Nissan 370Z Forum - Going from a sensible car to a sports car

Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)

- Nissan 370Z General Discussions (http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-general-discussions/)

- - Going from a sensible car to a sports car (http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-general-discussions/19932-going-sensible-car-sports-car.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan (Post 557137)

why are your parents buying you a new car? get your own car. ;)

NO comments on this topic... But :iagree:

Even with snow tire's I wouldn't drive the Z in the snow. Bad things will happen. Even if you don't crash it, it will look like it's been through WW3 because of the crappy paint.

I would either buy a beater for the winter and drive this in the Spring / Summer or end up buying a different car.

Just my advice

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleks (Post 557339)

"Predicted Reliability: Derived from historical trending for a vehicle and/or manufacturer in our Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability Studies, Predicted Reliability is a forecast of how reliable a newer vehicle might be over time."

:ugh2:

Ummm ... I'm not sure whether you are agreeing with me or disagreeing...
Yes, predicted reliability is derived from their initial quality studies and historical data. Nevertheless they are different categories in the JD Power report -- obviously since the Z got a 4 for initial quality and a 3 for predicted reliability.

My point in my earlier post was about how they are determining this because the 370 hasn't been around for very long. I posted to your post because your post seemed to be all abut the initial quality ratings which do not use historical data and, as I agreed with you, are mostly about the customer's subjective impression of the quality of their vehicle.

I think that, other than our choice of words, we are in irreconcilable violent agreement :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyreboltx (Post 557210)

It's not that I want a low maintenance car, it's just that I don't know how different the maintenance is from a regular sedan to a sports. I understand how to check all the fluids, can change my own oil (though I probably wouldn't risk it on the Z), and I clay/wax my car twice a year (and polish every other year).

But obviously, there are somethings simple detailing and under-the-hood checking won't take care of. That's what I was more interested about.

Maintenance is pretty much the same, except you'll have to be a bit more vigilant on checking the oil as the engine will go through its share. Changing the oil yourself is pretty straight forward on this car, and AK has a great DIY guide in the DIY section of this forum.

But ultimately the reason I believe you want a low maintenance car is because you expressed unwillingness to change out your tires from summers to winters. If you want to drive it during the winter, through snow and sleet, snow tires are your only choice; compromising with all-seasons would be disastrous. As for potential paint damage from winter driving, a good waxing before the season and a good detail in immediate post-snow period will suffice, but again, if it's black, you'll be putting in more work. Also, you'll probably have to do some rust assessment after the snow season, but that's pretty simple, too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by waaaasabi (Post 557399)

I guess that does sound lazy of me... but no, I'll definitely get snow tires since it definitely sounds like doing so otherwise would be idiotic. I have no plans to drive it when the roads are covered in snow. And I guess I better keep a few extra quarts of oil around, just in case.

Thanks.

Quote:

Some things I'd like your opinions on are:
1. How does it fair as a daily driver? I've read a few of the previous posts on this topic and most of it seems generally positive but... not really reassuring.

I'll be driving to/from school (an hour each way) in the fall when I go back to school for my Masters and most of it will be fairly smooth roads. I know it's not going to comfortable, like my previous cars but is it at least bearable? In my city there are plenty of really bad roads which I'll have to drive through nearly everyday but they're short stretches. I'm only 5'8" and have sat in one already so space isn't an issue.

2. I've read a lot of complaints about road noise. Has that issue been fixed or is it still prevalent?
ANS: It's a sports car. It'll always be noisy. High end sports cars like Lambo, Ferrari are far more noisy than this. I personally have no complain. The Z will certainly be more noisy than your previous cars, no doubt.

3. Now... I'm sure this will make some of you cringe but can this be driven during the winter, with the standard all season tires? (*My brother's IS350 has summer/winter tires and that's something I'd rather not put up with.)
Ans: Dry Winter = all season no problem. A lot of snow winter = you need dedicated winter tires. I have a winter tire set for winter snow driving. 370Z is a very light RWD car. Coming from FWD Acura TL and Accord, I DO NOT suggest all season for you. Also, you must learn how to drive RWD in snow too (how to accelerate slowly in 2nd gear, no gas during turns etc)

My commute will be done in the northern IL area and winters here are pretty bad... and I know that going from two front wheel drive cars to a rear wheel sports car is NOT going to be an easy transition.
Ans: Look at my reply to the previous question.

4. The paint really that bad? I mean... I sofa-king hate swirls/chips on my cars. I understand it's unavoidable but from "Most Fragile Car I've Ever Owned!", it sounds like the paint just falls off for some of you.
Ans: I think some paints are more fragile than other (i.e. Black) but I have no complain with Monterey Blue. I just wash/waxed with the cheapest wax on the market and here's how it came out. It'll get much better with professional detailing product (which I'm planning on using next time after I attend detailing clinic on how to do proper detailing)
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC03903.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC03878.jpg

5. To those of you with the 2009 model, is it a fairly reliable car? We've always bought Japanese since they make reliable cars but JD powers gave the 2010 Z a 6/10 rating in terms of reliability. I understand it's only an estimate but still, figured I'd get some of your opinions.
Ans: just rolled over 19,250 miles (and that's in just over 1 year). Only made 1 trip to the dealer so far and that's because I overtightened a lug nut (wheels) and broke it. Those who rides with me knows that I def "DRIVE "the car (don't baby it). Maintain any car, put the best stuff in and it'll be problem free for years.

I think the MB and white are the colors with the least paint problems. I don't have any complaints about my MB color.

The Z is my daily driver. It is ok for me because I don't normally need much cargo room (which it does not have), mainly only have to drive it on fairly smooth roads. No dirt roads, extremely rough roads, etc. The advantage I have is that even though it is my daily driver I don't drive it to work. My dad has a work truck, a 1994 nissan pick-up, and an '08 Titan. He practically drives his work truck all the time, So I use his titan while I'm working.

The Z is so much fun to drive that the road noise doesn't bother me much, besides that all it takes is a little radio (minimal volume) to get rid of almost all road noise.

Anyways you should just go test drive one so you'll get an idea of how stiff it is, road noise, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyreboltx (Post 557104)

I drove a clio and megane coupe before my 370 so I went from pretty sensible cars to a sports car.

But the one thing I will tell you, go sport + nav I think the 370 looks alot worse without even just the fricking spoiler

1. I use it as a daily, I never regretted it. Sure it isn't a BMW or mercedes but its pretty comfy, seats are great and plenty of room. I had a 2009 megane coupe and this is more comfy for some reason. Yes you will feel the road but its the good kind of feeling. I personally love the feeling of the steering wheel since its not very light and you can feel the road through it.

2. Yes you hear quite abit of road noise from the back especially if you get some fine rocks in the wheel arches. But you get used to it after a while and strangely it is kinda relaxing because you hear the exhaust more and the road. unless you drive on a broken road with alot of loose pebbles :rofl2: then it turns into some sort of music.

3. Depends on how bad the winters are. if you really drive in alot of snow I advise good winter tires since it IS a RWD so going sideways will happen.

4. I personally don't hate the paint sure I got quite a bit of small dents on the bumper because of the broken roads but my megane had the same problem. Hell I actually accidently rubbed my right side against a truck while trying to get through a small road because some old woman in a BMW couldn't wait :shakes head: There was some kind of white stuff on the paint but I rubbed it off, not even a scratch.

5. My 370 has about 14.000 miles, no problems except for my alarm apparently freaking out. I think its pretty reliable.

I would never drive the 370z in icy conditions. If you have an hour commute and have to drive in winter like conditions you are out of your mind to use a 370z to do it. Sorry man it is what it is. Get a four wheel drive vehicle if you want to stay alive to enjoy your masters degree.

Thanks for all the honest answers guys.

I've decided not to get the 370Z. While I'm sure it would be just fine for most of the year, it's clear that it wouldn't fare well during the winter, even with snow tries.

I'll be getting a G37x instead. I honestly didn't think the G37 would be a good option, thinking it would be fairly similar to the Z but decided to try it since just to be sure and wow, it's definitely a completely different car. And we were shocked at the offer we received on a G37x with no options/accessories (have a choice of 4 different colors)... it's a huge dealership and they have nearly 30 coupes in stock, all X. It actually costs less than the 370Z touring, believe it or not, and they also have a financing offer which works out nicely for us.

I think people overplay the RWD in snow/ice danger. But I also realize a lot of people don't know how to drive in abnormal conditions. Or normal for that matter..

Anyway, enjoy the G37!

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyreboltx (Post 560640)

Good choice! G37's are plush Z's, and the AWD should do well in the snow. Rock on.

good choice the z is not for everyone.
daily driver yes
road noise it's a sports car with 19's yes. but not that much
it does ride and handle better than most in its class
i never get tired of looking at the car inside or out and i still turn around
and check it out as i'm walking away. i know sounds crazy.