HAWKINS

What do you think of them?

dhwang80

iTrader: (13)

i like mine...

Risky_Business

iTrader: (4)

oh.

- RB.

HAWKINS

i hope i didn't naively walk into something. I was looking at a brand new 2009 with auto. Never had auto and would prefer manual. But the price markdown makes it pretty tempting. So, I'm thinking about it. Haven't read threads here in years.

dhwang80

iTrader: (13)

i like it because I use the Z as a cruiser bruiser.

Now if you are planning on Twin Turboing this ****, I'd recommend you stick with a manual. A local person here that slapped on a APS twin kit found out that the auto tranny was the next weakest link, even when beefed up. I recall it was an issue of keeping it cool under high loads.

On the few occassional spirited runs through the dragon, i leave it in 2nd and 3rd so it works out perfect handling wise. Only squabble is there is a bit of a delay in upshifting on the straightaways and sadly I do miss the fun factor of a manual.

But then again, this is my cruiser so it fits the bill for me.

2fastnc

iTrader: (1)

Thats sad to read. (about the tranny being the weakest link) Ive had manuals all my life, and wanted something i could cruise in and enjoy. An automatic is awesome for everyday driver or going for a ride with the top down with the wife or the dog.

So, even beefin the tranny up dont help? SO, what about the SC with a auto?

What HP levels are the trans holding up to?

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Could you be a little more vague?

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

Unless your handicapped or someones trophy wife, there is no need for a Auto trans sports car.

dhwang80

iTrader: (13)

I'm no expert here, just passing off what I've read lurking the forums. I'm sure there are things you can do to accommodate the tranny to handle high HP/TQ. I assume you'll just be putting more $$ into it than your manual tranny counterparts. I'm sure there are a few folks on here that have automatic beasts. Hope they chime in.

The local Z owner was at the upper 300 (398 hp?), shooting for 400 I believe.

HAWKINS

LOL!

JasonZ-YA

iTrader: (60)

+110101010

I'm surprised i even clicked on this thread...........dammn title is so sad...

-J

Arvin89

iTrader: (1)

People need to start realizing that not everyone buys cars to race and go fast. Some people just like the car for what it is. A vehicle that gets you from 1 place to another (this one just happens to look great while doing that).

The guy simply asked what we think of them. So just give him a straight answer without the sarcastic crap that made this forum so notorious.

I have an auto and i love it. I live in the middle of the city, going out for an hour id probably hit about 50 red lights/stop signs and be stuck in some gross rush hour. So im more than happy with mine.

And food for though: The GTR is an auto.

Jennifer 2

I’m sorry Hawkins and Arvin, but even the trophy wives will be snickering. Although I have driven 350Z autos and find the engine and trans well matched, and in certain circumstances can out perform the manual box. (Quick lane change in heavy traffic)

Hawkins One thing to keep in mind is that the resale will not be as good with an auto. New cars tend to be bought by older more mature individuals who will choose an auto if they think it suits their purposes, snickering trophy wives be damned. Whereas used sports cars are what the younger buyer can afford and as a rule they want a manual.

Arvin, Nissan has stepped up their game a bit with the 370’s 7 speed auto, but in reality it’s still just your father’s Oldsmobile style, slush box. The GTR you’re referencing has (like most sophisticated cars today) an awesome dual clutch sequential box. This is the future of all sporting auto style transmissions. The torque converter/ planetary gear style box will soldier on, doing duty in minivans and other pedestrian cars. However, today even lesser vehicles than a 370Z such as small Volkswagens and Mitsubishis offer the new technology automatics with many more to follow. This makes the 370s auto box even less desirable.

Blooster

iTrader: (1)

The ZR is all about enjoying the drive.

Auto trannies are no fun, IMHO.

dhwang80

iTrader: (13)

I agree with your first sentence, which I why I love my auto.
Manuals are no fun in traffic

HAWKINS

Pretty much answers my question. Never had a sports car with auto, although I have a few friends with corvettes and every one of theirs is auto. When I drive their vette, the auto seems to fit and doesn't bother me. However, I just seem to prefer the manual on the 350z for some reason. Trying to decide. I'm not TOO old and I definitely don't have a trophy wife, so the only reason for auto would be for the ease of driving in traffic.

markcg09

iTrader: (8)

Mine's an auto. If I could go back I would've bought manual. However since it's my DD, having an Auto is a godsend especially after work during the rush hours on the freeway traffic. Both have pros / cons. In the end it's up to you. $0.02

dfresh713

iTrader: (2)

Doesn't really make sense to get a car like this in auto and I commute into Manhattan Monday - Friday.

derekinthez

iTrader: (32)

chick Z

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

Las Vegas traffic sucks, mine isn't to bad on the way to work, my wifes commute sucks though. BTW she doesn't race and drives slightly faster than normal traffic and her Z is 6mt just like mine.

GTR is another animal, nothing like a slushbox that the 5at girls are driving.