hey you guys, i currently have an '04 is300 and the other night i rode in my friend's Z. and i have to say, i totally love it. however, i asked some people on is300.net what they think about my switching to a Z and they didnt show too much support. so i'd like to ask you guys, what are teh actual problems with the Z? i know, the is300 IS a lexus and the Z is a nissan. but i'd like to know some of the annoying little things that are common.

 

i test drove the IS before i got the Z. I was thinking about getting it only because we bought 2 lexus cars before and we knew the dealer. let me just say that i'm glad that i got the Z. great power, great suspension and great looks out of the box. No serious problems so far. only the tire feathering, but that issue is already taken care of by nissan. I think both cars are in different classes really. if you don't mind 2 seats.. i say go for it

 

Compared to the IS300...

... the Z will ride FAR more harsh
... it's a louder ride
... Not as plush on the inside
... Will require more maintenance
... Will have sqeaks and rattles

Comparing the Z to the IS
... the Z will hand the IS it's *** in a straight line
... in da' t\/\/ist3z
... looks 200x better
... NOT a four door, thus no bumming rides
... Will leave a smile on your face.

Enjoy

 

If you want a sports car get the Z

IS300 is sporty but it's not a sports car.

The Z gets noticed on the Road. IS300 looks like everything else.
it's nice but doesnt stand out.

As for problems with the Z. Well.... really depends on the individual car. Like all cars the Z has a few issues here and there.
Not all Z's have them and if you do manage to have one it should be able to be corrected under warranty.

I have been hit with the Tire Feathering issue, Had it fixed and now I am as good as new, so no big deal.

Get an 05 and I'd expect little to no issues.

Pound for pound the 350Z is the best sports car buy on the market

Good Luck

 

You need to go drive one to get a feel yourself. but here are my pik-nits with my Brick:

-No storage you can reach while driving. (all stoage compartments are behind the seats)..Solved with $12 gizmo that straps to the front of the eat.

-No right side armrest....Solved with a $70 aftermarket rest

-Views out the rear are limited....you get used to it

-No lumbar support in drivers seat....solved with a $50 airplane lumbar cushion

-The non-Bose audio sysyem really sucks...Solved with $1600 replacement system

On the other hand the Zzz is a great cruisor (up to 3500 rpm) and a hotrod above 3500 if you get on it. The tranny shifts like a Swiss watch; the car handles like on a rail. And after 20 months & 15000 miles I still don't have a single rattle.

Ride does not have, I suspect, the cushiness of your Lexas.

 

In forums people generally talk trash on every car except their own. I will say this: the Z does have some minor problems, but (aside from feathering), I think it a very good car. I've been lucky enough to drive a pretty large number of cars...many of which are literally 8-10x the Z's price...and I will say this: the Z leaves me smiling more than any car under $50k. As a former S2k owner, that is saying a lot.

NzZ

 

Of course the IS300 sackriders are going to tell you to keep the IS. Tell them IS stands for I ts S low and you need more power.

Bottom line is you have to ask yourself if you live without the things you would give up (Trunk space, 4 doors, toyota reliability), along the lines of what mc350z said. If you can live with giving up those things, the Z beats it hands down in every other area IMO. My wife has a 2001 and while its a fun car to drive, it is severly underpowered in its class.

The 2006 concept IS looks pretty hot! I hope they have an IS430!

 

i had an is before bro, it was a fun and great car, but it doesnt compare to the Z on performance lines. Z is just a differnet class when it comes to fun of driving and performance!!

HEres a pic of my IS

 

biggest problem is feathering. most of the info is in this thread:

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....threadid=15758

 

Two different cars...
I had an IS and all I can say is that I'm glad I made the switch. Here is what I think the advantages and disadvantages are in STOCK FORM:
1) IS = 4 door sedan fits 5 adults Z= 2 door sport fits 2 adults.When going out with 3 people, plan on leaving the Z at home unless you take 2 cars.

2) Lexus vs. Nissan service. Hands down too Lexus service. I miss those free car washes. When ever my IS was in for service, I was always offered a loaner.

3) Stock engine: 290hp V6 vs. 215hp I6. Advantage Z. Both engines are able to hold forced induction. Both need alot of money for big hp. FI ain't cheap...

4) Transmission: IS = 5spd auto/manual, Z = 5spd auto/ 6spd manual.

5) Looks department: I get more looks in the Z then I did in my IS.

6) Ride comfort in stock form: Hands down Lexus. But remember they are two totally different cars. With an aftermarket suspension you can make the IS handle like a champ and you can make the Z comfy like a Lexus.

7) Handling in stock form: Advantage 350Z.

8) Stock radio: It's a draw! Both are crap!

9) Aftermarket products: I think the Z has a bigger aftermarket list.

I totally agree with what El Diablo said, two different cars two different classes.

And last but not least:
10) My350z.com vs. IS300.net: Winner by tko........ MY350z!!! People here are more helpful and informative. I'll keep my comments to myself on how I feel about IS300.net.

 

alright thanks a bunch u guys. right now im searchin for a the right Z. =D

 

Hey bro, I'm about to switch from a BMW 325i to a 350z. I just missed the sports car feel I had back when I drove a Mustang so I went looking for a car with a bit of comfort and luxury with a sporty feel and I felt the 350z fit that description.

For instance, if you get the touring edition you get leather, digital climate control, premium sound system, power seats, heated seats, navigation(option), xenon headlights, and a few of the other main things I would not have been able to do without coming from a BMW.

Goodluck!

 

I sold my 2001 IS300 for my 04 Z. Any I dont have any regrets. Although I truly loved my IS, its not nearly as much of a driver's car per se. I would do it again without hesitation. Only downsides are that the Z cant touch the reliability and build quality of the IS, it was so rock solid and nothing EVER malfunctioned. And the exterior finish was much better on my IS. Plus lexus service cant be beat. Other than that, the Z wins in every category you can think of, especially the fun factor.

 

only prob i have had with my z is that i already went through one tranny...of course it was covered by warranty tho..personally tho its a hard choice...i get alot of compliments and the girls love my z...i would just go test drive one yerself...

 

My twin brother drives an IS, and I drive a 350z... so Ill give my input in the matter...
The Z is by far one of the best cars ive driven.. specially for the money... the Z has great power, looks, and just overall a great car.. yes there are cars in its price range that can beat it, but dont look anywhere near as good as the Z...
on the other note the IS is a Lexus and has a great interior, the ride is impecable, and is extremely comfortable... it might be under powered but the IS wasnt made to be a fast sports car.. its does its job great.. being a luxury sports sedan...
I feel that both cars perform their job very well... its just up to what you like.. my brother could not be happier with his decision.. and neither could I... no matter what you go with your driving awesome cars... a Z is a great sports car.. and a IS is a great Luxury Sports sedan...
AYLOP