Don't have a Z yet...

[testrider]

Hi all,

I have never own any sports car (I drive a SUV) , but I'm no stranger to speed and performance driving. I have been riding sport motorcycle since 1996 for a total of about 100k road miles.

Due to an illness that I may not be able to ride anymore, I'm thinking of getting a sports car to replace my motorcycle and a 370z seems to fit my need and budget (up to 40k).

I'm confused by all the different configurations. I just want something I can take to the mountains, or do a long trip with my wife, drive to work, with plenty of fun, like a motorcycle. Is it the Touring model that I want?

I definitely want the 7AT (I can handle a manual but I'm living in Los Angeles and everyday commute is a stop and go gridlock), with GPS/backup camera. I don't care much about the sound/speakers.

After reading about the 2014 price drop, I guess I wait until it becomes available?

Thank you for any suggestions.

mike

[XiP]

Yes you definitely want touring:

Originally Posted by frost

Touring: Leather-appointed power heated seats with synthetic suede inserts, driver’s adjustable lumbar support, Bose® audio system with 8 speakers, including 2 subwoofers, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio, [2] Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System[3], HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, auto-dimming rearview mirror, aluminum-trimmed and rear cargo cover.

I don't know if you also want to get the sport package. You can read more about it in this thread
Base vs. Sport Package

A fully loaded 370z would have sport package + touring package + nav

[testrider]

Thank you for the reply. I appreciate it.

Which transmission is better in term of performance, reliability and durability?

Just noticed that I don't have to have GPS Nav to have rear view monitor, as I can get the option of rear view monitor on the rear view mirror, is that right? Then I think I can have the base+sport.

mike

[6MT]

Hi

[Leuz]

Hi and welcome Definitely you want the sports package, which is well worth the money (brakes, rims, vlsd, suspensions....). The touring adds more luxury things like leather and heated seats, rear view camera, Bose sound system, etc (don't remember everything on top of my head). NAV is not part of a package so you'd have to add it. Sounds more like you'd be fine with a base+sport from what you say. You won't regret a Z

[DEpointfive0]

Originally Posted by testrider

Thank you for the reply. I appreciate it.

Which transmission is better in term of performance, reliability and durability?

Just noticed that I don't have to have GPS Nav to have rear view monitor, as I can get the option of rear view monitor on the rear view mirror, is that right? Then I think I can have the base+sport.

mike

Hey Mike, this is true, you CAN get a rear view camera in the rear view mirror.
I agree that you want touring, the seats are much more comfortable as well. I made a drive from TX in my 370 without any issues

You also JUST asked a question that will turn your thread into an Internet bloodbath.
The 7AT shifts faster (also has rev matching with or without sport package)

The 6MT has changeable parts (clutch, flywheel, pedal, etc) making it more responsive
The 6MT with a clutch, and CSC change will take 500WHP all day.
The 6MT will probably last the life of the car...

Now for the cons:
The 7AT will NOT perform well under a forced induction setting, although no one has really explored different options.
The 7AT performs A-OK for 99% of people who do canyon runs, but as a dedicated track car, you'd likely want a transmission cooler (ask wstar if you need more info)
The 7AT, like 99.9% of ATs will probably last 250,000 miles

The 6MT has the WORST CSC that is OFTEN replaced. If it happens out of warranty, FYL, it's INSIDE the transmission.
The 6MT is known to be clunky
The 6MT will not let you do snap gear changes from 1-2 (maybe with lightweight flywheels)
I have heard of several 6MTs being replaced due to synchros and/or gear grinding issues... Never heard of a 7AT being changed...


I'm a 7AT owner, so I AM biased... But lets not lie to each other 6MT drivers

[Felix 808]

You can also get the touring or touring sport without nav as well as I did. I think it looks cleaner without & I am not a fan of hard drive based GPS as you need to pay for the updates.

[Leuz]

Also, the 6MT has a very debatable clutch feeling. Few people like it, many people (included me) hate it.

[Mr&Mrs]

Welcome!