shyguy16

not unheard of. checking over at 370z forums, guys that know how to haggle are getting it for under msrp and some even close to invoice.

rdgdawg

Audi's currently offering extended to 100K for $600.00, no cost if you lease...

mmarshall

Thanks, Russ.....I wasn't aware of it. Sounds like a fairly good deal, but why would leasing be a factor?....I don't get that. Most lease deals are for 2-4 years, at 10,000-15,000 miles a year. You wouldn't be anywhere near 100K miles on a lease.

mmarshall

In the sense I was using it, it IS very unusual. I was refering to the 370's present introduction, and the fact that some dealerships are letting them go for less than list...as you yourself note from the 370Z forums.

But that was not the case with many previous new 2-seaters. When the Mazda RX-7 was introduced in 1978, Honda CRX in 1984, Mazda Miata in 1989, Ford Thunderbird in 2001, the 350Z a year later, and the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky in 2006, all of them except the Sky brought, in general, big mark-ups over list when they were new. The only exception was the Sky, because Saturn policy did not allow mark-ups...they had to be sold only a list. But, even then, Saturn retailers were adding factory-approved acccessories to bump the prices up, legally.

So, to see a brand new two-seater sports car like the 370Z debut with many deals under list, as far as I'm concerned, IS quite unusual.

bagwell

"Take the plastic covers off the engine, battery, and reservoirs, and toss them in the trash where they belong"

the battery cover is there for a reason....did you know that a clean battery lasts much longer than a dirty one? also keeping it away from the heat of the motor helps (better yet would be in the hatch area to give better weight dist).

I just changed the battery in my son's 350Z...lasted from 2004 until Jan 2009.


I like the trailer hitch.....

mmarshall

Nope. I disagree. If the battery is uncovered, you will see the corrosion and white powder building up on the terminals and be more likely to either clean it off yourself or have the shop do it. and, as far as heat is concerned, a battery (to an point) works better, and is more efficient, if it is warm or hot.

That is why battery strength is measured in what is called CCA....Cold Cranking Amps. CCA's are tested, and measured, at 0 degrees F, to determine the battery's suitability for winter starts. As it warms up, CCA's increase, and the battery accepts a charge more efficiently....to a point.

Putting the battery in the rear is something that you see for two main reasons....either for weight balance and handling, of because the hood compartment is just too stuffed with other things. It does help with weight distribution, but today's batteries aren't that heavy to start with, so it isn't that big a deal, and, of course, it requires L-O-N-G battery cables that be very difficult to replace, if necessary.

mmarshall

Did you have any trouble with uneven tire wear, bad alignments, and high road noise? The 350Z was notorious for that, especially for the first couple of years....Nissan did a lot of work under warranty.

I'm not saying it was a bad car (and, of course, it was fun to drive), but it was not well-developed before Nissan first released it. It also had some flimsy parts inside, especially on the dash. Road and Track and Car and Driver magazines both had problems with their long-term test 350Zs.

bagwell

zero tire trouble in 40+K miles, still on its 2nd set of tires. Most sporty cars will have road noise...its not excessive IMO.

I had its 6 spd tranny replaced once...and this one grinds occasionally going into 5th.

BTW -- my point about car batteries is that they will last longer at room temp then at 120°F+ which is normal under the hood temps, so keeping them isolated from the engine and dirt prolongs their life -- simply wiping off the top and sides of the battery will prolong batt life as well.

GS300Rich

great review, mmarshall, thanks for taking the time spent on such a comprehensive writeup

madmax2k1

Have you read about the economy lately? Every car manufacturer is having a tough time moving vehicles; even the mighty Nissan GTR can be had without any markup.

I do applaud Nissan for persevering with the Z and bringing along the GTR to the US; they are the only Japanese manufacturer that is offering vehicles that do not put you in a coma while driving (along with the EVO and the STI).

If I was in the market for a sports car right now, the Z would be first on my list even if I could afford a Cayman or a Corvette.

Gojirra99

Very nicely written review as usual, marshall Thanks

I will have to go look at one, haven't seen it in person yet.

rdgdawg

Scratched my head a bit on that as well Mike, not a factor for me as I intend to buy outright... maybe for lease end, as you can resell it/tranferable???

mmarshall

Sure. Anytime. Next planned ones coming up are the Audi Q5 and 2010 Lexus RX350.


I'm sure there are Nissan dealerships (and car shows) in your Seattle-Vancouver area, but I'm not sure if the 370Z is offered in Canada.

mmarshall

Thanks.

Since I retired from my regular job, I now consider that my "work".

mmarshall

Yes, no doubt the economy is a factor. I didn't say otherwise, although my area (D.C. Metro) has traditionally been strongly resistant to recessions because of all the government people here and steady jobs. Dealerships can sometimes sell here where they can nowhere else (except maybe SoCal)

In a coma while driving? Sorry....I don't follow you on that one, especially with the Evo and STI, unless you are talking about the stiff, noisy rides those two cars have that tends to keep you awake.

You could do a lot worse for the money, though the Corvette's torque blows it away at low RPM's. Base Corvettes can be had in today's market in the low-mid 40s....I saw one recently for 41K.