First, I'd like to say thanks to all of you whose posts will help me with future questions.
I finally got a convertible after wanting one for some time. The contenders were: Mazda Miata MX-5-I rented one while on a business trip and that was the end of Mazda. It was too small, too cute, had no power and was uncomfortable after 30 mins. driving. Honda S-2000-I love the way the car looks and handles, and really wanted this but the value proposition is just not there, at least I didn't find one that is worth (to me) what they're asking for it. The winner is a 2004 350Z.
This car only had 41,515 miles, a new top, rear brakes, valve cover gasket, and generally seemed to be in good working order, looks great, and drives really well, although I have to get used to the notchy shifter.
I don't mind really that my Infiniti G37 will blow this Z's doors off, the Z is great fun to drive and I finally have my topless driving experience when I want it. All-in-all, the Z pretty much fills the bill.
My first impressions are that the engine is very smooth, with instantaneous response. The car is comfortable on drives of 1-plus hours, The storage compartments are awkward but in a way, very useful (what thief would know there are compartments behind the passenger's seat but a Z-owner?). The car is a little heavy in aggressive turns but once used to it, not a problem. If fact, it's a blast on the highway working through traffic. My car came with AXIS wheels with 245/30/19 up front and 295/30/19 in back, so it maneuvers very well at speed. Yes, it has a small trunk (duh) and it has bad blind spots, especially with the top up (use mirrors) but still, for a fair weather car that I plan to put no more than 4-5K miles per year on, it's great! The car's sweet spot (RPM-wise) seems to be around 3000, and that's where I drive it when I think I may need a burst of acceleration. I get around 19.5 mpg overall and last night 29.1 mpg (67 mph average speed), so no complaints.
Over-all, this is a fun little "second" car. It's waaaaaaaaaaaay too impractical (for me) as a DD but for it's purpose as a sunny day runabout, it's nearly perfect.
Now, on to figuring out the fix to a trunk lid that doesn't pop open. I stretched the springs and that didn't help. I guess it's time to fork over the $163-plus that Nissan wants for the trunk assist struts, or stays, depending on the website.
Again, to all of you whose knowledge of this car far surpasses mine, thanks in advance for the help that your experience will be to me. For those of you thinking on buying a car for the same reason I did (fun, fair weather convertible) the Z is a good choice, just make sure you do your homework first so you minimize any major post-purchase surprises.

 

Congrats on the purchase! Have any pictures?

Plan to do any mods to the Z or just leave it stock with the wheels?

As far as the hatch is concerned, not sure how much different a convertible is than a hard top but I replaced my hatch struts with Z1 high performance ones and that helped a ton. But it sounds like your issue lies more in simply getting it to pop open which makes me think you do need the bump stop/spring assist things. I never stepped up to buying some but everyone else that has gotten them has said they made a huge difference.

 

Thanks Craig. I'll post pictures once I figure out how to do so. Really have no mods planned but who wouldn't like a little FI?
I agree that I may have to replace the trunk struts but I think I'll try stretching or replacing the springs first since as you correctly point out, it just doesn't pop open.

 

Well good luck in that hunt to fix your trunk.

As far as pictures, I use imgur.com. Not sure what everyone else does but the "manage attachment" feature on this site isn't the best in my opinion. I upload pictures to imgur and then once you click on the picture there are several different ways to copy and paste it to another site on the right hand side of the page. I use the one that says "BBCode (message boards & forums)". That method always tends to work out well for me.

 

My 2004 convertible

 

Welcome and congratulations.

 

Welcome, congrats on the ZR

 

congrats!

are you going to keep the mesh grill on the front?

 

This thread may help you out with your trunk problem:
https://my350z.com/forum/maintenance...n-t-latch.html

Congrats on the new Z!

 

Thanks to all for the congrats and advice. The mesh grille has kind of grown on me so I'll probably keep it. I hope my trunk issue will be resolved with the addition of new lifters, which are on order. I'll be sure to post results so that those with similar issues know a possible fix.
As far as mods, I'm thinking the shift **** and interior wrap for now. Seems like it could be a PIA, but I'm going to try because actually, being able to remove the whole interior piece will make me better able to wrap with the 3M "carbon fiber" vinyl that another poster posted. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. I'm sure it's no surprise but the scratched up plastic will not be tolerated on an otherwise pristine car LOL.

 

Welcome to the ZR world!

 

Thank you so much

 

Welcome to the board and gratZ on the new ZR. I personally don't care for the grill, but it's clean otherwise.

Also, FI is not unreasonable for these cars if you have deep pockets. People think 4k for a cheap kit and they're set. While it MAY last, it is on a timer. Keep this in mind and visit the FI forum to find answers to your questions!

As far as the notchy shifter goes, I have read that changing the fluid helps, but a heavy and/or taller shift **** does WONDERS. I have had 7 shift ***** so I know my way around the shifter. I currently run the Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi, but I also have a 4" extender with a red ball **** that shifts great as well. I attached a couple (of my 7 total) shift ***** that I really like.

 

Hmmmm. Something to consider. Thanks!