Ontario Canada Z Fest 2002
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From: Woodbridge, Ontario
Ontario Canada Z Fest 2002
Just got back from Z Fest 2002 in north Toronto. An event where all versions of Z were on display. Quite nice actually. To make it interesting 5 - 350Z's showed up today ..a Black, Silverstone, Redline, Lemans and Daytona Blue. Some track and Performance models. My opinions:
Colour:
No question that if you want a long lasting colour (all you had to do was look around you and see the old vintages and which ones looked good!) BLACK wins hands down. I didn't order black but I might just switch.
Silverstone, gorgeous lots of flake in the paint, looks like a colour that won't tire you. Very close second choice. I actually ordered Silverstone. My wife said it was the best looking. There were lots of people that agreed.
Redline awseome, it was the first one there and I was ready to switch to Redline until the others showed up.
Lemans and Daytona, very deep and rich colours. In my opinion just too much. Not lasting colours you will tire of them. They did look good though.
Interior:
I bought the car so I have nothing gain or loose by what I say. There are definitely some things that make it look and feel cheap. Don't kids yourselves people! The sun visor looks better in a Hyundai. The dome light from a Kia. The sun glass holder ,Wal Mart sells better plastic parts. As everyone is saying, the seats are great both leather and cloth materials feel great.
Dash, ummmm the pebble like material will be a pain to keep clean but looks OK. The doors look really really big and plain. I hope that someone comes up with some add on stuff! On the performance model there is a dummy switch next to the seat warmers .. looks stupid. The front cup holder, really dumb. Frankly I couldn't get it open then I couldn't close it with repeated tries... your passenger will definitely hit with their knees. I'll take a bet on that one. The center console cup holder is behind you but not so far it is not reachable. Cubby holes for storage, nice, just a little awkward if your moving or have a passenger in the car.
Dash layout is nice, the Nissan rep was good enough to go through the digital displays .. neat. Stereo, doesn't sound any better than my MAxima's BOSE.
I am now buying the NAV system. The empty hole (apparently not changed in production models) looks stupid and is useless. Put something in it, drive away and watch it slide out if the lid is open. The rep says close it .. right! The Nissan rep showed me the NAV toy, it is neat. Frankly the empty hole looks so bad in my opinion that spending $50K (Cdn) what the heck spend $55K. and look good. The NAV door BTW is a pain, I went in open minded. It is definitely a pain to close!
The rims, painted both the Rays and standard. Same as my Chrysler van. They have held up well over 5 years, I'll probably get chrome rims anyway. Bridgestone tires.
Muffler/engine sounds, they are right guys. Almost non existant. I heard all 5 vehicles come in. Very quiet. I wanted to hear more but it wasn't there. Maybe when the car is pushed it may make some noise, don't know we couldn't drive them.
Trim level and panel fit was excellent, paint looked good.
Trunk space, there is NO WAY to get your golf clubs in without removing them from the bag! Floor mats looked cheap, trunk mat didn't have the Z logo. The Nissan rep talked me out of the aluminum kick plates, I'll be sticking with the factory ones.
Overall car looked shorter than I expected but wider than I expected. Looks really sexy and mean when you look at the hood at eye level. With or without the spoiler it looks good.
I just took out (within the past 24 hours) a Porsche Boxster and S2000. I would say that the 350Z doesn't look as polished inside as either of them ... IMO ... yeah I know the money ... ! Shifter in the 350Z feels real nice (wasn't moving though!).
I'm still taking delivery so I guess there wasn't enough to turn me off, I am looking forward to driving it! Having just driven both other cars and the 350Z is supposed to have more ***** .. I can't wait!
I also told the Nissan rep about the lousy customer service. No response really looked like that's just the way it is. Get over it! Expected the first Cdn cars to be in with 4-6 weeks??? A little surprised, I thought cars were arriving in Aug? He may just not have wanted to talk about it.
Lets go Nissan, I want my 350Z!
PS I have some pictures but nothing that hasn't already been posted...
Colour:
No question that if you want a long lasting colour (all you had to do was look around you and see the old vintages and which ones looked good!) BLACK wins hands down. I didn't order black but I might just switch.
Silverstone, gorgeous lots of flake in the paint, looks like a colour that won't tire you. Very close second choice. I actually ordered Silverstone. My wife said it was the best looking. There were lots of people that agreed.
Redline awseome, it was the first one there and I was ready to switch to Redline until the others showed up.
Lemans and Daytona, very deep and rich colours. In my opinion just too much. Not lasting colours you will tire of them. They did look good though.
Interior:
I bought the car so I have nothing gain or loose by what I say. There are definitely some things that make it look and feel cheap. Don't kids yourselves people! The sun visor looks better in a Hyundai. The dome light from a Kia. The sun glass holder ,Wal Mart sells better plastic parts. As everyone is saying, the seats are great both leather and cloth materials feel great.
Dash, ummmm the pebble like material will be a pain to keep clean but looks OK. The doors look really really big and plain. I hope that someone comes up with some add on stuff! On the performance model there is a dummy switch next to the seat warmers .. looks stupid. The front cup holder, really dumb. Frankly I couldn't get it open then I couldn't close it with repeated tries... your passenger will definitely hit with their knees. I'll take a bet on that one. The center console cup holder is behind you but not so far it is not reachable. Cubby holes for storage, nice, just a little awkward if your moving or have a passenger in the car.
Dash layout is nice, the Nissan rep was good enough to go through the digital displays .. neat. Stereo, doesn't sound any better than my MAxima's BOSE.
I am now buying the NAV system. The empty hole (apparently not changed in production models) looks stupid and is useless. Put something in it, drive away and watch it slide out if the lid is open. The rep says close it .. right! The Nissan rep showed me the NAV toy, it is neat. Frankly the empty hole looks so bad in my opinion that spending $50K (Cdn) what the heck spend $55K. and look good. The NAV door BTW is a pain, I went in open minded. It is definitely a pain to close!
The rims, painted both the Rays and standard. Same as my Chrysler van. They have held up well over 5 years, I'll probably get chrome rims anyway. Bridgestone tires.
Muffler/engine sounds, they are right guys. Almost non existant. I heard all 5 vehicles come in. Very quiet. I wanted to hear more but it wasn't there. Maybe when the car is pushed it may make some noise, don't know we couldn't drive them.
Trim level and panel fit was excellent, paint looked good.
Trunk space, there is NO WAY to get your golf clubs in without removing them from the bag! Floor mats looked cheap, trunk mat didn't have the Z logo. The Nissan rep talked me out of the aluminum kick plates, I'll be sticking with the factory ones.
Overall car looked shorter than I expected but wider than I expected. Looks really sexy and mean when you look at the hood at eye level. With or without the spoiler it looks good.
I just took out (within the past 24 hours) a Porsche Boxster and S2000. I would say that the 350Z doesn't look as polished inside as either of them ... IMO ... yeah I know the money ... ! Shifter in the 350Z feels real nice (wasn't moving though!).
I'm still taking delivery so I guess there wasn't enough to turn me off, I am looking forward to driving it! Having just driven both other cars and the 350Z is supposed to have more ***** .. I can't wait!
I also told the Nissan rep about the lousy customer service. No response really looked like that's just the way it is. Get over it! Expected the first Cdn cars to be in with 4-6 weeks??? A little surprised, I thought cars were arriving in Aug? He may just not have wanted to talk about it.
Lets go Nissan, I want my 350Z!
PS I have some pictures but nothing that hasn't already been posted...
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From: Vancouver, BC
That'd be nice if they have landed and are on their way.
I really can't think of any reason why a Canadian shipment would be delayed vs a US shipment. Sure, there's a bigger market but with the exception of mph/kmh, what would make producing the cars any different?
Hey principe, did you have very high expectations from the car? Your review seems to be a mixed bag but I get the feeling that your overall impression was disappointment? When you talk about golf clubs in the trunk, are you meaning just the drivers or ALL of the clubs? I guess my hockey bag just isn't gonna fit eh?
I really can't think of any reason why a Canadian shipment would be delayed vs a US shipment. Sure, there's a bigger market but with the exception of mph/kmh, what would make producing the cars any different?
Hey principe, did you have very high expectations from the car? Your review seems to be a mixed bag but I get the feeling that your overall impression was disappointment? When you talk about golf clubs in the trunk, are you meaning just the drivers or ALL of the clubs? I guess my hockey bag just isn't gonna fit eh?
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From: canada
well ive got some crazy video etc.. of zfest so im gonna put up a sample tonight before i make a little presentation video of it.
FYI, one guy there was 6'6" and he fit but it wasn't very good. He said he really couldn't use the clutch, his leg would get stuck.
FYI, one guy there was 6'6" and he fit but it wasn't very good. He said he really couldn't use the clutch, his leg would get stuck.
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From: Toronto, Ontario
Just got back from Zfest in N. Toronto. All i can say is HOLY MOLY. This was the first time i saw this car in person and all 5 of em blew me away 
. I had to catch my breath. Im more excited about this car than i was ever before. Everyone who said pictures do not do this car justice was abosolutely correct. I dont know if its the lighting or what but this car looks sensational in person. Its got such a beautiful clean design with an aggressive tone. I sat in one for a few minutes. From all the reviews ive read i didnt expect much from the interior quality. It was what i expected. However, i didnt examine the interior parts in detail. Played with the shifter a little. It had a great feel with short throws. It had shorter throws than an e36 m3 and a boxster. It felt clicky and precise. Then again the car was not turned on so i cant make an accurate judgement. I would have to say my favorite color out of the 5 was silverstone. Much lighter then i expected but very classy brought out the shape. The black one looked awsome as well. Very agressive but slightly took away the lines of the car. Just my opinion. Lemans sunset looked much better in person than it does in pictures. I have a couple of pictures of the silverstone and the black Z. Unfortunately i dont know how to download them on to my computer and i left the manual at work so i wont be able to get them up today. I should have them up by tommorow night. The pictures arent that great so dont expect to much. I was very excited and was doing things to fast.
. I had to catch my breath. Im more excited about this car than i was ever before. Everyone who said pictures do not do this car justice was abosolutely correct. I dont know if its the lighting or what but this car looks sensational in person. Its got such a beautiful clean design with an aggressive tone. I sat in one for a few minutes. From all the reviews ive read i didnt expect much from the interior quality. It was what i expected. However, i didnt examine the interior parts in detail. Played with the shifter a little. It had a great feel with short throws. It had shorter throws than an e36 m3 and a boxster. It felt clicky and precise. Then again the car was not turned on so i cant make an accurate judgement. I would have to say my favorite color out of the 5 was silverstone. Much lighter then i expected but very classy brought out the shape. The black one looked awsome as well. Very agressive but slightly took away the lines of the car. Just my opinion. Lemans sunset looked much better in person than it does in pictures. I have a couple of pictures of the silverstone and the black Z. Unfortunately i dont know how to download them on to my computer and i left the manual at work so i wont be able to get them up today. I should have them up by tommorow night. The pictures arent that great so dont expect to much. I was very excited and was doing things to fast.
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From: Woodbridge, Ontario
expectations
vanstorm16,
No I didn't really have any expectations. I am not disappointed with the car but the adage you get what you pay for well... it holds here. Can't expect everything to be gold plated. I am still taking the car, just gave my perspective. Believe me, I was wanting the car to take my breath away. They looked good but didn't take my breath way. When I see a yellow convertible Z06 it looks really sharp and takes my breath away and I say I want one of those! I saw the Z's come in, they looked good to. Just didn't get quite the same reaction out of me. My wife on the other hand, loved it over the Z06... Bottom line taste is a personal matter.
The real test now is driving the car. The lines are beautiful, the colours great, get past some of the cheaper trim and it still is an awesome car. the angle from the hood line is probably the best I have ever seen.
The S2000 I drove, nothing special about the trim but it just looked more completed/neater. The Porsche well different league all together. Your right BTW it is a mixed bag ... there are a lot of nice things but some things that are pretty obvious that can be improved if one is honest. I just had the luxury of being to compare it within 24 hours to two other nice cars. I can have the porsche 2.5 yeasr old 61,000 Km for under $40K. Just something to think about.
Look forward to gettng the car! Other post re cars on route from Vancouver, interesting how in the same day at the same event reps from the same place can give 2 stories, wish they had name tags so I could write them!
I've attached the Silverstone shot. It is the one I am getting (my wife won).
No I didn't really have any expectations. I am not disappointed with the car but the adage you get what you pay for well... it holds here. Can't expect everything to be gold plated. I am still taking the car, just gave my perspective. Believe me, I was wanting the car to take my breath away. They looked good but didn't take my breath way. When I see a yellow convertible Z06 it looks really sharp and takes my breath away and I say I want one of those! I saw the Z's come in, they looked good to. Just didn't get quite the same reaction out of me. My wife on the other hand, loved it over the Z06... Bottom line taste is a personal matter.
The real test now is driving the car. The lines are beautiful, the colours great, get past some of the cheaper trim and it still is an awesome car. the angle from the hood line is probably the best I have ever seen.
The S2000 I drove, nothing special about the trim but it just looked more completed/neater. The Porsche well different league all together. Your right BTW it is a mixed bag ... there are a lot of nice things but some things that are pretty obvious that can be improved if one is honest. I just had the luxury of being to compare it within 24 hours to two other nice cars. I can have the porsche 2.5 yeasr old 61,000 Km for under $40K. Just something to think about.
Look forward to gettng the car! Other post re cars on route from Vancouver, interesting how in the same day at the same event reps from the same place can give 2 stories, wish they had name tags so I could write them!
I've attached the Silverstone shot. It is the one I am getting (my wife won).
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Golf Clubs
vanstorm16
Sorry forgot to answer your questions re golf clubs ... the driver will not fit the clubs might make. In fact I recall seeing a picture of a bag with some clubs in the bag and the drivers out of the bag.
Hockey gear, I've the size of hockey bags, it might fit under the brace.
Two sets of clubs this I have to see for myself!
Attached another shot of the silverstone, wish I had taken more pics. My video really turned out bad f%^K. Oh well theu will be here soon anyway.
Sorry forgot to answer your questions re golf clubs ... the driver will not fit the clubs might make. In fact I recall seeing a picture of a bag with some clubs in the bag and the drivers out of the bag.
Hockey gear, I've the size of hockey bags, it might fit under the brace.
Two sets of clubs this I have to see for myself!
Attached another shot of the silverstone, wish I had taken more pics. My video really turned out bad f%^K. Oh well theu will be here soon anyway.
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From: canada
the blue looked the best as they all showed up, its very vibrant, silverstone looked real good too, and black looks better in real life than in pictures. i didn't like the copper one or whatever they call it, and the redline looks pretty good.
I have video of practically every thing in the car, opening doors moving seats etc.. so if there is anything u wanted to know just ask and i could post a video of it.
I have video of practically every thing in the car, opening doors moving seats etc.. so if there is anything u wanted to know just ask and i could post a video of it.
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From: canada
was there too and took about 100 pics. i have to say that the pics don't do it justice. it looks better in person. If it drives as well as it looks i will be getting one next year.
anyways how can i get the pics on this site. i would be happy to send them in. if people have questions about the car post them on the site and iw ill try and anser. oh and if you want pics of particular cars email me and i iwll try and get them to you.
kaikara99@hotmail.com
anyways how can i get the pics on this site. i would be happy to send them in. if people have questions about the car post them on the site and iw ill try and anser. oh and if you want pics of particular cars email me and i iwll try and get them to you.
kaikara99@hotmail.com
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From: Dagobah
was there 2day
just a quick note (i'm @ a friends place) ... saw the cars the first time in front of the ROM last night. That's were the private Nissan event was being held ... was at the Z fest today ... loved the car. They all looked good. Having ordered a black one, i must admit that i am a bit biased towards that colour, but the black looked simply AMAZING 
Principe, my friend made the very comment you made regarding the black Zs on the lot. i really liked the lemans sunset too, not my colour, but those who ordered it will be vey happy once they see it in flesh and blood ... The interior is, to say the least, CHEAP. but the car looks just fantastic ... seems like they got rid of most of the bugs in the production model (the red one presented by TSN) ... talked to the guy from TSN and told me the car is a pleasure to drive, and asks for more at virtually any speed ... his impression about the short throw transmission was very positive ... told me the TSN report will be coming up soon, keep checking their website ... i asked him to turn on the car and rev it ... Big disappointment! the exhaust note is really WEAK 
he tried to spin the tires on the way out, and it showed how much torque the car has right off the bat .... will write about my impressions in detail later ... sums all, the Z is awesome!
Principe, my friend made the very comment you made regarding the black Zs on the lot. i really liked the lemans sunset too, not my colour, but those who ordered it will be vey happy once they see it in flesh and blood ... The interior is, to say the least, CHEAP. but the car looks just fantastic ... seems like they got rid of most of the bugs in the production model (the red one presented by TSN) ... talked to the guy from TSN and told me the car is a pleasure to drive, and asks for more at virtually any speed ... his impression about the short throw transmission was very positive ... told me the TSN report will be coming up soon, keep checking their website ... i asked him to turn on the car and rev it ... Big disappointment! the exhaust note is really WEAK he tried to spin the tires on the way out, and it showed how much torque the car has right off the bat .... will write about my impressions in detail later ... sums all, the Z is awesome!
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From: canada
kaikara
if you have any pics of me would you mind sending them to
350z@rogers.com thanx.
one thing i found strange though, maybe its just me or someone knows magic but when i got into one of the cars when it just arrived the windows were up, then out of nowhere the windows came down. the door was closed. Do you know if you can lower the windows from the key.
if you have any pics of me would you mind sending them to
350z@rogers.com thanx.
one thing i found strange though, maybe its just me or someone knows magic but when i got into one of the cars when it just arrived the windows were up, then out of nowhere the windows came down. the door was closed. Do you know if you can lower the windows from the key.
Last edited by netviper; Aug 12, 2002 at 06:08 AM.