Potential Buyer With Questions/Concerns

RatedZ · 10-05-2009, 05:49 AM

Hi, this is my first post here, so just wanna say "hello" to everyone.

I'm shopping for a new sporty/sports car and it's come down to either a 370Z or a Mustang GT with the Track Pack; both manual transmissions.

I've been doing some research on 370Zs and I've read about some overheating issues during track use. Now, I don't plan on tracking my car, so this really isn't too much of a concern for me, but what is a concern is whether I'm going to be able to drive one like a sports car without running into issues; bombing around on back roads, hanging corners, blasting from corner to corner, etc. Just to clarify, it's doubtful that I'm going to be going full-throttle down twisty back roads, but I certainly want to "get on it." Am I going to need to worry about overheating?

Also, can anyone give me some pros and cons of the 370Z; what types of mechanical issues or quality issues that you've experienced, dealer treatment, any issues with warranties being honored, etc.?

Any help would be awesome. Thanks!

Blown32 · 10-05-2009, 10:12 AM

My advice to you is to scan this site thoroughly because every question you have asked is discussed and answered with fine detail.There is alot of excellent information on here as well as advice.
Good luck and hope you make the right decision that suits your needs.

dang370z · 10-05-2009, 11:11 AM

you can get an oil cooler problem solved
or if you don't mind buying ester oil from nissan that works to

and for the comparsion to me personally
its a easy pick hands down with the Z

MJM33067 · 10-05-2009, 11:24 AM

I've had mine for a little over a month. I have driven the car very agressively in South Florida (with 90 degree temps). Oil temp has never gone over 220 degrees. Limp mode resulting from overheating does not occur until you reach 280 degrees.

FricFrac · 10-05-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dang370z

you can get an oil cooler problem solved
or if you don't mind buying ester oil from nissan that works to

and for the comparsion to me personally
its a easy pick hands down with the Z

Nissan Ester oil does nothing for the overheating "issue". The issue is ONLY of concern if you track the car. Autocross is fine - roadcoarse you need a cooler. All other driving there have been very few who have been able to get it to limp mode. Regardless if you do track the car its a simple fix with an oil cooler which is a great idea for ANY performance car.

awesomez · 10-05-2009, 11:42 AM

Nissan wins easily in quality and reliability. Considering that you have a camaro and sti I am surprised you're asking this question. The handling in turns of camaro will be similar to mustang and sti would be closer to Z. Z would definitely excel in the hills of WV. Warranty shouldn't be an issue with Nissan since you're not tracking it but I doubt you will actually have to use warranty.

polarity · 10-05-2009, 01:57 PM

Well you said you wanted to hit the twisties and that rules out the mustang =). I mean you have to get out at every corner, jack the car up, point it in the new direction, let it down, get back in, and get moving again. Who wants to do that?

All kidding aside I'm sure you'd be happy with either but you're asking a very biased crowd. I've had my 370 for 8 months now, put 12,000 miles on her and loved every one of them. Well except the one where some bastard hit my window with a rock. The car does not over heat even with "spirited" driving. If you plan on trying to track it just get an oil cooler. As for cons really the biggest con IMO is the blind spots, but I haven't been inside a new mustang to compare.

-William

RatedZ · 10-05-2009, 02:28 PM

I got out and drove a 370Z Touring Edition today. It had the 7AT transmission. While I love shifting my own gears, there are times when I'm just not "feeling it." Now, I'm kicking around the idea of the 7AT because I can use the paddles or just drive.

Without getting into a debate about "manual vs. automatic," is the auto as quick as the manual?

Back to the driving experience. Even though I plan on a Sport model, the Touring was a very enjoyable car to drive.

The 370Z is amazing. I got the opportunity to get down on the hammer, and also tour some back roads. I love the tight, direct handling, and IMO the transmission responds well with use of the paddles.

FWIW, the Mustang is not on my radar screen any longer. I still love it, and still think it's an awesome car, but the 370Z just makes more of a connection with me.

polarity · 10-05-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RatedZ

I got out and drove a 370Z Touring Edition today. It had the 7AT transmission. While I love shifting my own gears, there are times when I'm just not "feeling it." Now, I'm kicking around the idea of the 7AT because I can use the paddles or just drive.

Without getting into a debate about "manual vs. automatic," is the auto as quick as the manual?

Back to the driving experience. Even though I plan on a Sport model, the Touring was a very enjoyable car to drive.

The 370Z is amazing. I got the opportunity to get down on the hammer, and also tour some back roads. I love the tight, direct handling, and IMO the transmission responds well with use of the paddles.

FWIW, the Mustang is not on my radar screen any longer. I still love it, and still think it's an awesome car, but the 370Z just makes more of a connection with me.

Without the debate all the numbers I've seen posted on this site, or anywhere else put the AT numbers as good or better than the manual. That being said I chose manual for the fun of driving.

-William

awesomez · 10-05-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RatedZ

Without getting into a debate about "manual vs. automatic," is the auto as quick as the manual?

All of my tests show that AT is faster but manual is more fun and if you don't get a lot of traffic in your area I recommend it. On the other hand if you have found manual annoying in past, it's probably better to stick to AT.

If I had to choose between sport and touring, I would get sport. I didn't have to choose so I got both

RatedZ · 10-05-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awesomez

All of my tests show that AT is faster but manual is more fun and if you don't get a lot of traffic in your area I recommend it. On the other hand if you have found manual annoying in past, it's probably better to stick to AT.

If I had to choose between sport and touring, I would get sport. I didn't have to choose so I got both

Well, if the AT is faster, that's what I'll get.

While I do love driving manual, there are just some days when I'm feeling a bit lazy. My wife and I bought her a 2009 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro back in January/February that has the DSG, and it's fun enough with the paddles. I think I can live with it.

polarity · 10-05-2009, 02:54 PM

Good luck and post up some pics when you get it.

-William

Lone Wolf 75 · 10-05-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RatedZ

FWIW, the Mustang is not on my radar screen any longer. I still love it, and still think it's an awesome car, but the 370Z just makes more of a connection with me.

I also cross shopped the Mustang before I bought my 370Z about three months ago, and this was pretty much my reaction as well. The 370Z just felt like it was more of a technologically advanced sports car. The Mustang is also bigger, and to me it felt like a much bigger car.

I came from driving an '02 WRX. I will say that the 370Z is a much tighter car, the clutch in the WRX felt disconnected and rubbery as opposed to the crisp and engaging feel of the 370Z. It feels like you are in more of an enclosed cockpit too. I have 2500 or so miles in my three months of ownership.

As far as issues and non-issues:
-I had a "Service Engine Soon" light, due to improperly tightening the gas cap after filling up. I had to take it to the dealer to reset it, but this has been the largest issue thus far.
-Oil level is at about 3/4 between the low and high mark and has been that way since 500 miles.
-I've never seen an oil temp higher than 210 deg F.
-I found that if you adjust the mirrors just right that when cars are in your blind spot you can see them in the mirror up until the point that you begin to see them peripherally out of the windows.
-The car handles fine in the rain as long as you take it easy and understand/respect that you are driving on wet surfaces and the rules of dry pavement no longer apply.
-If you happen to go to a festival/event and you have to park in the grass and it just so happens to pour down rain, make sure there are no hills or you have three good friends to help you push.
-The chin spoiler is low, and I have scraped it considerably. This is probably due to the fact that I got too used to the high clearance of the WRX.
-Adjusting from a four door with a trunk to a two door hatchback has not been as drastic of an adjustment as I thought it would be.

chief_Roka · 10-07-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RatedZ

I got out and drove a 370Z Touring Edition today. It had the 7AT transmission. While I love shifting my own gears, there are times when I'm just not "feeling it." Now, I'm kicking around the idea of the 7AT because I can use the paddles or just drive.

Without getting into a debate about "manual vs. automatic," is the auto as quick as the manual?

Back to the driving experience. Even though I plan on a Sport model, the Touring was a very enjoyable car to drive.

The 370Z is amazing. I got the opportunity to get down on the hammer, and also tour some back roads. I love the tight, direct handling, and IMO the transmission responds well with use of the paddles.

FWIW, the Mustang is not on my radar screen any longer. I still love it, and still think it's an awesome car, but the 370Z just makes more of a connection with me.

The auto is quicker.

4.6/13.1 vs 4.9/13.3

MJM33067 · 10-07-2009, 03:56 PM

The Auto probably is quicker in a straight line, but in real life driving with twists and turns I believe the manual is not only more fun to drive but also faster. I have the manual and did not test the auto. However, my wife just got an auto BMW 335i which to me feels faster in a straight line. However, pulling out of a curve it is way slower than my 370Z.

10-05-2009, 05:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
RatedZ Base Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kearneysville, WV Posts: 48 Drives: 94 Camaro, 05 STi Rep Power: 16	Potential Buyer With Questions/Concerns Hi, this is my first post here, so just wanna say "hello" to everyone. I'm shopping for a new sporty/sports car and it's come down to either a 370Z or a Mustang GT with the Track Pack; both manual transmissions. I've been doing some research on 370Zs and I've read about some overheating issues during track use. Now, I don't plan on tracking my car, so this really isn't too much of a concern for me, but what is a concern is whether I'm going to be able to drive one like a sports car without running into issues; bombing around on back roads, hanging corners, blasting from corner to corner, etc. Just to clarify, it's doubtful that I'm going to be going full-throttle down twisty back roads, but I certainly want to "get on it." Am I going to need to worry about overheating? Also, can anyone give me some pros and cons of the 370Z; what types of mechanical issues or quality issues that you've experienced, dealer treatment, any issues with warranties being honored, etc.? Any help would be awesome. Thanks! __________________ 1994 Chevrolet B4C Camaro 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

10-05-2009, 02:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
RatedZ Base Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kearneysville, WV Posts: 48 Drives: 94 Camaro, 05 STi Rep Power: 16	I got out and drove a 370Z Touring Edition today. It had the 7AT transmission. While I love shifting my own gears, there are times when I'm just not "feeling it." Now, I'm kicking around the idea of the 7AT because I can use the paddles or just drive. Without getting into a debate about "manual vs. automatic," is the auto as quick as the manual? Back to the driving experience. Even though I plan on a Sport model, the Touring was a very enjoyable car to drive. The 370Z is amazing. I got the opportunity to get down on the hammer, and also tour some back roads. I love the tight, direct handling, and IMO the transmission responds well with use of the paddles. FWIW, the Mustang is not on my radar screen any longer. I still love it, and still think it's an awesome car, but the 370Z just makes more of a connection with me. __________________ 1994 Chevrolet B4C Camaro 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

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10-05-2009, 10:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
Blown32 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N.J. Posts: 289 Drives: 09 370Z Blk sport 6T Rep Power: 16	My advice to you is to scan this site thoroughly because every question you have asked is discussed and answered with fine detail.There is alot of excellent information on here as well as advice. Good luck and hope you make the right decision that suits your needs.

10-05-2009, 11:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
dang370z Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NoLA Posts: 242 Drives: 2013 MBlack Rep Power: 17	you can get an oil cooler problem solved or if you don't mind buying ester oil from nissan that works to and for the comparsion to me personally its a easy pick hands down with the Z

10-05-2009, 11:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
MJM33067 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 32 Drives: 09 370Z PW M6 Rep Power: 17	I've had mine for a little over a month. I have driven the car very agressively in South Florida (with 90 degree temps). Oil temp has never gone over 220 degrees. Limp mode resulting from overheating does not occur until you reach 280 degrees.

10-05-2009, 11:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
awesomez Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: VA Posts: 199 Drives: 09 370Z Touring 7AT Rep Power: 16	Nissan wins easily in quality and reliability. Considering that you have a camaro and sti I am surprised you're asking this question. The handling in turns of camaro will be similar to mustang and sti would be closer to Z. Z would definitely excel in the hills of WV. Warranty shouldn't be an issue with Nissan since you're not tracking it but I doubt you will actually have to use warranty.

10-05-2009, 01:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
polarity Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 166 Drives: [2009 370Z] Rep Power: 17	Well you said you wanted to hit the twisties and that rules out the mustang =). I mean you have to get out at every corner, jack the car up, point it in the new direction, let it down, get back in, and get moving again. Who wants to do that? All kidding aside I'm sure you'd be happy with either but you're asking a very biased crowd. I've had my 370 for 8 months now, put 12,000 miles on her and loved every one of them. Well except the one where some bastard hit my window with a rock. The car does not over heat even with "spirited" driving. If you plan on trying to track it just get an oil cooler. As for cons really the biggest con IMO is the blind spots, but I haven't been inside a new mustang to compare. -William

10-05-2009, 02:54 PM	#12 (permalink)
polarity Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 166 Drives: [2009 370Z] Rep Power: 17	Good luck and post up some pics when you get it. -William

10-07-2009, 03:56 PM	#15 (permalink)
MJM33067 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 32 Drives: 09 370Z PW M6 Rep Power: 17	The Auto probably is quicker in a straight line, but in real life driving with twists and turns I believe the manual is not only more fun to drive but also faster. I have the manual and did not test the auto. However, my wife just got an auto BMW 335i which to me feels faster in a straight line. However, pulling out of a curve it is way slower than my 370Z.