Possible Nismo Z Owner?
 

Hey all,

If this is in wrong section feel free to move it mods!

I am in the market for a new car with a cap around 45K. I want a more analog old school sports car than alot of brands are offering. I have been a long time BMW fan and owned many of the older models and Ms my family loves them. They will always probably be my favorite car but I am not alone in thinking BMW lost their way. They are now luxury cars with some sportiness.

In about 2007 I had enough of the maintenance nightmare that is used BMWs. I got very tired of spending entire paychecks just keeping the cars going and could never stay ahead they just got worse and worse. 2K cat converters $1500 headlights $750 door seals $2000 clutches it all adds up quick. I took good care of the cars and they were still just somthing broke and didn't work 24/7. On the 80s ones forget about A/C. Actually the E30 I drove hardest never gave me a bit of trouble ever but that was the only exception.

I then bought an SS Camaro that was second hand and had around 40K in mods and 520RWHP it was awesome! But the interior was so bad and it was not a drivers car. It was an automatic and no road feel at all. It was crazy in a straight line and it actually cornered very hard with everything that was done to it 305 PS2s coilovers sways strut bars etc. But there was no road feel or feedback it was very dull after you got past the power. It also drove me nuts cause you couldn't have fun with it at all on the street with that kind of power and grip. Throwing a tail out or even getting into the power meant double the speed limits and friendly visit with local law enforcement. It did however cost me nothing other then regular oil fluid changes etc. I love that part of owning it.

I also ride sport bikes and have several liter bikes including an S1K so cars short of 800+ hp are not nearly the raw rush I get on a motorcycle. They even made the SS feel SLOWWWW.

I just want to get something that is new and has a warranty that is fun to drive. I live where I dont know of many good indy shops to take an import car too. I am not trying to buy the fastest thing out there. Just want something reliable and fun. I have some health issues so I don't need to fight a broken down car with no AC anymore in 105F summers.

I went and drove a BRZ and loved the handling but NO POWER. I did however respect the way it drove and it had great road feel was fun. If it had another 75HP I wouldnt be typing this. I am still considering getting that and throwing a supercharger on but good buy warranty and probably engine life.

I then went and drove a BASE 370Z and thought it was nice but it was an AUTO and the sales guy was in his late 60s and I took one corner getting on the highway a little fast and he looked like he was going to beat me with his cane so I took it easy for the rest of the test drive. I didnt get to explore limits or power of car at all but it did seem very torquey for V6 and capable.

I then went and drove the M235i BMW as they are in my price range and they have nice interiors but once you option them with an LSD and any thing decent they are 50K+. Just NAV and LSD add 5K to price. I was almost sold but the electric steering is so dead! It weights up nice but there is no road feel. In an older BMW you can put your finger tips on the wheel and read the road. This was like driving an Escalade or Navigator with full power assist you could have hit a deer and not felt it in wheel. I actually went over some train tracks on test drive and literally couldn't feel it. The sales guy went on about how it had better feel than any of the old BMWs blah blah. So I wasn't that impressed. The turbo was fun and tons of TQ for that displacement though down low. Honestly the BRZ felt like a more raw fun tossable drivers car.

I almost bought the 2 but I am just not crazy about the looks of the 2. For 50K it doesn't look special at all. I was considering waiting for the M2 but now they are saying dealer markups and it weighs even more than the Z. So here we go again. The M3/M4 I like but they are just more than I am willing to spend on a car at this point in my life.

I have considered the EVO/STI pair but until Sub gets rid of the EJ forget it and the EVO lost its Recaros this year and is over. I also would prefer a RWD car they are just more fun for me regardless of the grip an AWD car can produce. I don't want a FWD car. I looked at Golf R but again its basically FWD that goes backwards if front slips and you can't get a 2 door and I think it looks terrible as a 4 door. Interior for prices is super nice though.

I was in traffic the other day and saw a 14 370 Pearl white and thought WHAT IS THAT! I followed it and saw it was a Nismo and must be factory. Looked it up and saw the 15 and fell in love. I showed it to my GF and she was also a huge fan of it. I love the Alacantra and the Recaros. First thing I do to a new car is put Recaros in haha. The Nismo is one of the best looking cars on the market right now everything else is trying to our crease each other or something.

I went to read some reviews and watch videos about it and it was like PURE HATRED for the car? Its overpriced its old it heavy interior sucks its blah blah blah.

I really like the car the interior on the Nismo looks great with the Recaros I know its a few years old but its a sports car and its a far cry from the American cars (been there done that). It pulls around a G on the skid pad and weighs the same or less than the EVO STI and way less than the GT SS cars. What am I missing?I keep seeing people say buy the C7 Vette but its another 10K so not really in same class to me. It looks pretty slick with the Nav package etc.

Honestly I would have just went and ordered one but all the hate on the net has made me think twice.

I just want a nice looking fun to drive sports car I have other cars to drive as my daily and since I have my bikes I don't need it to out accelerate the McLaren P1 to feel like its fast lol. I have spent tons of money making cars fast then ride one of my bikes on the track and go oh thats what speed is and feel dumb.

There isn't a Nismo close to me it would be several hours away to test drive but should I just try and get that? Theres a local Nismo with a 10K markup not even going to entertain them. I just don't see any other decent RWD sports car on the market in that price range. I am not going to do the used BMW nonstop problems again I don't have the room or time to do it. And I just got done doing the American car thing. The Cayman/Boxster IMS issues scare me away from those cars and the 2009+ are still well over 45 and anything breaks and it would be not covered and that can add up quick.

Should I take a hard look at the Nismo as my next car or should I just give up LOL and drive my SUV? I will probably order in spring as I don't want to get a new car and store it for the next 4 months in the garage over winter.

Do you guys consider the 370 a good drivers/sports car? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Thanks for any help!

Hey buddy! I owned a 2015 sti that I took stage 2 with tba, el headers, injectors, intake, volks blah blah. made gobs of power with 340 whtq but I always wanted more, the steering rack was fantastic but there was always under steer and the gears were excessively too short for having to hammer down in a corner to maintain any sort of turn in, the stock z shifter is fantastic, short, smooth and just heavy enough. STi was totaled 3 months so I began looking and I ended up with the Z, I sat in a nismo and had to have one. I will tell you and everyone else on here will say the Z is a true sports car and will never leave you disappointed, minor bolt ons and a tune its cheap and makes good power and if you need more the stock block can handle fi pretty well. Drop the spare, new wheels,flywheel and rotors the car will be like 3280 pounds and it feels nimble stock. IMO I have a 2016 nismo and wouldnt trade it for a damn thing besides a 911 gt3. If you are considering I would say sport or nismo package, I went nismo for the seats and the fact that nissan puts a lot of pride in their nismo package. I wouldnt look at a brz/frs, my buddy has a turbo one but they are not built to take power, the Z is overbuilt and will handle 500 hp just fine, my buddy destroyed his tranny running only 340 whp at 16k miles. I donno if you had a chance to sit in a new nismo but its honestly a real treat and gorgeous inside and out. A few guys track the autos with great success, I never turn off my rev match with my manual because its awesome. If you can go test drive a sport z and the nismo will feel a little stiffer. I got mine dealer traded for 44500 (nismo tech) sorry for the blabber, I was trying to address your whole post lol.

When I was looking I drove just about every thing between 45-55K. Why the Z wasn't the fastest, or the most luxurious I would say it was the most balanced. Also when I looked at the cost of ownership it was a bargain compared to other cars. The insurance quote on a vet or a SRT challenger was almost triple. The cost of parts for a Porsche just turned me off all together, especially being the ones in my price range where not any thing I really wanted. So yea I would say a NISMO is a drivers car, and probably the best driver you will get in that price range as long as you fully understand what it is. It's a budget sports cars that does a lot of things great, but is not the best in any one category. That being said I have seen a lot of track video's of it eating up cars well out of it's class. There is one guy in a group I follow on face book that consistently clocks high 12sec quarter mile times on a bone stock 2015.

Appearance wise my NISMO gets more attention than my buddies STI. Also the STI feels like a sedan driving it while the NISMO feels like a racecar to me.

So in my opinion the Z is a contender for what you describe to want out of it. Than again I've wanted a Z car my whole life so I might be a little partial. I also have owned a lotus esprit and have worked multiple exotics so I'm not a stranger to performance. Is it the holly grail of sports cars? No, is it an all around fun enthusiast car, it sure as hell is that.

Based on your post I think if you dont get the nismo you wont be happy. ^^ it gets soooo much attention and nobody knows what it is. You either love the nismo or hate it, and I dont think anyone drove a z and didnt enjoy it

The Nismo is an attention whore. Alot of people have never seen or heard of it. It's also one of the best bangs for the buck of sports cars. :tup:

I love mine. It keeps right in line with the Z heritage. It is "A Drivers Car" period. It does have a few issues here and there but they are easily fixed. The car was made for mountain passes. ZdayZ at the tail of the dragon was awesome fun.

ZDayZ was a blast. :driving: Already have my reservations for next year. :D

They are honest about the car getting attention. I made it 3 blocks from the dealership and was getting thumbs up and compliments on the car.

On another not Rusty how hard is it to get reservations at ZdayZ? My wife and I are planning on attending but due to the nature of my work where gonna wait till it was a little closer to make solid plans.

Just as you are driving down the highway. You look over and the people in the other lane or in your lane are taking video's and pictures of you. :eek:

Fontana Village is already booked up. I'm staying at Tapoco Lodge. We have a cabin. Think it's the closest place to Fontana Village. Here's the link to ZDayZ.

ZDayZ 2015

Thanks for the help guys! Ya I may go see if I can get a test drive at the place that has the 10K markup on the Nismo. :shakes head:

Theres another one close but they don't have one.

Thanks for the comments on the car.

I grew up in the era of the RX7 MK4 Supra and 300ZX all those cars were killer. I always have had respect for japanese cars for being well built and fast.

That black Nismo is beautiful EZDZ! I want the pearl white one I am just a white car person haha. Black is probably best color on car though for sure!

I read about the CSC maybe I can have a local shop trade that out before it becomes a problem.

Are the engines and these cars pretty reliable in general?

Any more tips or thoughts on the decision are appreciated!

Engines are good. The only soar spot is the CSC. Some folks have major issues, others don't. One key is to not mash the clutch pedal all the way to the floor unless you are going to start the car. Just adjust your seat accordingly where you have to pivot your foot at the ankle to go all the way to the floor. The clutch release is near the top anyway like Nissan's have always been. Another key is to upgrade the clutch fluid to Motul RBF600 from the start. Whatever the factory fill is suxs.

Oh yeah, check the stickey at the top for Nismo suspension. They are shipped from the factory with shipping spacers in the springs to help get them on and off the car haulers without damage. Some dealerships miss taking out the 3 on each side of the front making it ride like a covered wagon.

I wanted white :( I hope you find one its awesone in person

My csc went, had it replaced and did a motul fill like spooler said. Ive been banging on it on some spirited runs and its fine.

If I can't find white I may just order it and wait.

This is my third Z and I have been along time Sports Car Enthusiasts. I now own a 2015 Black Nismo with Volk TE37 SL . I track all of my Z and they are a pure Sports car made for the track. Watkins Glen and Mosport here in Canada etc. I find they get more attention then any sports car I have every had. The Nismo are a Rare find and will be a Collector Car of the Future. Go to my Home Page to see my Z's that I have had and my new 2015 Nismo...

Nice car LP!

I am trying to figure what is going on with these cars are they selling well again? Both places in town have markups on them?

Last year when I looked at a base they tried to all but give it away now these Nismos are all marked up lol.

Figured now they they had been out for a bit they would have cooled off? Or are the dealers just not ordering them?

:iagree::iagree:

Just take your time and you won't be disappointed!

For a non-Z owner the car does not feel outdated. You are reading this fro people who have been around them since 2009. Why fix what isn't broken. I feel where some come from on the "looks" as a lot of the community was pretty content on the older style Nismo's aggressiveness. I do like the exterior on the pre 15, but the interior, and tech refinements on the new Nismo are what drew me in. I drive the car to and from work and the store, more than I track or do any spirited driving in the car, so comfort and convenience are a selling point to me. I came from a G37, so I knew a lot of what to expect, and am still very pleased with my 15 Nismo.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7673/...95ea0f27_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7684/...0a613acb_b.jpg

DPE G that is one sexy Z. You use Air to lower?

That picture is on KWv3 coils, but I may have recently added air ride :tiphat:

The Nismo's are always about 10k higher. They have never dropped the price. You can find a dealer that will give you a good deal on one from time to time from what I have read on here. Not in my area though.

Ill give you my soul for your stance

Order one from Nissan, but unfortunately you would needed a test drive

Thanks guys I will have to go talk to my dealer tomorrow see what it take to get a white one.

DPE that 370 you have there is what sold me on the car! Perfect stance perfect wheels.

What exhaust do you have? I love the blue on the tips on these Japanese exhaust systems.

2015 Black Nismo

Motordyne

If you see another Nismo cloned to look like yours it wasnt me! :tup:

Get the car that you want. Sounds like you want the Nismo. You won't regret it.

What kinda horsepower gains do these cars show with bolt ons?

Seeing like 30 HP out of headers exhaust? Another 20 out of intakes and manifold?

Can you get to 400 crank with all that and a tune? Thats a nice number for a car like this.

Just wondered how they respond to mods?

What is forged in the motor of these cars?

Full bolt-ons. Headers, full exhaust, cai, Z1, ported manifolds, tune. You should see just over 330hp at the rear wheels. Stock Nismo is around 265~275hp at the rear.

Yea, Z1 actually sells a kit that they advertise with tune, exhaust, and CAI will put you at 400HP at the crank.

If you do all NA mods (intakes, down-pipe, exhaust, tune), you will probably get around 400 to the crank, our cars do lose a decent amount getting to the wheels though. So about ~+20% for $3-4k of mods and that's all unless you drop alot of money on FI.

If I had to replace my current Nismo the only cars I would consider right
now are the mustang and the genesis. Both have good performance numbers and good looks inside and out.

Thats pretty amazing theres that much to unlock still in the motor!

I just gotta find a Pearl White Nismo now haha! Will be my first Japanese car so I am kinda stoked.

Does anyone know if the older Nismo wing or Amuse will fit the new Nismo? I like the taller wing more than the duck tail. I read in an artical the hatch works different on the Nismo so didnt know if it was a different rear hatch all together.

Did you use Nissan's website to search for a pearl white nismo? You can build the car and search for that build or similar builds and the site finds all dealer inventory within a milage range that you specify. That's how I found my nismo. I ended up going almost 4 hours from home to purchase.

Ya only one close has a $10K dealer markup lol.

I guess I will have to order and wait.

Doesn't matter if I have to wait a bit I would rather not garage it from weather when I get it haha.

Noob the other thing you can do if your waiting on the spring is watch for the next year model to show up. The Nismos at the wrong dealership can tend to sit for awhile and you can end up getting a killer deal.

I wonder if there will even be a z car next year.

Is there a list some where of the Nismo parts vs Sport cars? Seems I am getting different things of different sites?

Read Nismo has SS brake lines aswell? I also read the sport breaks are Brembo design made by Nissan in house?

Read these are missing on the US car? https://www.z1motorsports.com/suspen...it-p-4746.html Anything else?

Sorry I am new to the Nismo Nissan world do they come out of the same plant or are they built somewhere else?

I used to be a hardcore ///M guy and was awesome when they were handbuilt in the 80s now they come out of same plant as normal cars. Pretty big bummer.

I have to admit having a car that you know where its made is nice. Seeing MADE IN JAPAN on some of the parts is slick. Having a Camaro that says MADE IN CANADA makes you scratch your head almost as much as finding MADE IN CHINA on your BMW lol.

I am not sure what you mean in the first question. If you check out the Nissan website you can read and see how the Nismo differs from the sport or base models.

I think the nismo has stainless brake lines. Can't recall for certain. The newer nismos do not have brembo brakes. They are made by Akebono and I believe they are Japanese.

I wouldn't say the body braces are missing. It's just something you can add to the car.

The z cars are all built in the same plant in Japan. Keep researching and you will find out where.

Most of these questions can be answered by searching this site, nissan site, and the interwebs. Keep on researching if you are going to buy. I researched for a good 3 to 4 months before I made the purchase. I knew much more about the car than any salesperson I spoke with.