In April I saw my first 350Z and bought it. I liked it just fine, but it had an AT and what I found I really wanted was a convertible and a 6MT. So when they finally showed up I sold the coupe and bought a 350ZR. The color is rather unusual, Lemans Sunset, and it looks great. I get a lot of looks from all kinds of people.

But the best thing is that the ride is much better than my coupe. I don't know if there was something different about my coupe, but my wife noted the same thing... the ZR's ride is much more controlled and less harsh.

Whatever, I'm really enjoying the ZR and look forward to future rides. Next week my wife and will tour the back roads of Western North Carolina to take in the fall colors with the top down, on nice, smooth, twisty blacktop roads - I can hardly wait!

John

 

Someone correct me if i'm wrong.

I think the Roadster is less harsh because it uses the same suspension as the Coupe while weighing about 200lbs more. The extra 200lbs make the ride more soft.

 

Maybe the loss of rigidity in the frame due to the lack of a top has something to do with it as well.

I admit I've had thoughts of trading in my Coupe for a Roadster, but I really don't like the look with the top up, and I live in Houston. Usually too hot and humid out, or raining.

 

One thing, which may not be worth anything, but my Coupe on the window sticker said "Touring" but the paperwork said "Track". It did not have 18" wheels or Brembo brakes, so I don't think it was a Track. But I wonder if somehow it had the Track suspension but was listed and in all other respects it was a touring?

I test drove a 6MT coupe a while back which I also thought rode better than mine.

Anyway, it is all subjective now, the important thing is I like the ride. Now for some new wheels, as it came with stock 17"ers.

 

Seems to me that there are quite a few used 2003 350Z's ... I wonder if it's folks 'trading up' to the convertible? Seems like an awfully big 'hit in the pocket book' though.

 

Congratulations. Great photo too.

 

Nice picture John. Do you have any with the top up?

 

Congrats John, looks great. I love the color. They only make 2 flavors of roadster - enthusiast and touring. Hope you find some nice colors in the mountains next week. I toured there last fall on the Great Smoky Mountain Railway (Dilsboro, NC). Enjoy the trip.
Rich
'03 FX 45 w/tech, Black/Brick
'96 911 C4 Cab
'04 350ZR silver/frost/blue on the way

 

Thanks, For more pictures go to the link below, also includes a picture with the top up.

http://www.pbase.com/laninga

Click on the 350ZR gallery.

Any special requests on photos let me know.