There are somethings that just really bother me about the Z...I'll post a little later, I just want to see other people's opinions...Oh and please, don't just stick to technical problems...

 

I can't think of a single thing I don't like...

 

The Weight?

 

It's like Nissan built a car just for me except for the radio - I'd really rather have Z than Fairlady Z.

 

I'm not the biggest fan of the hatchback body style. If this causes the car to become less stiff and by doing so forces nissan to add weight to restore stiffness. Now the strut brace that helps stiffness makes the hatchback style less useful. It's a vicious circle.

Brembos should be optional across the board.

Better paint

Tracking should be better so we could track our order from day one.

 

Or what about the fact that its based off the G35 platform and not its own. Does the Z not deserve it's own unique platform?

 

Thats how nissan is... and most car companies for that matter...

Old nissan 300z has same engine and specs as infiniti J30.

Toyota celica has same engine as MR2, matrix, and same lines as lexus IS300.

Just something to cut down on costs... something that BMW doesnt do and BMW owners pay an arm and a leg for service and parts.

 

I think you are wrong about BMW the same exact engine can be found in the 3 series, the 5 series, the Z series and the SUV. Only they don't give you a break on price.

 

Which is funny about BMW concidering that their 3,5 and (old) 7 series look EXACTLY the same, I mean at least Benz has differences between the model lines.

 

so you are mad that you are not paying 50k for a car..... I have benz for ya..like new!

 

I think the wheels on the touring model are a bit too conservative. I would have liked to have a choice for a more aggressive looking 18" wheel.

 

Yea, same engine but might not be the same configuration... I don't know... just going on what a BMW mechanic told me when I took my dad's BMW X5 in for recall work... He said that the BMW's are all different to work on... meaning same engine in the series but different to WORK on... unlike FORD and Chevy's and most other cars... where as all the engines have the same basic parts. If that makes sense at all.

 

Actualy it makes little to no sense to me. The only difference in working on them should be how far you have to lean over the open engine bay and where the hood release button is located. Heres a run down of the BMW engines:
-2.5 liter inline 6 found in 325, Z4, 525;
-3.0 liter inline 6 found in 330, 530, Z4, X5;
-3.2 liter inline 6 (s54) found in the M3 and M3 convert (also was in the late model m roadster);
-4.4 liter V-8 found in the 5 series and the X5;
-4.5 liter V-8 found in the new 7 series;
-4.6 liter V-8 found in the X5 4.6is (essentialy an M engine);
-4.9 liter V-8 found in the M5 and the Z8.
So yes, BMW does share engines across the lines. And yes, those engines are the same despite different applications. Note: those are just the current BMW engines offered in America and no, the mini engine is not a BMW engine. I am also pretty sure that all of the 4.4 liter applications are going to be replaced with the 4.5 liter engine soon. Nothing like being a BMW freak. The sad part is that I did this from the top of my head. BTW all of the two true M engines are badass, 6 and 8 indivdual throttle bodies respectivly.

 

That's probably how Nissan is making the 350Z affordable. Share the platform and share the motor. And there's nothing wrong w/ that. The Supra shared the 2JZ I-6 motor w/ the GS300, SC300, and now the IS300 and shared the JZA80 platform w/ the SC300/400.

Michael.

 

Weight and holding back parts and options. Most Japanese manufacturers sell better cars to their local markets as apposed to what we get here. Now some of it has to do with emissions but if you trot over to the 350Z site in Japan you'll notice a plethora of options the Fairlady gets and we don't. Now the way I see it is that the Z is a car for North America because in Japan the Skyline far outsells the Fairlady and always has. I think they should have made a better effort on this side of the pond.

Sharing platforms is a must in the current auto industry. VW was one of the first to not only share engines but platforms accross multiple models. Nissan, however, was one of the last and that is why they lost so much money. All the production plants they built could all be retooled to support the some 14 platforms they used to have. Now it's great for diversity but licks on cost and that's why Nissan fell flat on it's face. As soon as Renault took over, one of the major changes was to streamline production and they did so by selling off all their high tech equipment and having single platform plants that could push twice the volume. This is one reason I say that Nissan sort of held back on the 350Z. With the ability to make the Z a spectacular car from the ground up they decided to go with many parts they already have to keep cost down. In Japan that's great where true enthusiasts can look to the Skyline but over here the most expensive car on the showroom floor shares most of it's parts with lesser cars and that's why I feel they short changed North America a little.

But it doesn't make me love the Z any less and I can't wait for mine to arrive! JDM spec anybody?

 

They really needed the tracking on the preorders.

Also, I'm having trouble getting used to an engine that you don't have to rev the **** out of to go fast. Come to think of it, I really did like that Honda Prelude with the torque curve right out to redline. With the 350Z's torque curve dropping off before redline sometimes you go faster shifting before the redline.

Oh well, as long as it's damn fast, I can live with it.

 

I don't understand if that there is anything "wrong" with the Z's platform. Who cares if it's a shared platform as long as it's a good one? To me, as long as our platform is good (which it is), I could care less about these "bragging rights"?

You don't by chance own a s2000, do you?

 

So, as an owner of a Z let me explain what's wrong. No embelishment allowed:

I can't find a single damn thing I don't like. Even the Bose is OK until they get a new amp for it. I sh*t you not. There is not a damn thing I dislike, in fact I keep asking myself how the hell they sold this car with the quality it has for the price. That is what I am most interested in learning about. The freakin seats alone are TOP notch and I promise you, that is just the tip of the iceberg.

whatever you have, do yourself a favor. Trade it, sell it, hell if its a Honda..give it away and strap on a Z..


Frosty.....

 

For me, the car is perfect. It is exactly the car I always wanted: the feel, the performance and handling, the interior, the looks, even the smell

The only changes I would make are so minor as to be not even worth mentioning (like a padded armrest and stuff like that).

-CZ

 

Do you have one? Cause when you drive one all this crap about it being to heavy, its platform is inferior, will simply wisk way faster than you can say Honda Prelude.