For Tampa area folks: My Humble Recommendations for your Z
 

Hey there,

I've been living in tampa for about 20 years, have been doing car projects (often custom ones) and tuning (both self and with the help of others) for about a decade; I have owned two 370Z's, both of which I've modded and had tuned over the past 4 years.

With that background in mind, here are my humble recommendations for where to go for various Z (and other car) related things in the area.

1. Buying a new or newish Z: NOWHERE. Buying a new car means entering the belly of the beast... That said, I've had the most "fun" encounters with Ferman Nissan, but my primary recommendation here is to read the car buyers thread and arm yourself with the Black Book so you have a good idea of the car's real value and likely depreciation. These are powerful weapons when negotiating your OTD price.

2. Getting Warranty Work done: Courtesy Nissan in Tampa (there may be one in Brandon -- go to the Tampa one and ask for Mike Hare). They are cool with modified cars, and eager to make you happy.

3. Getting autobody and paint done: Ferman Nissan -- yeah, I know I described encounters with their sales personnel as "fun", but their autobody shop is top notch.

4. Tuning and installation: Z-fever. These are the guys to go to. For more details on specific tuners I very highly and strongly recommend, just PM me.

5. Dyno Shop (and also for installation or custom projects): Proven Power. They are great and they have a proper dynojet for nice consistent measurement (I have talked about them and about dynojets vs other dynos at length in various threads...)

6. Suspension and alignment related work (and also general service and installation): Cars&Concepts. Without question, these guys know how to prep a car for a track day to your specs, as well as do good work on everything from basic maintenance to things like wheel spacers etc.

7. Basic maintenance (oil, tires mounted, etc) and any simple non-warranty covered repair: SOS Automotive. Been going to these guys for years, and they are excellent if you prefer to let others get their hands dirty on your behalf for all the basic stuff and also things like mount and balance tires, check battery, etc.

8. Tint: Maximum Audio & Video on Dale Mabry Highway. Haven't gone to them for any audio stuff, but they do outstanding work on tint. Ask for the good 3M stuff :tup:


Google any of the names for contact info, doing your own research on reviews, location, hours, etc. All of these shops are in Tampa.

I'll add or edit the list as needed, and invite anyone else with specific recommendations to post as well :tup:

If there's already a single thread dedicated to these kinds of recommendations that I missed -- my apologies; mods, please merge.

Nice write up... Thanks for sharing.

i would absolutely not go to ferman to purchase anything. they tried charging me over stick for my new z. went else where and got it nearly 10k cheaper.

as for paint. theres a shop close to ferman that has agreed to hook this forum up.
flocko's auto body 6302 Ridge Rd Port Richey, FL

installation: i go to nutnmuch, and kellyefields, who are forum members in tampa. they are not only cool dudes, but do great work. many of us will be happy to vouche for them.


thats my .02 we all have our own experiences, and its always good to have options. good post jordo

Family included we have purchased quite a few cars from Nissan of Brandon. We have a great salesman that spits no B.S you tell him the deal you want if it can be done your out in a few hours with your new car.

Now for their service department they can blow me.

Edit: I couldn't agree more with Lothario anything Ferman I would beat with a stick then burn.

^^^ I had mixed experiences with Nissan Brandon -- more good than bad, but was happier with the Tampa one.

Ferman sales... yeah, I agree 110%.

But, I have to say, I was extremely pleased with the work they did on several cars for paint and collision repair.

I know a good paintless dent repair guy too -- I need to double check the name and number, but I'll add it to my first post.

Also, just remembered where I always go for tint -- added them.