Thoughts on the Nissan 370z?
Discussion
Hi chaps,
I've done a search and I'm surprised the 370z doesn't seem to be talked about much on here as it does seem to be a PH worthy car. Are there any particular reasons for this? The BMW Z4 Coupe seems to get much more attention on PH, as does the 350z.
Anywho, I'm thinking about getting one, budget is about £15k so looking to get a GT Edition (which comes with a few extra goodies). Are there any owners on here who could comment on what it's like to own one? It would be more of a weekend car doing 5k per year. Haven't decided on whether to get a manual or auto. The manual apparently has a synchro rev feature that blips the throttle on downshifts, but I have concerns about how nice the manual box is to use (i.e. is it notchy and the clutch heavy?) as it still will be used in traffic a bit.
Cheers pals
I've done a search and I'm surprised the 370z doesn't seem to be talked about much on here as it does seem to be a PH worthy car. Are there any particular reasons for this? The BMW Z4 Coupe seems to get much more attention on PH, as does the 350z.
Anywho, I'm thinking about getting one, budget is about £15k so looking to get a GT Edition (which comes with a few extra goodies). Are there any owners on here who could comment on what it's like to own one? It would be more of a weekend car doing 5k per year. Haven't decided on whether to get a manual or auto. The manual apparently has a synchro rev feature that blips the throttle on downshifts, but I have concerns about how nice the manual box is to use (i.e. is it notchy and the clutch heavy?) as it still will be used in traffic a bit.
Cheers pals
Can only comment on the 350Z that I own. First, it's a great car, well put together, comfortable and well laid out. Ideally suited to loping over good B roads at near legal speeds. Not so good for motorway cruising just because it's a bit noisy and poor mpg, rides well though. For town driving it's pretty awful, heavy clutch and steering, doesn't absorb bumps well at low speeds, slow off the mark at junctions(ESP system limit in 1st and 2nd)(My old Scooby was a much better all rounder except noisier)
I'm assuming the 370 is largely similar. However they may have addressed some of the issues. Always worth a test drive.
I'm assuming the 370 is largely similar. However they may have addressed some of the issues. Always worth a test drive.
Ditto, OP. I'm surprised it doesn't have its own PH section as it seems an ideal old-school enthusiasts' car.
Once I've shifted a current car, the 370Z is on my current very-shortlist.
Most of what I read suggests thirsty (natch), a bit noisy (road and wind noise), a bit bumpy, but entertaining, reliable and good value for the grunt. I don't want to drive my sofa fitted with a sewing machine motor, so yeah, it sounds a good recipe to me.
Sorry I'm not chipping in with any personal experience to help your hunt.
There are some good video reviews out there :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5JlkH7lCzE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlepiXkr9BQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx7d_Agr65M
Once I've shifted a current car, the 370Z is on my current very-shortlist.
Most of what I read suggests thirsty (natch), a bit noisy (road and wind noise), a bit bumpy, but entertaining, reliable and good value for the grunt. I don't want to drive my sofa fitted with a sewing machine motor, so yeah, it sounds a good recipe to me.
Sorry I'm not chipping in with any personal experience to help your hunt.
There are some good video reviews out there :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5JlkH7lCzE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlepiXkr9BQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx7d_Agr65M
Edited by Darryl247W on Tuesday 7th March 20:14
Had one for nearly 3 years
Very good car IMO, as long as you're happy that this isn't the sharpest car in its' category !
I had a manual and although the gearchange was heavy and not too happy to be rushed, it was an enjoyable drive.
The only things that lets it down is the exhaust note ... so just make sure you've got enough for something aftermarket ! I went for a cobra and was extremely happy ! And then the exhaust note will then cover the noise in the cabin with more noise
Very good car IMO, as long as you're happy that this isn't the sharpest car in its' category !
I had a manual and although the gearchange was heavy and not too happy to be rushed, it was an enjoyable drive.
The only things that lets it down is the exhaust note ... so just make sure you've got enough for something aftermarket ! I went for a cobra and was extremely happy ! And then the exhaust note will then cover the noise in the cabin with more noise
No first hand experience of the 370z but Chris Harris review would suggest not that much of a driver's car might be why not that popular on pistonheads.
https://youtu.be/JUhLXvxlQR4
https://youtu.be/JUhLXvxlQR4
Sign up over here or lurk around the forum to get an idea of what it's like.
We're a friendly-ish bunch, not quite as brutal as the US site
http://www.350z-uk.com/index
The thing to really remember, if there is something you don't quite like, there is usually a replacement aftermarket part that'll sort it, IF you do your research.
My major irk with most reviews is that they don't factor this in, for some obvious reasons but it doesn't take long to rectify things you don't like.
ie: the gearshift on my 350z was ok but I've now made it feel freaking immense with a few choice parts
We're a friendly-ish bunch, not quite as brutal as the US site
http://www.350z-uk.com/index
The thing to really remember, if there is something you don't quite like, there is usually a replacement aftermarket part that'll sort it, IF you do your research.
My major irk with most reviews is that they don't factor this in, for some obvious reasons but it doesn't take long to rectify things you don't like.
ie: the gearshift on my 350z was ok but I've now made it feel freaking immense with a few choice parts
jr6yam said:
Do tell 
Oky doky Vibra-technics engine mounts (road)
Torque solutions poly transmission mount (huge change with that alone)
Torque solutions single piece billet short shifter (huge difference with that)
Whiteline poly differential bushings
Altogether it has tightened the drive-line up to a vastly improved shifting feel and response. For those that don't want increased cabin noise avoid the poly bushing in the transmission mount and use new OEM or Hard Race rubber mount instead.
Granted, this is for my 350z, not a 370z so I imagine with it being newer, they would have changed certain designs but my point remains.
Usually there is a product to remedy this, especially with these sorts of cars.
The best thing to do is test drive a few to get the idea if you like it or not.
I've had two , spot the difference
The top one was supercharged with a Stillen kit , made around 470hp, the second just bolt on mods and remap made 345hp
Both were the 7 speed auto, I'm not that much of a fan of the manuals but they are ok, there can be issues with the clutch slave cylinders and the replacement parts from Nissan are horrendous so most plumb for a aftermarket clutch kit with solid flywheel , its a compromise though.
Solid car, little heavy on tyres and tend to eat droplinks like the 350's do but the latter are cheap and easy to replace . Stock suspension is pretty good , but helped by aftermarket sway bars like Eibach
There was a slight revision on the MY12 cars so late 2011 onwards which made a few minor changes that are worthwhile like better oil cooling among other things so worth paying the extra imo for the '12-on versions
Most people change the exhausts they rot quickly but are too quiet anyhow and a full system is around £1000 so wont break the bank and makes them sound better
A remap adds little power c10hp but does make the car nicer and more responsive to drive so is worthwhile if you decide to tune it
Not bad on fuel around 24-28mpg average depending on how you drive and fairly cheap to service , good solid cars really and you dont see many around
Downsides - ridiculous boot, the 350z is cavernous in comparison, no spare wheel, not that big inside but very wide to park, most dealers dont have a clue about them so stick to specialists not that they are hard to work on at home really if you are capable
The top one was supercharged with a Stillen kit , made around 470hp, the second just bolt on mods and remap made 345hp
Both were the 7 speed auto, I'm not that much of a fan of the manuals but they are ok, there can be issues with the clutch slave cylinders and the replacement parts from Nissan are horrendous so most plumb for a aftermarket clutch kit with solid flywheel , its a compromise though.
Solid car, little heavy on tyres and tend to eat droplinks like the 350's do but the latter are cheap and easy to replace . Stock suspension is pretty good , but helped by aftermarket sway bars like Eibach
There was a slight revision on the MY12 cars so late 2011 onwards which made a few minor changes that are worthwhile like better oil cooling among other things so worth paying the extra imo for the '12-on versions
Most people change the exhausts they rot quickly but are too quiet anyhow and a full system is around £1000 so wont break the bank and makes them sound better
A remap adds little power c10hp but does make the car nicer and more responsive to drive so is worthwhile if you decide to tune it
Not bad on fuel around 24-28mpg average depending on how you drive and fairly cheap to service , good solid cars really and you dont see many around
Downsides - ridiculous boot, the 350z is cavernous in comparison, no spare wheel, not that big inside but very wide to park, most dealers dont have a clue about them so stick to specialists not that they are hard to work on at home really if you are capable
I loved my 370z. From late 2010 there was changes to the sa t nav system and hard drive, so its worth getting that.
Rear camera can be retro fitted and is standard after 2013.
I prefered it to my M3 e46. It feels a much more special place to sit.
You hear every stone rattle around the wheel arch. But exhaust is quiet.
Can be awkward around speed bums being so low.
The paint is thin, I actually had to paint my roof. Nissan refused to warranty it blaming it on stone chips.
I was after a late 350z but was disappointed with the interior, this is far better.
I would love a midnight blue one next.
Here is my old one..
Rear camera can be retro fitted and is standard after 2013.
I prefered it to my M3 e46. It feels a much more special place to sit.
You hear every stone rattle around the wheel arch. But exhaust is quiet.
Can be awkward around speed bums being so low.
The paint is thin, I actually had to paint my roof. Nissan refused to warranty it blaming it on stone chips.
I was after a late 350z but was disappointed with the interior, this is far better.
I would love a midnight blue one next.
Here is my old one..
I was really really unimpressed once I owned one.
I came from an evo and had always wanted one of these because to be honest it's one of the best looking cars out there today and good value for money.
I have a 2 day drive to bring it back from where I bought it to my home and it was a great opportunity to spend some time learning the car.
It was a high spec model. I need to mention that.
I found the car extremely heavy. It felt heavy and behaved heavy. For a car with so much flywheel horse power it felt slow by comparison to my evo. Which I. Reality at the wheels had far less horse power.
I set about trying to make it feel more nimble. I replaced the massively heavy electric seats with proper recaro seats. I put lights weight wheels on and upgraded the suspension and bushings. It was much better but to drive never had the wow factor. I had more fun driving the gt86 which is an amazing car out of the box. But I do still prefer the look of the z.
It's tough. It's a nice smooth comfortable cruiser and in my opinion not that long compared to most performance cars. It has an amazing exhaust note which is one of my favourites still today.
In reality I owned the car for 6 months before I grew tired. I then spent the money on a newer Mazda rx7 type RS. That car in my opinion is one of the very best drivers cars on the planet. Period.
Not sure if this helps but I wish you all the best. See if you can take one for a weekend test drive. Really get a feel for it.
Charlie.
I came from an evo and had always wanted one of these because to be honest it's one of the best looking cars out there today and good value for money.
I have a 2 day drive to bring it back from where I bought it to my home and it was a great opportunity to spend some time learning the car.
It was a high spec model. I need to mention that.
I found the car extremely heavy. It felt heavy and behaved heavy. For a car with so much flywheel horse power it felt slow by comparison to my evo. Which I. Reality at the wheels had far less horse power.
I set about trying to make it feel more nimble. I replaced the massively heavy electric seats with proper recaro seats. I put lights weight wheels on and upgraded the suspension and bushings. It was much better but to drive never had the wow factor. I had more fun driving the gt86 which is an amazing car out of the box. But I do still prefer the look of the z.
It's tough. It's a nice smooth comfortable cruiser and in my opinion not that long compared to most performance cars. It has an amazing exhaust note which is one of my favourites still today.
In reality I owned the car for 6 months before I grew tired. I then spent the money on a newer Mazda rx7 type RS. That car in my opinion is one of the very best drivers cars on the planet. Period.
Not sure if this helps but I wish you all the best. See if you can take one for a weekend test drive. Really get a feel for it.
Charlie.
I test drove one a few weeks ago. The spec-sheet promised old-school drama, but it left me surprised and unimpressed. It should be a muscle car, but when I hussled it Chris Harris's "obstructive" comment comes to mind.
Same as Charlie says above. It feels a heavy car, then I got out and remembered it's a small 2 seater.
Fair play to anyone who loves their Z, but it's not the car for me. Gotta drive one to find out for yourself.
Same as Charlie says above. It feels a heavy car, then I got out and remembered it's a small 2 seater.
Fair play to anyone who loves their Z, but it's not the car for me. Gotta drive one to find out for yourself.
Edited by Darryl247W on Saturday 13th May 22:03
My wife old car. Owned by someone in lincoln now.
Great as a long cruise car, comfortable, well equipped. We have been on many organised rallies and it keeps up with most things out there. Admittedly it's a bit heavy but ours was lowered and on upgraded suspension and was pretty neutral at speed.
Mega reliable and a huge social scene and clubs behind them. We did multiple 350&370 uk club members meets ranging from Scotland, wales to the south coast.
I rated the car highly and got plenary of looks and people stopping you in the street to talk about it. Might have been the arkgrip exhaust though. Beautiful sounding car.
Great as a long cruise car, comfortable, well equipped. We have been on many organised rallies and it keeps up with most things out there. Admittedly it's a bit heavy but ours was lowered and on upgraded suspension and was pretty neutral at speed.
Mega reliable and a huge social scene and clubs behind them. We did multiple 350&370 uk club members meets ranging from Scotland, wales to the south coast.
I rated the car highly and got plenary of looks and people stopping you in the street to talk about it. Might have been the arkgrip exhaust though. Beautiful sounding car.
Edited by Markbarry1977 on Sunday 28th May 09:09
Edited by Markbarry1977 on Sunday 28th May 09:31
Edited by Markbarry1977 on Sunday 28th May 09:50
Edited by Markbarry1977 on Sunday 28th May 09:51
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