Nissan 350Z

afty · December 2002

Which dealer? I'm in Boston and am curious...

759397 · December 2002

Quirk Nissan in Braintree.

Drive by twice a day to and from work.....and sit at the damn lights right there.

There are at least 5 if not 6 Z's sitting outside this morning. Most have been there for a few weeks.

Give them a buzz....I would be very suprised if they wouldn't deal....especialy with the weather lately. Early winter isn't really sports car time.

afty · December 2002

Thanks!

jwilson1 · December 2002

Especially since there's 3" of snow on the ground and more coming. (I'm just about 20 miles west.) Should be pretty slow thouogh it may be even better around Dec. 28 or so.

JW

759397 · December 2002

I have watched most of the Z's they have gotten just sit there. If you ask them they are selling like hotcakes....but they're not in all reality. If a car can sit on a lot for the better part of a month I would be hesitant to state it was flying off the floor. They should deal.

I watched the same thing heppen across the street with the T-Bird at the Ford dealer (other side of the lights). Those T-Birds just sat there.....$5000 over list my [non-permissible content removed]. Anyone paying that for that car better have cash to pee away.

rickrover · December 2002

Nice to hear the hype is dying down on the Z. I plan to engage a Nissan dealer over the holidays and get the ball rolling with a test drive and possible purchase. I requested a brochure via their website and got a nice letter from a local dealer - looking forward to a thourgh test drive.

blueguydotcom · December 2002

1) Acura RSX

Unabashed junk.

2) BMW 3-Series/M3
Great cars.

3) Chevrolet Corvette
4) Ford Focus
5) Honda Accord Coupe/Sedan

No thanks across the board.

6) Infiniti G35 Coupe/Sedan
Hey, i agree on one!

7) Mazda 6 s
No way in hades.

8) Nissan 350Z
Still haven't driven one but if they're as much fun as the G's, I'll agree.

9) Porsche Boxster
LOL

10) Subaru WRX
Fun car but ugly, cheap and too cramped.

So all told I agree with the pick on the G series, the 3 series and most likely the 350z. I may not dig the Z's styling much but if it's on that FM platform, packing a VQ and it's a Nissan, odds are good it'll be fun.

The top ten list...one more reason I don't subscribe to car mags. Argh.

jhh1 · December 2002

I bought a 350Z (Track) in late September and returned the car to the dealer at the 100 mile mark for correction of what appeared to be an alignment problem - the car pulled to the right. Verification/adjustment of the typical alignment measurements did not solve the problem so the front tires were replaced (a $981.95 warranty repair). This did not correct the problem. The car was returned for repair again and, to simplify the chronology slightly, the dealer (and Nissan engineers) have had over 5 weeks to correct the problem and while they tell me that the problem is fixed - I have still not been told that I can pick up the car. I am driving a dealer-provided rental. Nissan Motor Corp customer service has been directly involved for the past month and Nissan Motor Corp has known of the problem since the very beginning. The car has also had a rattle at or near the dash. The dealer told me that it had been fixed, but it was not. I am curious as to whether any other 350Z owners have experienced a problem with front-end alignment.

speedingbullet · December 2002

i have heard a lot about it. i am not an owner but supposedly it is an issue with the 18 inch wheels instead of the 17s. some people have specualated or stated from rumors that nissan did this alignment tweak on purpose so that if a driver fell asleep on the highway they would not go into oncoming traffic. i don't know if anyone has had the problem corrected, only heard that it was slightly noticed. if you can't stand it, i would be happy to take the car off your hands...worth a shot. hope that helps.

snaphook · December 2002

>>some people have specualated or stated from rumors that nissan did this alignment tweak on purpose so that if a driver fell asleep on the highway they would not go into oncoming traffic.

Is this car sold outside the US where you drive in the left lane? Was it engineered to pull to the left in those places? Is there something about 18" wheels that causes drivers to fall asleep? Maybe the rattle in the dashboard was put there to keep the driver from falling asleep to begin with.

jwilson1 · December 2002

There is also a lot of speculation that the RE040s track with the road crown, seeming to pull to the sides. jhh1s problem may be exagerrated by the tires. Very curious.

JW

abc44 · December 2002

To Z owners,

For this beautiful car, how do you prevent the bumpers being scratched by other cars in the parking lot? Based on the packed parking lot at my work place and the shopping centers, I am concerned about how I maintain my Z (in the near future) in perfect conditions.

Thanks.

jwilson1 · December 2002

& walk further.

JW

abc44 · December 2002

Hello,

I wonder what's the big deal of using differently sized tires for the Z? This makes maintainance cost higher.

Thanks.

markjenn · December 2002

Many sports cars include bigger tires in back. It's another way to tune the handling of the car towards understeer or oversteer. I believe it tends to be done on powerful sports cars to control a bit of the snap power oversteer problems that can occur on these cars. Basically, a little more meat on back tends to reduce their tendency to swap ends when on the gas exiting corners.

I does prevent front-to-back tire rotation which makes tires wear a little faster, but then, it saves in tire rotation costs. It also prevents having a single full-size spare, but spares are going the way of buggy whips. I'd guess that in the overall scheme of tire life and costs for a high-perf sports car like the Z, it isn't very significant.

Don't discount the cool factor. Porsches have typically come with big differences between front and rear tire sizes and so it became stylish. Really big rear tires become associated with really powerful engines, so buyers want them just for bragging rights.

- Mark

abc44 · December 2002

Thanks, MarkJenn, for offering the answer on tires. I read the owner's manual and learned that the tire pressure readout would work when the speed is over 20mph. So, I wonder if the actual gauge is charged by the kinetic energy (rotational), and subsequently transmits signals out to a receiver nearby. Otherwise, I couldn't figure out how it is done.

snaphook · December 2002

I'd be interested in knowing how they work also. It might have something to do with the frequency of the road noise or the nature of the vibrations transmitted to the suspension that might be a function of tire pressure, these are total guesses but it would explain why the car has to be moving.

dklanecky · December 2002

The transmitters are usually battery powered and have a "sleep" mode to conserve the battery power. They only "turn on" when the motion of the car is detected.

For more information on a similar aftermarket system, check out:

http://www.smartire.com/fl/products/index.html

Merry Christmas!

cuteeric17 · December 2002

I saw a 350Z zipping pass traffic on Monday, I didn't get to gaze at it as it was going pretty fast, but it looks nice from what I did see.

rickrover · December 2002

MINI Coopers have tire pressure sensors with certain tire/wheel combo's - If I remember correctly it senses the difference in tire circumference in a tire that's low.

mamasz · December 2002

Fell in love with the a new G35 last week...then my son said "Mom, look at the new Z"...so I did.
OMG! Local dealer has a Redline Touring...says he'll sell for MSRP ($35,700). I think this is too high. What do you all think? Also, what should I get if I trade in my 2001 Jetta GLS 1.8T with 26,000 miles? I put a huge dp on it, so I am not upside down on this car...and it is in immaculate condition...has every option with no problems (love this car, too). Guess I just got the Z fever; but shhh, don't tell the dealer. LOL

jwilson1 · December 2002

nice cars, hunh? From your questions, you may be new to Edmund's, so you should know there is a wealth of information here ...

1) if you do a search, you'll find on this topic and on the "New" Nissan site, that MSRP is pretty much normal for the Z at this point. It's still a new, high demand car. You might do better financially if you wait for six months or so because inventories are building rapidly.

2) Your Jetta should fetch a very good price. You can find out what it might be by searching under "Used" and then select the car and add the options as you own it. This will give you a dealer retail, a private retail, and a trade in value.

3) Ihave to add this, sorry: you may love the redline .... it's the one I want, too. But it's not a very good financial decision, y'know. You've already eaten the two worst years of depreciation, it's now only worth about 2/3 of what it cost, and it has a lot of life left. I mention this because you say you like it.

Keep us posted!
JW

blueguydotcom · December 2002

Also, what should I get if I trade in my 2001 Jetta GLS 1.8T with 26,000 miles?

I'm in the same boat (though I loathe my Jetta) - pretty much the same car too. Sell it privately. Do not attempt a trade-in unless they're willing to go over 14.5k.

KBB on my trade in San Diego (at 25.3k miles, 6 disc, wolfsburg, sunroof, 28mm neuspeed swaybar) is 12,965. KBB claims 14.9k for private sale. Edmunds pegs it at 13k and 14.5 private party.

jwilson1 · December 2002

blueguy, I was always interested in the discrepancies, too. A few months back Edmund's did an article to explain: KBB gives the "listing" price; Edmund's uses sale prices.

No idea if this is correct, but it helps with the perspective. On Ebay, Zs that are clearly used (one had 4000 miles) are still being listed at MSRP and above ... of course the bids aren't coming anywhere near the listing, or even the very high reserves. I wonder if any of them are going for bid.

JW

blueguydotcom · December 2002

I found it odd that for once KBB and Edmunds were quite close in prices. The first time I've ever seen that. I sold a 91 Stanza for 2k and Edmunds claimed I could only get $800 for it. Sorta made me distrustful of their TMV ratings...

I sat in a Z a few days ago when I was at a nissan dealership helping my bro-in-law look at a Murano. I've forgotten how low one sits in a z-car. Good grief! From inside though the car's exterior feels small. Weird considering how large the car appears from outside.

BTW, the Murano's CVT was pretty darn sweet. Nice vehicle too. The Murano has better interior materials than any other Nissan or the Infiniti G35 coupe/sedan. Strange.

habitat1 · December 2002

Sheehy Nissan is advertising in the Washington Post 350Z Touring's for $500 under MSRP. My Sheehy Honda dealer says they will go down to at least $1k under MSRP (I bought an S2000 for $880 under MSRP in 2001 when everyone else was at or above MSRP).

I suspect that 350Z's under MSRP will become more and more commonplace, especially in northern climates in the winter.

mamasz · December 2002

Hi...thanks for all your help with my dilemna. Spent half the day at the Nissan dealer...sent my husband in for tough negotiations. They wouldn't budge off MSRP ("nobody in this area (NJ) is selling below MSRP"), and wanted to give me $13,000 for my 2001 Jetta 1.8T (with leather pkg, sport pkg, moonroof, 6 CD changer, low miles...and they agreed it is in NEW CAR condition). Based on info from this site, that deal would have worked out to somewhere around $6,000-7,000 profit for them...just how much do they need to make on a deal??? Needless to say, I won't be driving the Redline anytime soon. And so far, that theory about prices dropping in the northern climates in winter isn't panning out. However, Washington, DC is within a reasonable distance...

jwilson1 · December 2002

The Z seat position actually reminded me of a 356 Porsche a friend of mine once had, like you're looking out over the cowl. I'd like to try one on a track or in autoX to see if it really makes you feel more a part of the car like it did in the Porsche.

Off topic: can you describe the feeling of the CVT? Whenever I've read a description, it's sounded as if it would be weird -- a constant acceleration force.

And i'm interested in what makes the Murano interior materials better for you? I've never had a problem with the Z, but I understand many people feel it's 'down market.' What makes the improvement notable?

JW

rickrover · December 2002

I haven't driven the Murano CVT but have driven an Audi A4 1.8t and 3,0 CVT, a Mini Cooper CVT and a Toyota Prius CVT. CVT's are interesting, for some reason car makers program their U.S. CVT's to act like they have gears especially in manual mode - not the Toyota but the Mini and Audi have 6 artificial gears. If you leave them in drive they act like a CVT should for the most part - they have 2 modes economy and performance. If you are just putting around town they are in economy mode - the engine stays at a constant RPM that is the most efficient economically. If you need performance it switches to performance RPM typically the maximum torque/ HP RPM for the particular engine and the RPM stays there for as long as you want it. The CVT versions are typically just as fast as their manual counterparts, sometimes faster and get just as good gas mileage as a manual.

The CVT's are much more responsive than a conventional automatic - very good response from a standing start, no slushy, sluggish take off that you find in a conventional 4 cyl automatic configuration - instant acceleration from a standstill. The most dramatic comparison was the A4 1.8t with conventional tiptronic automatic and then A4 1.8t CVT. The tipronic A4 was typically a little slow off the line where the CVT felt like a manual transmission A4 1.8t performance wise. What's really nice is the power is always there no shifting gears or delayed downshift reactions - instant response.

The Mini Cooper CVT is the quickest Mini on an autoX course, it beats a manual Mini or Mini S every time with the same driver because all the driver has to do is mash the gas when max power is needed - instant response.

The Prius was a very nice drive - good response, nice performance, the CVT in the Prius was transparent as was all the Hybrid technology going on behind the scenes - just step on the gas pedal and go - very impressive.

blueguydotcom · December 2002

Off topic: can you describe the feeling of the CVT? Whenever I've read a description, it's sounded as if it would be weird -- a constant acceleration force.

It's quite disconcerting at first as you expect the Murano to shift gears. Rather than shifting the car just maintains say 3000 RPM while you accelerate. Getting onto the freeway I mashed the accelerator and the car jumped to 4k rpm, staying there until I hit about 70. It's almost unnerving; eventually though you get used to the lack of shifting action. Quite nice really.

And i'm interested in what makes the Murano interior materials better for you? I've never had a problem with the Z, but I understand many people feel it's 'down market.' What makes the improvement notable?

The Murano has real aluminum trim everywhere. The majority of dash and door materials you touch are rubbery soft-touch types or leather-like. All of the Murano's various containers and such open with a smooth, silicone dampened raising and lowering motion (reminds me of VW). None of the console materials feel flimsy or cheap like most of Nissan's other recent cars.

I'm not an SUV guy but I really liked my time in the Murano.

revka · December 2002

Hi Folks- So we don't veer off topic any further, let's continue the discussion of the Murano in our ongoing Nissan Murano discussion. Also, feel free to start up a new discussion on this board if you'd like. Thanks!

Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

jwilson1 · December 2002

for the interest, but we weren't off topic. The CVT is under consideration (rumor) for a future edition of the Z and the interior materials issue are a comparison with the Z.

I know you have a job to do (& do it diligently) ....

JW

revka · December 2002

If you hear any more news about when the CVT might be available in the 350Z, feel free to share it here. Also, it's not uncommon for different makes/models share similar features, and discussing the CVT in relation to the 350Z is certainly not a problem in this discussion.

However, once the messages veer off to the point that the 350Z is no longer the main focus... is when we consider the discussion to be veering off topic. And that's when I have to step in with my friendly reminder. Hope you understand. ;-)

Btw, some of you may may be interested in this News & Views discussion: Is the CVT Transmission in your future?

And now, back to the subject of the Nissan 350Z!

Revka

Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

greddygtr · December 2002

I just got a little seat time in a 350Z touring 6 spd and felt like I should share some observations with prospective owners. First off after just a couple miles I already wanted one for myself. The awesome V6 alone is worth the price of admission imo. It has great torque and is surprisingly smooth and quiet. Two other things that surprised me about the car were the smooth ride and relatively light clutch. Despite the 18" wheels I thought the car had a nice, firm ride but not punishing at all. The clutch was light enough to be easy to use and would not kill your left leg in heavy traffic. As expected both steering and shifter feel were top notch. The comfortable seats and ergonomics were also pretty much flawless. The only issues I really had with the car were the high cowl and limited rear visibility. Due to the high cowl sitting in the Z made me feel like I was sitting on the floor looking up. In addition rear visibility, especially through the rear side windows, was laughable. My method for changing lanes was just to stomp the throttle and pray that there was no one behind me. Luckily the fat torque curve available throughout the rev range makes it unlikely that a car would catch you from behind. Unfortunately I'm saving up money to go to medical school so it looks like I won't be getting my Z any time soon. If any 350Z owners plan on selling their cars in about six years keep it in good shape for me!

jwilson1 · December 2002

I'm in the lane next to you next time you test drive, please adjust the outboard mirrors so you can see the blind spots without leaning every which way. Yeah, the blind spot on this car is as big as in any convertible, but using the mirrors will give you a good 120 degrees of coverage.

Good luck in med school!
JW

rickrover · January 2003

It's easy to adjust the side mirrors so you don't have blind spots in any car - to adjust the right mirror put your head in the center of the front seat like above the console and adjust the mirror so you barely see the side of the car - you will be adjusting it out.

For the left side mirror lean your head against the drivers window and adjust it the same so you can barely see the side of the car - again you will be moving the mirror out.

This sounds wierd but it works and you get used to it really quickly - you will have no blind spots. You will be able see cars in your rear view mirror and side mirrors very well and easily determine where they are in relation to your car - no blind spots whatsoever in any car.

speedingbullet · January 2003

i have noticed that some dealers have recently started putting the 350zs BELOW MSRP because of the cold weather and loss of initial momentum in sales after most of the enthusiasts pre-ordered. i am really interested in getting a 350 and need a good deal.

do you guys think that the prices will go back up as the weather gets hotter again and more people get into that sports car state-of-mind in the summer sun?

also, if so, when? about april or may?

i need a good deal and was wondering if now was the best time to buy or whether i should wait like i was going to until april or may. perhaps the good deals will just not go down anymore at that time or will they go back up? all of these things i am wondering. if any of you are actually connected to a dealership and could give me some factual information about car sales of these kinds of vehicles, that would be great. i REALLY love the 350 and i REALLY need a deal to get my own 350z Enthusiast with my limited savings. i am looking to pay for the whole car at once.

thanks for any help you can give,
Speeding

dklanecky · January 2003

The local Nissan dealers (in SE Wisconsin where it's pretty cold) are all holding the line on MSRP for all versions of the Z. They also tell me they won't be discounting "because Spring is right around the corner."

They are also holding the MSRP line on the Murano.

Check CarMax.com however and you will find they are discounting the new Murano about 7.1% (Base Model) to about 8.5% (loaded model)from MSRP.

CarMax however is only coming about $100 off of MSRP on their Z's.

I have found that CarMax usually offers the best deals on newer models but you can usually do better on your own at a "normal Nissan dealer" on established models like the Maxima or Altima.

My guess is that you'll be hard pressed to get more than $500 off any model of the Z until late 2003 and $100-200 is probably more like it.

I hope I'm wrong because I'd like an enthusiast model as well but can't justify paying MSRP for a toy that I really don't have a place to store all winter. (I'm also watching for the rumored convertible.) That I might be able to find a place to store:-)

jwilson1 · January 2003

A couple of dealers cruise the sites of a couple of the dedicated 350Z sites. Try My350Z.com for the folk I'm recalling.

JW

sphinx99 · January 2003

You might have better luck if you hold off until the '04 model year. By then, demand will have slowed enough to get some good deals come next winter, and other car debuts will increase competition forcing dealers to sell below MSRP. On top of that, the '04 model would be likely to clear up whatever niggling complaints have been posted about the 350Z (interior quality, etc.)

gsxrter1994 · January 2003

Well lets put it this way we have 5 in stock now and paying msrp is the only way we will sell one.
So if you can get one for sticker do it.
Look at edmund tmv for this unit!!!!!

blueguydotcom · January 2003

Well lets put it this way we have 5 in stock now and paying msrp is the only way we will sell one.
So if you can get one for sticker do it.
Look at edmund tmv for this unit!!!!!

Will see if that's still true by mid-February. Under invoice is pretty much the rule when it comes to anything by Nissan.

gsxrter1994 · January 2003

The point is that any dealer that discount a "z" is a fool.
Nissan is going to be lucky to meet the 25000 unit target this year.
If you are going to buy a z i would suggest you dod it quick while the supply is good.
As to below invoice pricing LOL LOL LOL

sphinx99 · January 2003

25,000 units? It used to be 30,000 units. I bet the new target will be 20,000 units come March. Sorry, I just don't see Nissan selling a ton of these. I can, however, see them lowering targets in order to keep the price high.

greddygtr · January 2003

I doubt that Nissan would lower production just to keep the price high. That's a very Porsche-like move and not something a Japanese manufacturer would probably do. Considering that Z's are still selling at msrp(+) in the middle of winter, I think it's safe to say that Nissan will probably hit its sales target for this year. They may be sitting on the lots on the east coast, but here in California Z's seem to be in very high demand. Since California is where the bulk of Z's will be sold, Nissan probably isn't too concerned that people out in places like New York and Virginia aren't buying many. As for future years, obviously demand will decrease. Even with their famous badges, sports cars like the Corvette and Boxter have seen sharp drops in demand. A drop in demand doesn't necessarily indicate a bad product, that's just the nature of the sports car market.

blueguydotcom · January 2003

In 4 months nissan has sold over 13k 350zs. I think 25k is certainly within reach.

Now the 2004s I can't see moving at that level unless Nissan does something to keep interest up. A convertible will help, maybe later or 05 then a supercharged or turbo model. Constant updates are the only way to keep the car moving off lots. Especially a sports car.

bpraxis · January 2003

Hello everyone and I hope that you are having a great day.

I just returned from Atlanta and had the chance to test drive a new Z. The car was extremely tight and the handling was exceptional.

The automatic was disappointing in relation to the stated horsepower. It felt more like 230 horsepower to me. I am sure the manual transmission feels much better.

And the radio is a disaster. It sounds like there is cotton balls in the speakers. Come on Nissan you can do better than this. Interior plastics are cheap looking.

The dealer was very motivated to sell and when I informed the dealer that I was considering the G 35 coupe and other cars he offered me $1000 off MSRP. There were 12 Zs on the lot.

And my impression is that if I really wanted to buy that I would have payed $1000 over invoice.

There is an incredible proliferation of exciting automobiles and it is a buyers market.

Wait six months and the Z will be selling for $500 over invoice.

All the major manufacturers are releasing mulitple new models. BMW is releasing 4 new models in the next two years.

Now the tough decision is what to buy.

Looking forward to driving the new Infiniti FX 45.

Cheers.

speedingbullet · January 2003

i am hoping sales might also become competitive as the 2004 supra is released. not sure if it is a confirmed production vehicle from toyota yet, but it claims to be aimed at direct competition with the Z. personally, i like the 350 sports car name and appearance better so i am hoping toyota will stir things up and get me a good deal as well.

thanks for the input guys. i think i will hold out until after winter and see what kind of deal i can get about march or april. i might drive wherever i have to go in the US to get one of these babies on a good deal

keep us informed on sales under MSRP or around invoice everybody who is buying these!!!

skj1 · January 2003

"25,000 units? It used to be 30,000 units. I bet the new target will be 20,000 units come March"

Actually, NNA production targets (according to NNA) are 30,000 units for ALL of N. America (i.e USA + CANADA).

25,000 units is the production target for America only (thus, 5,000 units for Canada).

Also, from what I've read on NNA's website, they are slightly increasing production, not decreasing production volume!

tgoldc99 · January 2003

Understand the 350's must use 91 Octane or better fuel. Are there any particular Brands that are recommended and meet Nissan's list of requirements stated in the service manual ?

My 1985 300 suggested Shell.

Nissan 350Z

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