Don't Think A Z would work, what do you think??
 

Ok, here is my story in a nut shell. I first saw the new Z some 5 months ago, and have wanted one ever sense. I recently purchased an 08 Honda Accord, however, was willing to sell it to get a Z. There are a couple of problems, and a couple of reasons that I DON'T see a Z working for me.

1). I am a professional firefighter in the Metro. Washington DC area, and I leave for work very early in the AM (usually around 4:30). Unlike most people, we get no "work optional" or "snow days", whatever the weather is, we have to go to work. In the AM, many times, the snow isn't plowed from the roads, and if it is, it isn't very helpful! I don't imagine the Z doing well in snow, even with snow tires.

2). I have to haul my firefighting gear, a duffle bag, and sleeping bag every time I go to work. I wish I could leave it at the station, however, I am frequently assigned to different stations.

3). I have done some research as to the Oil Temp. issues that many owners have been experancing while going to the track. I live about 5 miles away from a race track that has track days, and I would want to take the Z to those track days. I am honestly disgusted with the way that Nissian is handling this. I think I would get better support through Kia!

As you can see, there are several issues involved in me purchasing a Z. I was wondering what others thought of it (seeing my problems), and any type of suggestions! Thanks!

get the Z and a cheap used subaru forester or impreza for work days.

I'd still get the Z.

Issue 1: I'm a doctor with a similar "can't call off work" issue and I live in Chicago. On the nasty snow days I'll either brave things with winter tires or take a cab. I decided I'm not going to let 10 days of snow a year ruin my fun with this car.

Issue 2: Depending on how much space the 'firefighting gear' takes, your stuff will fit. Dump some of it in the passenger seat or footwell. The back area holds more than you would think.

Issue 3: The Z is trackable without an oil cooler, but you'll have to baby it at times and especially on hot days. I just did a HPDE day on a local track in 75F weather. If I was driving 7 or 8 10ths, the temp made it to about 265 and didn't go much higher. If you really push the revs above 6k a lot, you'll peg 280 or 300. I still had a great time, but you can't go balls out all day long without the cooler. Again, I'm not sure I'd compromise the Z purchase just for a few track days. I'm really just waiting for my warranty to expire in 3 years. Then I'm going to town on mods.

The VDC really does make driving in bad weather a lot less dangerous than you would think in a RWD car. As stated by Spearfish, don't let a few days of weather stop you from getting what you want.

I grew up in WV, no such thing as a few days of bad weather. I wouldn't drive a Z in weather like that. Keep it in the garage till spring, and drive something else.

Thanks, dad.

If you can do what I do, for the really bad days have an older beater 4x4 that you can take. You can pick up and early 90s F150 with 4x4 for about $2k. I drove in some pretty icy nasty weather this year, but no deep snow and the Z did better than I thought it would.

I would also recommend this. Out here in the Bay Area, California i don't see snow at all so I can't really chime in. But I can tell you that I absolutely love the Z. If it were me, I would do everything I can to make it possible! haha :)

I think its been covered - basically you can get a 4x4 vehicle for less than upgrading your entire exhaust system. I hardly have snow at all but I'm keeping my Jeep for winter driving.

If you want to track the car installing a cooler is a minor issue. I mean if you are willing to sling you car around the track and possibly stuff it into the wall I'm sure the very slight chance you'll have issue with the cooler/warranty is far less than the chance you'll do some other damage to your car on the track. I agree the oil cooler issue is preaty weak in how Nissan is sluffing this off - esp the fact that they supplies the media with cars equiped with oil coolers intentionally.

Its not like we get much snow in DC anyway....and no, 30 inches a YEAR isnt bad.

But none the less, I wouldnt want to drive it in the few times we got a little snow here. Why not get some cheapo beater to go with it?

get a Z plus a winter beater or just get a G37x coupe.....that will be good to haul stuff and drive in the snow.
and you can get a good deal on it too.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ, :leghump: