370z DD and clear bra question

mark_taba85 · 01-29-2011, 12:05 PM

I do not have a 370z, but I am interested in getting one.

* I tried to search for my questions but no luck*

I have a question about the 370z as a daily driver. How is it as a daily driver?

I currently have a mazda3 4door, but when my wife moves out with me she'll need a car so i'll give her that and i'll get the 370z.

I am in the military so I won't live far from base and would possibly drive about 20miles or less both ways to drive to and from work and then use it for leisure such as going downtown and cruising.

How often would you refuel a week or per month. How much is a full tank of gas?

Another question: I am interested in getting a clear bra when I do get one. How much would it cost to put on a clear bra and what do people usually put on it? full body bra?

thanks in advance!

370Zsteve · 01-29-2011, 12:09 PM

I get 28-30 mpg on the highway and I'm no ham-and-egger.

An automatic would be a far better daily driver than a manual.

Get the clear bra. I wished I had after about 1000 miles.

Take a test dive, y0!

sojirovskensi · 01-29-2011, 12:16 PM

Z makes me smile every time I go to work. Perfect.
Clear bra is a must.

kellyefields · 01-29-2011, 12:20 PM

I like my Z as a daily driver, it is fun but for some the noise they dont like. you have to remember you are buying a sports car. Some dont like the manual transmission, i do. These are questions you need to ask yourself. As far as the gas milage goes it depends on how you drive it, lead foot you may get between 12 and 20mpg, easy going upwards of 30 on hwy, I average around 24-28 taking it easy. As far a the clear bra issue if you decide to get one get it the same day you pick up the car. if you can find a place see if they wrap the pannels/ under the headlights etc to prevent buildup etc. also this prevents premature peeling. personally I would wrap the entire front bumper, and about 6 inches on the hood and the side skirts, this is where you get the most wear, if you want to spend the money have the entire car wrapped. I feel if you take the time to wash weekly and put a good wax/synthetic like adams polishes or zanio and do a clay bar once in a while a clear bra is not needed but you still develop nicks, that leads you to the questions of color, Black is the worst for this, trust me I own one but it looks hot when cleaned up. I would say white it next. If you go with the graphite it looks like it would hide smaller imperfections better. this is all subjective so take it with a grain of salt and make a decision that is right for you. and by the way since you are in the military I will tell you right now if you are planning on putting your pack in the back be prepared to not see out the back or carry anything else even though there is more usable room than the 350z it is not a truck/car that you can load down. Personally if I need to do this I use my durango to move this stuff. Good luck and stay safe.. Semper Fi.

mark_taba85 · 01-29-2011, 12:22 PM

thanks guy.

I was just getting some ideas/questions together.

I was planning on getting a 7AT. My wife would drive it too when I am lazy and I do not do any racing or tracks.

how much are clear bras for a typical application and how often do you guys refuel?

Why would you get it after 1k miles and not when you get the car?

will definitely test drive when I get back and will have the wife try it too

mark_taba85 · 01-29-2011, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellyefields

I like my Z as a daily driver, it is fun but for some the noise they dont like. you have to remember you are buying a sports car. Some dont like the manual transmission, i do. These are questions you need to ask yourself. As far as the gas milage goes it depends on how you drive it, lead foot you may get between 12 and 20mpg, easy going upwards of 30 on hwy, I average around 24-28 taking it easy. As far a the clear bra issue if you decide to get one get it the same day you pick up the car. if you can find a place see if they wrap the pannels/ under the headlights etc to prevent buildup etc. also this prevents premature peeling. personally I would wrap the entire front bumper, and about 6 inches on the hood and the side skirts, this is where you get the most wear, if you want to spend the money have the entire car wrapped. I feel if you take the time to wash weekly and put a good wax/synthetic like adams polishes or zanio and do a clay bar once in a while a clear bra is not needed but you still develop nicks, that leads you to the questions of color, Black is the worst for this, trust me I own one but it looks hot when cleaned up. I would say white it next. If you go with the graphite it looks like it would hide smaller imperfections better. this is all subjective so take it with a grain of salt and make a decision that is right for you. and by the way since you are in the military I will tell you right now if you are planning on putting your pack in the back be prepared to not see out the back or carry anything else even though there is more usable room than the 350z it is not a truck/car that you can load down. Personally if I need to do this I use my durango to move this stuff. Good luck and stay safe.. Semper Fi.

I am light on the pedal. I do not press on the gas when I move from a red light unlike others.

So does a clear bra help retain the original color from fading and from nicks or just from nicks? I guess i'd do the skirts and the from part like what others would do. I am looking at getting the Gun Metal color since it is easy to maintain, sexy and just like my other car. If I put stuff in the car for my gear i'd just put it in the front if that's the case since it'll also just be me in the car. I do not have a truck or SUV. I'd get a jeep for my wife the next time I get promoted ^^ She wants a jeep *yuck* lol.

thanks for the response!

kellyefields · 01-29-2011, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark_taba85

I am light on the pedal. I do not press on the gas when I move from a red light unlike others.

So does a clear bra help retain the original color from fading and from nicks or just from nicks? I guess i'd do the skirts and the from part like what others would do. I am looking at getting the Gun Metal color since it is easy to maintain, sexy and just like my other car. If I put stuff in the car for my gear i'd just put it in the front if that's the case since it'll also just be me in the car. I do not have a truck or SUV. I'd get a jeep for my wife the next time I get promoted ^^ She wants a jeep *yuck* lol.

thanks for the response!

I would assume the clear bra helps retain the color but I am not sure, hopefully someone else can chime in on this. The thing that worries me about the clear bra is will it change the color of the car first, will it not fade the color under the bumper and then if you pull it off will the bumper not match the rest of the car, and will it yellow over time. I never had one installed but the more I see them I think it would be a good idea. as far as getting a AT, I would say dont especially if you are tracking it IMHO but then I have been raised you dont buy a sports car for it to drive you, but you drive it, and I love the feeling of cluch, heel/toe, reving the engine just to piss the other guy off, etc. I dont let my wife drive mine even if she knew how to drive a manual, me I would rather take the bus and leave it covered in the garage or better yet make her drive you in her car.

OldGuy · 01-29-2011, 12:59 PM

Z's fuel efficient for the kind of car it is. I got the automatic and I'm glad. It's a pleasure to drive. I have the clear bra. GET IT as soon as you get the car to avoid chips. 370Z paint seems to be very seek and susceptible to nicks and scratches. With the Clearbra I relax and enjoy. Get the bumper, half hood, nose and mirrors. Figure $1250 or so. Car's otherwise very reliable and trouble free---aside from the soft paint.
Other tip: If you want leather, pass up on Touring, get a base model get Katzkins aftermarket leather. They're beautiful and way less expensive. (about $1250 installed)
Enjoy and thanks for your service.

mark_taba85 · 01-29-2011, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGuy

Z's fuel efficient for the kind of car it is. I got the automatic and I'm glad. It's a pleasure to drive. I have the clear bra. GET IT as soon as you get the car to avoid chips. 370Z paint seems to be very seek and susceptible to nicks and scratches. With the Clearbra I relax and enjoy. Get the bumper, half hood, nose and mirrors. Figure $1250 or so. Car's otherwise very reliable and trouble free---aside from the soft paint.
Other tip: If you want leather, pass up on Touring, get a base model get Katzkins aftermarket leather. They're beautiful and way less expensive. (about $1250 installed)
Enjoy and thanks for your service.

nice! thanks for the useful information!

will get the clear bra immediately and will look into the leather seats. I want the touring just for the heated seats but figure I can get that too.

EazyD · 01-29-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGuy

Z's fuel efficient for the kind of car it is. I got the automatic and I'm glad. It's a pleasure to drive. I have the clear bra. GET IT as soon as you get the car to avoid chips. 370Z paint seems to be very seek and susceptible to nicks and scratches. With the Clearbra I relax and enjoy. Get the bumper, half hood, nose and mirrors. Figure $1250 or so. Car's otherwise very reliable and trouble free---aside from the soft paint.
Other tip: If you want leather, pass up on Touring, get a base model get Katzkins aftermarket leather. They're beautiful and way less expensive. (about $1250 installed)
Enjoy and thanks for your service.

Why do most things on the 370Z cost $1250?
Clearbra - $1250
Katzkins aftermarket leather - $1250
Catback exhaust - $1250
Winter wheel + tire set- $1250
I'm sure there are a ton more.

Mark taba - MPG probably wouldnt be much different from your Mazda if you don't wail on the gas pedal.

A full tank of gas is 19.1 gallons -- so multiply that by your premium fuel cost.

Lots of people use it as a daily driver. I will, once it gets warmer out

Might as well use the Jeep while it is still alive this winter. BTW, Jeeps are fine until you own it for 6 years or so. Then... things start to happen.
Jeep: Just Empty Every Pocket.

spearfish25 · 01-29-2011, 03:10 PM

I daily drive mine. I originally didn't have Clear Bra and regretted it. Then I banged up the front bumper and now the whole front end is bra'd. I went with front bumper, 1/3 hood, leading edge of fenders, a-pillars, mirrors, and roofline. Without clear bra, your front bumper will feel like 100 grit sandpaper and you'll have multiple hood chips in <5k miles.

The Z has a huge gas tank so your range is anywhere from 250mi to upwards of 400mi depending on how you drive. If you're worried about fuel economy, the Z is not for you. It's not bad, but it's not a Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, or Nissan Leaf.

DD'ing a manual is only a matter of preference. I LOVE driving my manual every day. I find it much more engaging and entertaining. Traffic isn't that big a deal either. But if you don't care much about the manual, then just get an AT.

slammiam · 01-29-2011, 03:35 PM

I DD mine, and it's purpose is a fun toy that I look forward to driving after work, and spirited runs on the weekend backroads. It's a 7AT, and for the occasional guy that wants to run, the paddle shifters work very well when you want to make full use of the rpm range. I have a clearshield, and while it is noticeable up close, it is a great piece of mind. No longer do I worry about getting behind trucks...etc. Paint chips will happen unless you cover your entire car, but I've yet to get one. I had the clearshield installed about a week after getting the vehicle. The install cost $700 for 24" up the hood, front, front fenders, and A pillars. I also have a bottle of Dr. Colorchip touch-up paint just in case. For me, this was all necessary so I didn't baby it, and I could have enough peace of mind to enjoy it. The vehicle can't be kept perfect unless it's in a vacuum...so for me, I became very good at fixing minor blemishes (quite some time ago).

sonic370 · 01-29-2011, 08:18 PM

agree with all on gas mileage depends on how you drive. i swear once i made to separate trips exact distant and the 370 beat my wifes rouge in mpg!

i DD and love it.

tsolin01 · 01-29-2011, 08:35 PM

I've DDed mine for 21k miles so far and MPG has been 22mpg for average daily commuting and up to 27mpg for long trips. I'm about 20 miles to work each way and I have to fill up once a week and average $300 a month in gas. That's with weekend driving.

As for clear bra, I mean I personally don't think it's worth it because unless you do the entire front or entire car, there will be places that get hit. I do have a lot of tiny chips but you don't really see them unless you get really close and unless you're extremely picky, it won't matter. I mean it's a car, it's not gonna stay perfect forever.

It's my only car so the only thing I really miss are back seats sometimes. Like if I have friends coming over to visit from another state, they typically have to rent a car unless it's just 1 person.

PapoZalsa · 01-29-2011, 10:17 PM

Clear Bra is a must on the Z, prices will depend on what you want..
I don't drive the Z as a DD especially during the Winter but try to drive it as much during March thru October, as MPG I don't worried about it..

01-29-2011, 12:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
mark_taba85 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Fort Campbell, KY Posts: 197 Drives: future buyer Rep Power: 15	370z DD and clear bra question I do not have a 370z, but I am interested in getting one. * I tried to search for my questions but no luck* I have a question about the 370z as a daily driver. How is it as a daily driver? I currently have a mazda3 4door, but when my wife moves out with me she'll need a car so i'll give her that and i'll get the 370z. I am in the military so I won't live far from base and would possibly drive about 20miles or less both ways to drive to and from work and then use it for leisure such as going downtown and cruising. How often would you refuel a week or per month. How much is a full tank of gas? Another question: I am interested in getting a clear bra when I do get one. How much would it cost to put on a clear bra and what do people usually put on it? full body bra? thanks in advance! __________________ "Once you go ASIAN, there is no other persuASIAN"

01-29-2011, 12:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
370Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gold Coast CT Posts: 10,599 Drives: 2019 Corvette G.S. Rep Power: 43	I get 28-30 mpg on the highway and I'm no ham-and-egger. An automatic would be a far better daily driver than a manual. Get the clear bra. I wished I had after about 1000 miles. Take a test dive, y0! __________________ SOLD MY Z MARCH 2018 - another Core OG moves on - new ride 2019 Z Corvette Grand Sport - no mods necessary but already have eyes on HFC and intakes LOL IT NEVER ENDS.

01-29-2011, 12:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
mark_taba85 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Fort Campbell, KY Posts: 197 Drives: future buyer Rep Power: 15	thanks guy. I was just getting some ideas/questions together. I was planning on getting a 7AT. My wife would drive it too when I am lazy and I do not do any racing or tracks. how much are clear bras for a typical application and how often do you guys refuel? Why would you get it after 1k miles and not when you get the car? will definitely test drive when I get back and will have the wife try it too __________________ "Once you go ASIAN, there is no other persuASIAN"

01-29-2011, 03:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1856	I daily drive mine. I originally didn't have Clear Bra and regretted it. Then I banged up the front bumper and now the whole front end is bra'd. I went with front bumper, 1/3 hood, leading edge of fenders, a-pillars, mirrors, and roofline. Without clear bra, your front bumper will feel like 100 grit sandpaper and you'll have multiple hood chips in <5k miles. The Z has a huge gas tank so your range is anywhere from 250mi to upwards of 400mi depending on how you drive. If you're worried about fuel economy, the Z is not for you. It's not bad, but it's not a Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, or Nissan Leaf. DD'ing a manual is only a matter of preference. I LOVE driving my manual every day. I find it much more engaging and entertaining. Traffic isn't that big a deal either. But if you don't care much about the manual, then just get an AT. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

01-29-2011, 03:35 PM	#12 (permalink)
slammiam Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 61 Drives: jesus built hotrod Rep Power: 15	I DD mine, and it's purpose is a fun toy that I look forward to driving after work, and spirited runs on the weekend backroads. It's a 7AT, and for the occasional guy that wants to run, the paddle shifters work very well when you want to make full use of the rpm range. I have a clearshield, and while it is noticeable up close, it is a great piece of mind. No longer do I worry about getting behind trucks...etc. Paint chips will happen unless you cover your entire car, but I've yet to get one. I had the clearshield installed about a week after getting the vehicle. The install cost $700 for 24" up the hood, front, front fenders, and A pillars. I also have a bottle of Dr. Colorchip touch-up paint just in case. For me, this was all necessary so I didn't baby it, and I could have enough peace of mind to enjoy it. The vehicle can't be kept perfect unless it's in a vacuum...so for me, I became very good at fixing minor blemishes (quite some time ago). __________________ Huper Optik 30 \| Clearshield

01-29-2011, 12:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
sojirovskensi Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 287 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z Wh M6 Rep Power: 15	Z makes me smile every time I go to work. Perfect. Clear bra is a must.

01-29-2011, 12:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
kellyefields A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Lexington Ky #BBN Age: 48 Posts: 1,156 Drives: Supercharged Rep Power: 17	I like my Z as a daily driver, it is fun but for some the noise they dont like. you have to remember you are buying a sports car. Some dont like the manual transmission, i do. These are questions you need to ask yourself. As far as the gas milage goes it depends on how you drive it, lead foot you may get between 12 and 20mpg, easy going upwards of 30 on hwy, I average around 24-28 taking it easy. As far a the clear bra issue if you decide to get one get it the same day you pick up the car. if you can find a place see if they wrap the pannels/ under the headlights etc to prevent buildup etc. also this prevents premature peeling. personally I would wrap the entire front bumper, and about 6 inches on the hood and the side skirts, this is where you get the most wear, if you want to spend the money have the entire car wrapped. I feel if you take the time to wash weekly and put a good wax/synthetic like adams polishes or zanio and do a clay bar once in a while a clear bra is not needed but you still develop nicks, that leads you to the questions of color, Black is the worst for this, trust me I own one but it looks hot when cleaned up. I would say white it next. If you go with the graphite it looks like it would hide smaller imperfections better. this is all subjective so take it with a grain of salt and make a decision that is right for you. and by the way since you are in the military I will tell you right now if you are planning on putting your pack in the back be prepared to not see out the back or carry anything else even though there is more usable room than the 350z it is not a truck/car that you can load down. Personally if I need to do this I use my durango to move this stuff. Good luck and stay safe.. Semper Fi.

01-29-2011, 12:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
OldGuy Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Greensburg PA Posts: 899 Drives: '09370Z Red Base A7 Rep Power: 17	Z's fuel efficient for the kind of car it is. I got the automatic and I'm glad. It's a pleasure to drive. I have the clear bra. GET IT as soon as you get the car to avoid chips. 370Z paint seems to be very seek and susceptible to nicks and scratches. With the Clearbra I relax and enjoy. Get the bumper, half hood, nose and mirrors. Figure $1250 or so. Car's otherwise very reliable and trouble free---aside from the soft paint. Other tip: If you want leather, pass up on Touring, get a base model get Katzkins aftermarket leather. They're beautiful and way less expensive. (about $1250 installed) Enjoy and thanks for your service.

01-29-2011, 08:18 PM	#13 (permalink)
sonic370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orange Texas Posts: 1,574 Drives: 09 370Z Sports PGK Rep Power: 18	agree with all on gas mileage depends on how you drive. i swear once i made to separate trips exact distant and the 370 beat my wifes rouge in mpg! i DD and love it.

01-29-2011, 08:35 PM	#14 (permalink)
tsolin01 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 657 Drives: 2010 370Z Rep Power: 16	I've DDed mine for 21k miles so far and MPG has been 22mpg for average daily commuting and up to 27mpg for long trips. I'm about 20 miles to work each way and I have to fill up once a week and average $300 a month in gas. That's with weekend driving. As for clear bra, I mean I personally don't think it's worth it because unless you do the entire front or entire car, there will be places that get hit. I do have a lot of tiny chips but you don't really see them unless you get really close and unless you're extremely picky, it won't matter. I mean it's a car, it's not gonna stay perfect forever. It's my only car so the only thing I really miss are back seats sometimes. Like if I have friends coming over to visit from another state, they typically have to rent a car unless it's just 1 person. __________________ SOLD 12/30/2011 2010 370Z Coupe Monterey Blue 6MT/Touring/Sport/Nav F.I. CBE CF w/ 12" Res \| V1 \| SecondSkin \| Stillen G3 \| EVO-R CF B-Pillars \| Volk GT-S Ti Gunmetal 19x9.5 +30 F, 19x10.5 +8 R \| Swift Spec-R Springs

01-29-2011, 10:17 PM	#15 (permalink)
PapoZalsa A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Not in Sunny Florida Posts: 6,358 Drives: 16 Nismo w/Tech Pack Rep Power: 4500	Clear Bra is a must on the Z, prices will depend on what you want.. I don't drive the Z as a DD especially during the Winter but try to drive it as much during March thru October, as MPG I don't worried about it.. __________________ 2009 370Z MB Base w/Sport Package 6MT Modshack's Custom Air Intakes /3M Clear Bra/ Illuminated Kick Plates / F. I CBE w/12" resonators / EVO-R Front Lip / Rear Hatch Wing / Tein S-Tech Springs /Ilegal Tint in the Rep. of VA/4x20mm Z1 Spacers/ Vinyl Roof/Liquid Carbon Designs

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