Driving My New Z

[MRSocal]

Hello,
I only put 230 miles on the odometer of my new 2025 Z the past two weeks. I love the car but I'm bit worried driving it. Not sure if it's the raw power or the expensive price paid for it that's making me feel worried.
I haven't driven a sports car since I sold my last Z ten years ago. Is it a matter of getting used to my new Z or is it the worry that I'm driving an expensive fast car?
Please share your thoughts.
Thanks

 

[offizial]

It does have power that gets to you, but she can take some abuse. Just be careful until you put some better tires on it as it makes the car a lot more planted, and then still be careful! To be honest, I am young and got myself into an accident. Stock tires + interstate + concrete + wet conditions + a bad attitude = slipped into the concrete median barrier. Totally smashed the quarter panel, airbags went off, had to be replaced, 4 1/2 month repair time, 29k repair (insurance covered thankfully). I got her now though, and am happy to still have the Z! It is the price as well as having something so unique. While I have got myself to watch out for I am still worried about driving it because I could lose it any day to someone else's mistake like any car. With that said, just try to enjoy it to the best of your responsibly! It's a very capable car and well built, definitely without a doubt the best performing Z ever made.

 

[NocturnalEmber]

Hello,
I only put 230 miles on the odometer of my new 2025 Z the past two weeks. I love the car but I'm bit worried driving it. Not sure if it's the raw power or the expensive price paid for it that's making me feel worried.
I haven't driven a sports car since I sold my last Z ten years ago. Is it a matter of getting used to my new Z or is it the worry that I'm driving an expensive fast car?
Please share your thoughts.
Thanks

You likely spent north of $50,000 USD I'm guessing; I'd say that's a normal feeling to have. Buying something as significant as a car you are supposed to enjoy is in and of itself a significant investment. Along with that, and it being new, I think the desire to want to protect that investment comes with the territory. All that to say I think being nervous or concerned is probably justified.

Power wise, yeah its there, but its nothing outrageous, I'd say the tires are more of a liability here (especially if its wet out.) Get some better tires and you will probably have more confidence if the power is a concern (though tires can't make up for lack of good judgment and driver skill.)

 

[ZillaZ]

I kind of get what you are saying.
All sports cars I have had before this Z were used and 15+ years old. I never rode any of them hard or tracked them but buying brand new and spending almost 3x as much as I ever have on a sports car is kind of nerve-wracking.

However when I am in the driver seat I realize how much more refined the car is in every aspect compared to my older sports cars and how I have been the only owner of it, it puts a big smile on my face. Oh and it's very fun to drive!

It's all mine, has only ever been mine and I will enjoy it and get my moneys worth.

 

[geosar]

I agree with your concerns. I had a used 2004 350Z for over 10 years and liked it. I have never spent this much money on a car before and I am 78. I have been taking the good advice of this club and driving more. I am hesitant park it due to our careless citizens in town.. I have never had a car with the much horsepower. So today I am stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a road trip with some other sports car enthusiasts and trying to enjoy the purchase. Fully stock 2025 Nissan Z. It is a fine vehicle and it did not cost as much as the corvettes and Porsches i will be traveling with today so there is that. Onward. I do love this more than the 350Z.

 

[RedAustinIX]

Go slow and take your time as you get comfortable with the car. Enjoy the process - you will get familiar with it over time. When I first purchased my Evo (many, many years ago) I thought it might be too much power. Over time, I got used to feel and power of the car and after a while decided to modify it for even more power.
As an aside - after being out of "fast" cars for about 5-6 years, it's taking me some time to get used to the Z as well (I've only had mine for 2 weeks though).

 

[bpeckham]

The first time I got in my Z I was quite nervous. The sightlines were different. The clutch was different. Everything was different. It took a few hundred miles to get the seat where I wanted it. Get the mirrors adjusted properly. Get used to the clutch and the power. Hang in there. It will feel natural soon.

 

[METROdigital]

Take an HPDE class. You’ll get a real feel for the car in a safe educator led environment.

 

[alienpoker]

TBH - It’s normal to need to get used to a new sportscar. It’s quick, but compared to other exotics it’s not fast. Don’t fixate on the cost, it’s just a machine that does a job. I was familiar with the chassis and handling, having owned the 370Z previously. Even the layout felt familiar. But the driving experience is completely different. Nissan learned a lot about this platform over 15+ years, and it shows. The ‘25 Z feels more refined (less harsh) than previous models. I think that (except in extreme conditions) traction control, ABS and VDC will get you out of most tricky situations. I certainly wouldn’t turn off the nanny modes until I drove it 2K+ Relax & Enjoy.

 

[trackratZ]

Each generation of the Z is more refined than the previous, the new Z is evident. Quiet (enough) and composed but inputs can be somewhat muted. Just be careful with these greasy S007s and coming out of corners in 2nd or 1st, the tail will step out much easier than better tires will give. Nissan really missed the tire brand and compound assignment on the Z. Enjoy your ride, it's a great GT car as delivered.

 

[AlanZ]

I agree with your concerns. I had a used 2004 350Z for over 10 years and liked it. I have never spent this much money on a car before and I am 78. I have been taking the good advice of this club and driving more. I am hesitant park it due to our careless citizens in town.. I have never had a car with the much horsepower. So today I am stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a road trip with some other sports car enthusiasts and trying to enjoy the purchase. Fully stock 2025 Nissan Z. It is a fine vehicle and it did not cost as much as the corvettes and Porsches i will be traveling with today so there is that. Onward. I do love this more than the 350Z.

Good for you! Enjoy your Z!

 

[geosar]

The 200 miles ride into Northern Arizona was wonderful. I have a lot to learn about a performance automobile now that I don’t have to baby it so much. Passing on country roads-not a problem. One thing I did not mention is the A/C is R134 not that prohibitively expensive new stuff or a propane version. Well done Nissan but I still want an oil gauge. Funny experience coming home. I stopped at Costco and bought the necessities including two packages of toilet paper. These only fit in the passenger seat. I again was practicing a rapid take off at a light and the g force push the paper packages onto the seat with enough power to demand the seat belt be fastened. Impressive launch. Lol

 

[bpeckham]

but I still want an oil gauge

Do you know about the sport gauge cluster?

For example: https://www.nissanzclub.com/forum/threads/gauges.1953/post-59863

You can switch to this with the menu button lower right of the left-side switches on the steering wheel.

 

[geosar]

Thank you. I have pushed every button I can find. Apparently the automatic transmission 2023-25 Z autos INCLUDING NISMO are not equipped with an oil pressure gauge. Very frustrating. Have to depend on an idiot light-is this the 1950’s?

 

[bpeckham]

It is there. The manual will say how to find it.