James Junior

I have recently taken delivery of a 370z which I bought unseen from a trader at the other end of the country, as a good mate was able to inspect it on my behalf. The car was delivered to me last week and is a 2011 GT with auto box. One thing I noticed in one of the pictures in the original advert was that the exhaust was red inside the tail pipes which I thought was odd. See below: I asked the trader about it before putting my deposit down, enquiring as to whether it was perhaps an aftermarket exhaust. However, he said not and that it was totally standard. He suggested it must be metal the polish that they had used on the exhaust and that it would disappear after a hundred miles or so. Well, I have now covered a few hundred miles in the car and its still red. I took a closer look tonight and it's like the inside of the tailpipe has been painted red. Very strange. I have no reason to suspect the trader was had sought to mislead me in any way - they were very good with me and the car is in outstanding condition all round, just as they described it. The car drives really smoothly and doesn't sound like it has a sports exhaust fitted as it is pretty quiet, even under load. I did test drive another car more local to me before I bought this one. The other car I test drove was a 2009 manual and I seem to remember it sounding a bit more course....somehow more...industrial, if that makes sense?! Though maybe my mind and memory are playing tricks on me. So overall, I have no complaints to how the car drives or sounds and the red exhaust tips are nothing more than a curiosity. I will be booking it in with Mitz shortly to have a Cobra system fitted, as I would like a little more aural drama when pressing on and this was always my plan, as the rather dull standard exhaust note is a frequent comment from owners. Before I change ther exhaust however, I am still intruiged by the mystery of the red exhaust! I have taken some more pictures tonight which are below. Can anyone elighten me? All input/ hypotheses/ conspiracy theories welcome!

Hi guys, I am keen to get to work tweaking my new Zed. Being a worshiper at the altar of OEM+ don't expect anything revolutionary, just a few subtle tweaks, many of which I am sure have been done by others many times before. Firstly I want to get my fangs and rear diffuser painted in black, whilst I also wish to have the roof vinyl wrapped in black. My initial thought was to have all three wrapped, however research indicated that the fangs and diffuser don't take well to wrapping given their shape and proximity to the road. So, my local bodyshop have offered to paint the fangs and diffuser for £150 which I didn't think was too bad at all. Questions is; gloss black or matt black?! My initial thought was to go matt black, as this would match with the matt black radiator grill and lower front bumper protector. However, i also wondered if it would look a bit more striking if I had the fangs, radiator grill and rear diffuser painted in gloss black, which would then be a better match to the roof. So I guess I thought I would throw it out there and see what others have done and if any more enlightened souls than I, have opinions or views they would care to share. Whaddaya reckon people?

Not noticed any flat spots on mine, but will keep an eye out now you have mentioned it. Would have been up for a remap, but it adds about 30% to my insurance premium with my current insurer, so not really worth it. Also I am due in court for a speeding offence in June, which will either result in me picking up 6 points or a short term ban, so would prefer to await the outcome of that first. They did agree to add a sports exhaust and spacers without charge though, so have carte blanche to sort those out in the meantime.

To me the seats feel so cheap and flimsy and about twenty years out of date. The way that the whole seat back flexes if you push your head against the head rest is driving me nuts. I will try some more seat adjustment to see if I can improve things at all in the short-term. I emailed Recaro's main agent today asking for some prices and guidance so will see what they say. Just got back from a business trip to Sheffield and very much enjoyed myself on Snake Pass (despite my growing seat-hatred). Still getting used to the fact that I sit in the centre of the car, as in my old Z4 I was virtually sat over the rear axle. Loving the way the 370 corners - very flat and assured, with loads of mid range torque as you open the throttle whilst exiting corners.

Just spent some time researching. Looks like Nismo seats are the best option based on a quick recce. Check out these bad boys: Might approach Nissan and see how much a pair would cost. Bracing for impact.

Also I must say the condition of this thing is absolutely incredible - it genuinely feels like a new car. I cannot find a single mark on the wheels, the bodywork or the interior and everything gleams and feels totally box-fresh. Petrol cap looking a different colour in the photo is definitley just a trick of the light, the car is simply immaculate. Think I have got myself a minter. Right then, off to look at replacement seat options...

Having been initially a bit disappointed in daily driving there was only one thing for it. Time to take it for a blast on a 'proper' road. Fortunately I live on the edge of the Peak District, so set off for a late evening blast over Woodhead Pass with Kirstie in tow, I have driven a lot of quick cars over the years, but never have I driven a car that is so transformed once on the open road. As soon as the road opened out I slipped it into full manual mode and within a couple of corners everything fell into place and I was having an absolute blast. Whilst the paddles being mounted on the steering column initially seems restrictive, they soon start to become easier to use with some familiarity. They are quite long and tactile, so you can actually still use them with a reasonable amount of lock dialled in and the wide spread of mid range means you don't need to be too prescriptive with your gears changes to make good progress. Out on the open road the fat torque curve feels wonderous as you thunder out of bends onto the straights, whilst the brakes feel like they could stop a train, especially when combined with a bit of gear braking as you drop down a cog or two ahead of the next turn. Once you choose your line and move to half throttle the car adopts a lovely neutral stance and feels so nicely balanced, cornering really flat. It all inspires huge confidence and on a clear road allows you to make very satisfying progress. I am totally hooked and have now bonded with the car. ALL IS FORGIVEN!!! Well...except the seats - they're still absolute crap.

Hi guys, I was excited to take delivery of a nice low mileage 370Z auto this morning. I have spent the day driving it in a mixture of conditions in between meetings and to and from the office and first impressions overall are mixed. + Love the look of the car - much better looking the flesh than in pictures + It seems to strike a nice balance between a firm but composed suspension set up + It picks its heels up once you wind it up and its very easy to carry excessive speed without realising it (not entirely sure that is a plus actually!) + Its nice to have heated seats again + The Bose stereo seems pretty decent + I cannot get away from the fact that it is a LOT of car and tech for the money + It feels surprisingly small on the road However... - The seats are absolute crap - they remind me of the seats in my old nineties Jap imports and an old Honda Logo we once had in the household. They are really uncomfortable, flimsy and too small. The Astra hire car I just gave back to Enterprise was better than this. - The quality of the interior trim is poor - brittle, cheap plastic everywhere and nasty looking switchgear. The stereo fascia, dials and fuel gauge look like they were all pieced together from different cars. - The steering feels a bit disconnected from the car somehow - it feels dead around the centre, then very quick to react as you turn in. - The auto box is very slow witted and it feels like it has one gear too many to choose from. Give it full throttle and it thinks about a change, then seems to select one gear too high so you are out of the power band and have to wind it up for a second or two before you get the surge of power you require. Yet reach a step further into the overdrive and it lurches into a low gear and breaks traction even in the dry. - The paddles do not turn with the wheel making them unpleasant to use. - You therefore feel like your have a load of power that you cannot access in the way you would like. Now clearly there are some caveats here - firstly that I have only covered a few miles so far and most of that at a leisurely pace in traffic so only just beginning to scratch the surface and get to know the car. Also I made the bold move of buying the car at a distance which I have never done before, relying on a trusted friend to test drive it and inspect it for me as it was miles away. I did test drove a 370 locally, but could only find a manual within a reasonable distance. I really liked the drive and somehow did not seem to notice the interior quality on my test drive, maybe because it was a fairly brief drive and I was focussing more on the road. Today meanwhile I have had some proper time in the car, much of which has been sitting around in city traffic. Having a lot of love for the auto/ paddles box in my outgoing Z4 Coupe, I assumed I would like the more modern auto box in the Big Zed. I also naively assumed the paddles rotated with the wheels like most other paddleshifters I have driven. So I only have myself to blame for making assumptions without test driving an auto before I bought, but there had just been none in my local area for the past few weeks which made it difficult. I am not discouraged however - I am sure a lot of it is just about learning how to drive it to get the best from it. So anyway, those are my initial musings. I'll post again once I have spent some wheel time on clearer roads this evening once the traffic has died down. In the meantime I would be interested to hear what your first impressions were of your cars and how your relationships have evolved, especialliy auto drivers. Also here are a few pics of its arrival from this morning - better ones will follow!

Hi all, Going to move over to the 'general' forum to set up a thread about first impressions - would be interested in your views as current owners. Regards James

Its because she's got fire in her belly! I did ask the vendor about that as it looked unusual, wondering if it was an aftermarket exhaust. He suggested not and said it was a residue from the metal polish they use on exhausts, that should disappear after a few miles.

A little sneak preview for now...

Thanks for the welcome party - that was quick! I will be sure to post some pics up soon. Its not very exciting to look at yet though - just another bog standard grey Zed! Humpy - don't worry, I'm already on it like a........ Mitz - as discussed I will arrange a visit soon so we can make a few improvements.

Hi chaps and chapesses, I have been hovering around the forum on and off for a while now and have nearly bought both a 350z and 370z on previous occasions, though never quite took the plunge. I thought it time I introduced myself properly, as I am expecting a rather lovely low mileage 370z to be delivered to my home around 6:45am tomorrow morning, so will finally be a Big Zed owner! I am sure my neighbors will be delighted with their V6 wake up call. I am coming from a Z4 Coupe with a very nice fast road set up. Although the basic concept is the same as the 370z, the cars drive very differently indeed. My outgoing Z4 was all about responsiveness and finesse. From the throttle response, to the exhaust note, to the handling, everything felt scalpel sharp and finely balanced. It was super economical too. However, it was getting a little long in the tooth and I craved something new, with a few more modern gadgets and a little more power. The 370z seemed to tick all the boxes whilst screaming great value compared to the other cars on my potential list, so I have finally taken the plunge. Whilst I only have a brief test drive under my belt, the 370z feels totally different in character to my Z4 Coupe. The engine feels so industrial and raw. It seems almost sluggish to rev by comparison, yet reaching with your foot into the deep throttle pedal, you get a lovely sense of drawing from a deep reservoir of power. Everything feels burly and beefy as you rumble up the road. I imagine the grumbly V6 will make a great every day companion that's as nice to waft around in as it is to open up when the road permits. Suffice to say, I am very excited to be finally experiencing Big Zed ownership. As a serial modifier I have already put a mod list together and have been in discussion with CougarSport about booking in soon. I also love being a part of owners forums, so look forward to chatting cars and getting to know some of you better over the weeks and months to come. I think I am going to enjoy this...

Hi guys, I am on the lookout for a new car and quite fancied a GT Edition Z. I noticed that a silver one has come up near me. However, I am scratching my head because as far as I know the GT Editions only came in black and white. This silver one has the GT Edition decals down the sills but has 'normal' silver wheels. Could it be real, or just a normal silver car with the decals added afterwards do you think? I normally hate silver cars, but actually think it looks quite well. Would look even nicer with a few bits wrapped in black to contrast. I am no Z offionado so can any of you crafty veterans give me a steer? http://www.autotrade...matic?logcode=p

Hi guys, I am a noob looking for some commentary from 370z auto drivers please. I currently run a Z4 Coupe as a daily with an auto box and paddles. It is a fantastic car - quick, frugal (for a 3.0) and handles beautifully, especially after a few suspension mods. I went auto due to a knee injury and wouldn't go back to a manual now for my daily, even though I have healed enough to drive one. Besides, I am fortunate enough to have an old Alfa V6 with a manual box as a second car for when the mood takes me to go old school. A lot of purists (luddites?!) deride paddleshift autos in all their forms, but for me I find an auto with paddles the perfect combo for a performance car in daily use. Relaxed around town in full auto, but totally engaging on a good back road when in full manual mode. Anyway, I have been looking to change my Z4 for something a little more modern as I am craving a few more mod cons (heated seats and bluetooth) plus a little more power. A 370z looks like the perfect candidate. I have been scouring the net for info about the auto but not really found much, so wondered if current owners could give me some feedback? How good is the auto? When in manual mode how snappy are the shifts? Can you put it in full manual so that the auto doesn't interfere? Does the synchro rev feature work with the auto box too? Also what sort of MPGs are people getting around town in auto? Any comments from current owners both good and bad would be really appreciated. Obviously a test drive is needed, but there aren't many autos around and none anywhere near me at the moment. I am already sizing up wheel spacers, springs and a new exhaust system and I haven't even bought the car yet... Must be craving a new project more than I realised!

Yeah totally - people's jealousy gets the better of them in most cases...

Thanks guys - good feedback!

Thanks guys, My girlfriend plays the cello and is thinking of selling her banger and just sharing my car so might have to take her cello to a dealership this weekend! She currently drives a Nissan Micra 1.0 so this will be a bit of a step up for her! Good news about the cats - had to fit them into the MR2 this morning to go to the vest and it was a struggle. Grandparents - yeah I guess getting them out is the big issue here! My grandfather isn't too mobile and I wouldn't risk trying to get him into the MR2. Hopefully the Zed is a bit better as I would love to be able to take him out in it.

Does anyone have experience of getting the following items in and out of their 350Z? 1) Cello (boot looks pretty big though unsure whether the roll bar would get in the way) 2) Cat carriers x 2 3) Elderly grandparents (is the car too low for access?)

Wow thanks everyone – great response with some very useful feedback. Marzman - I'm with you on that regarding JDM's and road tax. Of course there is nothing to stop our government changing legislation but at least in the short term it would provide some relief. Had a few JDM's in my time and don't have any problem with them. Bonzai cars once provided me with a comprehensive list of the different JDM specs. Can anyone point me in the right direction? If getting an import I would want it to be the same spec as the UK GT model. Do you have to run them on Shell Optimax etc? Does this also apply to the UK cars? I run my MR2 Turbo on high grade only which of course adds you a further 10% onto your running costs… Chris - yeah I test drove one last summer as I was considering one back then. It was a UK car at a dealer. Great quality interior and general feel, though felt a bit slow compared to the MR2 turbo I had at the time, and I seem to remember visibility being a little restrictive. Was impressed overall though – I was left feeling it was more of a cruiser than an out and out performance car. Will have to go to my local dealer on the weekend to get a decent drive of one again to refresh my memory and check out the average mileage reading on the trip computer. Charlie - thanks for that, I had clean forgotten about the drop to 25p after 10,000 miles! Lets hope after all the fuel price inflation the government upwardly revise the mileage allowances in April as its about time! ADNCD - I see your point but don't think the Z is too flash really. Its not exactly an ostentatious car I don’t think and the badge doesn’t shout ‘pretentious’. I have erred away from some flashier cars such as junior Porkers as I don’t think they give the right image but reckon the Zed would be okay. At the end of the day you can’t please everyone. We have some clients who would feel a bit negatively about an adviser turning up in a flash cars whilst others would expect it and not take your seriously unless you turn up in a decent motor. I don’t think I’ll be slamming the car on 19’s with a Veilside kit though… Murdoch - thats an idea I'd not thought of (I didn't know there was a diesel SLK) but aren't they in the high teens/ low twenties in terms of prices? M13KYF - Naturally i am just doing my homework so I can gather some accurate data to take away and work my magic with... Manufacturer's data and Parkers etc can't tell you as good a story about what a car is really like as enthusiastic owners! Thanks for all your feedback guys.

Sorry - I should have explained my circumstances better. Its not literally a company car. Rather than offering company cars my emplyer adjusts our basic salary's to provide what they feel is adequate room for us to self fund our own privately owned cars. Hence I will be buying and running it from my own pocket (including the tax unfoirtunately) though able to claim back 40p for every business mile. I was hoping to spend around £10k on my new motor as I don't want to take on to big a liability until I've bedded in with my new job. Then hopefully I can trade up to something like and M3, A5 etc which i agree are more civilised and practical. What do you think guys? (sorry for not being clear in the original post)

Hi, I am shortly qualifying as a financial adviser and in need of something a little more presentable than my current vehicle for seeing clients. I love my fast cars and currently own a mint yellow late plate MR2 turbo. Depite being a blast to drive it is far from suitable as a company motor for my new vocation however! I had discounted the 350Z despite wanting one since they were released, as the fuel consumption just seems too heavy plus you get raped by Gordon Clown's new road tax travesty. I am not far from purchasing an Alfa GT JTD being drawn to the sleek looks, nice economy and reasonable performance. However, some baaarstard left a copy of Autocar in my reception today and on thumbing through I found an article about top rated second hand performance cars. They were waxing lyrical about the Big Zed and it started my mind working again... Does anyone drive their 350Z as a company car? I would be doing between 15k - 20k a year on 40p per business mile. Autocar reckoned 28 mpg was achievable on long runs but your FAQ's indicate more like 20! Any constructive feedback other than the obligatory '350Z rocks!!!!!' dry humping would be really appreciated. Would it be daft to use such a thirsty beast as a workhorse (albeit a very desirable one)? Kind Regards JJ

I do agree that the Roadster looks a bit wrong with the roof up but on a sunny day there is nothing more glorious than having the sun on your face and no roof above your head! I may yet change my mind and settle for a coupe, though having not seen the roadster in the flesh yet I am in no position to make an informed decision. Jacko - thanks, I may take you up on that offer yet. My only test drive of a Z coupe was with a Nissan salesperson sat in the passenger seat, would be nice to take a passneger ride with you so you could show me what the car can really do. Dan - thanks mate, I might come and pay you a visit after the 14th then if its not too much trouble. Would be nice to take a closer look. Is there a major performance difference between the two cars? Does the roadster suffer from loss of torque? Evo state the rag top to be around a second slower 0-60 if I remember correctly?

Morning! As some of you are aware I am gearing up to purchase my first Z. I was looking at the coupe initially but on driving to work yesterday morning with my T-bar roof off in the MR2 with a grin on my face all the way, I began to have concerns about buying a hard top. I am comfortable wih my sexuality and thick skinned enough to weather the 'hairdresser' comments so this is a viable option for me I think. So I have a request to any Roadster owners out there in the Manchester area:- Fancy meeting with me somewhere and showing off your car? I often drive Snakes pass and Woodhead pass in the MR2 - if anyone fancies a drive up that neck of the woods this weekend and would care to meet me there, I'll throw in a free lunch at the Snake Pass pub (or whatever its called) plus the opportunity to have a play in my frankly slightly bonkers MR2 turbo. Please PM me if interested - cheers JJ

Thanks for all of your feedback - thats really useful. I imported my MR2 Turbo through a great guy in Leeds - maybe I'll go back to him and see if he can find me a Z...