Hi everyone...

Been a long time since I last posted here. Used to have a 2005 Z Roadster Touring, and been thinking lately about getting back in a Z. Sat in a 370 for first time at the recent auto show and was impressed by the revised interior.

Have to say I've been shocked at the limited availability, though...at least around Charlotte area. Looking around a large radius, very few roadsters and none with manual. Beginning to wonder if they even still make manual roadsters. Coupe isn't much better...haven't even been able to find a manual just to TEST drive. What gives?!? Time of year? Economy? Japan's disaster affect Nissan that bad?

Admittedly, I havent been around Nissan again until recently, but back in 05, dealers seemed like they had lots full of 350s. Thought I found one this morning, but the dealer sold it before I could get there.

 

Order a 2012 Roadster from your Nissan dealer. You will have it in a couple of months. Problem solved.

 

He wants to test drive one too.

 

I think it has to do with the area you live in.Of course,this time of the year there are some 2011 models on the lots,2012 coming in.I live in the Atlanta area.I'm not in the market for a new 370,I have been shopping the GTR'S.Mostly what Ive seen on the lots are roadsters.Few coupes...those that are available are really base models.Yes,they are selling fast.Even Mercedes/Lexus dealers that have used Z's put e'm up front,selle'm pretty fast.Due to the disasters in Japan there was a low supply this summer.All dealers
seem to have 3-4 on the lot.On the MT models,from what I've heard from several dealers,the AT cars have a wider appeal.They will sell to a broader range of consumers.
More females are buying Z's than ever before.Most don't want a 6mt.Its always been a
negative..AT cars on this forum.It seems that the "real" Z guys would not be caught dead in a AT car.This is true...But there are more buyers and potential buyers out there that have never heard or do not care about a Z forum.I think to get what you want you'll have to order one.

 

I recently moved to Rock Hill, and let me say, you are right. Look at the area around you. I hate to say it, but there isn't a very big market for the Z's around here. I looked at a new 370 a few weeks ago, and I could only find one. Your best bet would to be to try South Charlotte Nissan.

 

Oh yes...South Charlotte Nissan. Appreciate the suggestion, but been there twice actually. Stopped in on an impulse a few weeks ago. Asked the guy if he had any manual 370s...he said sure, let me find it for you. Disappeared for 10 minutes. Came back..."I know we've got one somewhere", then disappeared again. After another 15 minutes standing in the showroom and no sign of the guy, I gave up and left.

Then yesterday, I searched the local websites again and notice they had a new 2012. Chatted with their internet guy on the website to see if they had it and if I could come look at it. He responded that they had it and he would have it ready to drive, and took my contact info. Stopped in an hour later, reminded the guy who I was..."Oh, sorry, we sold that car this morning". Turned around and left again. I doubt they will get a third opportunity.

EDIT...and now this morning, I receive a voicemail from their "Internet sales manager" essentially asking why I didnt show up and asking if I need directions. Glad my wasted visit was memorable!

 

Drive a coupe 6mt, then drive an automatic roadster. if you like the trans from the coupe and the feel of the roadster, order a roadster manual : )

 

Maybe hold out for 2013? Aren't they going to redo the whole thing?

 

Same here in Memphis. I like to look around every now and then. I went to a local dealership and they had 2 roadsters, both auto. Its been that way for a while now at that dealership.

Just did a quick search and those seem to be the only new 370's in the area.

 

I hope there is some truth behind this.

 

I'm really not sure how much truth there is behind this, but i've been reading for a good while now that there could be a complete makeover. Again, not definite, but ive just been seeing this everywhere, it's no secret, im sure this has been discussed somewhere around here a few times.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-cars/2013-nissan-z

 

Yeah, I have heard it on a few other Z forums as well. I would like to see it happen, i'm not the biggest fan of the 370z. It's nice, but I feel they could've done better.

 

I take offense. j/k I've owned seven Z cars rebuilt many more and I now own a 370Z with a S7 Auto that is amazing. Until you drive one for a day or two you'll never know how nice they are. No more high clutch engagement. No more pause between shifts in traffic. No more reving on the downshift as this tranny does it for you. I'm not kidding I was just like you guys until I drove one for a couple of days. You say you can shift faster than a S7. Just look at the quarter mile time. All the fun of a manual with none of the problems as far as I can tell. If you drive the car around for a couple of days it might change your mind. Not to mention shifting it in corners is much nicer and easier than a car with a clutch that engages so high that any little bump can throw you off balance. I changed the high engagement on my 350Z but, have yet to see anyone else accomplish it. Makes a world of difference.

 

Now this:

"The system currently in the Infiniti M Hybrid, which couples a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine (known as the VQ35DE) with an electric motor. In the M Hybrid, the setup produces 360 bhp and about 450 lb.-ft. of torque, more than enough punch for a midpriced sports car."

Put in a 370Z would be what I decribed in another thread with a S7 would be a really nice car. I'd trade up to that in 2013-15 no problem. ;-) However, I think they would have to call it a 350Zh at that point. I'd love the expected 30mpg+ that it is expected to get.

 

Just to come back and update the thread, in case anyone was curious...I found my roadster!

Found a really nice certified used 2010 Platinum Graphite Roadster Touring w/ Sport Pkg @ Modern Nissan up in Concord. Original plan was for a new one, but was surprised to run up on this one that was exactly what I had been looking for, even down to color and options! With the scarcity of manual roadsters, I figured what the heck...might as well enjoy someone else taking the depreciation hit for a change!

 

Pics OP???

 

Nice .... Have fun with your new found toy ...

 

I was at my Nissan dealer here in Maryland about 6 weeks ago getting a service and they didn't have any Z's on the lot at all. That's a first for me (cough...not that I would ever buy a 370 mind you...cough). I think the earthquake in Japan may have some influence combined with the change-over to the next model year. For myself, I'm waiting until the next new generation Z comes out (2015?). I heard a rumor it will bring back a look similar to the old 300 series Z. Hopefully not...it makes me wonder if Nissan has lost it's imagination and ability to design a new car...especially after what they did with the 370.

 

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Hey guys...sorry bout the lack of pics (As long as I've been posting on car forums I should know better, right? hehe) Been a crazy week at work, plus endless cruddy weather in Charlotte. Hopefully I can get some nice shots over the weekend!