I just installed small convex mirrors PLUS I also use my turn signals AND turn my head to check for other cars. Thats what you always do.

hey, ive read through all the posts in this thread. my question has to deal with backing out of a parking lot. i'm not worried about the changing lane aspect, every car has its blind spots. But i work in a retail store parking lot, and obviously backing out of a spot occurs a lot. how do you guys feel about backing out of a spot?

There's no fixing that really. The car has a long back and is low to the ground. Any time you're parked between two other cars, backing out is going to be risky. All you can do is take it slowly. Look, move a little, look again, move a little, until you can actually see around the other cars. If you just look once and go, you're taking a big risk in this car.

On the test drive I took I did the instinctive glance over my right shoulder when merging on the interstate. I was greeted with a face full of B/C pillar and not a lot else. I just busted out laughing... the salesman thought I was insane.

Heh, at least you got a testdrive. My Z was parked in the showroom and I was literally going "Woah" from the moment I drove off the lot AFTER purchasing it.

Haha.. no testdrive? Well I can't say I did much better.. I purchased the car and THEN went for a test drive.. ? haha It's true! I basically purchased over the phone and when I got to the dealership I went for the drive.

When I was cruising with the sales rep on the freeway, I went to change lanes and when I looked over my shoulder, the first thing he says is "make sure you look really good".. :bowrofl:

One option is to just reverse into your parking space, then you can pull out going forward more easily. I figure that backing in initially keeps other people more aware of your intentions. Since I have to back into my space at my condo, I've become pretty proficient using the side mirrors to pull off the maneuver.

Backing in
 

Gang,

I haven't pulled in to a parking space in years just for that reason. I don't care if I am in the Z or my X-Runner or whatever. It's easier to see when pulling out and you know what's behind you when you first get to your parking spot and you park.
:tiphat:

Bumping this back to the top...

One of two major complaints after my test drive night before last was the blind spot(s)... they're huge. My daily driver (at least until I pick up a Z) is an S2000, and there is a similar issue (though not nearly as bad). Since the S's driver's side mirror is already designed with a bit of convexity to it (notice the message "objects in mirror may be closer than they appear"?), some enterprising individuals purchased the driver's side mirror from the European version and replaced their passenger side with it. Sharp thinking, but has anyone considered doing the same for the Z? I'm obviously assuming the Z's driver mirror is convex...

I don't see the convex mirror message on the driver's side and from looking at it I don't think it is convex.

Give a couple of horn blasts as you back out blindly. That way at least you will be less likely to back over a distracted pedestrian.

In the Australian version, objects in the drivers side mirror seem to be further away than what they actually are. The passenger side is normal. My previous car which was also a nissan was the opposite. Have to watch out for that one.

Attachment 3557;)