About-to-be-new-owner in Oz. Some newbie Q.

[Gee.Janus]

G'day, I've ordered a 370z and hope to pick it up later this week.

As most of you seem to be in North America, I thought I'd let you know about the 370z in Australia.

The configuration here is just two options, manual or auto. It comes with the sports package and the touring package, no choice over that. For the 2009 model we don't get the RAYS 19" forged aluminium wheels. Rats! I've heard that that may come on the 2010/11 model.

Also, the NISMO edition is not available here. I would have snapped that one up if it was available. Maybe it will come later, but I'm not sure if it will be marketed here. The Roadster will come in 2010/11 - at least thats what I've heard.

The RRP for the manual is $AUD68,500 or thereabouts and $AUD71,500 for the auto. Add another 5 - 6k to get you on the road and another $2k for comprehensive insurance and you're set to roll.
Even with the exchange rate being about 86 US cents for 1 aussie dollar, we get slugged a lot with taxes such as "luxury car tax".

I'm picking up the manual as I can't get my head around having a sports car in an auto configuration, but thats just me.
When I test drove it at the local dealer I took the auto out as thats all they had on offer at the time and had a good play with the paddles etc. Its pretty cool and I can understand why a lot of ppl like it.

This will be my first z car, and in fact my first new car (apart from my GFs Fiesta XR4 shopping-trolly which we bought new). Over the years I've owned several Mazda RX7's, a Fiat X1-9 Bertone, a Triumph TR6, and some other more forgettable marques.

Anyway, I am getting the Monterey Blue colour and am planning a trip away for about 6 days to get the first 1500kms on the clock quicksmart.

On that point, as this is my first new car I have never had to run in a new motor before. What is the recommended practice these days? In the old days it was something like "no more than 3000rpm for the fist 1000 miles, 4000rpm for the next x miles.....". I would imagine that with synthetic oils, advanced construction materials, computers etc. that this is no longer the case ????

Also, the dealer is pushing some paint protection products. Do you guys use these or recommend them? On my 1990 RX7, it had paint and rust protection applied by the original owner and I must say that the paint job still looks very good after 14yrs. I'm pretty diligent in looking after my cars but they do seem to work, and that was paint protection technology of 14yrs ago.

I'll post some pics when I pick it up.

Gee.

[DavesZ#3]

Congrats and welcome.

Make sure you click on the link in my sig to the Top 100 Questions thread.

To answer your specific questions -

The owners manual will describe the recommended break-in practices. It goes something like this...

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and economy
of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in shortened engine
life and reduced engine performance.
. Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
. Avoid quick starts.
. Avoid hard braking as much as possible.

Don't bother with "paint protection" scams. The dealer makes a ton of money and you don't get anything special. You'll do fine with using a high quality wax/polish on the car with good detailing practices. We have a sub-forum here on Cleaning and Detailing that can help you along those lines.

[Gee.Janus]

Thanks for the tips and info.

I've picked up the Z last wednesday 9/30 and told the dealer thanks but no thanks for the 'paint protection' or the window tinting.

I may get some tinting later on. I've never had it before on any of my cars and get worried when I hear stories about it bubbling etc. after the years roll by.

Took her for a drive outback, about a 1000 mile round trip, and she is running in very nicely. Giving her her first wax today and noticed a problem with the bonnet (not sure if u guys say "hood" or "bonnet" - whatever - the lid that covers the motor) . Its not sitting flush with the body on the passengers side by about 5mm. Will discuss that in the other forum after I take some pics.

see ya.

G

[BRONZEE]

CongratZ on the 370 Gee. Given our rather harsh climates down under, it's good to see you've avoided the paint protection, ultimately it's not good for you paint, will cause delamination in the long run - seen it on lots of cars I've detailed. Good detailing products are the way forward.

[Gee.Janus]

Hey, Bronzee, good to see some Kiwis in here! Interesting info about the delamination. I'm glad I asked about the 'paint protection', wanna treat this baby well. Thanks to dave and yourself for the advice. When the dealer said "we will pay the luxury car tax on the paint protection, so its agood del, blah blah" my ******** detector went haywire and I looked up the ATo (tax) website and found, yep they are talking crap. Note sure if an honest mistake on their part or not. Anyway as they wanted about $AUD1500 for it am glad I said no.

any more Z owners from Oz or kiwi land in here I wonder?

see ya.

[BRONZEE]

Originally Posted by Gee.Janus

any more Z owners from Oz or kiwi land in here I wonder?

Lol, well you saved some money and hassle that you can keep for something else. Get them to throw in some car mats or something useful instead.

Better off investing is some good detailing products with a sun protection factor given our very harsh sun down under.

There are quite a number of Ozzies and K1's here, just not overly prolific posters in the main. Post in the Oz & Kiwi thread in the geographic location thread near bottom of main page.

[Gee.Janus]

thanks for that info.

I got the dealer to throw in the Z mats, boot lip protector and the rear parking assist for no additional $. They were about the only decent options on the aussie list of options. did'nt want the mudflaps or the med kit (real drivers don't bleed.)

I use Meguiars products for all my vehicles. They are pretty good overall.

[surfcity40]

Gee Janus...Gee effing Janus?

[davidv]

Its November. What happened?