I have been considering getting a used (preferably '04) touring coupe, and was wondering how the rear visibility is. Is it ever a safety issue, or is this just the norm when buying a sports car?

 

i dont have a Z, but i'd imagine it'd be the same as an integra, rsx, celica and other hatches

 

you get used to it. its actually pretty good once your used to it.

 

It sucks. It's true. Worse if you get a tint. There is a huge blind spot to the driver's side. BUT there is hope. When you learn how to adjust your mirrors and rearview the "correct" way, you will find yourself barely looking to change lanes. Do a search for the post about how to set your mirrors to cover everything.

 

HORRIBLE, compared to my other cars at least. I have to stick my friggin head out the window when i`m backing up just to make sure I don`t hit anyone/thing.

 

In my Z everytime I look out the back window the cars are getting smaller. I think it is some kind of optical illusion problem or something with the glass, like it minimizes the size of cars when I go by and makes them shrink.

Seriously, the window is small. But I always back up with the side mirrors on all cars that I drive, much like you would with a ten wheeler.

 

I don't have an issue,

 

Going from an 04 Pathfinder to a 05 Z coupe, i had some slight problems with the visibiltiy... but i got used to it in a day of driving... youll be fine. just watch out for small children...

 

Yea you do...LOL
Unless you're like 8' tall and can turn to the right and see over the back of the car.

To answer your question about visibility...non-existant! LOL

 

That's what the mirrors are for.

 

The rear visibility his horrible, as I could never see the rear of my car when inside and driving. However, once in a while, I run into another Z on the road and would follow it and check out its rear, and the view is magificently scrumptious.

 

its a blind HEMISPHERE. the passenger headrest obscures all the side triangle window. you press the brakes and the whole back window lights up red and you can't see out the back window. I just accelerate hard and then its ok to change lanes

 

+1...easier to check ahead then gun it! LOL
I want one of those mirrors like on Testarostas! That would be sick!! Especially in a roadster. Birds eye view of the entire car. LOL

 

Personally, I make full use of the triangular shaped window areas (behind the door windows) for changing lanes and they give me a good side/rear view.

Also, since the rear stabilizer brace IMO doesn't really interfere with my rearward view, I can see well behind me.

 

rear visibility is teh suck.

wouldnt stop me from getting a z though.

 

I let a friend drive my Roadster yesterday. He is 6 feet 6. With the top down he had to look _over_ the windshield to see the traffic signals . I should a taken a picture.

 

Yes! its the infamous 350Z blind spot! I've had my Z for a month and I'm still second guessing myself if it's clear for lane changing. You have to adjust the mirrors a bit differently but nonetheless always, ALWAYS look over your shoulder!

 

i think that once you get used to it, it's not a problem.

 

Big blind spots with the Roadster top up, so learned to use the mirrors. Hey, if the truckers in their big-rigs can do it, why can't I?

 

in any car you should adjust the side mirrors so that with your head fully back you still cannot see your own car...then you will be fine