I think I am going to trade in my Porsche 911 Turbo, because the clutch is just too stiff for me. (joking, i dont even have a porsche, but that is a similar complaint)

 

The bounciness is referring more to an odd reaction in the suspension to cupped concrete roads, most prevalent in the winter climates. When driving on these roads, the car gets into a repeating bounce that is in sync with the cupping in the road. Net effect is the car bounces around, and doesn't feel as "connected" to the road.

Even on newly constructed concrete roads, I can faintly feel the bouncing coming back when speeds reach 45-50mph.

Everyone who has been in my car when this happens asks "what's wrong with your car?". In other words, the stiffness is expected, the weird reaction to certain roads is not.

In IL, a ride on the concrete portions of I-355, I-88 and I-294 at speeds from 50+ will bring out the effect. I've been behind another Z on I-294 and I could see the bouncing.

When people comment that the problem is fixed, by either replacing the stock springs with Eibachs, or replace whole suspension with S-Tune, you have to wonder what Nissan did wrong in the first place.

I have one of the fairly early cars, manufactured in December 2002, vin 7518.

 

For those of you who's Z's were built after Dec. 2002 you should not get the dreaded BOUNCY ride. The springs part # have been superceeded (sp ?) twice. I have a low vin #2043 and the ride was embarrasing to say the least. Stiff is one thing bouncing is another.
The Eibach's fixed my bounce.
Fotodad good luck on the next ride. I have learned my lesson. NEVER BUY A FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION CAR !!!!!!!!

 

I thought one of the earlier threads about the bounce said that the part # change was due to a sourcing change, not an actual change of the spring rate or type of spring.

 

When I picked up my Enthusiast Roadster and got on Interstate 70 to drive it home it started bouncing repeatly - I'm thinking my wife will be complaining about this all the time. But after a few miles of driving it smoothed out - loosend up.

My wife finally rode in the roadster top down Sunday and had no complaints on the one hour + ride on all types of roads in the Pittsburgh area.

I've heard that the suspension of the roadster has been tuned for a better ride. I did test drive a coupe before putting money down on a roadster, but I haven't driven a coupe again to compare.

I love the ride and handling of my new roadster. A combination that beats all the competition.

 

The roadster is a little heavier, I believe it is around 250-300lbs. Motorweek just reviewed the car, it did 0-60 in 6 sec, and they got 5.7 sec with the coupe. One of the launches they were smoking the tires, which you didn't see much of with the Z coupe review.

Did you get the mesh seats? They looked pretty cool!!

 

I have 18" wheels and I don't think it is bouncy at all. By the way, my Vin # goes by 050XXX. It's a 04 model.

I can't wait to drive my car to work tomorrow. Do you miss your Z?

 

All I can say is this if you think the Z rides like crap, then you need to get out and drive some Mustangs lol. Compared to my Cobra the Z is like driving a car sent from God himself.

I respect the fact that you need something more practical, if I didn't own a AWD SUV I would be in your same boat. So to each his own, hope you find the ride you are looking for man

 

Thank you to those who wish me success in my next vehicle purchase. As I pointed out in my original post, I certainly accept some of the blame for making a poor choice given my needs. I think emotion got the better of me as I drove the Z down the road. Let's face it, I was thinking how cool I looked (if it's possible I can look cool while I drool all over myself and urinate in my Depends, that is) while I test drove the Z rather than being more objective and paying attention to issues like ride. My decision to sell the Z was based on many conditions, ride was just one of them. As I mentioned, issues of quality control, practicality, Bose sound system, paint quality, and the dealership's ability to make me happy each contributed to my decision. From what I read in this forum, I think I got a lemon. Most of you are pleased, satisfied with your Z. Truly, I am happy for you. The Z is a beautiful automobile. And I miss it already. In fact, the day I sold it I saw a Daytona Blue Z and I thought, "Damn, did I just make a mistake by selling the Z?"

So all you Z owners, rock on! I wish you thousands and thousands of miles of happy, pleasurable, trouble-free, and SAFE driving!

 

I got more than a couple thousand miles already.

 

There is no perfect car that is rattle free in the market that I'm aware of. If there is, please let me know. Like everyone stated, the Z is not for everyone. My gf doesn't like the bounce either, but she still manages to sleep on our long drives....

 

I can empathize w/fotodad. The ride is definitely very harsh and bouncy (a little harsher than I expected as I didn't got on really rough roads when I rode in a coworker's Z a few times). My Maxima is SOOO smooth in comparison. The engine and road noise are also much more pronounced. Also, the lack of cargo room has also been a prob twice for me. But I knew these getting into it.

The steering effort is much higher on the Z than my Max. But, I will say the handling is so much better than my Max, it's like night and day. Also, I now see why some people criticized the Max for having a vague on-center steering feel. It's much more distinct in the Z. I also do like the attention getting and "babe magnet" factor of the Z.

I agree w/many of other people saying that the Z isn't for everyone.

 

There is no doubt about it. Either you like a sports car or you hate it. For those that like the feel of the road and great performance, you can't beat it. But if your looking for the luxury of a smooth quite ride, you definately won't find it in a sports car.

 

post by garygoon>>>>>"i think theres a bunch of tired old men buying the Z. they should be buying a nice big floaty caddy with a built in o2 medical mask, pace maker jack, and rascal ramp welded on the back."

Hey garygoon, dont flame us tired old geezers. Im 50 years old, continent, no erectile dysfunction, not edentulous, and would probably kick your butt at any physical or mental endeavor you choose.
I love my Z, stiff ride and all...age is only a number, sports car enthusiasm has no age limit!

Sorry for the flame, you had one coming.

 

Well said fotodad....

 

I personally love this car, i love how it handles (yes it's a little bouncy) but it's a sports car. these cars are not supposed to drive smooth, there made for 1 thing and 1 thing only, THAT'S TO GO AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. This feeds me addiction for speed and i'm happy with it

 

Love the avatar!

 

These are the cars that I was considering before I made my final purchase. I admit up front none of these cars belong in the Z's genre, so please don't beat me up too much!

2003 Lexus ES300
2004 Nissan Maxima
2004 Honda Accord coupe V6
2004 Infiniti G35 sedan AWD
2004 Toyoto Solara SLE
2003 BMW 3 series (AWD)
(Didn't consider Acura because dealership is too far from where I live, but I do like the looks of the TL)

This was my SUBJECTIVE rationale for each car:

2003 Lexus ES300:
I could get a great deal on this car because the dealership was blowing out 03 models. This was my second choice. It had the sporty styling, decent performance, and, the price, still a bit high, was affordable. I feel the most reliable of the group.

2004 Nissan Maxima:
My favorite car to look at next to the Infiniti G35 sedan. But the price was high for what I wanted to get for options, and after the issues I had with the Z I'm a bit weary of the quality. Great engine. Last choice.

2004 Honda Accord V6:
Good price. Decent styling. Lacks torque. Bland interior. Everyone has one. It was my fourth choice.

2004 Infiniti G35 sedan (AWD)
Best looking of the bunch! Incredible performance! High price tag. Again, reliability issues. This was my third choice.

2003 BMW 3 Series (AWD)
In my humble opinion this car is the most bland looking car on the road next to a Buick! But the performance is unmatched. Interior is best looking of the bunch, however. Price is what took this car out of the running immediatley! Fifth choice.

2004 Toyota Solara SLE
It doesn't have the performance of the BMW or the G, but it's still fun to drive! It's not as nice looking as the G or the Maxima, but I think it still has smooth, classy, sporty, spohisticated lines. The interior takes second only to the BMW's. The reliablity is equal to the Lexus...best of the bunch! And the price was quite reasonable! The JBL sound system sounds fantastic! FIRST CHOICE! Picked one up a few days ago.

Sure, I made a lot of compromises by buying the Solara. But I was much more critical in doing my homework and when test driving each car. I tried not to let too much emotion enter into my decision.

Best of luck 350 Z owners. You own a beautiful automobile!

Michael

 

Definition for the young folk:

edentulous = toothless

Sounds like this man has it together!

 

Personally I am very partial to BMWs, I just love them. The 325xi or the 330xi are very very nice cars AWD sedans, means all weather and you get a luxury car to boot. The 330xi is pretty pricey low 40s, but you may regret getting a 325 for the lack of power later on.

My opinions on the other cars

2003 Lexus ES300 (Aren't there enough Lexus cars on the road already, they are practically everywhere. Of course some would say the same about the BMWs lol)

2004 Nissan Maxima (I don't have much of an opinion on this car and know little about it, but if its RWD and you deal with snow then it may not be the best choice)

2004 Honda Accord coupe V6 (Ummm.....no this was the biggest selling car of any make or model for 2003 and 2002 and 2001, so basically EVERYONE has this car. Personally I'm not one to buy a car EVERYONE has.) I'm sure it's reliable though

2004 Toyoto Solara SLE (I don't even know what this is so I won't pretend to have an opinion, and I don't feel like going to Toyota's website to see some pictures of it lol )

Enjoy whatever you get man, and hey I know it might go against the grain of most Z owners here but if you need a sedan and something that can drive in any weather and you still think you might want that speed too you might want to check out the Mitsubishi Evolution. Afterall it is AWD and it is very very quick and has more room in it than the WRX too