Hey everyone! I took delivery of a shiny new 2007 Grand Touring 350Z yesterday, and I've pretty much been smiling non-stop ever since! It's a beautifully bad *** car.

I've been lurking here on and off for nearly a year now while researching the Z. I really want to thank everyone for the informative and insightful (and entertaining!) posts. I've learned so much from you guys, and I'm glad to be part of this Z community.

Specs: 6MT Coupe, Magnetic Black w/ Charcoal interior, Navigation, Side Air Bags, Kick Plates, Splash Guards, Floor/Trunk Mats and Cargo gear.

3M Clear Bra is going on it next week.


Fun facts:

• I'm 28, but this is actually my first car! I've been planning this purchase for a year now.
  
• Deciding between colors was hard, but I love Z in black. Originally I planned to get San Marino Blue, though. So many great colors!
  
• I plan on keeping it mostly stock which is the main reason I opted for the Grand Touring trim.
  
• BUT, I admit I'm tempted by tint, side skirts, lowering, etc. How long will I be able to fight the urge?
  
• I've only driven MT vehicles a few times before buying this 6MT Z, and I'd never driven RWD before.
  
• Only 120 miles on the car so far, mostly parking lot miles (see above.) How long is the break-in period, again?
  
• I stocked up on Zaino and some other detailing products before buying this Z because apparently, MB doesn't stay shiny long!
  
• My wife has a 1999 Civic which is my only real basis for comparision: Umm, the Z is a beast!
  
• Yes, I actually like the hood hump; it really looks great at most angles. Of course the older hood looks awesome, too.
  
• Four months of dealership drama before finally getting my Z. There's a whole story here that I'll post later. At least you know it has a happy ending -- I love this car.

 

Wow! Nice car. Sounds like you have been very involved in the acquisition process. I smile everytime I see that yellow, perfectly placed dipstick.

 

Yup, looks good! Congrats!

 

congrats...looks really good..

 

Thanks for the props, guys!


I had a few random (newb) questions that I'm just going to throw out there in case anyone can help:


* Is there a way to pop the rear hatch open from inside the vehicle? I searched the owner's manual and forum and didn't find any clear information. I'm guessing there is not.

* For owners of cars with a Clear Bra installed: Should I wax the vehicle before having the protection film installed? My understanding is that you can wax the film afterwards since it behaves similar to the clearcoat on the vehicle, but would it hurt to do a fresh Zaino pass before they install it?

* Has anyone successfully hooked up an iPod directly to the Z's stock (Bose) stereo? (Not FM transmitter.) Ideally, I'd like it to be able to charge the iPod and enable the steering wheel audio controls to skip tracks, etc. I haven't found any solid solutions while searching so far. Any recommendations would be great.

 

As for the hatch, yes. Near the tower brace bar, there is a cable. Really, it's only if you should get stuck in there for what ever reason. The best way is to use the remote.

As for the Clear Bra, do not wax before the installation! The wax, over time will turn the bra yellowish. The BEST thing to do is to clay bar the front and wash it really, really good after the claybar and before installing a clear bra. Once installed, you SHOULD wax OVER the bra often. It helps the adhesive and further camoflauges the clear bra into your finish.

Hope this helps.

 

damn nice car amn! so how much did you end up paying for it. if u dont mind me asking?

 

Actually I use to install Clear Bras for 3m. And Waxing before is a requirement and afterwards. 3M bras will turn yellow anyways due to the sun. They always have. It shows mostly on light colored cars. On Dark colored ones its fine. The best bra's to stay with are not 3m. Like Ventureshield, Lumar and a few others are out there. They don't have the issue of turning yellow.

 

CongratZ on the MB.

 

For opening the hatch - I think there's a little thing you can pull under the big strut brace in the rear. It's hard to find, but it's there.


For the iPod - the USA-Spec product does exactly what you want, and will probably work with the 2007 Bose system, but I'd verify. I know it works with 2003-2006. See this URL: http://tinyurl.com/ywscat


Congrats... learn the Zaino, you'll need it to keep that black looking good And get several coats on it soon, to prevent swirl marks -- they're more visible on black paint.

 

awesome car

 

The USA-Spec device does work on the '07. I have it installed and I love it. It will take you about 2 hours. The hardest part is taking the dash apart.

 

Hmm.. about the Clear Bra, it seems like people have pretty conflicting opinions about whether or not you should apply polish or wax before it gets installed. I searched the forums and didn't find any concrete info. The company that's going to be applying mine recommended to Wash, Clay and Polish/Wax appropriately before bringing it in. In my case, the car has barely been driven so there's no reason to use the Clay. The paint is pristine! But I'm still torn about the wax/polish -- leaning toward doing it, though.

Awesome info about the IPod hookup, thanks so much for that. I admit I'm intimidated by taking the dash apart, but I'll figure it out. It looks like there's some good tutorials, at least!

 

nice car..i bought my 06 in nov...i should have waited for the new dipstick.lol

 

I find it amusing how so many are at least as excited about the improved dipstick in the VQHR than the rest of the hardware. The '03-'06 dipstick must be pretty damn bad!

 

i had the 06 and trust me, the new 07 dipstick location is a vast improvement... I love the Z in black, but it gets too dirty too quickly...so i opted for white... congrats

Ted

 

congratulations man niiiice ride!

 

Beantown represent.

 

Congrats and very nice!

 

Congrats, sounds like you were a well informed buyer and community member, enjoy your new aquisition and your new community.