My first sports car! A dream fulfilled!!

370zBlkChry · 12-08-2016, 05:37 PM

Although I've owned my 370z for a few months when I go downstairs into my garage or pick up the keys I still can't believe I own one. The feeling from the date of taking deliver on the 5th of July still is present and it is a joy. So this is my story which transpired prior to the month of July.

I was in the market for a new car as my Jetta 2.5 4DR lost value due to the VW scandal. Also, it became apparent that I'd be spending more than the car was worth to maintain and I wanted something with much more than 140hp base. Naturally living in Connecticut my peers have told me go with a truck, SUV, or something with AWD. I didn't see a need for a large vehicle as I don't have a family of my own and am a bachelor so arguing of sports car vs family wagon was history.

As for other AWD cars there are many Subaru's around, Audis, BMWs, etc. One thing came to mind about awd is the need to buy all new tires should one tire have more wear than the other. For a new car it couldn't be something too common. Not to mention the markup on Subaru WRXs or STIs with low mileage were outrageous. A coworker who also worked for Carmax told me he could see me driving a 370z and should look into it. Regarding winter we agreed I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Some time went by and I found myself driving the same car in a video game...Forza Horizon 2. Yes it's a game but the more I played around with it the more I thought of the car.

I've even browsed this forum as a guest and said when the car was in my possession then an account would be created. At times I went back to suvs and grew fond of the Mazda CX-5. However my heart told me should the suv route be pursued the sports car reality would be severely postponed. While worrying about escorting friends and such a friend with a bmw 325 coupe rwd said "Look, you're not Uber & and who do you know doesn't have a car that would need a lift?" He had made perfect sense as he also drove his bmw all year around. Snow tires on all corners with weight in the trunk. After that bit of info it was all the confidence I needed to make the dream a reality.

Around the end of June I ordered the car to be delivered to my local Carmax site. Even on a work day with the title in hand the opportunity to leave with a new car was very possible. I met with my coworker who led me out back to the black cherry 370z he was talking so vividly about and how I should look into gold rims for it. There she was...

I liked how it was parked next to a Camaro SS which was another car I failed to mention was a possible choice. I read about some owners switching from that car and also how it was big and bulky. Had to agree with them though.

Truthfully I haven't drove manual in 5years and was worried for a sec about stalling and embarrassing myself on the road. The first thing that came to mind was the clutch after reading how it likes to grab near the top. After confirming this I was quickly off and out onto the roads driving. Equipped with the BFGoodrich G-Force Comp 2 A/S this car hugged the corners and the VDC light rarely came on. One thing I like about the car is the power delivery. It's very smooth and the car loves to rev.

After the test drive around some local roads and the highway it was time to make it official. I gladly traded in my Jetta and used the value towards the 370z. I tried to hold back my emotions while filling out the paperwork as it was the final stretch to getting this car. To add more humor a lot of ladies onsite (staff and customers) were wondering who was taking deliver of the car and when my coworker pointed at me they smiled as I passed by...as I walked to the big prize. Out with the old and in with the new!

New ride getting cleaned up for delivery

After all was done she was mine; a 2010 Black Cherry 370z 6spd Touring w/Sport Package. While making the rush into work there were a lot of stares at the car because it's not something you see often like the competition nor in this color combination. If you wanted silver and in manual with sport package or touring w/sport be prepared to pay a bit more even with higher mileage. My car with 39,500 miles on the nose with a no haggle price tag of $22,500. At work people waited for me to emerge from the car to see who was driving it. From a distance some people thought it was a Porsche until they came closer and saw the Nissan badge.

Also, the first upgrade added to the total purchase price was a backup camera. I wasn't able to get the car done same day and I of course lost the Homelink Mirror which the installer said wasn't compatible with the backup cam going to be installed. The loaner car was a Ford Fusion and man did depression set in. The model received had less than 200hp and it a slouch in pick up speed due to the curb weight. Compared to the Z it felt like I was riding on top of a horse. Parked in my garage I sadly walked upstairs praying my 370z be ready the next day for pick it. Surely it was and off I went to reclaim my ride.

Normally a concern for a new car was trunk space. Coming from 16ft cubic space down to 6.9ft was thought to be a challenge. Thankfully a little research prior to purchase offered me some assurance this vehicle would have more than enough space for daily life. Here are my personal cargo tests so far with this car.

Test #1 Full shopping cart from local Walmart. Food & car supplies.

No problem!

Test #2 Golf gear. Easy and with room for more!

Test #3 Costco shopping and filled the cart up as I was going to have a little cookout. Didn't get a pic of the cart, but some people stopped and waited to watch me load the car. A guy came over and ask me "Are you sure that's going to fit?" I smiled back and said "Yes it will...watch this". To their surprised I had the trunk neatly packed in a short amount of time. A little trick I've learned when packing this car is to fit items in like a puzzle to maximize room. Whatever didn't fit in the trunk, if it were maxed out, went on the passenger seat and the floor.

If trunks full...

Only dislikes so far...there is no trunk release button in the car which to me was very strange. Also being a part of the "300hp+ club" nearly everyone wants to race! So far the tally of 45 cars that tried to get me to race while minding my business on the roads. The worst was a cocky BMW M4 drivers who blew past me doing 120 only to slow down, put his hazards on and then wait for me to get close to blast off again. I passed him later as he got pulled over by a trooper..they love to hide behind signs and the on ramps.

Since snow is in the forecast for next week I plan to get the Blizzaks LM-32s and A7s for rims since the Tirerack website wont give me an option to put the TRmotorsport C2 in the cart. It keeps saying "These rims won't fit your car". Order processed and my winter gear arrives next week Monday! Hope you all enjoyed this story of mine. Cheers!

Sport Edition A7 Silver Painted

OldGuyFla · 12-10-2016, 02:46 PM

Welcome

, great color!

Z-Girl 12 · 12-10-2016, 03:03 PM

Love the write up! And congrats on the car!

Agent K · 12-11-2016, 11:10 AM

Great read and great story. Congratulations on getting a nice Z!!! The black cherry was my top color pick. I also used to live in CT so be careful with the Z in the snow/ice.

JC-Nismo · 12-11-2016, 11:49 AM

Congrats, but your the first one to Literally turn a Z into a grocery getter, LMFAO......

Fuzzzy · 12-11-2016, 01:12 PM

I usually skip over these lengthy posts, but am glad I took the time to read yours. I do like the color. I anticipate that you're going to really love having this car for quite a while.

Enjoy!

Volk Z · 12-11-2016, 04:26 PM

The grocery shot is hilarious! Congrats man! My 2017 Nismo I just got is my 4th Z in the last 14 years so I get the excitement as they are fantastic cars!

Raidernation · 12-11-2016, 05:13 PM

Nice Car OP. Now get to modding that bi@tch......Have fun and be safe.

Karnak · 12-11-2016, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z-Girl 12

Love the write up! And congrats on the car!

I'll second that, cool write up and welcome aboard.

Memphis370Z · 12-11-2016, 06:02 PM

Congratulations and welcome.

barncobob · 12-12-2016, 12:24 PM

nice car, I really think U should have gotten a pickup truck.

MagmaRed370z · 12-12-2016, 12:29 PM

Congrats and welcome!

cigarclifford · 12-14-2016, 11:22 AM

Welcome to the 370Z forum

-Clifford

shirokenkami · 12-14-2016, 04:26 PM

Our cars don't have a tremendous amount of room but then, it's not meant for grocery getting yet I do it all the time.

Welcome to the forum!

370zBlkChry · 12-14-2016, 05:09 PM

Thanks for the welcome guys! Personally the thought of who would read a lengthy post came to mind but car shopping is an experience for many people and there is always a story behind it.

I remember a top gear episode where they tried to use a sports car for every day living and thats why I took the grocery shopping pics. If I had bought a truck there is a strong feeling of regret that would have overwhelmed me. However I will say that nothing is being mounted to the roof of the car. Also, after ordering my Blizzak LM32s and rims the same day I made the first post they arrived two days later despite the confirmed 12/12 arrival date. Pulling out of the driveway without salt or plowing was a breeze despite it being an incline. Upgrades will surely come next year. The first goal would be to get to 300whp and from the looks of it that won't take much. After that maybe the TT setup on GammeMotors webpage.

Tire Totes came Friday

The goods

All bagged up

The car

Maybe some more offset for the rears?

12-08-2016, 05:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
370zBlkChry Base Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2 Drives: '10 Nissan 370z 6spd Rep Power: 9	My first sports car! A dream fulfilled!! Although I've owned my 370z for a few months when I go downstairs into my garage or pick up the keys I still can't believe I own one. The feeling from the date of taking deliver on the 5th of July still is present and it is a joy. So this is my story which transpired prior to the month of July. I was in the market for a new car as my Jetta 2.5 4DR lost value due to the VW scandal. Also, it became apparent that I'd be spending more than the car was worth to maintain and I wanted something with much more than 140hp base. Naturally living in Connecticut my peers have told me go with a truck, SUV, or something with AWD. I didn't see a need for a large vehicle as I don't have a family of my own and am a bachelor so arguing of sports car vs family wagon was history. As for other AWD cars there are many Subaru's around, Audis, BMWs, etc. One thing came to mind about awd is the need to buy all new tires should one tire have more wear than the other. For a new car it couldn't be something too common. Not to mention the markup on Subaru WRXs or STIs with low mileage were outrageous. A coworker who also worked for Carmax told me he could see me driving a 370z and should look into it. Regarding winter we agreed I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Some time went by and I found myself driving the same car in a video game...Forza Horizon 2. Yes it's a game but the more I played around with it the more I thought of the car. I've even browsed this forum as a guest and said when the car was in my possession then an account would be created. At times I went back to suvs and grew fond of the Mazda CX-5. However my heart told me should the suv route be pursued the sports car reality would be severely postponed. While worrying about escorting friends and such a friend with a bmw 325 coupe rwd said "Look, you're not Uber & and who do you know doesn't have a car that would need a lift?" He had made perfect sense as he also drove his bmw all year around. Snow tires on all corners with weight in the trunk. After that bit of info it was all the confidence I needed to make the dream a reality. Around the end of June I ordered the car to be delivered to my local Carmax site. Even on a work day with the title in hand the opportunity to leave with a new car was very possible. I met with my coworker who led me out back to the black cherry 370z he was talking so vividly about and how I should look into gold rims for it. There she was... I liked how it was parked next to a Camaro SS which was another car I failed to mention was a possible choice. I read about some owners switching from that car and also how it was big and bulky. Had to agree with them though. Truthfully I haven't drove manual in 5years and was worried for a sec about stalling and embarrassing myself on the road. The first thing that came to mind was the clutch after reading how it likes to grab near the top. After confirming this I was quickly off and out onto the roads driving. Equipped with the BFGoodrich G-Force Comp 2 A/S this car hugged the corners and the VDC light rarely came on. One thing I like about the car is the power delivery. It's very smooth and the car loves to rev. After the test drive around some local roads and the highway it was time to make it official. I gladly traded in my Jetta and used the value towards the 370z. I tried to hold back my emotions while filling out the paperwork as it was the final stretch to getting this car. To add more humor a lot of ladies onsite (staff and customers) were wondering who was taking deliver of the car and when my coworker pointed at me they smiled as I passed by...as I walked to the big prize. Out with the old and in with the new! New ride getting cleaned up for delivery After all was done she was mine; a 2010 Black Cherry 370z 6spd Touring w/Sport Package. While making the rush into work there were a lot of stares at the car because it's not something you see often like the competition nor in this color combination. If you wanted silver and in manual with sport package or touring w/sport be prepared to pay a bit more even with higher mileage. My car with 39,500 miles on the nose with a no haggle price tag of $22,500. At work people waited for me to emerge from the car to see who was driving it. From a distance some people thought it was a Porsche until they came closer and saw the Nissan badge. Also, the first upgrade added to the total purchase price was a backup camera. I wasn't able to get the car done same day and I of course lost the Homelink Mirror which the installer said wasn't compatible with the backup cam going to be installed. The loaner car was a Ford Fusion and man did depression set in. The model received had less than 200hp and it a slouch in pick up speed due to the curb weight. Compared to the Z it felt like I was riding on top of a horse. Parked in my garage I sadly walked upstairs praying my 370z be ready the next day for pick it. Surely it was and off I went to reclaim my ride. Normally a concern for a new car was trunk space. Coming from 16ft cubic space down to 6.9ft was thought to be a challenge. Thankfully a little research prior to purchase offered me some assurance this vehicle would have more than enough space for daily life. Here are my personal cargo tests so far with this car. Test #1 Full shopping cart from local Walmart. Food & car supplies. No problem! Test #2 Golf gear. Easy and with room for more! Test #3 Costco shopping and filled the cart up as I was going to have a little cookout. Didn't get a pic of the cart, but some people stopped and waited to watch me load the car. A guy came over and ask me "Are you sure that's going to fit?" I smiled back and said "Yes it will...watch this". To their surprised I had the trunk neatly packed in a short amount of time. A little trick I've learned when packing this car is to fit items in like a puzzle to maximize room. Whatever didn't fit in the trunk, if it were maxed out, went on the passenger seat and the floor. If trunks full... Only dislikes so far...there is no trunk release button in the car which to me was very strange. Also being a part of the "300hp+ club" nearly everyone wants to race! So far the tally of 45 cars that tried to get me to race while minding my business on the roads. The worst was a cocky BMW M4 drivers who blew past me doing 120 only to slow down, put his hazards on and then wait for me to get close to blast off again. I passed him later as he got pulled over by a trooper..they love to hide behind signs and the on ramps. Since snow is in the forecast for next week I plan to get the Blizzaks LM-32s and A7s for rims since the Tirerack website wont give me an option to put the TRmotorsport C2 in the cart. It keeps saying "These rims won't fit your car". Order processed and my winter gear arrives next week Monday! Hope you all enjoyed this story of mine. Cheers! Sport Edition A7 Silver Painted B&W_Evader, antjmcc07, SanNis and 2 others like this.

12-10-2016, 02:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
OldGuyFla A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Indian Lake Estates Fl Posts: 1,049 Drives: 14 370Z TS Roadster Rep Power: 19127	Welcome , great color! __________________

12-10-2016, 03:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
Z-Girl 12 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 4,105 Drives: Spirited Rep Power: 11716	Love the write up! And congrats on the car! __________________ 2012 Z-SOLD 2014 Nismo #565 Fast Intentions CBE/HFC/Swift/SPC/RJM/H&R-15/20mm/Z1 CAI/Headers/Intake Manifold w/Uprev Tune 328.31whp/263.64tq

12-11-2016, 11:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
Agent K Base Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 155 Drives: '13 370Z MBlue 6MT Rep Power: 12	Great read and great story. Congratulations on getting a nice Z!!! The black cherry was my top color pick. I also used to live in CT so be careful with the Z in the snow/ice. __________________ '13 370Z Midnight Blue 6MT / Touring Sport w/nav / PPE Long Tube Racing Headers / FI TDX 10" Resonator w/CF mufflers / K&N Drop-Ins / ZSpeed Underbody Shroud v2 / DRL 'always on' Mod

12-11-2016, 11:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
JC-Nismo A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,244 Drives: 2011 Nismo 370z Rep Power: 13	Congrats, but your the first one to Literally turn a Z into a grocery getter, LMFAO...... SanNis likes this.

12-11-2016, 01:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
Fuzzzy Track Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MS Posts: 876 Drives: 2014 370Z 7AT MR Rep Power: 21860	I usually skip over these lengthy posts, but am glad I took the time to read yours. I do like the color. I anticipate that you're going to really love having this car for quite a while. Enjoy!

12-11-2016, 04:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
Volk Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Laguna Beach, CA Posts: 2,214 Drives: Nismo Z Rep Power: 3066	The grocery shot is hilarious! Congrats man! My 2017 Nismo I just got is my 4th Z in the last 14 years so I get the excitement as they are fantastic cars! MagmaRed370z likes this. __________________ AMUSE * TOMEI * STILLEN * CRAFTSQUARE RECARO * 3M * TOP SECRET * SLICKCARBON

12-11-2016, 05:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
Raidernation Base Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: San Jose, Ca Posts: 174 Drives: 2016 GM Base 7AT Rep Power: 9	Nice Car OP. Now get to modding that bi@tch......Have fun and be safe. __________________ 2016 7AT GM Base: Fast Intentions CBE 18" Res, Z1 Rear Diff Cover, Quaife LSD, Nismo S-Sport Suspension, Nismo Body Brace Kit, White Line Front Sway Bar, SPL Front End Links, Energy Rear Bushing, Z1 Post MAF Silicone Tubes w/ K&N Drop-in Filters

12-11-2016, 06:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
Memphis370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Memphis Area Posts: 3,117 Drives: '09 MB Rep Power: 124434	Congratulations and welcome.

12-12-2016, 12:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
barncobob A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: hangtown, CA Posts: 1,164 Drives: 16 370Z auto Rep Power: 590	nice car, I really think U should have gotten a pickup truck. JC-Nismo likes this.

12-12-2016, 12:29 PM	#12 (permalink)
MagmaRed370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: USA Posts: 1,468 Drives: 14' 370z Sport Magma Rep Power: 13	Congrats and welcome! __________________ Sold: 2014 Magnetic Black Base. Current: 2014 Magma Red 370z Sport \| ARK Grip Exhaust \| 25mm HR Spacers \| GTR Button \| DRL Mod

12-14-2016, 11:22 AM	#13 (permalink)
cigarclifford A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Cali State Hospital Posts: 13,351 Drives: 2017 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 458713	Welcome to the 370Z forum -Clifford __________________ -Clifford

12-14-2016, 04:26 PM	#14 (permalink)
shirokenkami Base Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Middle Tennessee Age: 38 Posts: 232 Drives: 2013 Z Tour Spt 6mt Rep Power: 23	Our cars don't have a tremendous amount of room but then, it's not meant for grocery getting yet I do it all the time. Welcome to the forum! __________________ “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”- Edmund Burke

12-14-2016, 05:09 PM	#15 (permalink)
370zBlkChry Base Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2 Drives: '10 Nissan 370z 6spd Rep Power: 9	Thanks for the welcome guys! Personally the thought of who would read a lengthy post came to mind but car shopping is an experience for many people and there is always a story behind it. I remember a top gear episode where they tried to use a sports car for every day living and thats why I took the grocery shopping pics. If I had bought a truck there is a strong feeling of regret that would have overwhelmed me. However I will say that nothing is being mounted to the roof of the car. Also, after ordering my Blizzak LM32s and rims the same day I made the first post they arrived two days later despite the confirmed 12/12 arrival date. Pulling out of the driveway without salt or plowing was a breeze despite it being an incline. Upgrades will surely come next year. The first goal would be to get to 300whp and from the looks of it that won't take much. After that maybe the TT setup on GammeMotors webpage. Tire Totes came Friday The goods All bagged up The car Maybe some more offset for the rears?

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