Ever driven a Nissan 350Z?
Discussion
What are they like? Keen to hear from both owners and those that passed after driving as to why?
I never really thought much of them before but clean, modern versions have quite an allure and on reading the road tests interesting to see they were compared to much more expensive machinery.
I never really thought much of them before but clean, modern versions have quite an allure and on reading the road tests interesting to see they were compared to much more expensive machinery.
not sure what they are in standard turn, but with a supercharger and a few mods (for drifting) like a supercharger and 'other' mods, they like to wheel spin as soon as you lift the clutch.
to drive, the seem to have very little feel compared to other cars i have driven. i.e. through the steering wheel and peddles.
to drive, the seem to have very little feel compared to other cars i have driven. i.e. through the steering wheel and peddles.
I had one for about a year.
Nice exhaust and engine note as std (UK car / exhaust system which I believe is a touch louder than the Japenese version). Lots of torque, very easy to get the back end out (even with brand new Falken 452 ie reasonable tyres). Huge fuel tank so good cruising tank given the poor economy. Reliable (just had front drop links replaced in my time).
On the negative side I never really bonded with it, lots and lots of rattles, lots of kick back through the steering wheel if you hit a bump mid corner. Never felt that fast though the speedo would indicate otherwise. Mine was the 276bhp version. Hopeless visibility out of the back. Felt a bit cheap but kinda working class hero which is fine by me.
Nice exhaust and engine note as std (UK car / exhaust system which I believe is a touch louder than the Japenese version). Lots of torque, very easy to get the back end out (even with brand new Falken 452 ie reasonable tyres). Huge fuel tank so good cruising tank given the poor economy. Reliable (just had front drop links replaced in my time).
On the negative side I never really bonded with it, lots and lots of rattles, lots of kick back through the steering wheel if you hit a bump mid corner. Never felt that fast though the speedo would indicate otherwise. Mine was the 276bhp version. Hopeless visibility out of the back. Felt a bit cheap but kinda working class hero which is fine by me.
I did a long time back when I was looking for a nifty sports car (no realistic options outside mainstream brands here in Dubai)
I ended up with the S2000 in the end. The Nissan, while not a bad car is very much a cruiser/GT and wasn't what I was looking for. I also foiund it really noisy inside. Not just the engine noise, which was ok, but tyre, wind and general 'moving noise'.
I ended up with the S2000 in the end. The Nissan, while not a bad car is very much a cruiser/GT and wasn't what I was looking for. I also foiund it really noisy inside. Not just the engine noise, which was ok, but tyre, wind and general 'moving noise'.
A friend of mine bought a 370Z and concluds it is far more GT than sports car.
What put me off the 370Z was 5th Gear pitting it against ahot hatch (can't recall which one - Megane?) and it came off second best. Doesn't bode well for the 350Z if that is important to you.
I think there are a few reviews on You Tube of the 350Z.
What put me off the 370Z was 5th Gear pitting it against ahot hatch (can't recall which one - Megane?) and it came off second best. Doesn't bode well for the 350Z if that is important to you.
I think there are a few reviews on You Tube of the 350Z.
Had one for 28 days and returned it to the dealer for money back. just did not gel with it, As already said , too many rattles, felt cheap inside, felt cramped, felt heavy.
Deceptive at speed, but I prefer a turbo rush.
Utter pain to reverse into my garage.
Tried again with a 370 as I prefer the looks of those and was told it was much improved, but gave the salesperson the keys back 1/2 way though the test drive.
Deceptive at speed, but I prefer a turbo rush.
Utter pain to reverse into my garage.
Tried again with a 370 as I prefer the looks of those and was told it was much improved, but gave the salesperson the keys back 1/2 way though the test drive.
I have one at the moment, as others have said it's not an out and out sportscar, more of a mini GT/muscle car. Think of it as a cross between a Cayman and a Monaro.
I enjoy it, it's an event to drive, nice sound and decent performance. Where it lacks for me on tight b-roads, where it feels a bit too heavy and cumbersome to really enjoy it. Also I'd prefer more revs (I have the 276bhp version) but understand later versions are better.
For the amount I paid (£6k) it was the best option for what I wanted, relatively uncommon, fun and an event to drive.
I enjoy it, it's an event to drive, nice sound and decent performance. Where it lacks for me on tight b-roads, where it feels a bit too heavy and cumbersome to really enjoy it. Also I'd prefer more revs (I have the 276bhp version) but understand later versions are better.
For the amount I paid (£6k) it was the best option for what I wanted, relatively uncommon, fun and an event to drive.
I had an 09 313 roadster. Much improved over the earlier ones with more poke and felt better out together. Never had any rattles or issues other than the clutch going very quickly (replaced under warranty). Nice linear power delivery compared to the S2000 I had previously. Shocking fuel economy at just under 13mpg average for the 13,500 miles I kept it for.
It is far more of a GT car than a sports car but is fast enough and comfortable enough to enjoy.
The traction control can be shocking at times trying to pick things up that are unnecessary and giving you a few moments which might brown the seat, far better with it off. All in I liked it compared to the Boxster S and S2k before. Different type of car though as others have said.
It is far more of a GT car than a sports car but is fast enough and comfortable enough to enjoy.
The traction control can be shocking at times trying to pick things up that are unnecessary and giving you a few moments which might brown the seat, far better with it off. All in I liked it compared to the Boxster S and S2k before. Different type of car though as others have said.
I drove a mates old one, wasn't that keen I have to say. Heavy footed ride, not very responsive, steering too heavy and (as said already) a lot of kickback, loads of road noise and I thought the engine was coarse and not particularly pleasant in general.
ETA - Forgot that I have driven a lightly modified one on track (stripped and caged, adjustable suspension, track biased tyres, that's about it) and it was actually really good; really nicely balanced (albeit still a bit weighty in response), fast enough (although I still thought the engine was coarse and a bit lazy) and generally nice and progressive.
ETA - Forgot that I have driven a lightly modified one on track (stripped and caged, adjustable suspension, track biased tyres, that's about it) and it was actually really good; really nicely balanced (albeit still a bit weighty in response), fast enough (although I still thought the engine was coarse and a bit lazy) and generally nice and progressive.
Edited by The Wookie on Wednesday 21st May 08:49
Selling mine at the moment, my thoughts:
They are a steal for the price - granted they are pretty simple beasts and don't have many toys, but the bits that matter are all there.
Spartan interior? Maybe, but it does the job - A/C, leather heated buckets and a great sound system (some people report problems with the Bose unit, haven't noticed this on mine) - it isn't Audi level of trim with brushed aloominum everywhere, and the Bose stereo (and cassette deck!) does look ropey, but it is an ok place to be.
It isn't a track weapon at all, it is more like a muscle car - power on coming out of a bend and the rear end will wiggle to let you know you are being silly before it shouts its way to the horizon - like a big daft dog on a polished floor. Maybe slower in the bends (it is pretty heavy) than something like an S2000, but not quick? Don't make me laugh - it isn't going to be troubling supercars, but under 6s to 60 isn't hanging about.
Tax is bad if you are getting an 06 or newer (mine is a 55 partly for this reason), but insurance on them seems relativity ok.
Fuel economy is pretty woeful - on a Christian motoring motorway special (with the irresistible "boot it off the roundabouts" game) I manage about 32. Driving about town including a fair bit in traffic, 20-24 is about right. Low teens/single figures is possible if you are going for a hoon.
People knock the lack of storage space - it is a huge car, but Nissan have filled the boot with a big strut brace, so it's no removals van, but big enough for a weekly shop and I have had skis and a bike in there. Lots of reviews will also tell you about the clever cubby holes everywhere - ignore this - yes, a glovebox behind the passenger seat is good, but not if you have replaced the front glovebox with a cupholder.
The sound is just phenomenal - proper V6 bellow - sounds like it is trying to shout everything in the immediate vicinity to death. With a replacement airbox (putting a popcharger on mine was immediate) and exhaust (mine has a Nismo and High Flow Cats) the noise it makes is one of the best I have ever heard.
Would definatley say go for the GT pack though - the Rays alloys are worth it for the price alone, and the other gubbins are just a bonus.
TL;DR
PROs:
- Big shouty V6
- Brembo stoppers
- Simple, but in a good way
- Cheap for what you get
- Puts a smile on my face like only a big, impractical, thirsty orange noisemobile could
Cons:
- Tax (on 2006+ models)
- Fuel economy
- "a Nissan? Like my Micra?"
Every blip of the throttle is met with childish glee and the way you can switch the traction control off and put it sideways at will is rather enjoyable. There is no sugar coating the fact that it is an expensive car to run, but for the fun it offers, well worth it IMO.
The Cayman I have replaced it with is much more grown up and if I'm really honest - less fun. It makes the 350Z feel like a horse cart handling wise - but while the Porker will get round the corner at 65 with a minimal of fuss, the guy driving the 350Z at 50 will be giggling away as the car slides about. The Big Datsun might not be perfect with its comedy handling and shouty, simple engine - but it will put a big smile on your face every time you get in it.
They are a steal for the price - granted they are pretty simple beasts and don't have many toys, but the bits that matter are all there.
Spartan interior? Maybe, but it does the job - A/C, leather heated buckets and a great sound system (some people report problems with the Bose unit, haven't noticed this on mine) - it isn't Audi level of trim with brushed aloominum everywhere, and the Bose stereo (and cassette deck!) does look ropey, but it is an ok place to be.
It isn't a track weapon at all, it is more like a muscle car - power on coming out of a bend and the rear end will wiggle to let you know you are being silly before it shouts its way to the horizon - like a big daft dog on a polished floor. Maybe slower in the bends (it is pretty heavy) than something like an S2000, but not quick? Don't make me laugh - it isn't going to be troubling supercars, but under 6s to 60 isn't hanging about.
Tax is bad if you are getting an 06 or newer (mine is a 55 partly for this reason), but insurance on them seems relativity ok.
Fuel economy is pretty woeful - on a Christian motoring motorway special (with the irresistible "boot it off the roundabouts" game) I manage about 32. Driving about town including a fair bit in traffic, 20-24 is about right. Low teens/single figures is possible if you are going for a hoon.
People knock the lack of storage space - it is a huge car, but Nissan have filled the boot with a big strut brace, so it's no removals van, but big enough for a weekly shop and I have had skis and a bike in there. Lots of reviews will also tell you about the clever cubby holes everywhere - ignore this - yes, a glovebox behind the passenger seat is good, but not if you have replaced the front glovebox with a cupholder.
The sound is just phenomenal - proper V6 bellow - sounds like it is trying to shout everything in the immediate vicinity to death. With a replacement airbox (putting a popcharger on mine was immediate) and exhaust (mine has a Nismo and High Flow Cats) the noise it makes is one of the best I have ever heard.
Would definatley say go for the GT pack though - the Rays alloys are worth it for the price alone, and the other gubbins are just a bonus.
TL;DR
PROs:
- Big shouty V6
- Brembo stoppers
- Simple, but in a good way
- Cheap for what you get
- Puts a smile on my face like only a big, impractical, thirsty orange noisemobile could
Cons:
- Tax (on 2006+ models)
- Fuel economy
- "a Nissan? Like my Micra?"
Every blip of the throttle is met with childish glee and the way you can switch the traction control off and put it sideways at will is rather enjoyable. There is no sugar coating the fact that it is an expensive car to run, but for the fun it offers, well worth it IMO.
The Cayman I have replaced it with is much more grown up and if I'm really honest - less fun. It makes the 350Z feel like a horse cart handling wise - but while the Porker will get round the corner at 65 with a minimal of fuss, the guy driving the 350Z at 50 will be giggling away as the car slides about. The Big Datsun might not be perfect with its comedy handling and shouty, simple engine - but it will put a big smile on your face every time you get in it.
Council Baby said:
I had an 09 313 roadster. Much improved over the earlier ones with more poke and felt better out together. Never had any rattles or issues other than the clutch going very quickly (replaced under warranty). Nice linear power delivery compared to the S2000 I had previously. Shocking fuel economy at just under 13mpg average for the 13,500 miles I kept it for.
It is far more of a GT car than a sports car but is fast enough and comfortable enough to enjoy.
The traction control can be shocking at times trying to pick things up that are unnecessary and giving you a few moments which might brown the seat, far better with it off. All in I liked it compared to the Boxster S and S2k before. Different type of car though as others have said.
13 mpg, really ?It is far more of a GT car than a sports car but is fast enough and comfortable enough to enjoy.
The traction control can be shocking at times trying to pick things up that are unnecessary and giving you a few moments which might brown the seat, far better with it off. All in I liked it compared to the Boxster S and S2k before. Different type of car though as others have said.
Mine does 20 despite short journies and not holding back, did 32 mpg on the motorway once.
TCS is indeed pants.
I like mine, ok they are no Elise, but quite enjoyable nonetheless.
They dont feel massively fast, no turbo to give that drama but they are fairly quick, sort of decetn hot hatch quick, kind of the bottom of one league (GT) rather than the top of another (Hot Hatch).
I think they are pretty well made, they are constructed with longevity in mind, hence the weight and reliability, its just the interior isnt "Premium", I dont mind it, it does the job, everything still works.
VED is the top £500 rate, but meh, I paid seven grand for a 2007 with 33k on, FNSH, one owner and it is still worth more than that now, so a few quid on fuel (SUL) and Ved is small fry compared to what people "save" on new diesels by getting double the mpg and paying less ved.
Comparing it to a Mustang is daft, I liek MUstangs but they tend to be 15k plus for a new era one, the rest are generally crap unless well fettled, the 350 is a faster than the V6 and not far off the older V8 GT (not the new 400 odd bhp ones)
I will run mine for another year or two, then make a step up, just not sure where to go, want another roadster but with more power, perhaps a bit less weight, can only think of TVRs (too old, crotchety or too expensive), then there is the Z4M and er, cant think of much else.
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