Some thoughts after 1100 miles (in 48 hours)

[Dembflyr]

First off I'd like to say how helpful this forum has been. I couldn't have got the deal I did without it.

I have been dreaming about a new car for over five years and finally I am in a financial position to make the purchase. I started out longing for a 350z. That all changed late in 08 when I heard about the 370z.

I picked up my 09 Monterey Blue Touring/Sport 6 speed on Friday in Connecticut. I live in Indiana and after hanging out with some friends in CT (and showing off the car) I started my 850 mile drive home on Saturday.

The Good:

Syncro Rev Match. Need I say more?

The interior is great. Love the layout. Very nicely done.

I have heard comments about the blue being "smurfy". While I had to agree when looking at pictures, once you see this color in the sunlight, it is IMO the best color offered on the 370z. I still wish they offered the orange though. My dad had a 1970 240z in orange. Woulda been fun to have a new one in the same color.

I am very impressed with the way the car feels on the highway. I was expecting a more stiff ride that would be fatiguing on a long ride. I drove all the way through. 13.5 hours. I did have to stop a few times because my left leg started to cramp but I think that was just due to me not being used to the seat.

How bout that highway mileage??? Wow. I know the sticker says 26 but I didn't expect to get very close to that because I was trying not to hold a steady speed for too long per the recommended break in. First tank averaged 25.5 while driving through the hills of PA. The second tank was 26.2 at 70mph on the flatter roads of OH and IN.

The power is very impressive as well. Needs a little more low end grunt but that's just me being picky. I am sure it will be better when I get an exhaust on there. Gonna go with the Berk HFC and CBE (Where the heck can you buy the CBE? I can't find it anywhere). That should do until I make the decision about going FI. Mmmmmm boost.

It has been WAY too long since I've had a car with some power. My last one was a 87 Firebird Formula that a friend and I put a Grand National engine in. Now that was a sick car. Mmmmmm boost. (sorry got carried away)

The Bad:

The clunky transmission. Really? After 100 years of making cars and we have to deal with this. It sounds like something is loose under the car. I will have it checked out just to make sure its the same noise that others have described on here.

Clearcoat issues. I have a small area on the roof that looks like the clearcoat is cracked. It is very small (about 1/8 inch circle)
It is very possible that this happened at the dealer seeing as this was a leftover model and had been on their lot for a while.

That's all I have at this point. I am looking forward to being part of the 370z community and have already enjoyed this site immensely.

Thanks







.