My impressions of the 350Z at Stevens Creek Nissan, San Jose
06-27-2002 | 01:24 AM
#1
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My impressions of the 350Z at Stevens Creek Nissan, San Jose
Just a little background... I pre-ordered a Silverstone 350Z Enthusiast, and currently have a 1995 BMW M3 (see here http://briefcase.yahoo.com/sake2m3 if you so desire, which is also for sale:P).
There's a Daytona Blue 350Z Base model at Stevens Creek Nissan, San Jose, CA. It was the same one as the one on display at the Z event at Blackhawk Museum in Danville, except this time I got to put my greasy hands all over it, sit in it, examine the engine bay, and rev up the motor. Here's my impression from this exclusive and unforeseen experience.
Exterior:
Fluid shape, construction is rather solid, rear of car looks much better in person than in the pix. At certain angles, in pictures, the back looks flat with no distinct lines. But that's not the case from the naked eye. The 17" Seven spoke wheels also look much better in person, as it flares out from the hub which makes it seem larger.
Structural integrity seems solid, but not as solid as my M3. The window was rolled down all the way, and it seemed to wiggle when firmly shutting the door. Definitely doesn't have that bank vault seal type of feeling, again like my M. Also, again, this is a pre-production car.
Door handles are solid aluminum and of great quality.
Interior:
Nice trendy, futuristic feel. No glovebox, but lots of small compartments behind seat. Climate controls are soft and actually feels a little nicer than the Lexus IS300 controls.
Stock radio is mediocre.. doesn't seem to have much Bass, although I only listened to it for about 5 seconds, since the exhaust note sounded much better
Felt a little claustrophobic, since the windows are so tiny, and no sunroof. Definitely reminiscent of the 240Z ambience, especially with the 3 round dials. The leftmost dial is the multi-function computer which read trip odometer, temp, highest rpm? (had a 6800rpm reading.. not sure what it means), mpg.
Steering wheel is soft and supple, although the handbrake didn't seem like it was leather-wrapped. I think the steering wheel and the instrument panel is my favorite part of the car.
Seats are very supportive, hugs the back and thighs, although again, the plastic levers just aren't as good as the ones in my M3.
The turn signal, headlight, and wiper controls are really nice.
Mechanicals:
The motor sounds like a typical VQ engine at idle. Quiet when the hood's down, almost 4-cylinder like with the hood up. It's also very free-revving.
Exhaust note is loud beyond 3500rpm and resonates a low grunt, similar to the sounds from the videos. But, still doesn't roar like a European car. An aftermarket exhaust will probably enhance the deep, throaty sound.
Steering at idle was very easy and loose, probably since it's speed-sensitive and power assisted.
Verdict:
Overall impression is that I still like the car after have sat in and played around with it. But it wasn't like... whoa!!... I wish they could've had a Performance or Track model to showcase. Although it may seem that my opinions discussed above are biased towards my M3, it's actually a really great comparison since we're talking about World's Greatest Sports Cars. And we, car enthusiasts, have really high expectations of the new 350Z. The M3 adds class, luxury, and blistering, balanced performance. The Z is a pure futuristic sports car, with a minimalist-type underpinning similar to the S2000. If you desire luxury, I'd say the G35 Coupe would be a better option. But until we can actually take the Z on the road and see what it's got, we can't really make any lasting opinions about the car. I'm gonna stick with my pre-order, but I'm gonna miss my M...
There's a Daytona Blue 350Z Base model at Stevens Creek Nissan, San Jose, CA. It was the same one as the one on display at the Z event at Blackhawk Museum in Danville, except this time I got to put my greasy hands all over it, sit in it, examine the engine bay, and rev up the motor. Here's my impression from this exclusive and unforeseen experience.
Exterior:
Fluid shape, construction is rather solid, rear of car looks much better in person than in the pix. At certain angles, in pictures, the back looks flat with no distinct lines. But that's not the case from the naked eye. The 17" Seven spoke wheels also look much better in person, as it flares out from the hub which makes it seem larger.
Structural integrity seems solid, but not as solid as my M3. The window was rolled down all the way, and it seemed to wiggle when firmly shutting the door. Definitely doesn't have that bank vault seal type of feeling, again like my M. Also, again, this is a pre-production car.
Door handles are solid aluminum and of great quality.
Interior:
Nice trendy, futuristic feel. No glovebox, but lots of small compartments behind seat. Climate controls are soft and actually feels a little nicer than the Lexus IS300 controls.
Stock radio is mediocre.. doesn't seem to have much Bass, although I only listened to it for about 5 seconds, since the exhaust note sounded much better
Felt a little claustrophobic, since the windows are so tiny, and no sunroof. Definitely reminiscent of the 240Z ambience, especially with the 3 round dials. The leftmost dial is the multi-function computer which read trip odometer, temp, highest rpm? (had a 6800rpm reading.. not sure what it means), mpg.
Steering wheel is soft and supple, although the handbrake didn't seem like it was leather-wrapped. I think the steering wheel and the instrument panel is my favorite part of the car.
Seats are very supportive, hugs the back and thighs, although again, the plastic levers just aren't as good as the ones in my M3.
The turn signal, headlight, and wiper controls are really nice.
Mechanicals:
The motor sounds like a typical VQ engine at idle. Quiet when the hood's down, almost 4-cylinder like with the hood up. It's also very free-revving.
Exhaust note is loud beyond 3500rpm and resonates a low grunt, similar to the sounds from the videos. But, still doesn't roar like a European car. An aftermarket exhaust will probably enhance the deep, throaty sound.
Steering at idle was very easy and loose, probably since it's speed-sensitive and power assisted.
Verdict:
Overall impression is that I still like the car after have sat in and played around with it. But it wasn't like... whoa!!... I wish they could've had a Performance or Track model to showcase. Although it may seem that my opinions discussed above are biased towards my M3, it's actually a really great comparison since we're talking about World's Greatest Sports Cars. And we, car enthusiasts, have really high expectations of the new 350Z. The M3 adds class, luxury, and blistering, balanced performance. The Z is a pure futuristic sports car, with a minimalist-type underpinning similar to the S2000. If you desire luxury, I'd say the G35 Coupe would be a better option. But until we can actually take the Z on the road and see what it's got, we can't really make any lasting opinions about the car. I'm gonna stick with my pre-order, but I'm gonna miss my M...
06-27-2002 | 01:46 AM
#4
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Oh yeah, the 6spd tranny is silky smooth. The shifting is precise and short. So that and the Steering Wheel and gauges are my favorite things about the car.. heheh.. which is all we really need right.. the interface between man and machine. Let's just hope the 287HP will give us some kick.
06-27-2002 | 03:41 AM
#7
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: SJ,CA
So I was able to make my way down there to see the car. Simply stunning. Smaller than I though but very nice. I was so excited to finally get a chance to sit in the damn thing. The feel was tight and comfy. I too liked the gauges but wished they had something better than the base model to show.
I asked to see if they would start the car and the assistant sales ***** said they couldn't do that
Oh Well. I'll be heading over to capital nissan tomorrow night to try again and see what it looks like in the dark. I want to see the lighting and all.
~Space Ace
~Brickyard/Enthusiast/No Nav
I asked to see if they would start the car and the assistant sales ***** said they couldn't do that
Oh Well. I'll be heading over to capital nissan tomorrow night to try again and see what it looks like in the dark. I want to see the lighting and all.~Space Ace
~Brickyard/Enthusiast/No Nav
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06-27-2002 | 05:23 AM
#9
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 15
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From: SJ,CA
Gotta like the Brickyard
Really 3 in SJ ? Man and I thought I was going to be special 
At first I was nervous about ordering that color but after seeing pics I think I'll be happy with it. I suppose us San Joser's think out of the box and go with something different. After all from what I've heard Brickyard is the least ordered color.
I wish I would have ordered Touring with the Navi but just couldn't justify the extra oh what um 7K it would have cost me. So Pooh where did you order your and how much over did they charge you? I ordered mine from Girloy Nissan. $2500 over w/ $1000 refundable deposit.
~Space Ace
~Brickyard/Manual/No Nav/Kickplates/sunroof(J/K)
At first I was nervous about ordering that color but after seeing pics I think I'll be happy with it. I suppose us San Joser's think out of the box and go with something different. After all from what I've heard Brickyard is the least ordered color.I wish I would have ordered Touring with the Navi but just couldn't justify the extra oh what um 7K it would have cost me. So Pooh where did you order your and how much over did they charge you? I ordered mine from Girloy Nissan. $2500 over w/ $1000 refundable deposit.
~Space Ace
~Brickyard/Manual/No Nav/Kickplates/sunroof(J/K)
06-27-2002 | 06:31 AM
#10
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 333
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From: Bay Area, California
Well SpaceAce I'm the third Brickyard!!
Welcome to the club!!
Couldn't get to Stevens Creek today but will try Capitol Nissan tomorrow.
I also think Redline might be the least ordered.
I got mine at San Luis Obispo at MSRP!
Welcome to the club!!
Couldn't get to Stevens Creek today but will try Capitol Nissan tomorrow.
I also think Redline might be the least ordered.
I got mine at San Luis Obispo at MSRP!
06-27-2002 | 09:15 AM
#11
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 366
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From: Belmont, CA
I checked all over the Bay area and got quoted anywhere from $3K-$10K over MSRP. I went to my credit union and asked them to find me a better deal. They sent me to Cypress Coast Nissan in Seaside - near Monterrey where I got it for MSRP with a $500 check for a deposit. I just faxed them the check. I don't think they can cash it.
I made sure that I got my confirmation letter from Nissan, so I do know it has been ordered in my name.
I will admit to a bit of nervousness about the color. My wife is still a bit sceptical. The pictures I have seen look really good and the folks who saw it in LA raved about the color.
I made sure that I got my confirmation letter from Nissan, so I do know it has been ordered in my name.
I will admit to a bit of nervousness about the color. My wife is still a bit sceptical. The pictures I have seen look really good and the folks who saw it in LA raved about the color.
06-27-2002 | 01:53 PM
#13
06-27-2002 | 04:45 PM
#15
No sound just a yellowish-red (orange) light on the main gauge cluster inside tach, about the size of a led. You can choose an RPM on the trip computer such that the light comes on for your preference. I think default is 6200 RPM. I am not sure of the exact color, I was the passenger but I noticed the light several times during the drive, I ask the driver and he told me. We hit the 6200 mark many times and he was on the ball, the rev-limiter never kicked in. I hope this calms some fears of the rev-limiter activating right on redline, I don’t think it does.
06-27-2002 | 10:19 PM
#16
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 15
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From: SJ,CA
Feeling shafted....
Well looks like I might have gotten shafted just a bit. I thought about looking farther out of the Bay Area but was just too lazy I guess 
. Even paying over MSRP I'm okay as I know some people have paid more but it still hurts. I haven't gotten a conformation yet and that bothers me a bit. They tell me my car is confirmed to be on order but I'd feel better with a conformation in hand from Nissan. I think they might have it under another name and since I have all the info being sent to my work it might not have found it's way here.
So Pooh2002 who is your credit union? I run with AEA. Honestly never thought about using them to do that.
I will be a captial tonight to see this baby at night. Even though they have some small quicktime vids on the nissan sight with the lights I'd sure like to see them myself.
christurismohk - Yeah that looks like the one my friend.
Peace,
~Space Ace
. Even paying over MSRP I'm okay as I know some people have paid more but it still hurts. I haven't gotten a conformation yet and that bothers me a bit. They tell me my car is confirmed to be on order but I'd feel better with a conformation in hand from Nissan. I think they might have it under another name and since I have all the info being sent to my work it might not have found it's way here.So Pooh2002 who is your credit union? I run with AEA. Honestly never thought about using them to do that.
I will be a captial tonight to see this baby at night. Even though they have some small quicktime vids on the nissan sight with the lights I'd sure like to see them myself.
christurismohk - Yeah that looks like the one my friend.
Peace,
~Space Ace
06-27-2002 | 11:37 PM
#17
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Hey Space Ace,
If the one we saw yesterday is gonna be the only one at Capital Nissan, then it doesn't have HID lights, since it's a Base Model. I turned on the lights yesterday at Steven's Creek and they were yellow, not white.
Btw, I ordered mine from Hayward Nissan at MSRP, which isn't too far from San Jo.
Laterz
If the one we saw yesterday is gonna be the only one at Capital Nissan, then it doesn't have HID lights, since it's a Base Model. I turned on the lights yesterday at Steven's Creek and they were yellow, not white.
Btw, I ordered mine from Hayward Nissan at MSRP, which isn't too far from San Jo.
Laterz
06-27-2002 | 11:52 PM
#18
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 366
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From: Belmont, CA
The car at Capitol is the same one that was at Stevens Creek earlier in the week and at the Blackhawk event on Sunday. It is a base model. There was only one other person there this morning (Siverchrome from this site) when I was there so I was able to poke and prod and sit in it. I recommend doing that. It will put your mind at ease. It is a very nice piece of equipment. Fit and finish look very good. The feeling you get in the drivers seat is fantastic.
I was concerned about visibility before, but now just concerned about how much longer before I can actually get it out on the road
I was concerned about visibility before, but now just concerned about how much longer before I can actually get it out on the road
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