Declining expectations for My350Z posts
 

As one of the older members of this forum, I try to contribute to the discussions in a constructive way. My background includes experience writing for various automotive publications, including time as the editor-in-chief for the now defunct Nissan Sport Magazine. Beyond that, my passion has been as a longtime Nissan racer who still drives his pre-order '03 track model and races (and wrenches) on SCCA T3 Z33. So I've learned a bit about the model and am generally happy to share what I know with some of the newer owners and members of My350Z.

But these past few weeks have me shaking my head more than just a few times at what's posted. The questions being asked seem to be from new drivers who know very little about cars in general, or about the Z33 in particular. Examples include asking about what's involved with making 500-600 hp from $5K in parts. Or about how hard it is to buy a car (yes, immediate gratification is not available when picking a Z), or mistaking specific parts like what a "Murano rear end" is doing on their Z. There could be plenty of other examples, but it continues a trend of declining expectations in the quality of discussions on My350Z.

For every post asking for relevant information in the maintenance section, there's another two asking for how to "fix" their cars. As though any of us could magically appear next to their engine bays and tell them what the solution is. Many times, it's as simple as telling them to use their cars onboard diagnostic programs to pinpoint the problem. Sometimes, they may have to bite the bullet and take their cars to a Nissan dealer to have a tech with the right tools diagnose a complicated issue, rather than throw parts at it. And then there are those who think the Z is as simple as putting different parts from different models (engines, harnesses, ECMs, etc.) on a stripped shell and expecting it to run, and run perfectly. :suicide: Not nearly that easy, my friend.

As the Z33 continues to drop in resale price, this decline is inevitable. But I wish new members would only take the time to understand how different the Z33 is from the Hondas and Nissans they may have started with. It's another dimension in terms of electronic sophistication and design from the previous generation of cars. Or, if this is their first car, start with an education of automotive basics (so you know how certain parts work and what they look like) together with doing a thorough SEARCH before posting what could be a lame question. It'll probably save them from a certain amount of embarrassment and keep the rest of us from slapping our foreheads every day!

If everyone would actually read this and learn how to use google to search for common questions and answers.
I highly agree with your statement. I work in automotive retail, the same younger generation people that come here come to my job many times a day. It gets very frustrating. Its funny when people come to a store to buy parts but then expect a salesman to repair their car for them.

Dkmura, even this type of thread that complains about new/inexperienced posters is getting old. It's not worth it to worry about these people or slap your forehead.

^says the guy thats been here for 2 years.....:dunno:

I feel ya. Every day there are threads titled "HELP!!!!" which basically outline some idiots quest to fix something they messed up and are to lazy to search for an answer. They just don't understand that while searching for your answer you may gain knowledge about it and other future issues.

The level of contribution has gone way down. This forum has died a lot in the last few years. Its become a ricer fest..full of plastidip, knock off wheels and the stance crowd. And then they all fluff their chest when you tell them their car looks like ass when they asked for an opinion. Everyone is a hater, don't judge! Honestly I am sick of hearing about the Rocket bunny kit and fender flares....they're ugly.

5k FI builds!

Don't even get me started about the classifieds and tire kickers. They would haggle over the price of a Free Sample.

Cux350z, how is my time on this forum relevant? I don't beg for diagnostic help or post questions that are easily resolved through searching.

the car is now attainable for high school burger flippers that watch too much tv and dont know what they are talking about when it comes to cars (johnny992 is perfect example). i do try to help when a legit question is asked, but i will also let them know they should not reproduce, and here lately my favorite website is lmgtfy.com. when i see the slammed riced out Z's on the road it makes me glad i sold mine

I completely agree with you dkmura.

another perfect example....

What about: "I need a beeper to shift like Subaru Not-Barbie-Model, because I'm a racecar driving like pro..."

I guess it just depends on where you sit in the spectrum. I remember when the Z33 was released and how many new Z owners had no idea of the history of the car and the company and that to them it was just a shiny new car and how this was discouraging to the existing Z community to see so many owners take hold of the legacy and treat it like an appliance. I have owned each of the first five generations of Z cars and at present own 3. I have bought all of my cars well used and all have been used in motorsport to some extent.

Yes there is a bumper crop of DB owners, some cars seem to attract them like magnets, the Z32 community always bothered me for the amount of misinformation that was regurgitated and accepted as fact within the community from keyboard mechanic's. I have also seen a downturn in the quality of content and management of long time favorite site of mine hybridz.

I have been a subscriber of many defunct magazines starting with "Z car and classic Datsun" as a matter of fact I gave Art money for a shirt at diner when he was in town a few years back for a shirt that I never recieved from a now defunct magazine received.

We all have to start somewhere, some patience goes a long way and sometimes the Noobs just need to STFU!

:p

travlee, when I see that it makes me want to sell mine and find a sweetheart deal on a c5/c6 Corvette or second gen Viper.

I think for one the forums search feature needs to be fixed. I don't know what the deal is, but it blows. I can search a thread for a word, be told no results found, and scroll down to find that word used.

dkmura has always been overly patient and extremely helpful. When most of us resort to trolling and teasing, he still tries to provide meaningful information that will help others. I have nothing but respect for him.

*everyone inserts a post about how we're not noobs and you're right, thread goes on 8 more pages.* /circlejerk.

But no really, I get the frustration of having a forum like this get over ran by terrible posts, if I were to give advice it would be to -not- answer the questions on those threads or just close them out right until they learn to just do some research.

I totally agree with you man. I've been here for a while and it's just not the same as it used to be...

By the way, anyone know how I can get the hood to open on my 350z?

If the hood won't open, your lug nuts are over-torqued.

When i have a problem i just google it and add my350z to the end. Usually find what i need. I only make threads asking for help when its VERY specif8c. As all of you are more knowledgeable and have morr experience on these cars than i do.

It could also be his brake lines are worn.

I agree with you. And i feel like the whole "buying a car is hard" part was directed towards me. I think you missed the point of my thread. Its not that i dont have the fund nor credit, but it was a joke about how looking for the specific care you want with the color and option you want in a use market is harder than ordering new and requires nuch more patience. But for the most part. I agree with everything else you say.

and lets not get started on the FB groups....


*what is the best oil?
*what is the best turbo?
*What does this light mean?
*what are the best all season/summer tires for winters in Chicago?
*post cars for sale, <50k miles , <$7k price

Or like I personally experienced...

Girl: Hey can you help me, my Z wont start the battery is dead.
Me: Is it manual we can push start it...
Girl: yeah!
Me: *looking into car* Humm thats auto...
Girl: No its both auto and manual...
Me: no you dont have a clutch, its auto...
Girl: No, its both....
Me: Ok, enjoy push starting your auto, make sure you pop your clutch in 1 when you get it rolling * Leaves*

the list goes on...