Should I buy a 370Z
 

I just turned 65 and would like a sports car to tool around in during the "golden years". I had a Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 (340 HP) with 4 speed manual in the early and mid 1970's, and loved it. I think the 370Z Touring with the sport package looks fantastic, but I'm concerned about the excessive tire noise I read about. If I were to replace the stock tires with Michelin tires will the noise level become bearable or are the stock tire reports over stated? Also help me determine if I want a 6 speed manual or 7 auto. I have always thought a sports car should be manual, but as I get older will I be better off going with an auto. I know everything is personal preference, but I would appreciate other folks comments.
I don't plan to run it hard --- just like the idea of having tons of power. Most driving will be local. Very little distance trips.
Is there anything else I should be concerned about?
Thanks for your comments.

A few things. The ride is noisy but it is only partly because of the tires, it is also because of the lack of insulation in the wheel wells that you might get on a luxury car. The base non-sport might be a little quieter as they are skinnier tires. There are some members experimenting with insulation.
The auto is just as quick as the stick, and probably quicker in many cases. I'm a stick guy and always have been but if you aren't tracking it then the auto might be for you.
The car isn't the easiest to get into and out of as like many sports cars it sits fairly low.
For a stock car the suspension is fairly stiff but it does soak up bumps fairly well. If you like a smooth ride it might not be for you.
If you like a powerful car for cruising I would take a look at the Camaro as well (with the V8 of course!). Drive both and see which one suits you better. In a straight line both cars are about the same, but the 370 was born to corner.

If the road is new you are fine, if the road is crap you will be hearing it loud and clear.

I find the suspension on the z is actualy soft with out body roll. hard to imagine but its true

As stated if you fit in the car and can get in and out without issue then you've met the first test. After driving the Z if you like the feel of the car and the interior space you've passed test #2. Next up is the interior sound level ok for the roads you'll frequent the most if yes you just stepped past #3. #4, Will the car fit your life style?. Do you like the Z better than the other cars you have tested. If yes your at #5.

There is no #6. You should now be sitting at the dealership negotiating your price :tup:

PS I wouldn't worry about the 65 thing. The chief instructor for my local PCA region is 65. In the wet nobody can catch him on the track. That's where that skill thingy steps in.

Enjoy what ever you decide to go with.

The road noise is not excessive, it is more along the lines of road condition feedback, and rocks tinking against the wheel well, so you can look at one of two ways: 1) road feedback, or 2) annoying tinking. I believe that the members here will arrive at a solution for the tinking soon. There was an excellent video that allowed you to hear the sound, but it has been pulled from YouTube (for what reason I do not know). The tires are excellent for a production car; no need to have them changed.

Yes I think they did a good job setting up the progressive damping, it absorbs small bumps very well.

I may be biased, since I drove an obscenely loud Z28....BUT...I find the road noise to be acceptable.

However, if you're looking for a more comfy ride with a little more luxury, maybe the G37 Sport is more in line for you?

Oh yeah, and if you just want to catch some eyes and cruise, DEFINITELY look into the new Camaro...it'll be Chevy's Halo car for the next few years at least...plus if its anything like my 2000 was, road noise wasnt bad at all.

Memories....

My first car was a brand new 1973 Formula 400 Navajo Orange exterior and white vinyl interior - God I loved that car. Although I had other vehicles I've also owned (all purchased new) a 1976 50th anniversary black/gold TransAm, a 1979 black/gold TransAm and my most recent F-body was a 2000 Z/28.

I have what you are considering; a 370Z Touring with the sports package (and all other options for that matter) and it's a 7AT.

I love the auto...the paddle shifters and more importantly, the auto transmission itself is one of the best out there.

That said, if you don't mind spending more, based on what you seem to be looking for I would advise you to at least consider and look at the new Infiniti G37 hard tom convertible...it will provide a lot of performance but aslo be a much more comfortable cruiser and frankly, a lot more "usable"...I have an M45X which is my actualy daily driver and the car I take trips in; especially if I'm not traveling alone.

I'm nto saying the 370Z isn't livable on long trips or even as a daily driver but if comfort and noise is an important consideration for you then I think you would be happier with the G37 plus you can have the benefits of a hard top and a convertible all in one (do check the head room with the top up however...that's one of the reason I didn't get the G37S Coupe.

By the way, I"m 54 and I plan to still be autocrossing and tracking whatever car I own when I'm 84 (I would say even if I"m not good at it anymore by then but I"m already not that good at it so I've got nothing to loose! :) )

I did the Evolution Auto-X school last year and one of my instructors was in his 60's. He was arguably one of the best drivers there. On his first drive in my car he set a time that took me 10 runs to beat.

So you're right, age isn't really a factor as long as you're used to driving that kind of car.

Take careful note of who Nissan uses as their track drivers. There's a reason for that.

BLannom... it is a sports car, so road noise will be part of the equation. But, in my opinion, it is also about you. How much can you tolerate? When I test drove the Z, I'm surprised how quiet it was in the cabin; both on backroads and highway.

In comparison to my fiance's Scion tC, Z is much quieter. Now, to some, it may seem that I don't know what I'm talking about, but that's how I perceive things between the two cars.

I suggest you go out and test drive the Z. You should then know how it compares to other cars you've driven previously.

In terms of auto or manual transmission... there's really nothing anyone can say about that. Your call. Lastly, the Z is a well-balanced car, so I wouldn't look at it as having "raw power"... it doesn't. But from what you're describing of the use you need the Z for, it is more than you'll ever need.

And read along with this ongoing thread about people's personal experience with their Z -- http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-g...ts-so-far.html

Don't buy one!! The less that are on the road the more exsclusive it is for current owners! ;)

BLannom - BUY IT

I'm 83 and I'm getting one as soon as they're released in the UK - What's age got to do with it? Don't be a pussy - get one. It's an old man's car ffs.

I dont know what everyone is talking about with all the road noise. do guys live on gravel roads? i guess if your coming from some big SUV or lexas 400 thats got more sound denting then a recording studio then i guess it could be louder then that.. only thing i hear are the few rocks once in awhile in my subdivison due to the new construction going on once out on the road all i hear is the engine

I hear little rocks getting kicked up all the time.