a friend told me a touring is def. worth the extra couple k's alone just because the sound system in the base and track models are horrible....my question is...is he true?...while im at it can you consider the seats nice, or cheap/ un-supportive?

THANKS

 

If you're looking for sound system, might want to check out a civic or something of equal class. The sound in the Z sucks. By saying that, sound system has little or no part in their decision of getting the car.

 

The sound system isn't that bad.. I wouldn't say it sucks. It's alright. But who would buy a civic over a Z just for the sound system...? Haha no one =)

Just replace the sound system if you feel it's that sucky.

 

the stock z sound system is terrible compared to other cars. my stock f-250 system is better than what my stock z was. this having been said i quickly swapped out the stock deck with a nice kenwood unit and that made a huge improvement. next on the list was an mb quart component set for the front and a regular set of mb quart's for behind the seat. world's of difference.

i also have my xplod comp amp and my rockford hx2 12s to add, but i might go down to 10s to keep a little bit of trunk space.

so long story short. stock sucks. replace deck and speakers with aftermarket.

 

The stereo sucks first and foremost because it doesn't play MP3 CDs... that was the major reason that prompted me to upgrade my system. But I wanted to do away with CD's all together, so I went with a unit that could play iPod. There is a factory iPod attachment, but I'd rather have a nicer sounding system with the simple addition of an aftermarket HU (and speakers and amp and sub )

 

All stereos in all Z trim levels suck

 

Yeah, the stock speakers suck. Sound upgrade was my first mod. Change out all the speakers and headunit within one month I got my car.

 

The base stereo is weak but the bose model isnt bad. The biggest difference will be swaping the stock headunit with aftermarket.

 

but that was my point exactly...wouldent it be better just to buy a touring...making the base Z system to the touring BOSE may cost around or a little less than the difference in the price of the touring...

 

Before deciding, you might want to go listen to the Bose system. Lots of people did not think the Bose in the Z was very good.

If you like the sound of the Bose, then, yes, upgrading to the Touring makes sense.

 

New the Touring is $33k the base in $26k you can put a hell of a stero in a car for $6k, I'd buy the base and put a $550-$1500 unit in it and be done.

In saying that I drive a Touring the only way this makes sense it to buy used and low mileage. I'm happy with my factory unit of course I'm a old man and don't blast my music into the county but a I've heard some $600DIY-$1250 units in some Cars and Z-cars that revival my Pioneer home unit.

The new base Z is the better deal probably the lighter faster car if you are into that kind of thing. I just like them because there are Z-car alway have and always will.

 

i realized just how bad the sound system in the Z was when I drove the Infiniti FX35 for 2 months, then got back into my Z...........wow..........Now for the first time, I'm really considering giving my audio system a makeover.

 

its not that bad its not great but the bose's is good enought that you dont have to upgrade, pluss you get lots of there nice stuff tcs vdc leather

 

Test drive a 350Z. Decide for yourself.

 

Bose is whatever. Its really bad on flat bass/treble but serviceable with a bit of adjustment. I thought the same thing about the Touring (well, I really wanted leather) but have decided to change it as soon as I can.

Base, I'm not too familiar with but I have an Altima loaner with the non-bose and that is just plain horrible.

 

anyone who thinks any factory sound system is any good is clearly retarded. I've been in lambos and vipers to the everyday civic and Fit, and all the sound sytems are average to crap.

It almost always the first thing, if the only thing people change in their cars

 

No highs, NO lows,,,it must be BLOSE. I feel all of the factory stereo's in the Z's are sub-par. As said,,that is usually the first upgrade with people wanting nice tunes. You might find the Bose offers a little "upgraded type" sound,,but to me,,its not worth the "upgraded price". The Bose system has many problems with speakers cutting in and out,,,sub cutting in and out,,,and if you decide to replace the headunit, ect. ect,,,you have a lot more work cut out for you replacing the Bose. I would go for the base, stock stereo set-up and use the remaining cash to do an complete aftermarket stereo upgrade. This is just my opinion and experience dealing with both non-bose and Bose set-up's.

 

This proves that the way one likes their audio is truly a matter of personal taste. I've always felt that Bose systems lack any midrange. My last three cars since 2002 (RSX Type-S, RX-8, 350Z) all came with Bose systems and none of them really blew me away. The RX-8 Bose system was far and way the worst of the three. The Z's sound is probably a bit better than the RSX (which had a "fake sub" in hatch floor) The Touring model does play .mp3 and .wma files. My only gripe with the mp3 playback is that the display doesn't automatically scrool the song title, artist, or album. You have to manually hit the "Display" button to show long titles.

The acoustics of the roadster will be different than the coupe. And I usually make adjustments when I have the top up vs. top down to match the way I like my sound. But all told, the upgrade of the Touring model audio system is probably worth it if you don't plan on replacing the stock system with your own. Without the sub behind the driver's seat, the sound is pretty thin. But unless you really plan on adding some bump to the system, you'll probably be happy with the upgrade.

 

All stock radios except the Mark Levinson system in various Lexus cars blow.

 

if your not super into audio the bose will be fine for you. if your into stereo equiptment buy whatever and upgrade as you please. also unless you plan on buying a diff asap i would steer clear of the base and find a car equipped with the vlsd. the leater seats are pretty nice too. although i prefer some racing buckets