Reader Review of the Week: 2009 Nissan 370Z

“My First Real Sports Car” from Pennsylvania traded in his Ford Mustang GT for a 2009 Nissan 370Z — a big risk that he feels paid off in full. Not only does the 370Z satisfy his need for power that can turn heads, he has a few complimentary words for its handling, as well. Read the full review after the jump, then please post your own review here.

Comments

I guess the question is - what year Mustang GT did you trade?

As to the "handles like no car I have ever driven" part, have you ever driven an RX-8?

It doesn't matter what year mustang you traded because none of them delivers the experience of a PURE sports car like the Z does. But I do admit, the mustang is a more practical car because of two extra seats. But extra seats is not even why the mustang is a bad sports car. The live rear axle is out of date and the visibility is horrendous.

You should go drive an rx8. It drives really well, but when you do this is what you are going to say, "wow, this car is so nimble and the steering response is amazing! But, oh my goodness, this car has no power!!" Seriously, the rx8 is super slow (for a sports car). Plus, rx8's fuel consumption is horrible (16/22 mpg). If a car is going to eat that much gas then its 0-60mph should be sub 5 seconds (rx8 does it in 7sec, the 370z does it in 4.7sec). Power is important, and the rx8 just does not deliver. Point is, your trade was a good one. Have fun with your Z.

Thanks for featuring the 2009 Nissan 370Z review as the Reader Review of the Week!

We're excited to read about his positive experience.

I wanted to offer information in response to his question about 16 bolts. Sixteen bolts are required to secure the underbody cover firmly so that it can accommodate aero loads and road debris kick up. Many cars have a partial cover, but the Z is more expansive to help smooth air flow and to protect the underside of the vehicle during driving. We hope this clarifies concerns.

Enjoy!

Do NOT buy a Mazda. I own an RX8.

The smart cards that are used to start the car are dead and my car is now stranded.
Mazda wants to charge me nearly $600 for a new key to start my car, which I own the title to at a price of $33,000.

Mazda will not provide me with a pin number to program a new key - which I can purchase from a key reseller for $80. They are telling me a locksmith needs to use Mazda's online system to obtain one which is fine however...

More than one locksmith has told me that they will not use the online Mazda website to purchase a pin number to program keys because one several
occassions
the pin numbers didn't work and Mazda would NOT refund them their money.

Mazda customer service is completely uncooperative and does not care. They have done nothing to help me.

I am disgusted that Mazda is charging nearly $600 to program a key that I can obtain for $80 from a reseller brand new in the packaging - and is making it nearly impossible for me to have it done by a locksmith.

I will never buy this car or any Mazda, every again.

Mazda customer service has refused to help me with my key problem.

My car is stranded and cannot be started at this point without having it towed to a Mazda dealership and spending well over $500.

Mazda is effectively preventing me from starting my car that I paid them $33,000 for without paying them another nearly $600 just for a key.

Mazda never alerted me at the time of purchase that this could be a potential issue in the future.

Not worth the money