To buy or not to buy

BenAce · 01-09-2011, 12:29 AM

I am looking at buying a 2009 370z and I need some opinions and personal reviews from people who OWN the car. I drove two 370z's, the first one was in poor shape (kind of sad), and the second car was near perfect. I have never owned a Nissan, the only import I have owned out of 9+ cars was a Honda 13 years ago....it was a decent car. I have been looking for something to replace my older Mustang, 94 GT, its probably the nicest Mustang of its year in my area. Most people can't believe its a '94. I was looking at vettes, newer Mustangs and Porches. But nothing really interests me as much as the 370z, why? Mainly because it looks so cool and different. I love cool cars and I am generally non biased in regard to Make. The only bad things I have heard about the 370z are kind of silly things like poor visibility out the back and road noise, not much of a concern to me. The car I am considering has 12,000 miles and is a certified use car on an Infinity lot, remaider of warranty intack and more added on by Infinity. I am 37 years old and I want a fun car to drive, mainly a summer toy. Thanks for reading this book, give me some input. Thanks.

Matthew · 01-09-2011, 12:36 AM

There is some road noise and I can see out by back windows. I have had mine a year and I still smile every time I floor it.

My mom has a new 5.0 and it is a nice bad a$$ car but there are millions on the road. And the look of tje Z is so much better. I would not trade it in for nothing.

Go ahead and get the Z.

Cell · 01-09-2011, 01:15 AM

Rear visibility is a small issue. Not as bad as some people may make it. Just adjust the mirrors a bit and it is fixed.

If you can put up with only 2 seats then the 370z is a wonderful car. If you need the extra seats, you should look into the new 5.0.

cab83_750 · 01-09-2011, 01:46 AM

If you know how to set your side mirrors the right way, visibility is almost a non-issue.

The Z is a good car. Though, I think (since you only have 1 post) you should probably dig deeper into this forum. There are pluses and minuses in every car --- and the Z is no exception.

Good luck!

fullmonty · 01-09-2011, 02:18 AM

The Z is a great car and I have had no problems with it. Some have complained of high oil temps, particuarly on the track, but they are a vocal minority. I owned a 97 Mustang, pacific green. It was a great car and the Z reminds me alot of it, the good things about it. If you buy the Z I don't think you'll regret the purchase

Educ8r · 01-09-2011, 09:45 AM

Read these threads thoroughly , so you will know what you're getting into.

SPOHN · 01-09-2011, 10:01 AM

One thing about the Z is there not a dime a dozen. Makes you feel like your the only one on the road. Around here you see a Camero and Mustang every ten minutes. They defiantly selling alot of them. Good thing about these cars they have about the same amount of history. The overall perfromance of the Z is above all IMHO.

CrownR426 · 01-09-2011, 10:09 AM

Get the Z if you have poor visibility you can always go to a car store and buy those mirror add ons to help aid the poor visibility! The Z is a great weekend warrior!

LunaZ · 01-09-2011, 10:19 AM

I have a 2009 that I bought pre-owned with around 3,000 miles on it.
I've put on about another 9,000 miles myself and the car has been trouble-free.

Okay, one issue: An interior rattle/vibration in the headliner that took me several attempts to isolate. The culprit turned out to be the wiring harness for the satellite radio antenna vibrating against the metal of the roof. Added some foam and some tape and I was good to go.

I haven't experienced any high oil temps that have caused me to feel an oil cooler is a necessity. I would describe my driving style as "spirited", but I do not go to the track with my car.
I also haven't experienced any issues with my brakes, but again, I don't track my car. The brakes seem to do what they're supposed to do without any complaints when I'm working the twisties or late braking for an exit ramp off of the beltway.

Rear visibility is fine for a car of this design. One visibility issue arose when I would approach an intersection at a 45 degree angle. It's practically impossible to see around the b-pillar, so I've learned to approach those intersections at 90 degrees when possible.

The exhaust note was uninspiring, so I ordered a cat-back three days after buying the car.

I love the way the 370Z looks and not seeing myself coming and going like a Mustang or a Camaro makes me happy.

If the Z is what you're really leaning towards as a toy for fair weather fun, I can't think of any good reason not to buy one!

EL Diablo · 01-09-2011, 11:08 AM

yeah the Z is fairly loud inside and visibility isn't the greatest...

But everyone is behind me so I only care what is in front of me anyway.

If you test dove the car you pretty much know what you are in store for.
No surprises really.

If you are looking for a fun car to drive and gets the looks...
Pound for Pound, Dollar for Dollar, the Z wins hands down to me.
I can't see anyone buying one and not being satisfied.

KptKIDLAT · 01-09-2011, 12:58 PM

" I want a fun car to drive, mainly a summer toy"

That's why I got my 370Z for same reason,

I could not sleep the night before I bought my Z, I was thinking I don't need
this car but I want it. After the day I got it, I realize that Want and Need is same difference

. YouTube - Nissan 370Z Commercial

Vegitto-kun · 01-09-2011, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KptKIDLAT

" I want a fun car to drive, mainly a summer toy"

That's why I got my 370Z for same reason,

I could not sleep the night before I bought my Z, I was thinking I don't need
this car but I want it. After the day I got it,For this car I realize that Want and Need is same difference

. YouTube - Nissan 370Z Commercial

I always lol when I see that commercial. WOT, drifting shown

nissan when you whine about it overheating on a track "you are abusing it"

get it I have owned my Z for almost a year and I have never regretted it.

well untill the snow came

ProfessorDave · 01-09-2011, 02:01 PM

I agree with LunaZ that the visibility issue is not associated with the mirrors (I use those stick on concave blind spot mirrors and they work great). The problem is when you are in a situation where you want to look where a rear side window would be, such as backing out of a driveway.

The road noise is horrendous. I couldn't believe it when I first drove it. It's not constant, but traveling over sandy roads means you hear every pebble hitting the wheel wells. The solution (an aftermarket exahust) solves 2 problems: Road noise and horrible stock exhaust note.

Other than that, the car is a complete blast. It wants to be driven in a spirited way, turns heads, gets decent mileage and can fit 2 sets of golf clubs in the hatch!

SPOHN · 01-09-2011, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EL Diablo

But everyone is behind me so I only care what is in front of me anyway.

That's the only way to live.

TypeOne · 01-09-2011, 03:01 PM

I love my Z... I bought mine with 12k miles as well and thankfully it was very well cared for.

I keep all of my cars in perfect shape and treat them very well... it will last as long as you care for it.

When I first started driving my Z I was a little concerned about the visibility and since I came from a car that had great visibility I felt out of my element. Drive the car for a week or two and you will adjust to it and learn how to drive properly without having to see everything. I'm used to it now and it doesn't bother me.

The road noise is pretty bad, esp if you get the Sport package with the 19" wheels. I have gotten used to it, just turn the radio up. :-D

In all seriousness, understand that the car has a lack of cargo space and there isn't a ton of places to put things. BUT it's a sports car... more so than a Mustang IMO. When you come from a 94 GT (my first car EVER) it's going to feel like a solid machine.

I hope the best for you! Good luck!

01-09-2011, 12:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
BenAce Base Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: OR Posts: 2 Drives: Jeep,Mustang Rep Power: 15	To buy or not to buy I am looking at buying a 2009 370z and I need some opinions and personal reviews from people who OWN the car. I drove two 370z's, the first one was in poor shape (kind of sad), and the second car was near perfect. I have never owned a Nissan, the only import I have owned out of 9+ cars was a Honda 13 years ago....it was a decent car. I have been looking for something to replace my older Mustang, 94 GT, its probably the nicest Mustang of its year in my area. Most people can't believe its a '94. I was looking at vettes, newer Mustangs and Porches. But nothing really interests me as much as the 370z, why? Mainly because it looks so cool and different. I love cool cars and I am generally non biased in regard to Make. The only bad things I have heard about the 370z are kind of silly things like poor visibility out the back and road noise, not much of a concern to me. The car I am considering has 12,000 miles and is a certified use car on an Infinity lot, remaider of warranty intack and more added on by Infinity. I am 37 years old and I want a fun car to drive, mainly a summer toy. Thanks for reading this book, give me some input. Thanks.

01-09-2011, 12:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
Matthew Track Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clemson, SC Posts: 519 Drives: Red Rocket Rep Power: 16	There is some road noise and I can see out by back windows. I have had mine a year and I still smile every time I floor it. My mom has a new 5.0 and it is a nice bad a$$ car but there are millions on the road. And the look of tje Z is so much better. I would not trade it in for nothing. Go ahead and get the Z. __________________

01-09-2011, 02:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
fullmonty A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Dirty Jersey Posts: 7,762 Drives: 370 Touring/Sport Rep Power: 34	The Z is a great car and I have had no problems with it. Some have complained of high oil temps, particuarly on the track, but they are a vocal minority. I owned a 97 Mustang, pacific green. It was a great car and the Z reminds me alot of it, the good things about it. If you buy the Z I don't think you'll regret the purchase __________________

01-09-2011, 09:45 AM	#6 (permalink)
Educ8r Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 397 Drives: a car Rep Power: 17	Read these threads thoroughly , so you will know what you're getting into. __________________ imagination + creativity = endless possibilities

01-09-2011, 10:01 AM	#7 (permalink)
SPOHN A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Covington, GA Age: 46 Posts: 14,844 Drives: Waiting on next Z Rep Power: 221	One thing about the Z is there not a dime a dozen. Makes you feel like your the only one on the road. Around here you see a Camero and Mustang every ten minutes. They defiantly selling alot of them. Good thing about these cars they have about the same amount of history. The overall perfromance of the Z is above all IMHO. __________________

01-09-2011, 01:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
Cell A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,449 Drives: A Garbage Truck Rep Power: 21	Rear visibility is a small issue. Not as bad as some people may make it. Just adjust the mirrors a bit and it is fixed. If you can put up with only 2 seats then the 370z is a wonderful car. If you need the extra seats, you should look into the new 5.0.

01-09-2011, 01:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
cab83_750 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Posts: 887 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 417	If you know how to set your side mirrors the right way, visibility is almost a non-issue. The Z is a good car. Though, I think (since you only have 1 post) you should probably dig deeper into this forum. There are pluses and minuses in every car --- and the Z is no exception. Good luck!

01-09-2011, 10:09 AM	#8 (permalink)
CrownR426 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South Korea Posts: 4,676 Drives: Manual Rep Power: 848	Get the Z if you have poor visibility you can always go to a car store and buy those mirror add ons to help aid the poor visibility! The Z is a great weekend warrior! __________________ Love + Hardwork + Passion RIP SVTRacer

01-09-2011, 10:19 AM	#9 (permalink)
LunaZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vagabond Posts: 6,704 Drives: Project: a white one Rep Power: 512	I have a 2009 that I bought pre-owned with around 3,000 miles on it. I've put on about another 9,000 miles myself and the car has been trouble-free. Okay, one issue: An interior rattle/vibration in the headliner that took me several attempts to isolate. The culprit turned out to be the wiring harness for the satellite radio antenna vibrating against the metal of the roof. Added some foam and some tape and I was good to go. I haven't experienced any high oil temps that have caused me to feel an oil cooler is a necessity. I would describe my driving style as "spirited", but I do not go to the track with my car. I also haven't experienced any issues with my brakes, but again, I don't track my car. The brakes seem to do what they're supposed to do without any complaints when I'm working the twisties or late braking for an exit ramp off of the beltway. Rear visibility is fine for a car of this design. One visibility issue arose when I would approach an intersection at a 45 degree angle. It's practically impossible to see around the b-pillar, so I've learned to approach those intersections at 90 degrees when possible. The exhaust note was uninspiring, so I ordered a cat-back three days after buying the car. I love the way the 370Z looks and not seeing myself coming and going like a Mustang or a Camaro makes me happy. If the Z is what you're really leaning towards as a toy for fair weather fun, I can't think of any good reason not to buy one! __________________ 2009 370Z Sport/Touring/Navigation \| see my journal for mods facebook: Be my friend... or not.

01-09-2011, 11:08 AM	#10 (permalink)
EL Diablo Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: USA Posts: 91 Drives: Not a 370Z Rep Power: 15	yeah the Z is fairly loud inside and visibility isn't the greatest... But everyone is behind me so I only care what is in front of me anyway. If you test dove the car you pretty much know what you are in store for. No surprises really. If you are looking for a fun car to drive and gets the looks... Pound for Pound, Dollar for Dollar, the Z wins hands down to me. I can't see anyone buying one and not being satisfied.

01-09-2011, 12:58 PM	#11 (permalink)
KptKIDLAT Base Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Nevada Posts: 60 Drives: 370Z , Sorento 4X4 Rep Power: 15	" I want a fun car to drive, mainly a summer toy" That's why I got my 370Z for same reason, I could not sleep the night before I bought my Z, I was thinking I don't need this car but I want it. After the day I got it, I realize that Want and Need is same difference . YouTube - Nissan 370Z Commercial __________________ 370Z Base Sports Package (6MT) Monterey Blue Last edited by KptKIDLAT; 01-09-2011 at 01:07 PM.

01-09-2011, 02:01 PM	#13 (permalink)
ProfessorDave A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,580 Drives: In the fairway Rep Power: 19	I agree with LunaZ that the visibility issue is not associated with the mirrors (I use those stick on concave blind spot mirrors and they work great). The problem is when you are in a situation where you want to look where a rear side window would be, such as backing out of a driveway. The road noise is horrendous. I couldn't believe it when I first drove it. It's not constant, but traveling over sandy roads means you hear every pebble hitting the wheel wells. The solution (an aftermarket exahust) solves 2 problems: Road noise and horrible stock exhaust note. Other than that, the car is a complete blast. It wants to be driven in a spirited way, turns heads, gets decent mileage and can fit 2 sets of golf clubs in the hatch! __________________ Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

01-09-2011, 03:01 PM	#15 (permalink)
TypeOne A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 2,682 Drives: BSM 370 Rep Power: 1851	I love my Z... I bought mine with 12k miles as well and thankfully it was very well cared for. I keep all of my cars in perfect shape and treat them very well... it will last as long as you care for it. When I first started driving my Z I was a little concerned about the visibility and since I came from a car that had great visibility I felt out of my element. Drive the car for a week or two and you will adjust to it and learn how to drive properly without having to see everything. I'm used to it now and it doesn't bother me. The road noise is pretty bad, esp if you get the Sport package with the 19" wheels. I have gotten used to it, just turn the radio up. :-D In all seriousness, understand that the car has a lack of cargo space and there isn't a ton of places to put things. BUT it's a sports car... more so than a Mustang IMO. When you come from a 94 GT (my first car EVER) it's going to feel like a solid machine. I hope the best for you! Good luck!