Octopussy

I'm looking to replace my crappy Acura 2.2CL with a 350/370Z. I'm going to be using it as a daily driver to travel back and forth from university. The car has decent MPG and RWD in the snow isn't a problem for me, so I think it'd make a pretty good daily driver. What do you guys think? Also just to make sure, they are reliable cars, right?

maroli

too early to tell how reliable the 370z but the 350z is definitely not issue-free. Its not a Honda, but its not a BMW either. I've owned all three. The BMW glitches a lot, just make yourself familiar with all the common faults and TSB's related to the 350z and address them. A stitch in time saves nine. You can drive the Z 9/10 days in winter. But if there's more than 1 inch of snow on the ground, you're going to have problems going up inclines and stuff.

Octopussy

9/10 days sounds bearable to me. The roads here in Mississauga aren't all that bad during the winter. We got lots of snow and ice this time, but surprisingly my FWD Acura coped with it very well.

So just to clarify, using the Z as a daily driver shouldn't give me any problems as long as I've addressed the common faults, right?

The Brickyard Rat

iTrader: (1)

It will be fine. Generally, the Z has been quite reliable. Consumer reports gives the 350 good marks. The engine is bullett proof as is, for most years, the tranny.

You will need winter tires; Blizzaks are most common.

maroli

FWD would of course handle the snow better, it has the weight of the engine over the driven wheels! But yeah, just make sure you address the common faults like tire feathering, rear axle lubrication, so on. But every car has common issues, like I said, its just minor things. As long as you can take a cab the days it snows hard, you're good.

JjL

iTrader: (8)

only thing i worry about driving a 350z in winter is people hitting me as there are a lot of stupid drivers out there that can't handle their cars.

choosing a car is like choosing a girl. you go for looks, performance,reliablity and to make it a keeper whatever its bad habbits/flaws are and it doesnt bug you then your fine.

the car itself is reliable just make sure the driver is reliable. and during winter time only guys like to stare while your driving for some reason. dick magnet in winter panty dropper in summer thats why a lot of 350z are stored in winter and the salt rusting the car issue also lol.

Octopussy

The drivers around Mississauga are pretty cautious. It's a different story once you're in downtown Toronto, though. That place is full of fat minivan drivers that always end up sliding into you at the lights.

As for the winter rusting, one of my friends had something done to his new car to prevent that from happening, so maybe I'll look into that with my mechanic. It cost him a lot, but I think it's worth it.

maroli

Are you referring to undercoating or the electronic box? The undercoating is good, better than oilspraying, but Ziebart won't do it unless the car is relatively new. As for the box, forget about it, lol.

Reality350

iTrader: (25)

You are planning to drive the z to school??

FYI - Dent Dr is located in North York...

Octopussy

What's with Dent Dr? And yeah, I'm going to be driving it to university every day. It's pretty peaceful around the campus, so I'm not concerned about vandalism.

His car was brand new, so I think he went for the Ziebart protection. The electronic rust prevention thing is just a gimmick; it doesn't do ***** for the car unless you're driving submerged in salty water.

Reality350

iTrader: (25)

Famous last words!... just remember to park away from the crowds...

jasonintoronto

i've found my 350z to be extremely reliable, and it's the first model year too. it went five years without a SINGLE problem. only last summer did i have a problem with my driver side window and that was fixed without much hassle.

by the time my audi hit 4 years old, i was spending 2k on repairs a year.

Reality350

iTrader: (25)

You were quite lucky with your '03 track... Many others were not so fortunate.

But overall, the z is very reliable..

somebody

iTrader: (11)

my 03 has been bulletproof.....snow, rain & track days in summer......no problems.

Sleepy79

what year is the acura? personally i'd just run that into the ground.

Octopussy

It's a 97 2.2CL. It doesn't have much value left now, so I guess I'll just keep it to do all my dirty work. Also, I've always wanted to be rally driver, so maybe I'll take it down to the countryside some day during the summer and pretend that I'm Colin McRae.

Sleepy79

Not trying to sway you away from a new car or nothing. Plus I do not know your $ situation other than you are a student but there is no reason to go into debt for an impulse buy if that is what this is.

If you are not mechanically inclined brake jobs can be costly, or even replacing a door window motor.

If I am not mistaken you will want to be looking for a 2004.5 or newer (these have side knee rests on the center console)

Octopussy

I've persuaded my dad to help me pay for the car. I'm pretty sure that I'll be able to pay for any repairs out of my own wallet.

jasonintoronto

my car is for sale

cbr350Z

06 z and g35 coupes have problem with engine (burning oil) , i m on my 2nd engine 34000k ,got it done under warranty