Thinking of getting something cheaper..

ImportConvert · 10-09-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmjaxx9

I think this is why people wonder why you made the switch,

although you already told us why in another thread, still makes you think if I was happy with a vette Id stick with it. Jus sayin might I say you knew what you were getting into when downgrading

I like the 370Z more. It is a much worse performer, but lets face it, I don't track the car and it makes me smile when I "push" it a little, still.

Now, the good?

The seats kick ***! My back doesn't hurt.
The interior is nice to look at.
The steering feel is great.
The NAV is modern!
The sound system, while not some audiophile's wet-dream is plenty for me!

Until you flop out about 100 large, you're going to be making compromises, I'm sorry.

I don't want to spend $100K+, and I am totally cool with the compromises I picked with the 370Z. However, I am honest with myself about them.

Well, I say totally cool, it's getting some Pilot Sport tires of whatever is the latest and greatest (coming from the 'vette world, that would be PS2's, but I think we in the Nissan world have a "better" tire that will fit our cars from the same line?). The hydroplaning issues has to GO. Other than that, I am still very happy with the trade and do not wish my Z06 back, helluva performer that it was, not withstanding.

*I will admit that I did think the weight distribution was 47/53 with a driver and fuel. It's not. Not even close. If it were, I think I would like the handling much better. Nissan lied, I believed them, the world keeps turnin'. GM was within about 0.25% of 50/50 with gas and a driver, BTW. So I expected honesty from Nissan, there, as well.

nmjaxx9 · 10-09-2012, 11:28 AM

Well put, and from a unbiased position as well.

Yup, there will always compromises you make, glad to know you have positive things to say about the 370z as well, it really is a well balacned sports car for its value imo.

Speaking of the hydroplaning issues a couple of people I know have the Hankooks V12, Im gonna be ordering some soon, they are proven to reduce hydroplaning, and drivibaliltiy in wet conditions. Look into them if you havent already.

ImportConvert · 10-09-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmjaxx9

Well put, and from a unbiased position as well.

Yup, there will always compromises you make, glad to know you have positive things to say about the 370z as well, it really is a well balacned sports car for its value imo.

Speaking of the hydroplaning issues a couple of people I know have the Hankooks V12, Im gonna be ordering some soon, they are proven to reduce hydroplaning, and drivibaliltiy in wet conditions. Look into them if you havent already.

I have tunnel-vision when it comes to tires. I pushed the 'vettes at Spring Mountain, and the Pilot Sports on those cars were amazing. Great feedback, very predictable, they really let you know where you stood, wet or dry. For that reason, I want them. I know how they "feel". IF I am dissapointed with them, I will wear them out and when they are dead, look elsewhere.

I have a ton of positive things to say about my 370Z. I still own it, yes?

However, when I am ready to trade this car in, I will be leaving Nissan unless certain things change. I will probably go over to BMW or Porsche. I have experienced American sports cars, and found the over-all experience very lacking. I have experienced Japanese sports cars, at least a little, with this 370Z, and I would like to sample what Europe brings to the table, and Mercedes does not offer manuals in America that I know of. To me, cars are disposable, and they are fun, and life is about living. I could care less for the "If it's not a such and such it's a pile of crap" mentality. I want to sample them all (within reason). A house...wife (if I was a marrying type), gun, those things are "long term investments". A car? Buy what you want when you want it, and when that changes, change it. DEFINITELY no room for brand-centric emotion hard-ons automotive speaking, although I am sore at GM for the "Bail-out".

Right now, as it sits today, I cannot think of another new car I would rather have for the cost of my 370Z or less. Yes it has foibles, but its strong points (Style, interior, qa/qc, what performance it does have, affordability for what you get) outweigh its negatives (clunky transmission, bad weight distribution, horrible rebound control, windshield that cracks if you look at it hard).

So far my take-away from American and Japanese:

American:

Dude, this interior sucks and what's up with the NAV, is that a calculator screen?

"But...it's FAST! It pulls over 1G! It sets world records!!! Who cares if you hate the interior and the seat reminds you of your favorite bean-bag chair in gradeschool? ITS FAST!

Japanese:

Why is this thing only 332 horses? Do you really mean that 50/50 weight distribution is bad even though GM spent over 500,000 just developing lighter fenders for the Z06?

"But the VQ, it doesn't have intake cams! It's a marvel! It's so advanced! Look at this volumetric efficiency at low rpm! Also that radiator support, it's carbon-fiber! SO ADVANCED! No...I don't know why we did that or bothered with the other, but it's a marvel of modern engineering! The seats, good, yes?

German (as I perceive it):

Why the hell are you charging me $2200 to change the spark plugs?

Is ultimate experience. You like how holds road? Enjoy sound system? Silky transmission? Growl of 8,000rpm V8? Good. Shut up. We will charge you what you want and you can stew over it while ogling our receptionist and swilling this premium roast coffee we brought you. By the way, tack on $320. A coil pack also needs replacing.

Italian (as I perceive it, and will never truly know):

Wow...look at that.

"Hi, brochures are $50 a piece. Look, please do not touch. When you get a real job, I will be happy to have one of our staff take you for a ride in the Investment of your choice. Until then, I'll just follow you with this little micro-fiber cloth and detail spray because I'm afraid you won't be able to resist smearing your poverty on at least one door-handle since you don't believe me that yes, they are all locked."

nmjaxx9 · 10-09-2012, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

I have tunnel-vision when it comes to tires. I pushed the 'vettes at Spring Mountain, and the Pilot Sports on those cars were amazing. Great feedback, very predictable, they really let you know where you stood, wet or dry. For that reason, I want them. I know how they "feel". IF I am dissapointed with them, I will wear them out and when they are dead, look elsewhere.

I have a ton of positive things to say about my 370Z. I still own it, yes?

However, when I am ready to trade this car in, I will be leaving Nissan unless certain things change. I will probably go over to BMW or Porsche. I have experienced American sports cars, and found the over-all experience very lacking. I have experienced Japanese sports cars, at least a little, with this 370Z, and I would like to sample what Europe brings to the table, and Mercedes does not offer manuals in America that I know of.

Right now, as it sits today, I cannot think of another new car I would rather have for the cost of my 370Z or less. Yes it has foibles, but its strong points (Style, interior, qa/qc, what performance it does have, affordability for what you get) outweigh its negatives (clunky transmission, bad weight distribution, horrible rebound control, windshield that cracks if you look at it hard).

X2 and that is Ironic coming from a chevy owner,

yes have heard good reviews on PSS as well. And agreed with the last paragraph the Zs have their faults as any car does, but I feel its strong points are a good enough reason to own and drive one...or like you said why else would we be in one?

As far as future choice goes I will almost 95% stick with JDM, I am loyal to em, no change there and that was from day one when I got my altima before my Z. The Nissan 370z is a good car that is both valuable, and like many say the best bang for the buck sports car.

ImportConvert · 10-09-2012, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmjaxx9

X2 and that is Ironic coming from a chevy owner,

yes have heard good reviews on PSS as well. And agreed with the last paragraph the Zs have their faults as any car does, but I feel its strong points are a good enough reason to own and drive one...or like you said why else would we be in one?

As far as future choice goes I will almost 95% stick with JDM, I am loyal to em, no change there and that was from day one when I got my altima before my Z. The Nissan 370z is a good car that is both valuable, and like many say the best bang for the buck sports car.

Noone from Nissan corporate has ever bought me supper. I'll buy what I think is the best fit for me at the time. I try very hard to "call it like I see it" when it comes to product reviews. I don't emotionally identify with my cars anymore, although I certainly used to in my early 20's/late teens. Now, it's land/house, lol. Also getting into class III weaponry, etc. The 370Z makes that a bit more affordable than the Z06 did. Especially the house/land stuff, since loans are based on D/I. I did not get rid of it thinking that, but now that I have sold it, I am thinking about it.

nmjaxx9 · 10-09-2012, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Noone from Nissan corporate has ever bought me supper. I'll buy what I think is the best fit for me at the time. I try very hard to "call it like I see it" when it comes to product reviews. I don't emotionally identify with my cars anymore, although I certainly used to in my early 20's/late teens. Now, it's land/house, lol. Also getting into class III weaponry, etc. The 370Z makes that a bit more affordable than the Z06 did. Especially the house/land stuff, since loans are based on D/I. I did not get rid of it thinking that, but now that I have sold it, I am thinking about it.

Yeah priorities over wants-needs, finding a way to balance both is the the best of both worlds, although it always involves compromises such as in your situation.

nmjaxx9 · 10-09-2012, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMGiGOTaZ

How did the "something cheaper" thread turm into talks of BMW and Porsche

Because threads always get derailed, 200 posts you should know that by now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

E46. Still an ultimate driving machine.

jcosta79 · 10-09-2012, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

I will be leaving Nissan unless certain things change. I will probably go over to BMW or Porsche.

Bring LOTS of money. Serious. They are awesome cars, but when things go wrong, it gets expensive really quickly. If you can wrench on the car yourself, that helps a lot. But if not, I suggest you find a good mechanic that you trust and who knows what he is doing first, and then buy a car that he knows how to work on.

Nice thing about American cars is that when things go wrong, parts are cheap and everybody and their mother knows how to work on them. (You can get front brake rotors for a Vette at NAPA for like $28!)

ImportConvert · 10-09-2012, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcosta79

Bring LOTS of money. Serious. They are awesome cars, but when things go wrong, it gets expensive really quickly. If you can wrench on the car yourself, that helps a lot. But if not, I suggest you find a good mechanic that you trust and who knows what he is doing first, and then buy a car that he knows how to work on.

Nice thing about American cars is that when things go wrong, parts are cheap and everybody and their mother knows how to work on them. (You can get front brake rotors for a Vette at NAPA for like $28!)

Please see my above, lol. Yes, I know that BMW is very expensive if anything breaks. Not even the parts always, just the privelidge of swilling their coffee while they work on your vehicle. It is my OPINION that this is why they began including service-plans with Mercedes and then BMW, because people shied away from them a few years ago because of this.

If I buy BMW/Porsche, it will be CPO with an extended warranty. Also, up next is a house, so it won't be for another 5-7 years. I like my 370Z quite enough to keep it that long.

American cars have GREAT! drive-lines now days. Interior bits and pieces are mainly what die in my experience, and if the driveline bits die, it's usually simple and cheap like you say.

OMGiGOTaZ · 10-09-2012, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Please see my above, lol. Yes, I know that BMW is very expensive if anything breaks. Not even the parts always, just the privelidge of swilling their coffee while they work on your vehicle. It is my OPINION that this is why they began including service-plans with Mercedes and then BMW, because people shied away from them a few years ago because of this.

If I buy BMW/Porsche, it will be CPO with an extended warranty. Also, up next is a house, so it won't be for another 5-7 years. I like my 370Z quite enough to keep it that long.

American cars have GREAT! drive-lines now days. Interior bits and pieces are mainly what die in my experience, and if the driveline bits die, it's usually simple and cheap like you say.

How did the "something cheaper" thread turm into talks of BMW and Porsche

ImportConvert · 10-09-2012, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMGiGOTaZ

How did the "something cheaper" thread turm into talks of BMW and Porsche

E46. Still an ultimate driving machine.

jcosta79 · 10-09-2012, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

It is my OPINION that this is why they began including service-plans with Mercedes and then BMW, because people shied away from them a few years ago because of this.

You can pretty much count that as fact. Even Ferrari now has free 7 year maintenance on their new 458's.

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10-09-2012, 11:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
nmjaxx9 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Middletown, Ct Posts: 5,853 Drives: 2011 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 26	Well put, and from a unbiased position as well. Yup, there will always compromises you make, glad to know you have positive things to say about the 370z as well, it really is a well balacned sports car for its value imo. Speaking of the hydroplaning issues a couple of people I know have the Hankooks V12, Im gonna be ordering some soon, they are proven to reduce hydroplaning, and drivibaliltiy in wet conditions. Look into them if you havent already.