Nissan 350z GT/370z GT - Owners views
Discussion
Personally I think they are very good cars.
I've had a 350 and 370z, currently have a 981 Cayman and yet would still consider having a 370z again in the future.
Get one at the right price and there is nothing else out there offering the same horsepower and rear wheel drive experience for a similar cost, plus all the kit and options that you need will all come as standard with the GT spec.
Ignore comments about hot hatches.....yes, some will be faster, but that's not the point. They will (generally) be front wheel drive and a totally different ownership prospect.
With all the downsizing and constant move towards turbo's, I suspect that 370z and a few others like them, will be fondly remembered in a few years time.
I've had a 350 and 370z, currently have a 981 Cayman and yet would still consider having a 370z again in the future.
Get one at the right price and there is nothing else out there offering the same horsepower and rear wheel drive experience for a similar cost, plus all the kit and options that you need will all come as standard with the GT spec.
Ignore comments about hot hatches.....yes, some will be faster, but that's not the point. They will (generally) be front wheel drive and a totally different ownership prospect.
With all the downsizing and constant move towards turbo's, I suspect that 370z and a few others like them, will be fondly remembered in a few years time.
I have a 350z HR and it is a good car within a narrow set of parameters.
Is it practical? No, luggage space is tiny and split by strut brace. 2 seats, cubbies/glove box behind seats, seats need moved forward for access.
Is it comfortable? Sort of. Seat and driving position good but noisy at speed, claustrophobic cabin, doesn't deal well with rough roads.
Does it handle? Yes up to a point, good turn in, good grip. Can be snappy but 300hp through the rear wheels will always catch you out if you're ham fisted.
How does it feel? Heavy. Heavy steering, heavy clutch, coming from my Scooby it at first felt like you wrestled the car rather than drove it. After an month I stopped noticing and other cars feel ridiculously underweighted.
Economy. Drinks fuel. I average 26ish mpg if I baby it on mixed commute. Drops rapidly if hooning.
Town driving? Awful, pulls away poorly, first and second gear baulk at changes. Clutch is heavy so repetitive changes do get tiring. Hates speedbumps, ground clearance not bad but you feel every bump.
Where it shines? A decent B road, sweeping bends, smooth surfaces, masterful overtakes. Sunshine helps. Above 4k rpm it makes a glorious sound.
I do love it though.
Is it practical? No, luggage space is tiny and split by strut brace. 2 seats, cubbies/glove box behind seats, seats need moved forward for access.
Is it comfortable? Sort of. Seat and driving position good but noisy at speed, claustrophobic cabin, doesn't deal well with rough roads.
Does it handle? Yes up to a point, good turn in, good grip. Can be snappy but 300hp through the rear wheels will always catch you out if you're ham fisted.
How does it feel? Heavy. Heavy steering, heavy clutch, coming from my Scooby it at first felt like you wrestled the car rather than drove it. After an month I stopped noticing and other cars feel ridiculously underweighted.
Economy. Drinks fuel. I average 26ish mpg if I baby it on mixed commute. Drops rapidly if hooning.
Town driving? Awful, pulls away poorly, first and second gear baulk at changes. Clutch is heavy so repetitive changes do get tiring. Hates speedbumps, ground clearance not bad but you feel every bump.
Where it shines? A decent B road, sweeping bends, smooth surfaces, masterful overtakes. Sunshine helps. Above 4k rpm it makes a glorious sound.
I do love it though.
Oldandslow said:
I have a 350z HR and it is a good car within a narrow set of parameters.
Is it practical? No, luggage space is tiny and split by strut brace. 2 seats, cubbies/glove box behind seats, seats need moved forward for access.
Is it comfortable? Sort of. Seat and driving position good but noisy at speed, claustrophobic cabin, doesn't deal well with rough roads.
Does it handle? Yes up to a point, good turn in, good grip. Can be snappy but 300hp through the rear wheels will always catch you out if you're ham fisted.
How does it feel? Heavy. Heavy steering, heavy clutch, coming from my Scooby it at first felt like you wrestled the car rather than drove it. After an month I stopped noticing and other cars feel ridiculously underweighted.
Economy. Drinks fuel. I average 26ish mpg if I baby it on mixed commute. Drops rapidly if hooning.
Town driving? Awful, pulls away poorly, first and second gear baulk at changes. Clutch is heavy so repetitive changes do get tiring. Hates speedbumps, ground clearance not bad but you feel every bump.
Where it shines? A decent B road, sweeping bends, smooth surfaces, masterful overtakes. Sunshine helps. Above 4k rpm it makes a glorious sound.
I do love it though.
Having owned both a 350 and 370z, I think the 370 was an improvement over the 350 in most areas aside from the sound. Most of your comments are accurate and could also (to a lesser extent) be applicable to 370z, but for me it's about giving the driver something that a hot hatch and even a Scooby can't, in that it's a proper 2 door rear wheel drive coupe. A poor man's Porsche is what I used to tell people when I had mine.Is it practical? No, luggage space is tiny and split by strut brace. 2 seats, cubbies/glove box behind seats, seats need moved forward for access.
Is it comfortable? Sort of. Seat and driving position good but noisy at speed, claustrophobic cabin, doesn't deal well with rough roads.
Does it handle? Yes up to a point, good turn in, good grip. Can be snappy but 300hp through the rear wheels will always catch you out if you're ham fisted.
How does it feel? Heavy. Heavy steering, heavy clutch, coming from my Scooby it at first felt like you wrestled the car rather than drove it. After an month I stopped noticing and other cars feel ridiculously underweighted.
Economy. Drinks fuel. I average 26ish mpg if I baby it on mixed commute. Drops rapidly if hooning.
Town driving? Awful, pulls away poorly, first and second gear baulk at changes. Clutch is heavy so repetitive changes do get tiring. Hates speedbumps, ground clearance not bad but you feel every bump.
Where it shines? A decent B road, sweeping bends, smooth surfaces, masterful overtakes. Sunshine helps. Above 4k rpm it makes a glorious sound.
I do love it though.
In truth it's not on a par with a Cayman in terms of quality and overall drive, but given that the current base Cayman now comes with a less than inspirational 2.0 litre engine..... by comparison a mildly discounted Nismo version 370 without the need to tick any options boxes when compared to the true cost of a Cayman with proper sized wheels and the usuals and you still end up with a price differential in the region of 10k in real terms!!
Thank you vernz & Oldandslow, good to hear your real life experiences with these models.
If I do choose one of these it will only be for a weekend blast etc. My lads have grown up now so no need for 4 seats, hopefully enough room for a medium case for a weekend away with the mrs. The fuel consumption isn't to much of a ball ache after coming from a V8 M3, the bloody thing was averaging 18-19 mpg mixed driving and when giving it some i've had it as low as 11-12 mpg.
Plus points for me with the 'Z' are the looks, n/a big engine, rear wheel drive and hopefully reliability being a Nissan.
I have been a manual man all my life, is that a must in a 'Z'? Is there any love for the vert version?
I am yet to drive a 'Z' due to a wrecked leg/Knee but hopefully soon I should be ok to drive again. Any pointers to look out for when I get to drive one?
Cheers...
If I do choose one of these it will only be for a weekend blast etc. My lads have grown up now so no need for 4 seats, hopefully enough room for a medium case for a weekend away with the mrs. The fuel consumption isn't to much of a ball ache after coming from a V8 M3, the bloody thing was averaging 18-19 mpg mixed driving and when giving it some i've had it as low as 11-12 mpg.
Plus points for me with the 'Z' are the looks, n/a big engine, rear wheel drive and hopefully reliability being a Nissan.
I have been a manual man all my life, is that a must in a 'Z'? Is there any love for the vert version?
I am yet to drive a 'Z' due to a wrecked leg/Knee but hopefully soon I should be ok to drive again. Any pointers to look out for when I get to drive one?
Cheers...
Oldandslow said:
I used the Pistonheads buying guide when I was looking last year. Not really got anything to add. It's been reliable and fun. Service is nearly due so might have more info then.
Ironically I was asked to assist with the buying guide on the 350z, so some of the content originated from me.I got my 350 new near the end of the production run and it was the 313ps version. I had it for around 30 months and then got seduced by the 370 which I then had for just under 3 years. Never had an issue with either, warranty or otherwise.
Good solid cars and to be honest they feel solid when you drive them....a little too much so for some!
I’ve had a 350z roadster as a weekend car for the last 3 years and really enjoyed it. More of a mini muscle car than a sports car.
Nothing else sounds as good for the money and they are reliable with not much to go wrong.
GT cars have a good spec too. Brembo, rays, heated leather and Bose.
Nothing else sounds as good for the money and they are reliable with not much to go wrong.
GT cars have a good spec too. Brembo, rays, heated leather and Bose.
Edited by Kev78 on Sunday 8th October 14:54
Kev78 said:
I’ve had a 350z roadster as a weekend car for the last 3 years and really enjoyed it. More of a mini muscle car than a sports car.
Nothing else sounds as good for the money and they are reliable with not much to go wrong.
GT cars have a good spec too. Brembo, rays, heated leather and Bose.
Looks good in black mateyNothing else sounds as good for the money and they are reliable with not much to go wrong.
GT cars have a good spec too. Brembo, rays, heated leather and Bose.
Edited by Kev78 on Sunday 8th October 14:54
I wasn't that fussed on the vert version originally but they are growing on me
...A good review above from Old and Slow, does sum it up nicely.
Its worth adding that if you get a late 350z with the HR engine (identified by dual intake) you are to all intents and purposes getting something pretty comparable to an early 370z in terms of power you can feel on the road day to day. Obviously the 370 has the newer interior feel and the change in bodyshape, its up to you to decide if you want to spend the extra on that.
But in summary its a GT car, the seating position is good (much better than a hot hatch) you do feel low slung down in the car - and bang for buck is excellent for under £10k you get a RWD two seater V6.
Plenty have had modifications if you look on the forums/facebook, avoid the chavvy ones and look for ones with discreet positive changes like upgraded exhausts (OEM exhaust is awful, so quiet and restrictive), suspension etc.
Its worth adding that if you get a late 350z with the HR engine (identified by dual intake) you are to all intents and purposes getting something pretty comparable to an early 370z in terms of power you can feel on the road day to day. Obviously the 370 has the newer interior feel and the change in bodyshape, its up to you to decide if you want to spend the extra on that.
But in summary its a GT car, the seating position is good (much better than a hot hatch) you do feel low slung down in the car - and bang for buck is excellent for under £10k you get a RWD two seater V6.
Plenty have had modifications if you look on the forums/facebook, avoid the chavvy ones and look for ones with discreet positive changes like upgraded exhausts (OEM exhaust is awful, so quiet and restrictive), suspension etc.
I had a 350z for 4 years. It was a great car and I agree with most of what has been said above.
Reliability was great, I did 80,000 + miles and only paid for routine servicing, tyres and one set of brake discs. Even servicing was cheap at a Nissan dealer.
I never had an issue with boot space, going away on holiday many times in it even with all the wife's shoes! Economy was 25 - 35 mpg and insurance costs were low.
I am looking around for a 370z currently.
Reliability was great, I did 80,000 + miles and only paid for routine servicing, tyres and one set of brake discs. Even servicing was cheap at a Nissan dealer.
I never had an issue with boot space, going away on holiday many times in it even with all the wife's shoes! Economy was 25 - 35 mpg and insurance costs were low.
I am looking around for a 370z currently.
Fury RS said:
Looks good in black matey
I wasn't that fussed on the vert version originally but they are growing on me...
Mine is a sunny weekend car. Can't think of a better choice for the money. It's one of the few verts that isn't girly. I wasn't that fussed on the vert version originally but they are growing on me
...I bought it intending to sell it on, but I've had it for 3 years now.
I'm personally not a fan of the 370z. It's not really a big step foward from the HR and i don't like the headlights at all. Needs a aftermarket exhaust to make it sound good too.
Kev78 said:
Mine is a sunny weekend car. Can't think of a better choice for the money. It's one of the few verts that isn't girly.
I bought it intending to sell it on, but I've had it for 3 years now.
I'm personally not a fan of the 370z. It's not really a big step foward from the HR and i don't like the headlights at all. Needs a aftermarket exhaust to make it sound good too.
I actually think the 370 was a relatively big step forward from the 350, but only in coupe form and only from a styling point of view. In terms of performance/drive train, it wasn't a massive step forward and IMHO the convertible 370 was not at all easy on the eye.I bought it intending to sell it on, but I've had it for 3 years now.
I'm personally not a fan of the 370z. It's not really a big step foward from the HR and i don't like the headlights at all. Needs a aftermarket exhaust to make it sound good too.
I think the base 370 has dated a bit, but the Nismo version still looks fresh enough and I always found it funny when a 370 was reviewed by various magazines as being a heavy weight at just under 1500kg, when a base F type V6 was another 100kg+ heavier. I also always wondered what the true weight of a Cayman S would have been if Porsche had recorded the weight after they had added all the options to the base car that came as standard on the 370!!
vernz said:
I actually think the 370 was a relatively big step forward from the 350, but only in coupe form and only from a styling point of view. In terms of performance/drive train, it wasn't a massive step forward and IMHO the convertible 370 was not at all easy on the eye.
I think the base 370 has dated a bit, but the Nismo version still looks fresh enough and I always found it funny when a 370 was reviewed by various magazines as being a heavy weight at just under 1500kg, when a base F type V6 was another 100kg+ heavier. I also always wondered what the true weight of a Cayman S would have been if Porsche had recorded the weight after they had added all the options to the base car that came as standard on the 370!!
I think they missed a opportunity. It's just not a big step forward. I suppose styling is subjective but I'm not a fan. The interior is a bit Nissan Juke too. I think the base 370 has dated a bit, but the Nismo version still looks fresh enough and I always found it funny when a 370 was reviewed by various magazines as being a heavy weight at just under 1500kg, when a base F type V6 was another 100kg+ heavier. I also always wondered what the true weight of a Cayman S would have been if Porsche had recorded the weight after they had added all the options to the base car that came as standard on the 370!!
I don't think the 370z is as loved as the 350z. You only need to check the forums to see that.
Tbf to the 370z it should never have been tested against a Cayman. They are night and day.
350/370z are more mini muscle than sport cars. The steering is artificially weighted to make it feel heavier. They do feel much heavier to drive than boxster/Cayman.
I was shocked when I first drove one. I was expecting it to feel light and sporty.
Absolutely go in with your eyes open in terms of expectations - a cheaper Cayman replacement it is not. Its totally a GT car, heavy clutch, but very torquey and easy to power down A and M roads in with minimal gear work.
Exterior - well completely subjective. Interior was a tidy up but still had a lot more cheap plastics than you would like as did the 350z but this is where Nissan are likely to be making the cost savings to get a V6 out there at the price it is at.
Most people who are on the forums admit that the step forwards was not a big one, although looks are subjective many owners of both cars agree the 350z looks as good as a 370z from the outside. The basic outline remains the same, the lights are very marmite, but otherwise you are paying a fair premium for a 370z vs an HR for additional nice looks alone. Have to say though the rev matching on the 370z gear change is quite a nice add on to have :-)
Exterior - well completely subjective. Interior was a tidy up but still had a lot more cheap plastics than you would like as did the 350z but this is where Nissan are likely to be making the cost savings to get a V6 out there at the price it is at.
Most people who are on the forums admit that the step forwards was not a big one, although looks are subjective many owners of both cars agree the 350z looks as good as a 370z from the outside. The basic outline remains the same, the lights are very marmite, but otherwise you are paying a fair premium for a 370z vs an HR for additional nice looks alone. Have to say though the rev matching on the 370z gear change is quite a nice add on to have :-)
I have had my 350Z HR for over three years now and I still love it. It's currently on the drive resting up for the winter. I'm hoping this'll be a forever car for me, but we'll see. Being laid up at the moment, I miss driving it a lot and it's only been 3 weeks!
For me the car hits the spot. The exhaust note is fantastic, rising from a burble around town to a howl at the top reaches, it is supremely comfortable (I drove it back from Germany this year and my back didn't hurt a bit - normally I'm squirming around all over the place), it has been faultless to a tee - not even a lightbulb has gone on it in over 40,000 miles - and it is as quick as I think you would need a car. It gets to over a ton very quickly and let's be honest much more than that is asking for trouble (unless you like to track your cars in which I can't comment).
Yes the interior plastics are poor, the rubberised finish on several parts peels off at the slightest touch and the general quality isn't up to scratch with more premium brands but it's not a premium car. It's screwed together well, with no rates or squeaks and the cabin, IMO, is a nice place to be.
As others have said, they are GT cars and heavy for it but that doesn't mean you can't hustle them round the twisties if you have plums of a sufficient diameter, plus they will squirm under a bit of throttle if it's damp so watch out for that. Personally, I love the weight of the car, of the clutch, of the gearstick throw as it makes you feel more connected compared to more modern over-assisted stuff. It's feels more analog - none of this assisted downshift stuff, which while technically impressive is not fun and takes away from doing it. I drove my brother's MINI which had it and I hated it.
I think the 350Z is a driver's car and it's very rewarding to drive. if you go for one, stretch to an HR (June 2007 - on) as it is a generally improved car over DE and Rev-up DEs.
Expect mid-20s economy, £535 this year for VED for post-2006 cars and expensive clutches. Most consumables are fairly reasonable, although brakes bits can be a bit pricey. Stick to recommended tyres (either OE Bridgestone RE050A, or forum recommended brands) and don't mess with the geometry too much - these cars are very sensitive to tyres/suspension set ups and will tramline badly if you deviate too far.
As I said, I love mine and I revel in the fact that it's an old school big displacement N/A rear driven 2 seater. A rare beast these days.
I can't comment on the 370Z I'm afraid although I imagine it's more of the same, just a bit newer.
For me the car hits the spot. The exhaust note is fantastic, rising from a burble around town to a howl at the top reaches, it is supremely comfortable (I drove it back from Germany this year and my back didn't hurt a bit - normally I'm squirming around all over the place), it has been faultless to a tee - not even a lightbulb has gone on it in over 40,000 miles - and it is as quick as I think you would need a car. It gets to over a ton very quickly and let's be honest much more than that is asking for trouble (unless you like to track your cars in which I can't comment).
Yes the interior plastics are poor, the rubberised finish on several parts peels off at the slightest touch and the general quality isn't up to scratch with more premium brands but it's not a premium car. It's screwed together well, with no rates or squeaks and the cabin, IMO, is a nice place to be.
As others have said, they are GT cars and heavy for it but that doesn't mean you can't hustle them round the twisties if you have plums of a sufficient diameter, plus they will squirm under a bit of throttle if it's damp so watch out for that. Personally, I love the weight of the car, of the clutch, of the gearstick throw as it makes you feel more connected compared to more modern over-assisted stuff. It's feels more analog - none of this assisted downshift stuff, which while technically impressive is not fun and takes away from doing it. I drove my brother's MINI which had it and I hated it.
I think the 350Z is a driver's car and it's very rewarding to drive. if you go for one, stretch to an HR (June 2007 - on) as it is a generally improved car over DE and Rev-up DEs.
Expect mid-20s economy, £535 this year for VED for post-2006 cars and expensive clutches. Most consumables are fairly reasonable, although brakes bits can be a bit pricey. Stick to recommended tyres (either OE Bridgestone RE050A, or forum recommended brands) and don't mess with the geometry too much - these cars are very sensitive to tyres/suspension set ups and will tramline badly if you deviate too far.
As I said, I love mine and I revel in the fact that it's an old school big displacement N/A rear driven 2 seater. A rare beast these days.
I can't comment on the 370Z I'm afraid although I imagine it's more of the same, just a bit newer.
Fury RS said:
As title - I will be looking for something for weekend use early in the new year and these models are on my maybe list.
Any good?
Any positive/negative comments appreciated...
I really like the look of the 370z. The yellow and solid blue colours especially. And would genuinely like to own one. Any good?
Any positive/negative comments appreciated...
The 350z I’m sure is a good car. Although styling wise it’s not as cohesive as the 370z and looks a little awkward IMO.
350z’s seem to have lots of rust reports that I’ve read. And prices seem to be dropping on them. Bit like the 300ZX before them in this regard (price). 370z seems to be holding its money better. And is super rare. Really don’t think many have been sold in the U.K.
For me though. There are other rwd cars.
I’ve just bought this. For less money than a 370z. But it’s likely to hold its value better too. This is my 2nd of these in fact.
Doesn’t really weigh much more than the 350z. Weighs about the same as an e46 M3. 6 speed manual and a 5.7 V8. Handles and drives really well and is huge fun. And should be a fair chunk quicker than a 350z. Sounds better too IMO and even more tunable.
And it’s a 2+2 with a usable boot.
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