Hi,
I'm new to the group and currently shopping for my Z. Love the roadster and Nor. Cal. is a great place to have one. My previous convertibles were a 73 spitfire and a 69 Firebird. Needless to say, wind, water and noise were all ongoing issues. My new Z will be my daily driver.

I've driven the coupe and roadster back to back and the noice difference is minimal - new. I'd really appreciate some feedback on how the tops perform over time with respect to these factors.

Thanks for your feedback,

sdl13

 

The Top seems to be the weak spot for the Roadster, A lot of people on here have had to replace it under warranty (stitching coming undone in the rear corners)... I've had my for 3 years now and the top is still good, but my brother who bought his at the same time, ended up replacing his about 8 months ago...

The newer ZR's might have better tops tho <shrug>

 

I have an '04 Roadster. The top is an issue. I have to have mine replaced as there are many people on this site who have mentioned the same.

Still, N. Cal is a great place to have one.

Cheers.

 

I also had my '04 top replaced under warranty due to the stitching separation problem (thread on this forum), but have had no issues with leaks or wind. The fit and seal on my top has been great, even in some pretty bad thunderstorms.

I think the basic design is fine, it's the stock fabric material that's been the problem for me. I'd bet with a superior quality fabric and seam bonding, it would never be a problem.

 

Thanks everyone for the quick feedback. I have read through the posts and recognized there were some problems. As much of a nuisance it is, top repair under warranty might be acceptable to me in exchange for the driving experience. Water dripping on my arm or lap and wind whistles while the top is up are not acceptable to me.

 

I own 8 convertibles now. I've never not owned a convertible. I had a Spitfire (1966) also, actually a very fun car. All I can say is the Z has come along way from the Spitfire. There are issues that are inherent with convertibles, but none are worth trading for a hardtop or a useless sunroof, and I am in New Jersey (high 20's today). Convertible in Northern Ca. a no brainer.

 

You will get wind noise from the sides of the door at high speed.

Btw, I took the roadster up to San Jose/Walnut creek during Christmas. Driving over 1k mile the entire trip top down. Awesome experience.


Tony

 

One more thing I love about convertibles. Driving in the rain with the top down. If you can maintain at least 45-50mph, you won't get a drop of rain on you. But, go below that speed and you better be near an overpass--you will get soaked.

I've driven between Philadelphia and Princeton NJ, about 55 miles in the rain with the top down. That's the furthest I've driven like that. I often have driven short distances on the highway top down/rain. And I often have gotten soaked as traffic slowed up for no apparent reason. I also usually have the top down and heater blasting in 35 degree but sunny weather, and my windows are never up (that's for punks). Actually, I don't understand why anyone would buy a hardtop, unless it's a van or a wagon. My work vehicle is a van, if I could cut the top off of that I would.

 

I had an Audi TT Roadster before my '06 ZR, and I live in Minnesota. I switch to my winter wheels and tires for the cold season, then back to the stock summer setup in spring. The ZR is my daily driver, and other than the usual convertible "shortcomings", it's absolutely awesome to drive. I checked the top carefully and saw no light leaking through or stretched/open seams. Hopefully, they fixed the potential for problems but only time will tell.

I drove the coupe before buying the roadster, but there's nothing like top down driving. For a little bit more $$, it was well worth it. A recent automotive magazine article on convertibles said that they were made to create memories. And it's true... don't each of you remember a turn or section of winding road you took at speed in your Z(R) and how good it felt?

 

Have '06 ZR bought in Oct '06 with current 14K (yeah - you can tell I love to drive this car - 90% the is top down). No problems at this time!!! Have a '95 300ZX convertible and this new Z has better sealing (no leakage during rains). Love the auto top too (old Z - get out and do it. But still cool).

 

Hey everyone, I appreciate the feedback and think I've made up my mind. Seems to me the only significant knock is the huge blindspot but even that is remedied if the top is where it belongs, behind not above the driver. Guess I know what I'm buying this weekend!

 

Tacos?


GL and post the price so we can help you negotiate.

 

Do it and you will not regret it for a minute as far as driving experience. If you ever need storage room since its your daily driver, hope you have another car.

 

I've been driving a Ford Ranger I bought used in '97 so I think I'm due a different drive and fortunately my wife agrees. I'll keep the truck for my dogs and motorcycle.

 

My first truck was a 97 Ranger

 

I think the soft top issue is not as bad as some say. I would put money on it that %50 of convertible owners do not know how to maintain their soft tops. They think it's like driving any other car and washing the their soft tops is sufficient. If you use a high quality protectant (and I'm not talking about Armorall) your top should be fine for years to come. Keeping it stored in a garage is a plus also.

 

I got an 2006 myself and had no problems... of course its still new and only has 8300 miles, but maybe Nissan got the hint and fixed it for the post-2004 models?

Beautiful car though, I absolutely love mine. Everyone in Socal should have one =)

 

07' ZR sounds

 

So I'm in the process of negotiating. I started with an offer of 34k otd for an 06 enthusiast 6mt. In california we've got 8.25% tax so that's 31.4. They weren't pleased. They're thinking that 35.6 otd is more reasonable, that's 32.8 which is within a couple dollars of invoice. They would keep the dealer holdback and anything else they've got coming their way. Options are side airbags, floor and trunk mats, kick plate. BTW these numbers include the 1k cash back.

Oh and by the way, on the way home drove past another dealer with a beautiful 07 touring coupe daytona blue - 33.6kmsrp.

 

sdl13,

Don't pay over 34k for that car.

Tony