2013, 10:02 PM

when i was shopping for my Z, I was pretty close to getting a 335is...

If your living situation allows for you to have a stylish, purposeful, 2 seater, go for it.

The German fast sedans are cars of compromise, imo. Nice, but compromised.

One of my friends has this to say about BMW's, particularly the 3-series: "They're great, except you can never get the smell of cheap cologne out."

peleincubus · 10-01-2013, 10:15 PM

I have 3 year old but me and his mother are broken up. So when I get the z soon booster seat it is haha

jaedub · 10-01-2013, 11:34 PM

2 words. TEST DRIVE!!! See how you like it. I'm sure it won't disappoint

ZeroZeta · 10-02-2013, 12:34 AM

gunz4me - I am around the same age with similar circumstances. My 2013 7AT has done me well.

A few things to share from my 3 months of ownership.

I had to have the dealer reflash my computer to fix an issue with the transmission dropping out of gear (5th I believe) in manual mode. There are a few others on here that had the same issue. Basically you shift up and then the car starts to disagree with your choice of gears.

I also strongly suggest that when you go for your test drive you try the manual mode. Great transmission but I think requires a full understanding to take advantage of or else it just seems awkward initially.

Since my computer reflash - Things have been really smooth.

OldGuy · 10-02-2013, 01:17 AM

Got My 370 Z at age 62 and I'm still enjoying it very much at age 65---even more now in retirement. 7 speed automatic is plenty exciting, especially with the paddles if you're in the mood. But test drive it first to be sure your knee can handle getting in and out. Fortunately, I have no such problems.

onzedge · 10-02-2013, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGuy

Got My 370 Z at age 62 and I'm still enjoying it very much at age 65---even more now in retirement. 7 speed automatic is plenty exciting, especially with the paddles if you're in the mood. But test drive it first to be sure your knee can handle getting in and out. Fortunately, I have no such problems.

zefaulter · 10-02-2013, 07:13 AM

nothing wrong with Automatics. that's where all manufacturers are heading anyway. in 10 years, there might be no manual cars in production if you ask me

10-01-2013, 08:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
gunz4me Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 10 Drives: 2012 WRX Sedan Rep Power: 13	Considering the 370z again In late 2011, I was considering a 370z but ended up buying a 2012 WRX instead. Unfortunately, my circumstances have changed and I am now driving a LOT more than I used to in stop and go traffic. Sadly, my 40 year old arthritic left knee isn't liking a manual these days. My question to the collective is, should I even consider a 370z with an automatic or should I look elsewhere? I'm looking for the same or better performance as my WRX but in something with an automatic transmission. I would prefer something with RWD or AWD. I'm also cross shopping BMWs... Something like a certified pre-owned 135 or 335. I already test drove a GTI with a DSG and a BR-Z with an automatic. The only word I have to describe both vehicles is... UNDERWHELMING! Also, I came from a 2006 Mustang GT into the WRX, so there is no way I would even consider another Mustang! EDIT: Sorry for sounding like I am rambling. I'm thinking out loud here and having a beer, or three. Last edited by gunz4me; 10-01-2013 at 08:49 PM. Reason: Apology for rambling

10-01-2013, 09:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
axmea? A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,234 Drives: WELL ZED PW 6MT Rep Power: 53241	Looks like you already made up your mind and looking for some validation from your forum brothers and sisters. I'd say go for it --- get the sport version. __________________ >MyZ's Album< NISMO Convert/ECUTEK/Takeda CAI/F.I. HFC NR CB Carbon/F.I. 34 Row Oil Cooler/4.08 Final Drive /Powertrix+Swifts/Hotchkis/SPL/Whiteline/TWM/Zoom Engineering/EVO-R/AeroJacket Vented CF Fenders + CF Spoiler/Avant Garde-WORK/NST/Morimoto Halo/STi Clear Lenses/Carbon Signal Automotive/RJM Performance/ZSpeed Clutch Flywheel CSC delete

10-01-2013, 09:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
NickTurnon A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Scottsdale Age: 33 Posts: 1,636 Drives: 09 BS 7AT 370z Rep Power: 17	You can't go wrong with the 7AT on the 370z. Its such a blast to have multiple options when you want to drive differently! Automatic for grandma mode, "stick shifting" for more fun, and paddles for the track or going beast mode! The 370z beats all those other cars though. But i agree with axmea, look for the sport package our touring to get all the bells and whistles. DEpointfive0 and Shadezz like this. __________________ 2009 Brilliant Silver BASE 7AT \| TEIN S-Tech Springs \| K&N Drop Ins & z1 Maf Tubes \| AAM S-Line Short Tails \| 5% Tint \| 20MM Spacers \| Sport Spoiler NickTurnon's 370z Build

10-01-2013, 09:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
DIGItonium A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,800 Drives: 09 Z34-TT 6MT Rep Power: 42	Can you test drive it? Just want to make sure it's comfortable. It doesn't hurt to consider the 7AT. Just drive it. __________________

10-01-2013, 09:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
gunz4me Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 10 Drives: 2012 WRX Sedan Rep Power: 13	They have some available at my local dealership for a test drive. In fact, I'm planning on going Saturday to test drive one! As for cargo room, my wife has a 2013 Jetta TDi so any long trips would be taken in her car. We have no kids and no plans to have them either, so a 2 seater would be a perfect fit for me. It also keeps those pesky co-workers from wanting to tag along at lunch time! DIGItonium, DLSTR, NickTurnon and 1 others like this.

10-01-2013, 09:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tribalpinoy91 Track Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 607 Drives: 370z PW Rep Power: 14	I actually find the cargo room in the Z to be quite generous, of course I'm not gonna go out and expect to fit $200+ worth of groceries or shopping bags, I mean who does? I have not once found the cargo room to be lacking, on beach trips that lasted a week, everything we needed fit just fine.

10-01-2013, 10:02 PM	#9 (permalink)
fzgood Base Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 136 Drives: '13 370z 6MT TS PW Rep Power: 25	when i was shopping for my Z, I was pretty close to getting a 335is... If your living situation allows for you to have a stylish, purposeful, 2 seater, go for it. The German fast sedans are cars of compromise, imo. Nice, but compromised. One of my friends has this to say about BMW's, particularly the 3-series: "They're great, except you can never get the smell of cheap cologne out."

10-01-2013, 10:15 PM	#10 (permalink)
peleincubus Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Austin, tx Posts: 255 Drives: PW 14' 370Z Rep Power: 13	I have 3 year old but me and his mother are broken up. So when I get the z soon booster seat it is haha

10-01-2013, 11:34 PM	#11 (permalink)
jaedub Track Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 906 Drives: 2010 Black 370Z MT Rep Power: 304	2 words. TEST DRIVE!!! See how you like it. I'm sure it won't disappoint

10-02-2013, 12:34 AM	#12 (permalink)
ZeroZeta Track Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Austin TX Posts: 543 Drives: 2013 Z Rep Power: 12	gunz4me - I am around the same age with similar circumstances. My 2013 7AT has done me well. A few things to share from my 3 months of ownership. I had to have the dealer reflash my computer to fix an issue with the transmission dropping out of gear (5th I believe) in manual mode. There are a few others on here that had the same issue. Basically you shift up and then the car starts to disagree with your choice of gears. I also strongly suggest that when you go for your test drive you try the manual mode. Great transmission but I think requires a full understanding to take advantage of or else it just seems awkward initially. Since my computer reflash - Things have been really smooth. DEpointfive0 likes this.

10-02-2013, 01:17 AM	#13 (permalink)
OldGuy Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Greensburg PA Posts: 899 Drives: '09370Z Red Base A7 Rep Power: 16	Got My 370 Z at age 62 and I'm still enjoying it very much at age 65---even more now in retirement. 7 speed automatic is plenty exciting, especially with the paddles if you're in the mood. But test drive it first to be sure your knee can handle getting in and out. Fortunately, I have no such problems. osbornsm likes this.

10-02-2013, 07:13 AM	#15 (permalink)
zefaulter A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,983 Drives: 40th 370Z Rep Power: 27	nothing wrong with Automatics. that's where all manufacturers are heading anyway. in 10 years, there might be no manual cars in production if you ask me