hahaha speeding tickets i agree

 

"Common problems" usually aren't as common as forums can make them seem.

I operate a site that collects reliability data. Because people told me they wanted to know about common problems, not just the average repair rates, I recently added a section where these can be posted--with a link back to a forum thread where they're discussed (since forums are the best place for such details).

When enough of these problems have been entered, I'll ask owners if they've had the problem or not, and we'll finally know how common they actually are

Common Auto Repairs Database (CARDb)

As for the Z not being for those into acceleration, it depends what you're comparing it to. I love how the Mazda RX-8 handles. But far more people buy the Z in larger part because it has much stronger acceleration.

 

You know, that's not to say that you can't make a Z go fast in a straight line. I've seen a number of impressive drag-spec Z33s, too. But, either way, yes - expect to spend a lot of money. Whereas with any American car, you can trade pocket lint for easy power, the Z will prove to have just as great a potential but will suck your wallet dry along the way. Anyways, I think that the common dream amongst us Z owners is relatively the same. That is, build a car that looks sexy, dominates the track, has superior handling, and at the same time has a considerable amount of power. It's possible, and a lot of us have created some really serious machines; just take a look around the site and you'll understand. Of course, we spend a LOT of money doing so.

 

No back seat, not a lot of storage, sometimes clutch problems [if 6MT], speeding tickets.

 

The biggest drawback to owning a Z is people in crap cars looking for a drag race. Minivans are the worst in my area.

 

Outrageous insurance premiums! I am a 55 year old with A++ rating and have been with the same company for years(State Farm).For full coverage my premium is $120./mo as compared to my '05 Vette at $70/mo.If you buy the C5,your insurance pool will be mostly old geezers like me,and may be less expensive.That said,I bought my '07 Z for a daily commuter and if I had to choose a car to be in an accident in it would be the Z.It is built like a tank! My only real complaints so far have been rattles in the hatch area(which I sorted out myself),and one of the most unusual feeling clutches of any stick I have ever driven which seems to be a common issue.

 

The main problem I have is, gas isnt free... :-\

 

I can't recall the clutch in the Z. Have experienced some odd feeling clutches in G35s.

On the insurance, I've noticed that premiums for a particular car can vary a lot from company to company. Do you have stability control, and do they ask about it?

I never checked rates on the Z. But they seemed a bit high when I checked them on the G35, which should be better. Fairly reasonable on the Mazda RX-8, but then it has a rear seat (which tends to help) and less power. Not that power means anything in itself. When I checked with my company (USAA) they had very reasonable rates on the BMW Z3, even just $15 higher with the 315-horse M version, but extremely high rates for the 240-horse Honda S2000. The Honda has a tricky rear end, at least before they finally added stability control. Stability control has been standard on the Corvette for some time now, and for such a powerful car it has a very forgiving chassis.

 

I have traction control,and side seat and curtain airbags.And you are right-the 350Z is a whole different animal from the C6.I would be willing to bet that my clutch feels very similar to the G35.It just seems to lack any linearity,engaging in about the last 1/2" of travel.Give the engine a couple revs and engagement is smooth. I definately didn't deem it a deal breaker when I got the car,but just wrote it off as a quirky personality trait of this model.My C6 clutch is definately more linear with very smooth engagement.I have to admit driving the Z never gets old,and every time I finish my drive with"Man,I love this car!"

 

Me too!!! I know the feeling.

 

Blackjack,

How often do you drive the C6 vs. the Z, and what's the deciding factor?

I drove the 2008 Corvette recently. The car finally has steering suitable to a sports car. Very welcome improvement. And of course it's scary fast. Drove an automatic this time. Mash the pedal and you're at 60 in a flash.

 

Attracts too much attention.

 

What did you get?

 

 

Excellent choice.

 

Just take out the Z for a long test drive. See for yourself. Get a extended warranty if you buy one.

 

Do the 04.5 350z still have tranny problems? or it was only fixed in '05 not since '04.5 ?

 

Davidv strikes again.....

 

A Zed is a Zed, over any U.S. muscle car!, regardless of hp/torque, etc. R-e-l-i-a-b-i-l-i-t-y is the name of the game!!!