Nissan 370Z Forum

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-   -   Is owning a roadster worth all the hassles (http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-roadster-convertible/28702-owning-roadster-worth-all-hassles.html)

Immaginazione 12-06-2010 02:11 PM

Is owning a roadster worth all the hassles
 
Hi

I am thinking about get the 370Z roadster as my primary everyday car, and reading the roadster section of this forum, it's left me with a few concerns about owning a 370Z roadster.
So my question is two fold:
1. How many roadster owners have had hassle free driving?
2. Those of you who have had hassles, would you say owner a roadster is worth it?

axeman71 12-06-2010 02:39 PM

Very subjective question, so opinions will vary.

I use mine as a daily driver as well as for some longer trips (under 5 hours) and I have not had any serious issues. I had a problem with my ipod but changing the ipod cable fixed it. I also have problems with my wife's phone not always connecting properly to the bluetooth but my phone works perfectly.

After 7 months and 10,000 miles I have had no mechanical issues and no problems with my top. The trunk is big enough for a medium size piece of luggage and there is some room behind the seats to put small packages. I have no kids so I don't need a back seat. The car rides well (for a sports car, it is not suppose to be as smooth as a Lexus) and is quiet for a soft top convertible. I love it and expect to own it for many years to come.

370Z_Fan 12-06-2010 03:03 PM

I've had my roadster for nearly seven months now and the only hassle I get is everyone keeps looking at my car and saying "nice car!" or something to that effect.

Hi-Step'n370Z 12-06-2010 05:44 PM

I have just a little over 7,000 miles on my 2010 Roadster and have nothing but great things to say about her! I only drive my Z in the spring, summer and fall. Not on the winter/salt covered roads.

I agree with all the positive things that have been said so far about the Roadster. It's a styler for sure! Nothing but positive comments.

I could not be happier with a car than I am with my Roadster. However........ I would be remiss if I did not also say that I do have a concern about the fabric top wear/tear issues. I have not had any problems at all with my top. It looks brand new and works flawlessly. But, I always feel I should add; "so far."

I don't know what Nissan has done about the problem during assembly for the 2011's. Maybe nothing because it "seems" that only a few tops have had the issues. Of course, even a few is too much. Once again, my heart goes out to all of you who have had this issue. It has to be absolutely gut wrenching.

Those top issues are covered under the warranty, so other than the dread of having it happen to your Z, if it does, Nissan will fix it.

I don't know what they would do if it became worn/torn after the warranty period though. On one hand, since this problem was identified during warranty period, they may honor it if those exact issues happen after warranty. But then again, they may not. So for those of us who are not having the problem while under warranty, we don't know what the future holds for us regarding the fix.

But it seems that IF you operate the top over 20 times and there's no sign of a problem, you should be OK.

From what I've read regarding the issue, I kind of think that if you can feel that large cable/bundle of wires running between the fabric and the frame, then you're heading for trouble. If you can't, then it seems that you will not have the problem. But that's only my common sense guess. I can not feel that bundle of wires with my top, so I figure I am safe.... "so far: LOL

Even as the top issue is upsetting, it hasn't appeared to be a real big problem to fix should you experience it.

I would say; if you like the Roadster, buy yourself the Roadster and enjoy it. It's a beautiful, automobile.

crash1369 12-06-2010 06:18 PM

Thing thing you need to realize about a forum, or the internet in general is that is where people go to complain. Someone has a problem and they want to find a solution so you end up with a huge database of problems listed about a particular car, with nothing good to say because people are not going to post things like "My roof opens swimmingly" :D
But you can rest assured they will post "My roof won't close" So you need to take that into consideration. Also even if it looks like allot of people on a forum are having a particular problem, their still generally the monitory in overall sales.

That said I have no complaints about mine. I had my roof open almost every day since I got it up until lately when it got to cold even for me. I've have no problems other then my windows freezing, hopefully resolved.
I only have ~3,000 miles on mine so far though

John Bradley 12-06-2010 07:07 PM

I have had mine longer than anybody here except for one guy.. Mine is 13 months old and I have not had one problem with anything.. Now I only have 2600 miles on it in those 13 months so that's a lot less than others.. Hoepfully all stays well for the next 30 years... I do not know how it would be as a DD so I can't help you there.

dixon cider 12-06-2010 11:04 PM

Love mine. Glad I bought it and would buy another one if I was in the market.

B52EWO 12-07-2010 10:07 AM

A lot to love
 
I'm one of the owners with the top tearing problem but I wouldn't have any other car. The dealership is working the problem and I've given the warranty manager the pictures of other tops with the same problem that have been posted on this forum (thank you to those individuals).

I owned a new 2004 350Z Roadster and a slightly used 2008 350Z Roadster and, in my opinion, Nissan finally got it right with the 370ZR. The tire feathering/cupping issue has been resolved and the interior design and quality has been re-engineered and is now better than ever.

Between the 2004 350ZR (which I traded because that top rotted after 39 months – no help from the dealer on a replacement top) and the 2008 350ZR, I had an Infiniti G37 which was a great car, but it just wasn’t a drop-top. When Infiniti came out with the removable hardtop G-37, I thought this might be the solution to my needs, but it looks too much like a Sebring (in my opinion) when the top is down. I guess when you have two more seats in the back, there’s no way to make it look like a real sports car with the top dropped.

Immaginazione – get one, you won’t be disappointed. My wife’s son (Canadian) spends a lot of time in South Africa and he tells me it’s a beautiful country. You’ll really enjoy seeing the sights more with the top down.

B52EWO 12-07-2010 11:44 AM

Top Update
 
The warranty manager just called me this afternoon to tell me Nissan is sending him a complete top assembly for my car. This top includes the fabric, struts, etc., and an improved pivot pin (whatever that is) which is supposed to fix this issue. I’ll post an update when I know more and when the installation has been completed.

Zaggeron 12-07-2010 12:26 PM

Just shy of a year and around 4500 miles on mine. No mechanical problems at all -- runs like a dream.

I am concerned about wear issues on my top, but I haven't had any extreme issues like some of the posters -- I've got a wrinkle where some other owner had a hole rub through, but in my case I can't find any wear on the inside where his wore through. There is a slight rubbing of the side of the top above the driver's door. This has caused a tiny bit of fabric to fray. I'm keeping an eye on it and if it starts to wear further, then I'll try to get warranty service for it, but if it stays as is, it will be fine.

Other than the cheap floor mats that won't stay in place and are already pulling away from the metal ring that goes over the post on the floor, everything else is fine.

Immaginazione 12-07-2010 01:28 PM

Thanks for all the responses, clearly even people who have/had problems are still happy with their purchase.

Hi-Step'n370Z 12-07-2010 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B52EWO (Post 840734)
The warranty manager just called me this afternoon to tell me Nissan is sending him a complete top assembly for my car. This top includes the fabric, struts, etc., and an improved pivot pin (whatever that is) which is supposed to fix this issue. I’ll post an update when I know more and when the installation has been completed.


See if you can get some pics of that pivot pin, and where it sets on the vert top frame, when they do your install. I know we all would appreciate seeing them.

Thanks for the updates too.

LuckyJinx 12-07-2010 05:30 PM

Down here its a great dd as my friend owns one, but some people can't take people with convertables seriously.

Findlay 12-07-2010 10:51 PM

Love mine - favorite car I've ever owned. One of those cars you park, walk away from, then stop, glance back and just gaze at with a goofy grin. I make up reasons to go out on errands just so I can drive it - then "forget" things so I can go out again. I drive with the top down every single chance I get - day, night, hot, cold, fog, drizzle, whatever. I take the long way everywhere, every time. And as I've said before somewhere on this forum, I tuck it into the garage with more love than my kids get at bedtime.

As my old friend Ferris Bueller once said about another sexy little roadster - "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

Hi-Step'n370Z 12-08-2010 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Findlay (Post 842004)
Love mine - favorite car I've ever owned. One of those cars you park, walk away from, then stop, glance back and just gaze at with a goofy grin. I make up reasons to go out on errands just so I can drive it - then "forget" things so I can go out again. I drive with the top down every single chance I get - day, night, hot, cold, fog, drizzle, whatever. I take the long way everywhere, every time. And as I've said before somewhere on this forum, I tuck it into the garage with more love than my kids get at bedtime.

As my old friend Ferris Bueller once said about another sexy little roadster - "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."


Sounds like you operate the top more than most. Have you seen any signs of the top wear issues with your Roadster yet?

Jeffblue 12-08-2010 07:51 AM

i imagine most with the roadster would say yes. i bought a coupe, but 'hassle' didn't play into my decision at all. the Z itself is kind of a 'hassle' if you think of it. Small, 2 seater, low to the ground, i dont think the roadster is too much worse in terms of 'hassle' so get the one you think you want.

kenchan 12-08-2010 11:33 AM

if i buy a roadster it would be primarily for weekend drive only.... so for dd i would not consider one.

sunset123 12-08-2010 06:36 PM

So far sooooooooooo good
 
2 Attachment(s)
Bought it in March added the intake, FI down pipes, and just before fall added larger sway bars. Tracked it at Z1 Nationals (Bryan Settles my instructor) - Had a BLAST! I weekend drive it on the back roads of Southern Ohio it is everything and more I LOVE IT. Looking for a hard top! That should answer your question! Oh..btw no problems.

BeachZTT 12-08-2010 10:39 PM

Love it! Absolutely trouble free so far. Purchased in July and have almost 8k on it now. We took a 10 day trip and did 2700 miles. With all that seat time, I never felt fatigued or uncomfortable. At least half (probably more) have been with the top down.

Kirkster 12-09-2010 09:44 AM

Got mine in June Just ticked over 7K last night. Been absolutely flawless except for the Oil temps running really high...

I did a 3 day 1000 mile trip in July and the trip was great..

http://www.the370z.com/mid-atlantic-...road-trip.html

Waiting on the UPS man to bring me my new suspension today!!!

I would buy another in a heartbeat, and I use it as a daily driver.

Immaginazione 12-11-2010 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunset123 (Post 843484)
Bought it in March added the intake, FI down pipes, and just before fall added larger sway bars. Tracked it at Z1 Nationals (Bryan Settles my instructor) - Had a BLAST! I weekend drive it on the back roads of Southern Ohio it is everything and more I LOVE IT. Looking for a hard top! That should answer your question! Oh..btw no problems.


I would love to know if you get a hardtop for your car and see some pics of it

Immaginazione 12-11-2010 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirkster (Post 844271)
Got mine in June Just ticked over 7K last night. Been absolutely flawless except for the Oil temps running really high...

I did a 3 day 1000 mile trip in July and the trip was great..

http://www.the370z.com/mid-atlantic-...road-trip.html

Waiting on the UPS man to bring me my new suspension today!!!

I would buy another in a heartbeat, and I use it as a daily driver.

Why are you keen on a new suspension kit for your car? Do you feel is't too soft?

Kirkster 12-11-2010 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Immaginazione (Post 847021)
Why are you keen on a new suspension kit for your car? Do you feel is't too soft?

First off I wanted it a tad bit lower. Lets say about an inch. Second thing is that when you really start to push it past the 75% performance levels it starts to get a bit skitterish in the rear end.

The front always seems planted but the rear end gets loose and silly when you go through curves with any sort of roughness and not in a good way. It just kind of likes to hop and skip through the turn. So I really wanted to eliminate that, hence the coilovers that are sitting under my christmas tree right now.

K

Immaginazione 12-13-2010 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirkster (Post 847075)
First off I wanted it a tad bit lower. Lets say about an inch. Second thing is that when you really start to push it past the 75% performance levels it starts to get a bit skitterish in the rear end.

The front always seems planted but the rear end gets loose and silly when you go through curves with any sort of roughness and not in a good way. It just kind of likes to hop and skip through the turn. So I really wanted to eliminate that, hence the coilovers that are sitting under my christmas tree right now.

K

Would love to know your results after you have them fitted

vifferman 12-13-2010 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B52EWO (Post 840734)
The warranty manager just called me this afternoon to tell me Nissan is sending him a complete top assembly for my car. This top includes the fabric, struts, etc., and an improved pivot pin (whatever that is) which is supposed to fix this issue. I’ll post an update when I know more and when the installation has been completed.

This is important info for those of us who have had the top-tear issue (or signs of it). As per Hi-Step'N's post, please see what you can find out about the "pivot pin." If not a photo, perhaps a definition - what is it and where is it located on the top mechanism? If this proves to be the true source of our top-tear issue, we will thank you immensely.

Kirkster 12-13-2010 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Immaginazione (Post 849563)
Would love to know your results after you have them fitted

I installed them this weekend. 6 hours and 4 minutes total install time not counting the hour that I spent running to Sears to buy a couple of new tools for the ones I broke trying to get the 19mm nut off of the strut.

Got a chance to drive it on Saturday night but it was 35° and raining. So not much driving. it was only 1/4 inch lower than stock so I decided that was not low enough as I was looking for an inch. So I spent an hour and a half and lowered it another 3/4 of and inch now it is perfect.

Today it was finally dry, cold but dry. So I did some semi spirited driving on my favorite roads. All I have to say is :yum::yum::yum:

It is firm without being jarring. It absorbs all the bumps with no issues or bad behaviors that I have been able to detect so far. All the issues that I had with the way the rear end behaved are GONE.

This is by far the best mod you can do if you want a car that handles much much better than stock. Scott knows what he is doing with the suspension setup for sure...

Immaginazione 12-14-2010 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirkster (Post 849915)
I installed them this weekend. 6 hours and 4 minutes total install time not counting the hour that I spent running to Sears to buy a couple of new tools for the ones I broke trying to get the 19mm nut off of the strut.

Got a chance to drive it on Saturday night but it was 35° and raining. So not much driving. it was only 1/4 inch lower than stock so I decided that was not low enough as I was looking for an inch. So I spent an hour and a half and lowered it another 3/4 of and inch now it is perfect.

Today it was finally dry, cold but dry. So I did some semi spirited driving on my favorite roads. All I have to say is :yum::yum::yum:

It is firm without being jarring. It absorbs all the bumps with no issues or bad behaviors that I have been able to detect so far. All the issues that I had with the way the rear end behaved are GONE.

This is by far the best mod you can do if you want a car that handles much much better than stock. Scott knows what he is doing with the suspension setup for sure...

Do you any updated pics showing the before and after?

sarmyth 12-19-2010 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirkster (Post 849915)
I installed them this weekend. 6 hours and 4 minutes total install time not counting the hour that I spent running to Sears to buy a couple of new tools for the ones I broke trying to get the 19mm nut off of the strut.

Got a chance to drive it on Saturday night but it was 35° and raining. So not much driving. it was only 1/4 inch lower than stock so I decided that was not low enough as I was looking for an inch. So I spent an hour and a half and lowered it another 3/4 of and inch now it is perfect.

Today it was finally dry, cold but dry. So I did some semi spirited driving on my favorite roads. All I have to say is :yum::yum::yum:

It is firm without being jarring. It absorbs all the bumps with no issues or bad behaviors that I have been able to detect so far. All the issues that I had with the way the rear end behaved are GONE.

This is by far the best mod you can do if you want a car that handles much much better than stock. Scott knows what he is doing with the suspension setup for sure...

Couldnt agree more. I went the nismo route myself along with some h&r spacers and I can't say enough about the improvement. The car is much more sorted; perfectly damped without being harsh.

Looked to the nismo units initally as I did not wanted a significant drop. They failed in that regard(lost a bit more than an inch) but the springs and dampers are perfectly matched and with the wheels spaced out, the car just looks mean.

And I am an owner with both the top tearing and driverside rubbing issue(dealer advised to wait til spring to let nissan come up with a proper fix, if I didn't mind the wait) and absolutely love the car. Because nissan is taking care of the issue i'd buy again in a heartbeat. Mechanicaly the car is a joy as soon as you ditch the roadsters floaty suspension and more importantly the horrible factory exhaust. When stock it does a convincing imitation of a prius(really not kidding). A quick call to fast intentions will fix that nicely though.

Enjoy the purchase.

:happydance:


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