Hi folks...Z newbie here. I just traded my RX-8 (after 6 months of ownership) for a 350Z earlier this evening. All I can say after a couple of hours of ownership is WOW. This is a great vehicle. Very strong engine and I love the styling.

I really had to twist my wife's arm to do the trade but she felt guilty since she sort of pushed me into the RX-8.

Looking forward to learning alot from everyone.

 

welcome to the family...

 

Oooh, the RX-8 is a very nice car. What prompted the switch?

-D'oh!

 

Just was not happy with it. I traded a RSX Type-S in for the RX-8. I purchased the RSX a couple of months after it was released and I had it in the shop once for a faulty sensor during my two years of ownership. I was not as lucky with the 8. Most of the problems were small but for what I paid, I expected it to be more refined. Overall, the 8's are really nice and without doubt the best handling car I have had.

I really should have gotten the Z from the start, but my wife pushed me into the 8. It's a family thing... Truth be told, she really wanted it and hated to see it go.

 

No it's not.

You made a wise decision.

 

so how do you compare the handling between the two cars? and overall?

 

What kind of problem that you have with RX8?

The only thing that i don't like RX8 is the exhaust note. Even with Amuse Ti exhaust, it sound still like a blender juice.

 

heh trying to be nice?

curious how you think handling stacks up. I know its loved for its handling, but mags seem to not capture it. its numbers just arent too inspiring, and mazda did put some good tires on it too.

 

I do admit that the handling on the 8 is outstanding. The car felt like it was attached to the road. I have not really had a chance to put the Z through the paces but my first response is that the 8 feels like it handles a bit better but when I hear the Z's engine and feel the torque push me back in the seat, I tend to forget about the 8.

So far, I do have to give the 8 an advantage in the handling and breaking department.

 

Well, I'm not a big fan of the 8's styling, but I wish the Z had the same balance stock. I know we can make our car just as balanced with only some sways, but it's too bad Nissan didn't do that from the factory.

Also, if you were dissatisfied with the 8 due to small little problems, then I hope the Z doesn't let you down as well. Overall, my car has been great for 34,000 miles, but I've had the following problems:
Drivers seat moves and makes clicking noises - TSB performed, but only solved the problem for a week.
Drivers seat upholstry frayed - TSB performed, new upholstry looks good
Rattles throught dashboard - stiff suspension will make rattles appear over time
Rear hatch won't "pop" - Rear hatch struts loosing pressure and hatch now requires two hands or two "pops" to open. TSB available, but haven't decided if I want to have it performed on the car.
Gas tank cover won't pop - requires 2-3 "pops" to open
Grease on windows - TSB available, but with mixed success
Slight feathering and pulling to right.
Very notchy 2nd gear when cold.

Anyhow, I have a very early model, so hopefully most of the problems have been ironed out by now. I still love the Z, but I have a hard time recommending it unless people really know what they are getting themselves into. I've only had the car in the shop once, and that was only for a couple days, but these little things (especially the rattles) tend to wear on me over time and are pretty much impossible to eliminate (as soon as I fix one, another one appears).

Anyhow, congrats on the Z; I still believe it is one of best sports cars for the money (S2000 is only other one that comes close for me), and I hope your experience is problem free.

-D'oh!

 

You will like it much better!

 

wow....I thought I was reading my thread from a month or so ago.
I also had an RX8 for 6 months and traded it for the Z. I bought the AT and was unhappy from day 1. My wife could not drive a stick but decided she would learn after a month ,grrrr. I went to trade for the MT but was really going to take a beating.
Wells as it turned out, good thing I didn't trade it because I had an oppurtunity to drive the Z..............
Long story short, I have had the Z now for a little over a month and could care less about the $3,500 beating I took to get it.

I don't miss the 8 in the least, in fact, I look for them on the road just to see if they dare challange me!!!!

 

I try and not look at them because it makes me want to puke looking at it.

 

I like the Z cause its easier to mod, and has more support.
Plus it looks meaner and tougher than the RX-8. (even though it did look good in X2)

Even though I have some bugs in my Z, atleast my dealer is covering it. We'll see how well they take care of the problems.

Z is still worth it though! Exhaust is great, overall sports car feel is something that is hard to find for the price.

 

Whats wrong with it? Not bad of a style I say, and I totally dig the interior. Nicer than the Z IMHO. Engine wise...no comparison. Thats why I drive a Z, bought it for the engine.

RX-8's are for pretty boys.
Z's are for bad boys.

 

welcome aboard. definitely a great switch.

 

I think he'll enjoy the Z since it doesn't come remotely close to the engine problems or crappy mpg

 

wow talk about a upgrade.
You went from a family sedan to a sports car. You sure will have more fun.
Not to mention, loss less races

 

Welcome to the Z club.................your gonna luuuuuuuv the car

 

Well some of the problems with my 8 were:

- Crappy milage no matter how driven. Try 13/21 when EPA estimates 18/26 for the AT. Complained to the dealer every chance.
- Flooded twice. First time required that hotter plugs be installed and flashed the ECM (had to wait almost a month for the replacement plugs). Still flooded after the flash but it did recover faster.
- Driver side door rattle...still not fixed after two attempts.
- Airbag recall.
- Breaks squeal.
- A/C was weak.
- Center console cover fell off one day when my wife opened it.
- Dealer was inept. I knew about TSBs and ECM flashes before they did.

Plus there were several design issues that I noticed the longer I owned it that really bothered me.

I guess alot of the problems were made worse by a sorry service department. I expect to have some issues but I was spoiled by the Acura and by a wonderful service center with my RSX.

I guess time will tell with the Z, but my initial contact with the dealership has been very, very positive.