WTB First 370Z - Need Advice From You Experts!

PearlWhite55

So - have loved this car since the 350Z came out in 2003 - finally ready (I think!) to pull the trigger and would love to have some advice/thoughts.

First choice is a roadster, but I live in Ohio and not sure how practical that is - and, I love the coupe too.

--I've driven both 7AT & 6MT and love both - no preference.
--I'd love to be in the $20-$25k range (2010 Roadster/'10-'11 Coupe?)
--Prefer 30k miles or less
--I won't race/track/heavy mod whatever I get - I'm an enthusiast
--Not too picky on exterior color (anything but black would work)
--I like the contrasting interiors (persimmon, wine, light gray, etc)

Where should I be looking? Dealers? Private sale? CarMax? Cars.com?

For instance - I'm going to go drive this - has more miles than I want - but, I saw it today and looks amazingly clean - any thoughts on car/condition/price/etc?

2009 Nissan 370Z Touring Columbus OH 4770602

Thanks in advance!!

Bleek

Too much. Check cars.com . I think you can find one for less. That's an 09 with just touring for $20k.


2011 Nissan 370Z , $18,999 - Cars.com

2009 Nissan 370Z Touring, $20,880 - Cars.com



Just a couple I saw. Do your research

aszyd

I don't trust that first listing for ****! KBB says the car is worth 26K. Also, look at the pictures, the one of the odometer is from a damn Mercedes! There's something wrong with that car if they are being that shady. Do your research indeed!

The second one is more believable, but it is still well below book value.

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Bleek

Accidents do happen, I know it's hard to believe


Before I spent $19k I think I'd go check the car out first.

PearlWhite55

Yeah, that first ad is pretty suspect.

I'm guessing if you're on a 370Z forum - I know how you're going to answer - but, do you love owning/driving these cars as much as everyone who owns them seems to?

Any huge unexpected issues/expenses I should be ready for?

Thanks again.

jpkirk

Look at the top section of the General Discussions thread.

Nissan 370Z General Discussions - Nissan 370Z Forum

Most major issues are there for the early models. Concentric/clutch slave cylinder on the 6MT seems to be another issue that has popped up.

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intake | exhaust | wheels | tires | suspension ... um ... stock, do speed stickers count?
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jpkirk

Oh, and yes, my first six months have been ... incredible. Did my first oil change last night with my son at my side (he's 19). It totally rocked.

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intake | exhaust | wheels | tires | suspension ... um ... stock, do speed stickers count?
intake | exhaust | TE37 SL | RE-11 | suspension ... um ... do speed stickers count? Signature under construction

mishuko

I guess this is a bit biased but i really enjoy the car so far... owned for about a month now and going on my first road trip next week so it'll be interesting to see how the long-term ride comfort fairs.

This is my first sports car but damn it's fun. Rewarding to drive and never have a dull moment. Although if you shift poorly or mistime even a slight bit it will be a very jerky ride.

As for the price range... that's hard to say but i think you will find one around the top end of your price range.

jpkirk

I went on my first road trip last weekend. Three hours in the car, one way, and I was still fine. My wife never asked to stop, which is a very good sign.

I finaly, mostly figured out that shifting thing. It is a notoriously difficult clutch for which there are a couple of suggested fixes. Low RPM shifts, less than 4.5K RPM don't like to be hurried, like a one thousand one count for going between gears. That's the 1->2, 2->3. The rest are much easier. The hard part is figuring out how to get going in first. More helps.

The fixes ...

Clutch Helper Spring

and

RJM Clutch Pedal System for 370Z - Fully Customizable Clutch Feel & Stroke

I have done neither because I have pretty much figured it out. If my wife were going to drive the car ever, I might buy the RJM replacement pedal.

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intake | exhaust | wheels | tires | suspension ... um ... stock, do speed stickers count?
intake | exhaust | TE37 SL | RE-11 | suspension ... um ... do speed stickers count? Signature under construction

Duc_Z09

I find the clutch to be extremely easy to operate, but that's just my opinion. Seven months and I haven't even once come close to stalling... hard launching just takes the right rpm and a smooth left foot release will give you non-jerky take-offs for when you've got a passenger.

OP: Buy a 6MT hard top with sports package. This is just my opinion, but automatic sports cars are lame (GTR included), the 19" wheels, rev-match and limited slip are worth the extra cash, and I never figured out what possesses some people to shell out more money to not have a roof.

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2009 370z #206 (all mods are Home Depot)
2009 Ducati 848 (full Ohlins, Termignoni, etc)
2003 Grand Cherokee (long arms, big tires, 4.56, lockers)

Malm

Just my opinion, but instigating a at vs mt debate is lame.

OP, you will not be disappointed if you do go with the 7at. But yes, if you can afford it, go sport package at the least

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Duc_Z09

My opinion clearly differs from yours. That's fine. That's why they're called opinions. Who's instigating a debate?

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2009 370z #206 (all mods are Home Depot)
2009 Ducati 848 (full Ohlins, Termignoni, etc)
2003 Grand Cherokee (long arms, big tires, 4.56, lockers)

Ubetit

I have a roadster and live in Columbus. It goes in storage for 5 months a year but so would a coupe if I owned one. You are either a roadster guy or you aren't. You don't appear to be. The coupe wasn't a choice for me. I' a roadster/convertible guy.

I have the 7At and don't regret it. I commute into downtown and grew tired of the constant shifting of my S2000 and Civic Si.

big daddy

Let me first start out by saying I'm an IDIOT

I buy/sell/trade cars way to often and between my wife and I we have 5 cars right now. Yes we have a problem

My favorite car to drive is my Nismo, There isn't one thing I don't like about it. I purchased it off or cars.com and got a GREAT deal. I bought it in January and it was a 2013 with 681 miles on it and it had every option and they had a alarm, radar detector and tint done on it. I only paid $36,000.


I love all the Z and my son who is 16 drives a 1980 280ZX. I've owned 3 different 350/370z not counting the Nismo.

With all that said I love the Nissan Z series and highly recommend them. Just take your time and do some shopping

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4TthAnnyZ

Well here's my personal 1 month review if it helps.

Owned my 40th Anniversary for almost a month now, had 49k miles on it when I bought it, now has exactly 50k miles and no issues yet. Waiting for the day my slave cylinder goes out but decided that I can't cry over milk that hasn't spilled yet. The interior and exterior is near mint. The paint however on these cars is very fragile, rock chips appear out of nowhere. I would invest in a repair kit right away or Di Noc film (my whole front end/mirrors/etc are covered). I used Dr. Colorchip for a few small chips, can't even tell they were ever there.

I figured out the clutch right away so that hasn't been an issue for me. The rear diff could be a little quieter I think, but it's a 2-door coupe so there'e really no way around that.

Spend some time looking around before you buy, lot's of people out there that think their cars are worth more than they are (especially dealers... I will never buy a car from a dealer unless it's brand new). I payed $23,400 for my 40th, and I feel that was a good deal given the rarity and the "lowish" miles.

I wouldn't buy anything lower than a sport touring, I think you will immediately want the extra features. Also, I would recommend 2010 or newer to avoid first year problems that most cars have.

Good luck on your search!