Nissan 370Z

What is everyone's thoughts/experience with the Nissan 370Z? Anything to look out for? Doesn't seem like there have been many changes over the years.

Considering getting one to replace my bike.

If anyone is interested in Honda CBR...

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/5531888007.html

Devilsolsi wrote: Anything to look out for?

You want the trim with the limited slip (there are a few over the years) and as close to stock as possible. The motor in these is more closely related to the GT-R motor than the VQ35 found in the earlier 350z. The factory Rays wheels (sport trim) are light for their size and fit a massive tire. These are deceptively fast in the real world (C&D Tested an automatic variant 0-60 WAY under 5s...)

What are you looking to do with it?

I am looking for a manual coupe with the sport and touring packages. There is one not far from me in the exact colors I want so I am very tempted.

I have a Jetta TDI as a DD so this would be more of a weekend car. I want to get into autox and eventually track days. I have never done either. Mostly though, I am just looking for a fun car to take on the back roads.

Also considering:

BMW Z4 M roadster

Porsche 996

Porsche 987 Boxster/Cayman

C6 Corvette

I know that the NISMO variant has wide enough wheels to get put in ASP as delivered from the factory.

Having ridden in a few at track days I have to say they are ver capable and IMO sound amazong at full tilt. They are kind of heavy however so consumables do get consumed rather quickly under hard use.

I'm not sure where the whole GTR engine relations started but it's the same motor that comes in the G37 as well, the VQ37VHR. It's got some of the general design characteristic as the GTR motor but everything about it is different than the GTR. With that said though, Its a pretty flexible motor and has some good area under the curve. It's between like a V6 mustang and the V8 GT in performance.

I'd say it's better than the 300hp 4.6 mustangs, actually. But also pricier.

I've only driven a 370z (manual) once but i was very impressed. But I was also impressed with the Cayman S i drove, so..

Vigo wrote: I'd say it's better than the 300hp 4.6 mustangs, actually. But also pricier. I've only driven a 370z (manual) once but i was very impressed. But I was also impressed with the Cayman S i drove, so..

What did you think of the Cayman compared to the Z? I haven't had a chance to drive a 987 yet. I have driven a few 986 Boxsters. I drove my friend's 370Z a few times when he had it and really liked it, which is what has me interested in them now.

I miss my 370 everyday. To go back in time I never would have sold it and bought the BRZ. It was 2011 Touring Sport. Before that I had a '08 Mustang GT with every Shelby bit available on it, although it was not a true Shelby. The 370 was so much better than the Mustang there is no comparison. They are not without their warts however.

On the '09, and '10 too maybe, they can have the steering lock fail and you will not be able to start the car. Not a big fix but something to be aware of. Mine had the body control module fail at 20k miles and it was a bit pricey, and the clutch is pretty touchy. There are a few fixes for that however. I simply removed the helper spring under the clutch pedal and it improved the feel tremendously without adding much stiffness.

Rear tires. You will need a set every year or less depending upon how much you drive. The most I ever got was 16k miles with a very expensive set of Michelins. The OE Bridgestones were gone at 12k. Fronts last pretty much forever but they are not the same size so you cannot rotate.

The only other issue mine had was the rear sub frame had to be dropped and re-torqued. Not sure how common this is, but it had developed a slight vibration from the back. Once they did this, under warranty, it never came back.

I also heard that the diff bushing can wear, but I never experienced it. There are aftermarket replacements however for not much money.

A co-worker at the time owned a fairly new 911 that I drove occasionally. In comparison, the 370 felt faster in a straight line, and turn in felt better in the 370 as well. Corner exit of course went to the 911 with it's better rearward weight.

Some people complain about rearward visibility, but once you drive it for a few days you get used to it. My BRZ is no better. All in all, I'd by another one today. They take a lot of heat on the GRM board usually, but I really liked mine.

Devilsolsi wrote:

Vigo wrote: I'd say it's better than the 300hp 4.6 mustangs, actually. But also pricier. I've only driven a 370z (manual) once but i was very impressed. But I was also impressed with the Cayman S i drove, so..

What did you think of the Cayman compared to the Z? I haven't had a chance to drive a 987 yet. I have driven a few 986 Boxsters. I drove my friend's 370Z a few times when he had it and really liked it, which is what has me interested in them now.

See my post above about the 370, but since I've shopped a Cayman recently, here is my observation. The Cayman would be my choice probably. It simply has a nicer feel, from the steering to the vault like build. The 370 once again felt faster, but they give an entirely different driving feel. The 370 is more of a sports car mixed with a hot rod, where as the Cayman is more a sports car mixed with a Mercedes, if you know what I'm trying to say. If money is a concern, I would feel better about the 370 not trying to consume the 401K.

racerdave600 wrote: See my post above about the 370, but since I've shopped a Cayman recently, here is my observation. The Cayman would be my choice probably. It simply has a nicer feel, from the steering to the vault like build. The 370 once again felt faster, but they give an entirely different driving feel. The 370 is more of a sports car mixed with a hot rod, where as the Cayman is more a sports car mixed with a Mercedes, if you know what I'm trying to say. If money is a concern, I would feel better about the 370 not trying to consume the 401K.

I am trying to keep the budget around $20K, and it is pretty had to find a Cayman in that price range with lowish miles. Plenty of Boxsters around.

My biggest dilemma is I have always wanted a Porsche, came close to buying one a few times but never been able to pull the trigger. On the other hand, I am scared to death of the IMS issues and I believe they are not replaceable on the 987.1 Cayman.

It's incredible how well the 370Z has held its value over the years compared to the 350Z. I think the only thing that maybe holds on better is the WRX. You could probably pick one up, drive it for 2 years, and then sell it for pretty close to what you paid for it.

I vote for the Z4 M. Note: I may have one, and may be biased. I like the fact that the LSD works great, and unlike a Cayman, you pop the hood and you have full access to work on the engine. Also, sitting so far back in the chassis is just fun. You can't have a lot of fun driving it gingerly. Drive it like it owes you money, and it just keeps getting better.

So do these properties carry over to the G37 coupe as well? Main benefit being back seat. I know we make the comparison with the 350/G35.

It seems like it is the right mix of sporty and refined for a daily, wondering if I should go try one out (the G37, that is).

CobraSpdRH wrote: So do these properties carry over to the G37 coupe as well? Main benefit being back seat. I know we make the comparison with the 350/G35. It seems like it is the right mix of sporty and refined for a daily, wondering if I should go try one out (the G37, that is).

I have driven both. The G37 isn't a bad car, but it won't give you the same satisfaction a 370Z will. The G37 feels a lot bigger and heavier. I much preferred the BMW 335 coupe to the G37 coupe.

Cactus wrote: I vote for the Z4 M. Note: I may have one, and may be biased. I like the fact that the LSD works great, and unlike a Cayman, you pop the hood and you have full access to work on the engine. Also, sitting so far back in the chassis is just fun. You can't have a lot of fun driving it gingerly. Drive it like it owes you money, and it just keeps getting better.

They seem to be pretty hard to find. Is there anything to watch out for? Common issues?

Be sure to spend a bit of time driving a 370z before taking the leap. We sampled one when they were released and the seats absolutely killed my back. It took about a 1/2 and hour of driving, but afterwards I was in serious pain--- and I don't have back issues. None of our other staffers had an issue with the seats, but to my 5'9" 180 pound body it was torture.

They are fast, grippy and responsive, but the steering feel left me cold. It felt artificial, sort of numb and technically assisted. I'd prefer a Cayman, Boxster or C6 Corvette. All have their strengths and weaknesses, and we all have our hot buttons. Spend time in each of the cars you've mentioned, and see which car turns you on the most.

I have a totally different position than you on the 370 seats Joe. I found them to be fine in the comfort department. Keep in mind there are two different seats in the 370. I think the touring seats are better, and even though they look the similar, the base seats feel different.

My BRZ on the other hand, those are just bad. I can hardly ride in it for 15 minutes anymore. The ride quality is terrible too of course which doesn't help. Every time I hit a bump I think my spine is severing.

Of the cars mentioned, the Cayman is the best to me in that regard. I found the ride to be very good and not harsh at all. Seats were decent too. Its been awhile since I have been in a Boxster, but from what I remember, they were good too.

I autocrossed one... good power... low visibility and it cuts the power when you left foot brake.

chief8one wrote: I autocrossed one... good power... low visibility and it cuts the power when you left foot brake.

To be fair, any modern electronic throttle car will cut torque when left foot braking for greater than a couple seconds. Federally mandated, thank Toyota for that.

racerdave600 wrote:

Devilsolsi wrote:

Vigo wrote: I'd say it's better than the 300hp 4.6 mustangs, actually. But also pricier. I've only driven a 370z (manual) once but i was very impressed. But I was also impressed with the Cayman S i drove, so..

What did you think of the Cayman compared to the Z? I haven't had a chance to drive a 987 yet. I have driven a few 986 Boxsters. I drove my friend's 370Z a few times when he had it and really liked it, which is what has me interested in them now.

See my post above about the 370, but since I've shopped a Cayman recently, here is my observation. The Cayman would be my choice probably. It simply has a nicer feel, from the steering to the vault like build. The 370 once again felt faster, but they give an entirely different driving feel. The 370 is more of a sports car mixed with a hot rod, where as the Cayman is more a sports car mixed with a Mercedes, if you know what I'm trying to say. If money is a concern, I would feel better about the 370 not trying to consume the 401K.

The thing is when it's cayman vs 370z I always think of my old room mate who had a cayman. His engine trashed itself and a replacement was ridiculously expensive to where he opted for a rebuild that cost almost $10,000.

That won't happen in the 370z. If the engine craters it also won't be $10,000.