I just test drove the Z last night. It was awesome! I only got it up to 55mph though so I will definately get it on a highway for sure before I buy it. I am scheduled again tonight for another drive.

This may seem like an odd question but it was my biggest concern so here it goes. I noticed a big difference with visibility in the rear compared to my older cars (Altimas and Maximas). For one, I couldn't turn left to see out the back when switching lanes. And two, I was too tall to see out the back more than a few feet with the rear view mirror unless I hunched down. So basically I will have to use the side mirrors which I am not used to. I normally just turn my head. How do you avoid missing cars in your blind spot or little children admiring your Z when backing up the car? Are there curved mirrors you get?

Thanks!

 

The Z has fairly poor rearward visibility, especially compared to Altimas and Maximas. Be sure your side mirrors are pointed to your blind spot and not looking down the side of your car. You can get stick-on blind spot mirrors if that makes you more comfortable. I have to really turn around if you want to see out the small side windows, and can only see a couple car-lengths back out of the rearview too.

I just go faster than everyone else so I don't have to worry about people in my blind spot.

 

It definitely has two-seater sports car visibility. But that shouldn't mean you don't buy it. It just takes a little getting used to. And maybe you don't jump from lane to lane with the same reckless abandon you used to.

Not that the Z is a Lamborghini, but I remember a quote from when I was in high school about the same visibility problem with the Countach (SP?). It said something like "but at 175 mph, I guess nobody is likely to be pulling along side you."

Buy it anyway.

 

hopefully there won't be another Z in my blind spot while I switch lanes. Two Zs knocked off the road...now that would be a tradgedy.

 

I got the stick on spot mirrors the first week I got mine - they really give you piece of mind.

 

I did the following to set up the mirrors for maximum viewing.

1. Tilt the rearview mirror angle up until you see the rear window in the bottom half of the mirror. This way you will see the greatest distance out the back. It's not great - and I may not be as tall as you - but that's the best it will do.

2. Lean your head to the left until it practically touches the window, then set your left mirror so that you can just barely see the left side of your car. This way, when you sit up straight, you have your blind spot covered.

3. Lean to the right - over the center console - and set your right mirror similarly.

Once I set up the mirrors this way, they really worked very well and I haven't had nearly the problems that I anticipated. It's not the same view that you would get from your grandpa's sedan, but it's fully adequate (IMHO).

WayneTN

 

what he said.

you'll get used to it. My Z taught me how to use side mirrors - didn't realize how crucial they were before.

 

i was worried too at first. Especially backing out.. can't hard to see diagional wise.. you get used to it after a couple weeks or so. I also agree with the rearview.. i have to hunch down abit so i can see if the car behind me as lights on top or not

 

glad Im short. might consider lowering the seat to put your eyes at what I guess nissan considers the optimal hight. there should be a **** that you turn to go up or down in the seat. atleast there is in the touring.

 

You get used to the mini rear view pretty quick.

There are no blind spots on any modern passenger car, Z included. Move your mirrors out. I'm 6'4", I fit the Z just fine and the side view mirrors are huge! I have them all the way out, I already know how wide my car is and how it looks, no need to see it in my mirrors.

To set up your mirrors properly have a friend walk around the car at approx the same distance a car would be. Start at the nose and walk clockwise. You should be able to follow him from the front window to the passenger side window. As soon as he starts to dissapear from the passenger side window he should show up in your side view (if not move your mirrors out). You should be able to follow him for the entire length of your car and just as he leaves the side view mirrors he would show up in rear view. Same thing round the back to the drivers side mirror. I don't shoulder check anymore, never have to, and never been in an accident for 5 years since adjusting my mirrors. Racers need to use this setup, trust me when I say there aint no way your going to shoulder check while breaking from a 100mph, three wide into a corner, you need to know where he is, when, and still hit you mark. If your mirrors aren't set properly it's going to be an expensive day at the track for such small little thing.

It might feel weird at the begining but you get used to it pretty quick, like the midget rear window.