So I test drove my first Z yesterday and I really was impressed. The thing has some power, and I didnt even go near redline! Also, boy does it have grip! I took a turn so fast that my car would have near rolled, and the Z didnt even squeak a tire!

The model I drove (the only 6 speed on the lot) was a Roadster Touring.

Redline. VERRRRY NICE.

Too bad I cant afford the roadster, we had the top down and it was just awesome.

But anyhow, on to my questions...

I plan on buying an Enthusiast Coupe. I may end up buying it within a month if things go well.

Do all models have power seats?

Do all models have a trip computer? What features does it have?

Whats the most economical way to get leather seats? Should I have dealer get me aftermarkets, or wait and cruise the salvage yards?

Is adding a sunroof a bad idea? How much does it cost?

First project I have planned is lowering it about .75 inches. Whats a good kit, I would prefer an adjustable ride for when I am running it fast, or when my wife is tagging along.

I hate messing with dealers, and was looking into carmax and having them ship me one. They have a no hassle price of about 500 over invoice. Anyone used carmax before?

OH does anyone have a problem rubbign their shoes on the door when exiting the car? I did that on the demo (and I felt like crap, but I didnt mean to). Whats a good way to prevent this? I did have the seat a bit too close to the wheel IMO.

TIA and sorry for all the questions, I am incredibally excited. This weekend I am going to test drive an S2000 and G35 Sedan for comparison.
Any other suggestions?

 

tacomaboy, I've seen you on this site so much I thought you'd have done more homework by now. A few answers - and assuming you are getting an '04.

Touring has leather power seats. The rest are manual.

Every model has trip computer.

Leather? Aftermarket has leather for $400-$1000 price range - depends on whether you want the "stock" look and quality of leather you are going for.

350z coupe = no sunroof option

Step OVER the doorsill - problem solved. I did it for the first few weeks and new riders do it. Get some 3M swirl remover and it polishes any scuff marks out easily.

I heard of some guy that "clear bra"ed his sills. A little extreme, but another option.

I'd buy at a local dealership that offers courtesy loaners. Depending on the Z, you could have it in for a few minor fixes. Those add up to days without a car - I'm always kicking myself for not having a dealer with courtesy cars.

 

Hehe, I was surprised to find I didnt know these things either when I test drove it. I was able to find most of the answers at nissanusa.com though.

So the manual seats are 6way adjustable. That sounds good.

Also, as for leather seats I like leather, wife doesnt, but the cloth seats are very nice in the Z, so its not a big issue for me.

I did know that no sunroof option is available, but was wondering about aftermarket ideas. I LOVE my sunroof now, although I doubt I love it enough to let someone cut into my new Z. But I just wanted to get some feedback from people who have.

As far as the scuffing, I seem to do it in my current car. I actually hit the corner of the door with my foot , like down past where the mirror **** is. Its plastic and smudges easily (same on my car). I probably needed to put my seat back some to fix that, but I wanted to know if it was just me.

As for loaners, my wife does have a car, but I also have grad school at night so maybe its a good idea to look into loaners...

There are three stealerships in Austin so hopefully I can talk them down to 500 or so over invoice.

Anyone have any Austin dealership experiences? (I will post in TX group as well.)

Thanks again

 

Good luck talking a southern dealership down on price. Demand seems to be too high for them to haggle much.

As for the sunroof. I think it would be a bad idea. The amount of torque you would put on an after factory sun roof may invite lots of water to come pouring inside your precious baby.

When getting out of your car, just make sure you know where your foot is going. This is not a super luxury car that accomodates great foot clearance. This is a tiny sports car that can be tough to get in and out of. (I have to take my cell phone off each time I enter the car cause the side supports of the seat would get scraped up every time.)


P.S. Carmax does have a no haggle price, but I would doubt that it was only 500 over invoice....MSRP maybe but not invoice. The invoice on the touring roadster is actually just 33 to 34K or so but I've yet to see one under 37K.
BTW, when did Carmax start selling new Nissans? The ones in Atlanta are Chrysler dealers. They must have different contracts around the country or something.

 

I did find a Carmax price for like 500 to 700 over invoice. If they wont come down in price here, Ill get it from Carmax, or maybe Dallas....