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. :D

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.

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.

:iagree: Love my auto. Originally was wanting a stick, wife said it had to be auto :shakes head: Then I test drove the auto it was all http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/smilies/banana.gif If you can live with out back seats & cargo room, the Z is great.

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!

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

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!

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."

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

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

:icon18:
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.

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.

:tup:

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

Back in 2010 when I was shopping for a Z , I too wanted a manual trans. But the deal I got on my 7at was too good to pass up.One test drive and I was convinced that the at was no compramise.
Run it anyway you want to, full auto, manual, it's a blast.
And when you sit in traffic, there's no endless standing on a clutch.
This at is a far cry from the 1962 GM 2sp "Hydromatic" that was used in the at 'vettes of long ago.
3 years of ownership no problems, no complaints and having a whole lotta fun.
( Even with the at, my wife still won't drive it :tup:)

I used to havea wrx as well. I also am tired of MT in traffic. I loved my e46 smg. That's what really sold me on the Z was this awesome 7AT, rev matching. Closest thing to smg tranny without spending ~$60k
Sometimes I do miss the MT
But I love paddle shifting

the more reasons why i got the Z in MT. :icon17:

I guess I will be driving 10 year old sport cars then. No way I am touching an automatic in my sports car, in my prius sure but not in my Z.

This. I also realized that my wife is a master Tetris player on this occasion.

From street use, mild driving...plus those track days!! I love my 7AT and wouldn't change it. Smooth, responsive and a blast to drive!!! GO AHEAD PULL THE TRIGGER!!! Glad I did!! Ive put 34k in the drivers seat sense May/12 and no issues!!

2012 370Z M6 Brilliant Silver/Black Interior Touring Sports Package with Navigation
 

Took me for ever to find a M6 with those combinations but I finally found a used 2012. Much more than I wanted to spend but everything I ever wanted was there. The biggest feature is the Navigation.

I heard the 7AT are quicker than the M6. The only draw back to Auto's is they don't hold up mods like Forced Induction.

My main complaint is taking turns with the AT from a stop. In other cars I can switch to 2 gear before moving. For the Z I have to shift mid turn or else its going to rev high.

Yeah, that part is a little frustrating. Also, turning a corner and using the stick shifter, i have tried to upshift but threw it in neutral.. :( I felt like such a babya$$ after I stalled/stopped an AUTO lol

A friend wanted a 6sp coupe until he drove my roadster 7At. Now he wants a 7at roadster. :)

M6 Rev match feature versus AT7
 

Its hard for me to say but in many ways the AT7 wins. I just so used to a Manual its hard for me to get the same enjoyment out of driving an AT but from hearing all of you rave about it its changing my mind.

Go drive one, It will suprise you. It sure did me ;) YMMV

Make sure you drive in manual mode & push the car & you'll see the Auto is great

Costco doesn't count. Everything there is like $20+...$200 adds up really quick. Try $200 in groceries ;)

Would that be $200 in groceries at Safeway, SaveMart, Whole Foods or Trader Joe's?

I drove several different 370 models (all in 6MT because that is what I really wanted) but never purchased because of the traffic conditions in my area. The day I decided to test drive an auto I wound up signing the papers the same day and took her home. But like everyone has said, drive one. Only way to believe.

But if you are looking for the same performance of a subaru you would certainly need to stick to AWD. Why not just get a GTR? They're ALL auto! :tup: And all the people who would essentially make fun of anyone for driving an auto all seem to shut the hell up the second a GTR rolls in. Soooooo.... :p

Good luck!

Z auto is a great option. CPO x35i is also worth a test drive.

I guess the only option is to drive 100% of the time in auto.

the 7AT is a beast.

Paint quality poor Get a 2009 Cayman
 

I like my Z but the paint quality is poor. The Z is ac great car but test drive a Cayman.

I've fit 7-8 grocery bags in the trunk of my roadster easily. I had room in the front seat for more. It's surprising how much you can pack into the car if you want to. Kinda hard to carry 4x8 sheets of drywall or plywood. I'll have to use the Lexus for that.:D

I don't know how old you are but when you get a little older and your left knee starts aching you'll change your mind.

Unfortunately, that is the sad reality of getting older. Just five years ago I would have called people names if they suggested that I get an automatic. Now, it is the only option I will consider. Funny how your perspective changes when something like sleeping too long causes your body to ache.

Just doooooo it! With a 7AT you can use your fingers to shift! Or not!!

I believe a sports car should be driven as a manual. My dad has an automatic SS Camaro. He didn't get an manual because of his age. That being said, whenever I drove it and people would ask "Is that a manual"? You could just feel the judgement when they would respond "Oh" after I told them it was not. I would then have to justify why it was an auto. I hated that feeling so it's always gonna be manual for me. Nothing against the auto guys. Still a great car, just how I feel about it! :tiphat:

However when I get older, I will switch over to auto. Gotta save those knees! :tup:

Only a matter of time before new manual cars will be a novelty, or small selling "option" on a model. Porsche, Ferrari and Lambo all done with manual transmissions.