Anyone own a 370Z Convertible?

[Fritzo]

I'm in the market for a roadster. Been shopping for one for 2 years now, but I'm one of those "I gotta make sure everything is paid off before I buy a toy" people and things keep popping up 🙂

Anyway, I was dead-set on a Porsche Boxster S - somewhere in the 2005-2007 range. In another tread, I saw mention of a 370Z and did some checking. The 370Z is in the same price range for a 2010-2011 model, and it looks like they have similar performance (though I'm sure the handling and transmission isn't as refined as the Boxster).

Size is an issue here, as I'm 6'4" and a Boxster or a Corvette are about the only 2-seaters I can fit in. How is the space in a 370Z? I know the interior is nicer than a Boxster, but is it as much fun to drive? The reviews I've seen either love it to death or say "Get the Porsche, it doesn't compete." Any owners here than can chime in?

 

[Cuda1447]

I haven't owned a 370z convertible, but I did own a 350z convertible and have driven the 370z.

I freaking love the Z's. They are without a doubt my favorite car. I was in the same boat as you, thinking about getting a Boxter when I was looking for a 'vert. I decided on the 350 in large part due to it being newer and much cheaper on maintenance. I'm 5'10" so I have no problem getting in the thing, but my dad is a bigger guy at 6'2" and when I let him sit in it it looked like he was having a hard time. They are pretty small cars in terms of head room.

In terms of driving, they are an incredible amount of fun. Very agile and quick. Pretty good low end torque for off the line fun and in the corners they are a blast. I've heard the Boxster is excellent to drive though too, so its hard to compare. I just know that I loved my Z and am planning on getting a 370.

I will warn you about one thing though. The road noise is pretty loud. My 350 'vert started to get little tears in the top and it became extremely annoying and loud. I don't think I'll ever buy a convertible again. They are just a pain in the ass it seems. I also think the hard tops look a lot better.

Great car though.

 

[Fritzo]

I haven't owned a 370z convertible, but I did own a 350z convertible and have driven the 370z.

I freaking love the Z's. They are without a doubt my favorite car. I was in the same boat as you, thinking about getting a Boxter when I was looking for a 'vert. I decided on the 350 in large part due to it being newer and much cheaper on maintenance. I'm 5'10" so I have no problem getting in the thing, but my dad is a bigger guy at 6'2" and when I let him sit in it it looked like he was having a hard time. They are pretty small cars in terms of head room.

In terms of driving, they are an incredible amount of fun. Very agile and quick. Pretty good low end torque for off the line fun and in the corners they are a blast. I've heard the Boxster is excellent to drive though too, so its hard to compare. I just know that I loved my Z and am planning on getting a 370.

I will warn you about one thing though. The road noise is pretty loud. My 350 'vert started to get little tears in the top and it became extremely annoying and loud. I don't think I'll ever buy a convertible again. They are just a pain in the ass it seems. I also think the hard tops look a lot better.

Great car though.

The 370Z is a completely different car that the 350. Apparently they designed the 370 from the ground-up to be a convertible, where on the 350 is was an afterthought (which explains it's weird shape). I read that the 370 doesn't have an adjustable steering wheel though, so I wonder if I'm going to be able to get in it or not.

Local dealer has them on backorder, so I can't try one out 🙁

 

[manimal]

While the 370 has improved its behind a Boxster S in handling and balance and feel. The Porsches precise turn in and immediate response of the suspension to uneven terrain make them some of the easiest cars to drive fast on the market.
The 350 to me felt uncomfortable at cornering speeds if the suspension wasn't completely set before turn in. It feels heavy in corners as well with a uneven give when traction was lost.

I am a lifelong Nissan guy so I say all of the above with the Caveat that the 370 is the better every day car with more comfort cruising and better overall interior amenities.

Basically if you want a GT car that can go fast get the 370. If you want handling and esprit get the Porsche.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I've driven the 350Z coupe and was really impressed with it. It handled well, made all the right noises, transmission worked well and I never had any trouble finding a gear. Seating position is very good and outward visibility was decent. This is a car you could drive every day and not get tired of it.

Earlier models, especially the convertibles, suffered from some uneven tire wear IIRC but I think Nissan addressed that.

I love the new 370Z too. Haven't driven a Boxster but I can assure you that maintenance and upkeep will be much more reasonable with the Z.

 

[exar333]

I have the coupe and love it. I did drive the vert version and its very solid as well. My only complaint on the vert is the visibility when the top is up...thats it. The car will be rock-solid reliable and drive great.

 

[exar333]

I haven't owned a 370z convertible, but I did own a 350z convertible and have driven the 370z.

I freaking love the Z's. They are without a doubt my favorite car. I was in the same boat as you, thinking about getting a Boxter when I was looking for a 'vert. I decided on the 350 in large part due to it being newer and much cheaper on maintenance. I'm 5'10" so I have no problem getting in the thing, but my dad is a bigger guy at 6'2" and when I let him sit in it it looked like he was having a hard time. They are pretty small cars in terms of head room.

In terms of driving, they are an incredible amount of fun. Very agile and quick. Pretty good low end torque for off the line fun and in the corners they are a blast. I've heard the Boxster is excellent to drive though too, so its hard to compare. I just know that I loved my Z and am planning on getting a 370.

I will warn you about one thing though. The road noise is pretty loud. My 350 'vert started to get little tears in the top and it became extremely annoying and loud. I don't think I'll ever buy a convertible again. They are just a pain in the ass it seems. I also think the hard tops look a lot better.

Great car though.

This is true (road noise). You don't really notice it until you try to have a conference call while driving and realize how noisy it is. Its not annoying when you are just focusing on the road, however.

 

[Fritzo]

This is true (road noise). You don't really notice it until you try to have a conference call while driving and realize how noisy it is. Its not annoying when you are just focusing on the road, however.

Road noise is something expected with a roadster. You're either sitting on top of the engine, or so low to the ground that you're getting intimate with the tires. Not a big deal (I, for one, love the sound of an accelerating engine 🙂 )

 

[RKS]

You could look at the Infiniti if want a little more refinement but I've heard the handling on the Boxster S is amazing.

 

[exar333]

You could look at the Infiniti if want a little more refinement but I've heard the handling on the Boxster S is amazing.

G37 coupe is not great...It handles worse, weighs more, and looks more ugly. I definitely agree that the Boxter S is the next logical choice, as you move up the price bracket. In terms of options pricing and maintenance though, you will pay WAY more than the Z.

 

[Fritzo]

You could look at the Infiniti if want a little more refinement but I've heard the handling on the Boxster S is amazing.

Yeah, it's the DEFACTO roadster. It has a pedigree that stems from the 356, and the mid-engine makes it's center of gravity perfect for sticking to the road. I've driven a 986 and a 987, so I'm a bit spoiled on what to expect from a sports car. A Boxster is still high on my list, it's just the 370Z piqued my interest.

Another option I'm thinking of is getting a $10K 1990's Vette convertible to drive around for a year or two until I have the cash saved for something better.