I sold my Z today. I'm sure I'll get a lot of heat from many members for saying this, but I just didn't want to deal with the hassles of owning the car any longer, plus I needed to get a more practical vehicle. My wife and I knew the Z was an impractical car and accepted that, but it has proved to be more impractical than anticipated. I must admit I was disappointed in the quality of the Nissan 350 Z. Now, it's quite possible I got a lemon. But I was tired of new rattles every week and irregular tire wear, issues which weren't being adequately handled by the dealership. Don't get me wrong, the Z is a beautiful car with performance to match, and I will miss the fun I had driving it.

For those of you (and there are many) who are satisfied with your purchase, I truly wish you the best of luck and hope you remain happy with your 350Z. Thank you to all the friends I have made on this forum who have given me valuable, insightful, and accurate information about the Z and autos in general. Your inspiration and passion for the Z and the auto industry is inspiring.

Michael

 

I think I'm not too far behind you. Altho I've not had too many issues with my Z, I'm just not at all satified with the bouncy ride. I'm getting really sorry I ever bought the car.

The ride in my 99 Jeep Wrangler is soooo much smoother that I actually almost prefer this over the Z.

Guess I'll have to look into the new GTO that's coming out.

 

Kwanderi,

I hear exactly where you are comin' from. The bouncy ride was another disappointment I had with the car. Sure, it's a sports car which means the ride is suppose to be stiff. But the bouncing was just too jarring. I have to accept some of the blame regarding the ride, though. I took it for a test drive and even commented to the salesperson in the passenger seat that the ride was exceptionally bouncy. I had hoped I could get use to it, but I couldn't. I wish you the best of luck with whatever automotive decision you make.

 

Sorry to hear that the Z isn't working out.

I have the rattles, some of which I hope to fix with some liberal application of epoxy, but I guess I've been lucky and haven't had too many other problems.

Hope you are able to have better luck with your next purchase. Maybe a WRX would be a good compromise between performance and practicality.

-D'oh!

 

check out the fx35/45.

My wife just got a 35/tech/awd....one sweet ride! That thing is bristling with high-tech toys. The rear-view cam and parking HUD is amazing. Other than the 20" rims, I would imagine you'd definitely dig the ride and stuff.

 

the ride isnt bouncy its stiff, and theres a huge difference. i agree the z car is jarring but that because ride is sacrificed for handling. now a jeep wrangler may ride well, but it sure doesnt handle worth crap. if you wanted a better ride you shouldve got a g35. i dont mean to be harsh but you gotta realize what you bought.

 

well said. 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.

 

I hear the 18" rims and above are the main culprits. I have 17" rims and the ride is really not an issue at all. And my brother had a 99 Wrangler Sahara. Are you crazy! You feel every ant you run over in that thing. Also take the Z up to 80mph and lower the windows and it lets no wind in. Try that with the boxy wrangler and you will realize how aerodynamicaly challanged it is. Apples and Oranages anyway. Sorry you didnt like the Z and that you had problems but knock on wood mine is trouble free and Ive still got permagrin 3000+ miles later!

 

I can accept and completely understand all the valid points and comments made but one: "...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."

It's unfortunate the "youth" of America have stereotyped automotive drivers of a certain age. I seriously doubt the age of a person has anything to do with there buying habits. My unresearched opinion would suspect an individual's needs would determine what vehicle he or she drives. I doubt an "elderly" individual with an oxygen mask hanging from their face says to themselves: "Well, I'm old now so I must by a big, floaty Caddy." How ridiculous. I hope as the number of years "garygoon" lives increases, so does his IQ!

 

what kind of deals are all you sellers getting???

 

no sense of humor what so ever. and back to the IQ potshots. Could you be anyless clever? how could anyone with a decent IQ take that comment seriously? I was joking!! The fact that you were offended by it would suggest you really are self-conscience about your age. I'll be old and senile one day, wetting my bed. But I'll assure you I will still beable to take a joke and dish em' out even moreso. Just remember:

"Its all fun and games until someone looses an eye... Then it becomes a scavenger hunt"

 

Come on people, bouncy. You are driving a performance machine, not a luxury sedan. Obviously you have not been behind the wheel of many sports cars. You need to have a stiff suspension so that you can feel the road. Most people attempt to achive this stiff/performance suspension through modifications and you guys are complaining about it.

 

alienx,

I took a pretty big kick in my old, senile, drooling-all-over-myself pants. I bought my touring for $29,900 (MSRP was 32,900) in February of this year. I sold it for $27,700.

 

Out of curiosity, do you have a low VIN number? I can't help but wonder if you got one of the ones that just weren't as well-built. I'm sorry your dealer hasn't been adequately servicing your Z, but it sounds like you enjoyed the emotions from the Z, just not the practical considerations. Like others, I'd recommend the G35C, but if you're looking for a bigger ride, someone else already suggested the FX35/45, which are the only crossover SUVs that have rear-wheel drive. Even the more conservative magazines seemed to enjoy that, so perhaps you can consider that. It'd be eminently practical, it's the same engine (at least the FX35 is), and you'd still get all the fun of an FR. No manual transmission, but then again, that's not the most convenient thing in the world to begin with. In any event, let us know how much you get for it, and what you end up replacing it with.

 

Cool it, guys. If you are actually joking, you need to indicate that somehow--people can't read your tone over the internet. And there's no need to start in with any personal attacks.

BTW, fotodad, sorry to hear you're selling, but the Z isn't for everyone. Hope your next vehicle suits you more. Good luck in the future.

 

OK mom we'll quit joking.

JeeeEEEEEEeeeeeEEEEEeeeeeEEEses.



serious?

not serious?

Oh my how will we ever know..... the horror!

 

Joking is one thing.

Thinly veiled insults is another.

Play nice.

fotodad, I'm sorry you're getting rid of the Z, but it's not a car for everybody. I've driven a G35c and it had most of the performance of a Z, but did seem to have a slightly softer suspension. Take one for a test drive and see if you like it. The FX's as people have mentioned, are pretty awesome. Other than that, you could always think of the Acura CL/TL's, a 3 series BMW...the choices are endless. Good luck and keep us informed on what you buy.

 

My conclusion on ride quality is that it heavily depends on where you live &, more specifically, road conditions.

I'm in Sacramento, Ca with good roads & no snow/ice/salt/etc.
My Performance model with the 18 inchers not only rides well to me but also to my very fussy wife. EXCEPT, we were on I-80 up near the Summit where there is alot of snow/ice/etc during the winter. The ride was terrible on that portion of 80. If I had to put up with that ride everyday, the Zzzz would be History.

By the way, carefull on the age thing. I'm 61 & assure you I can drive 90% of the posters here into the ground!! LOL!

 

I keep hearing this stuff about bouncy rides or stiff rides. Honestley, I think some Z must have a problem for people to complain so much. My base Z has no bounce whatsoever. In fact my brother's 4 door 2000 pointiac grand am has a bouncier ride than my z. I'm begiining to think that those with the bouncey ride probably aslo have the tire wearing issue
I'm sorry to hear you are dissapointed with the car. Buying a car is a very personal thing. What one person loves, another can hate. I hope you find a car you like.

 

well i can honestly say that i haven't had a problem with the bouncy ride since i've driven sports cars all my life, and that's the beauty of sports car. The sudden rush of speed and the stiffness of the ride..i don't wanna feel like i'm driving a Caddy