974 miles in 10 days

UNKNOWN_370

Well as you can read by the title. I've been driving my Z quite a bit in order to get past the frustratingly long break-in period. Here are some driving impressions.

In the first 100. I stated that the Z exhaust is way more sedate and suspaension was softer. I also thought the Z was a tad higher. Well suspension has settled some and the stance has normalized. I guess since I bought my first Z used with 4600 miles, the suspension was already settled. Exhaust note. Once I hit 750 I began short stints in accelerating engine speed to 7000rpm in hopes of getting a good seel on the rings and prepping my engine, for more aggressive track duty. I noticed cruising, the exhaust is quieter than my 09, but louder when revving into high rpm's. Not too bad. Suspension still feels softer. I preferred the more aggressive suspension of the 09.

Sound deadening is noticed while driving. A minut but noticeable amount of engine courseness has subsided. I don't know if its due to the SD or some minor enhancement to engine build? Engine courseness was never a big issue to me as stated by some. Other than that things are relatively the same. The Z is a great machine. I'm not saying its better or worse than any other car. What I will say is, all the 2+2 and 2 seaters in the Z price range, all have similarites to each other in overall performance while the Z stands on its own. There's nothing to compare it and its completely enjoyable to drive.

Acceleration, it seems the pedal shows slightly less throttle delay and the Z is much quicker to get to redline in auto mode. So this is a positive improvement over the 09. Also less tire noise is transmitted but its still fairly loud and you can still here the pebbles in the wells at times. Everytime I here pebbles clanking, my first thought is, "oh no , my paint". Then I realize its the wheel well. Kind of annoying. Lol. Seating comfort and amenities are the same in base'sport. Pretty comfy for me.
Nice touches as mentioned are tonneau cover brackets, in car filters and heated mirrors. Though here in tx, I rarely need heated mirrors and treated my 09 with rainex defogger. No biggy. Nissan claims the same weight from 09 in spite of a few additions. I wonder how that worked out?

ACCESSORY review.
Added to my car at basically no cost was the rear view mirror backup camera. This feature is an excellent value. It is auto-dimming, 3 programmable garage door openers, compass and backup camera in approx a 3"screen. In spite of the size, objects and people are clearly visible and video quality is extremely good. Better than what I had expected. There is no chime or proximity warning but I don't really need it. I barely need the backup camera but it does inspire some added confidence in reverse. YOU MUST STILL CHECK YOUR SURROUNDINGS BEFORE BACKING UP. The backup camera does not replace current safety measures. Just enhances them. I like this accessory very much.

While I was waiting for my Z I test drove a few vehicles. It took so long for my dealership to make the trade, I began to consider other cars. I have to say, there isn't a bad sports car out there. They are all hot with aggressive yet stable high performace. Even the likes of genesis coupe 2.0, as weak as the engine is. It exhibits very impressive road manners in a 4 cyl package. If I had to do it over for a third time. I still would buy a Z.

1200 miles I will do the break in oil change and install my k&n filters, at 3500mi repeat. At 5k mi. Royal purple. Hopefully, my Z won't need an oil change till 12k. I might do a more detailed high performance write up at 5k, right before my first serious mods..

nmjaxx9

Just the other day I had this issue, I drove over a road at night that had a bit of gravel on it, and all of a sudden I heard this whirling clanking noise as lil bits of rock circulated in my wheel well, I immediately jumped out to check and thank god nothing happened to my paint. But it was so loud it makes you believe that something had to be chipped.

11Thumper

Perhaps I missed it in another post...

Why did you trade in your '09 for an '11 of basically the same car?

Red__Zed

his last one got totaled.

11Thumper

Oh, ouch.

When he said "It took so long for my dealership to make the trade, I began to consider other cars." I just thought he traded the old one in.

Good choice to jump back into a new Z.

UNKNOWN_370

Didn't trade. Had an accident.

UNKNOWN_370

No I wanted a base/sport 7at in either Mblue BC or GM. There was only one available in houston and that dealer wasn't trying to give it up. They were unreasonably asking for a nissan gtr for a Z. I thought it wasn't gonna happen. After nearly 2 weeks of giving my guys a hard time. They traded... for a cube.

UNKNOWN_370

98 days. 2763 miles. The Z is impeccable. Not one issue. Performance is getting stronger with time and miles. Acceleration is beginning to feel faster than my 09 did. Weather may be a main factor? Suspension is breaking in nicely. Feels slightly firmer from one the car was first purchased which I like. Gas mileage is a poor 17.6 mpg's considering I haven't been very aggressive. I beat the sh1t out my 09 and she gave me 19flat under extreme aggressive conditions.
My car is on a shell V-power diet.k&n filters, Mishimoto intake tubes and radiator hoses. Z1 brake lines and rotors are up next. Still saving for that turbo and tranny upgrade.

djpathfinder

Sorry to be skeptical, but I'm having a tough time believing that there's that much of a difference between 09 to 11 in terms of exhaust note, suspension softness and change in acceleration feel and delay. These components remain unchanged through the model years. Perhaps a bit of a placebo effect...fresh new car and all. Doesn't matter what I think though. The Z is an awesome car and I'm glad you're happy with your new one. GM looks great!

__________________
2012 GT-R Black Edition Jet Black
2010 370Z 40th Anniversary // SOLD

UNKNOWN_370

Those were my initial impressions coming from a mildly used Z to a new Z. The exhaust note is quieter when cruising. Cabin noise is also quieter. No placebo effect. It is what it is. Nissan has toned down the noises coming from this engine and exhaust due to complaints and has softened the suspension for the same reason. I can go over bumpy roads quicker in my 11. There's no placebo for sure. 09 would crash on certain types of bumps where my 11 can soak up just a little more.
I'm sure out on the road an 09 and 11 won't show any difference from an exterior observation. But from behind the wheel, there are some minor differences. Nothing drastic, but noticeable when having spent decent time in both.

nmjaxx9

Having a 2011 I can chime in and say when I went to test drive an 09 before I bought my Z, (because thats all they had on the lot) after getting into the 2011, I did notice a slight difference. Especially in ride quality, it might have been for the simple fact that I was comparing a used model, to a brand new one, however, I think that Nissan does change quite a few minor things every year, or how else can it improve on what it already has? With that being said, I think the 09s are great cars, but since it was the first year it came out, just like the first year of any electronic or mechanical item, there is bound to be small glitches, issues, that manufacturers later correct. Hence, I always wait a year or two after something new comes out, so that all those issues would have been taken care of by then.

UNKNOWN_370

U know exactly what I mean then. I put a few thousand miles on my 09 so I got to feel the most subtle of distiction between the two...The 09 just feels more raw. Its very subtle in difference. But enough to notice.

anthonyy

everyone knows that the '11 are better built than the '09

glad you jumped right back into a z

UNKNOWN_370

Lol... but the autos are better in every year the Z has been made.


Thanks, I couldn't see myself in anything else under 45k right now. I test drove the 135, EVO, genesis coupe, camaro SS and mustang gt. The Z matches what I most expect from a car.

nmjaxx9

Yup exactly.

AUTO FTW!!

and yeah def i test drove the G37 and camaro, neither of them had that extra something the Z had.