After some debate between the Z, WRX, and S2000, I decided upon a Solar Orange '06 base model 6spd with 25k. All came down the simple fact that the S2000 was too small and girly and the WRX doesn't look mean enough, not to mention the STi option is pricey.

By far the funnest car I've ever owned, though ironically the lowest optioned. Steering's tight, picks up in a hurry, and tends to turn heads, but I'm sure everyone here is familiar with all that.

My only complaints so far:

#1 Interior Quality - As with most "non-luxury" cars, the interior materials are lacking. That quasi-painted black plastic **** is easy to scratch, and the door panel material isn't very resistant. Not to mention the the latch for the console compartment sits exactly where my elbow rests when shifting, causing it to constantly fly open. Currently looking for aftermarket options to remedy.

#2 Road Noise - With the stereo off and windows up I can barely even here my cellphone ringing over the road noise generated in the rear. Doesn't really bother me that much, but its definitely noticeable.

#3 Ground Clearance - I don't believe this is the factory bumper, and though it looks angry, its a bit of a problem when navigating messed up Houston roads. I can barely fit my foot under the front clip, much less a massive pothole or steep incline. I can't even pull it into my shop without scratching.

#4 Lack of Cruise Control - I didn't even realize the base models don't have drunk control. Its hard as hell not to speed considering the smoothness of the pedal. Glad they put the digital MPH readout, or I'd have numerous tickets by now. But I'm confused as to why there is no aftermarket CC option considering its an electronic throttle. Seriously, somebody out there needs to make something that measures dif revs, engine revs, TPS, and vac and automatically adjusts, I wouldn't even care if the pedal didn't lock so long as it kept a steady speed.

#5 Are those Speakers? - And I thought GM used low-quality drivers. I've seen tampons bigger than the magnets in the front doors, and the rears weren't much better off. That was the first order of business for me, dropping in some Alpine Type-R's 6.5"s (not fun considering it I had to space them out over an inch to clear the window) on an old V-Expert 4ch with a Pioneer USB head. Now if I can just find a box for some 10"s or 12"s that fits worth a damn. The JL Stealthbox is ideal, but I can't see spending that kind of money just for some bass.

 

Welcome to the family.

I have an 06 Base model as well. CC and all the driver assists are overrated, to me at least. I have driven her 4+ hours on a trip and really didnt find myself missing it. Is it a nice option? No doubt, but is it needed? not for me. Same thing with the driver assists VDC, TCS, blah.

The only knock I have about the base trim is the LSD. How can a rwd sports car of this caliber not come with a LSD on all trims.

Ya the interior tends to scratch up a lot and easily. My 06 has 28k and the center console cubby along with the door handles have scratches that seem to come out of nowhere.

Not sure where your road noise is coming from, maybe your tires?

Enjoy the car and post up some pics.

 

btw solar orange came on 07. lemans Sunset is the orange color for Z 06

 

CongratZ on your purchase and welcome.

Re. Cruise Control, I met a woman a few months with a base model which had cruise added to it. It was on a stalk on the left side of the steering column. She claims it works fine as she uses it all of the time.

Re. road noise, as mentioned check your tires. If they are Bridgestones that's probably the cause.

Enjoy the Ride!

 

I just got the same car as you except mine only has 17k miles and I wish it had CC also, I think this is my first that didn't have CC

 

i would definitly say the tires are causing your road noise...i had bald tires on mine when i bought it but when the dealership replaced them...it was soo quiet

 

believe it or not i was deciding between a 350 and Wrx.

You made the right choice!! i was considering the wrx because i didnt have much money at the time, hands down wouldve chose the Z but just couldnt come up with the funds....

as to interior - deal with it, its not a honda, but its not a kia. looks futuristic and cool, but has that not as good as toyota feel. who cares....

road noise - tires bro...it all comes down to that....and wheel camber/toe. my 03 has a camber issue that is notorious with the 03/04s, and it somewhat carried onto the later years. its a sports car....if you wanted quiet then get a G35 (but you're smarter that that....)

ground clearance - get used to it, i have stock ride height and i still have to go sideways into parking lots. like i said, its a sports car, get used to it.

cruise control - ???...wtf...????...really???....its a sports car.....ahem....

congrats on the Z! have fun, welcome to the brotherhood!

 

forgot to say that i came across a deal for the 350z, so i bought it.

and about the speakers, i dont have the bose, and bro, i wish i did. wow, the base speakers really suck. they are embarrassing when i have passengers....might as well not even have that rear speaker addition to the brace.....

new speakers are on the list of my to do's, but are on the very bottom of the list. GO b4 SHOW

 

The tires are Federal Super Steel S95, whatever that means. I don't know anything about tires, maybe someone can recommend me something.

The whole reason I picked this particular car is because the only listed problem with it was the fact that the stereo was missing and it just so happens that I run a stereo shop for a living. Kinda like it had my name on it or something.

 

Welcome to the forum Neo. Lovely looking LMS you've got there, there's a section in the "colours" sub-forum for our colour Z.

The noise your talking of, as suggested could be the alignment, and average tyre, one or both. Have a look at the inside shoulder of your tyres.

 

Congrats on the car, looks nice.

 

congrats. I got a new 06 as well several days ago.

 

that doesnt look like a stock front bumper

 

Looks like a Nismo V1 bumper

 

Looks like it.

 

Ya thats a nismo v1 for sure. Looks so much better than the zenki/kouki fronts.

 

Better check the OIL and maybe read up on the oil consumption on that year model!

 

WTF is a Nismo V1?

 

Your front bumper. That is not a stock front bumper for the 350z.

Dont be worried cuz that **** looks a hell of a lot better than the oem front bumper imho.

 

I had the similar problem with the road noise but mine was in the front and I noticed that the tires were worn pretty low. One i got them replaced the noise went away and it was actually pretty quiet inside the car. In seeing that it is a rear wheel drive car and that we have low profile tires in which no manufacture will give us a decent warrenty, probably means the previsous owner or dealership probably had some fun with the car. I would check your tire wear... Oh and welcome to the club.