Hi guys and gals, this may be a stupid question to some of you, but it may help me determine whether or not to order the Z. I just want to know if the Z doors shut with a solid clunk like a BMW (or like my current toy, the new Cooper S) or a Honda Civic. You see, I really hate flimsy light doors, which is why as much as I love the performance of some Japanese cars, I have never bought one. The cars are not here yet in Australia, so I have to rely on information from you guys. Thanks!

 

The door's close solid as a rock. No tin sound or feel.. After all, they are large heavy doors..

Steve (k2we) Dobbs Ferry, NY

 

I would say to a car dealer and try it, but you cant... its very solid. no clunk, just a solid THUD.

 

the doors shut nice and solid without being too heavy. the question I've been getting from my passengers is "how do I get out?" they can't seem to locate the interior door handle :-)

 

...........The doors close solid, but I think a bigger concern of yours should be the annoying passenger side seat belt rattle. I'm sorry, but this damn thing drives me nuts. If an exiting passenger doesn't put the belt in the provided clip, it rattles like hell against the side panel. Drives me nuts and I've gotten to the point of pulling the passenger seat belt out and buckling it in place prior to driving. Granted, this is a petty little problem with a FANTASTIC car, but a LITTLE bit of R&D could have prevented this. But to answer your question, the doors themselves are very solid.

 

Hmm, I hate annoying little rattles like that. My last 4 cars have been bought in the first year of production (more like first 3 months usually) and they all have little niggly problems like that. Bloody annoying!!! Mind you, these are not cheap cars either! Boxster, 325ci, TT and Cooper S. I thought a Japanese car would have better quality, but obviously not. Maybe I should wait for the second year production car?

 

Doors shut nice and solid. They are quite heavy. I don't experience the clip rattle but do have satisfied riders searching for the interior door handle.

 

The seat belt rattle is easily solved. Get a piece of self stick velcro - use the "soft" side. Cut a piece about 2 inches in length, and stick it on the B pillar behind the seat belt at the seat belt clip level - voila' - no more rattle - so simple!!!

 

Compared to most other Japanese cars, the doors have a heavier feel and close with a nice klunk. Also, the windows seal for maximum wind noise reduction. The doors are similar to younger BMWs but not as solid as an old Porsche 911.

 

WHat do you mean by window sealing? Do you mean the window drops by an inch when the door opens and goes back up when the door is shut? I thought all frameless doors do that? My previous few cars all did it, so I just assumed it's part of the design for frameless door. Maybe we are not talking about the same thing here. Please elaborate. I am trying to learn as much about the car as possible. As for the doors not being like an old 911, well, I have never owned a car that shuts like a 993 911!!! They were rock solid. Surprisingly I rate the Mini very highly in the solid door stake too.

 

That's what I meant. Sorry if I didn't bother elaborating.

 

Well, it's not really a full inch. It's more like 3/8 - 1/2 inch on my car. Pull the handle out a little; the window drops; open the door. Close the door; window runs back up.

WayneTN

 

How about a full centimetre then??? After all, we don't use inch anymore in Australia!!!

BTW, thanks all for your help. I feel much more comfortable now knowing that the 350z has solid doors.

 

Ok, ok. It runs down 1/2.54 inches.

P.S. - Gonna put a roo-bar on your Z?

Gooday mate!
WayneTN

 

From looking at pics I actually have the same question. I haven't seen a 350Z up close yet, but can't seem to find a door handle inside. Sorry for the newbie question, but where is it?

 

It's really quite visible! If you look at a pic of the inside door panel, it's the silver, triangular-shaped loop that sticks out just behind the side air vent!

There are no newbie questions.
WayneTN

 

Thanks for the handle info, and for the newbie comment. I keep forgetting how laid back this board is. There are a few others I've been on that would have flamed the hell outta me for the same question - Thanks again!