Saberspark

TL;DR BELOW

To start, I know this kind of thing is frowned upon in some forums, auto related or not, but there are knowledgeable folks here and I feel like there will be at least a couple of people who might try to do more than tell me I'm being ridiculous by asking about non 350Z cars. I know this is long too. Please don't hate me

Anyway, hi. My name's Chris, I'm 22 and live in a suburb of Philadelphia. I'm currently driving a beatup '95 Chevy Blazer, and I've recently come into some money that will allow me to get a pretty decent car.

A bit about how it'll be used and what my tastes are like:
I have a decently long commute, nearly 70 miles a day, like 80% of it being highway. I like coupes, I like sporty/fast, and I like luxury. I don't like trucks & SUVs, don't like convertibles, and I'm generally picky about stupid things sometimes. I do require gas mileage to be okay though, which the following cars do provide.

If you don't hate me for the content or length of this post, you might for my inability to drive a manual, which makes these cars all automatic trans.

I have three picks, in no particular order:

2006 Lexus ES330
2006 BMW 330ci (sports package)
2003 Nissan 350Z Touring

All three of these cars have at least one amazing feature to me. The Lexus has a decent body, and an amazing interior with this red wood trim thing going on (which I normally despise). It's very comfortable, spacious, luxurious. Haven't driven it yet, so no opinion there, but I'm expecting something like my old '93 Caddy, but probably better. I've read engine performance is meh though.

The 330ci is quite pretty indeed. (alpine?) white, with gray leather interior. Looks pretty good, and has quite an awesome sound system, which I have great appreciation for, despite it being something rather inconsequential to many. I drove it a bit (as did my father). It's impressive. Quicker than I thought it would be, super tight handling, solid suspension, brakes well and feels good. Felt a bit cramped in there though, but maybe that's because the car was full (dad in passenger seat, girlfriend and guy who works at the dealership in the back).

Lastly, the 350z. First car that seriously attracted me in my search, and hasn't lost my attention. Sweet looking burgundy thang that to me looks newer than it is. Got to drive it a bit today: sounds incredible, quick as hell, and great steering. Couldn't tell if audio was meh because of poor reception or what, but yeah.

So here's why it's difficult:
Lexus is a nice looking car and all that, but I'm not sure how "fun" it will be. I don't know if that sounds immature or not, but despite my taste for luxury, I do want to have something nice and fast while I'm young.

The BMW is largely awesome, with no major complaints (which you might think makes it the logical choice)


The 350Z is quite awesome save for two things: total lack of backseat (which will rarely be an issue, but it can be) and the suspension. During my test drive, I didn't really get to go anywhere with it to see if it would be too rough for me or not.

So to end this rant, I'm hoping that people can share some thoughts and opinions with me that may help me sway in one direction or another. I've also posted this on a BMW forum, to balance out answers that I may get. Or do double the angry responses. Hopefully the former. Thanks.


TLDR:
I like luxury, I like sporty and I like fast.
Lexus = comfy and pretty, but eh otherwise
BMW = pretty, not as comfy, but kinda quick
350Z = awesome in most ways, 'cept for lack of backseat and ride quality concerns.

KornerCarver

iTrader: (2)

I'm sure you will find the 350Z to be the stiffest riding car of the three. It is a true sports car and the other two are more or less sedans. I don't think any of the cars will give you great gas mileage. The Z should probably get you 22 or 23 on the highway. All three are probably very reliable so the choice is up to you. Buy the one that seems to fit you the best.

Saberspark

Thanks for the straightforward reply. I don't consider the Z to be "great" gas mileage, but it's good enough for me. I've only owned two cars thus far. My 93 Cadillac which by the time I got rid of it was down to 8mpg (almost entirely city. Highway was like, 12. Was better when I first got it. Had numerous issues). My current Blazer averages me high 16 low 17 I believe, which as you know is highway. That 5mpg gain is kinda good enough for me, although the Lexus is rated to get 28.

Question as far as that stiff ride. How much of a difference can another set of tires make? Or am I just being ridiculous?

chitownpete

BMW 3 series are among the best cars I've ever driven from a sporting perspective. Most people I know with them love them but they are expensive to maintain (they all say). A 350z is a 2 seater so if it's your only car the novelty might get old. The Lexus is not for a 22 year old, buy something very cool (like a 3 series or 350z) so you will have some good memories and experiences when you get older.

Saberspark

lmao, couldn't agree more about the last part. It wouldn't even be a thought if it hadn't been for the Caddy I had when I started driving. Such a sweet ride. But that thing was pimptastic (oh god that's a stupid word) and the Lexus is like....when I'm 40 or something.

And yeah, BMWs are expensive, but then again, I don't know what it costs to maintain a Z either. I'm keeping the Blazer I have, but largely for weather concerns for when I need 4WD (which has been WAAAAYY too often this past month and a half)

I guess really, if I can find a way around the "hitting a bump and watching my shocks go through the ceiling" thing, that might sell me. Although that sound system in the BMW....lol.


Also, how reliable are the 03 Zs? It has 99k miles on it IIRC. Will it explode on me in like 10k miles and require a million to repair?

oldschool350z

iTrader: (1)

Stay away from BMW from my experience they are pricey and require major upkeep.

Saberspark

Does that also mean that a Z is the opposite? I'm not being a dick or anything, that's a serious question. I really don't know.

Jah70

Not too bad. I have a 08 M3 coupe and it hasn't been that bad. Op it sounds like you'll be more into luxury so if you like a few features of the Z but want luxury you should check out a G35 or G37 instead. Z33s and Z34s tend to be raw sports cars and it doesn't sound like that's very high on your list.

Saberspark

How do the G35s compare to the Z? I mean I know there's the added luxury, but what about performance?

NZL 350Z

The Z is by far the most "fun" of the three. I've owned 6 cars in the last 5 years (including a couple of turbo Subarus) and the Z is the best "drivers" car of the lot. If you're after a comfortable cruiser however pick something different, I'm not a fan BMW though..

knuckles899

iTrader: (1)

Pretty much the same car just slightly heavier and a rear seat. ..my GF has a 06 G35 coupe and I have a 08 350z both great vehicles just different perspectives luxury or sport. Performance is very similar but 350's feel more nimble.

Jah70

Think of the G as like a slightly chubbier version of the two twin sisters even though both are on the chubby side lol. They both use the same engine so in that department they are identical but the differences is obviously with the body of these two thick girls. The Z, she's fairly agile and athletic despite being heavier than most of it's rivals because of the shorter wheelbase, reinforcements, and witchcraft the engineers at Nissan practice. Shorter wheelbase also means she'll be more squirrely and would want to do the nasty with you sometimes even when your not in the mood or can't get it up. You probably see this witchcraft in the massive GTR which weighs almost as much as an SUV. The G has a longer wheelbase so naturally that means it will be more stable but more sluggish and less agile on it's feet but she can still take a pounding just like her twin sister. She's less of a freak in bed than her sister but she's more predictable which means you'll feel like your more in control. You'll have more of a good time with the more athletic sister but the thicker one you'll have fun too just not as much and she doesn't have the curves the smaller sister has.

Whiteazn2

Yes BMW are expensive when it comes to repairs.
If you want luxury and decent power then go for the g35 or g37.
If you want true sports car then go for the z.

Saberspark

omfg. That was incredible. And hilarious. So, now how about the G35 vs G37? lol. Also, how do they compare in exhaust sound? Will I make a happy in my pants with a G like I do a Z? :P

JERRYM1993

Alright man I live in the Lansdale are outside philly and if you need to be able to drive in snow then the z is not for you. I have barely driven my car in the past month but luckily I have other cars around I can use. The z is a straight up sports car. If your looking for comfortable or a smooth and quiet ride then don't buy a Z.

Saberspark

Ha, I work not too far from you. I have my Blazer for snow driving, and I'm going to hold onto it. Doesn't need to be quiet (how could it be with an engine like that). I just don't know how rough it'll be. I can handle it to a point, it's just hard to know what it's really going to feel like.

Jah70

Honestly the 370Z and G37 exhaust notes sound terrible compared to the 350 and G35. The G35 and Z33 basically sound the same. But the same goes for the G37 compared to the 370. She's just a chubbier version of the smaller sister that's good at giving good fellatio and laying down submissively to do almost anything to her. While with the Z you'll enjoy griping her rear end when taking her for a ride or she'll take you for a ride doing everything in the book. The Z is the pornstar, the G is the conservative girlfriend.

soc_monki

iTrader: (2)

22 or 23 MPG on the highway? i get 30-31...then again, i go around 70-75. i dont live in a major metropolitan area, and therefore dont go 80-90 like i see in Nashville or Memphis. that would kill the mileage...but still. i decided on my Z because 1) i dont need a back seat and 2) its a car ive always wanted. decent mileage was a bonus (18-20 in town, 30 on the highway).

personally, OP, i would check out G35's, like the other guys said. similar, yet different. they will be sporty, but have more luxury items, a back seat, and a softer ride. i enjoy the stiffness of the Z though. its decently comfortable, but you know it means business. compared to my old Altima dropped on Ground Controls/Tokicos...that thing was stiff. im sure a G would feel like a Caddy to me

RMichael

get the 330. an 03 Z shouldn't be on the list. There are way too many issues, seat bolsters, filler pipe, window motors, tire feathering, on and on.

JERRYM1993

I was looking at the 335i, g37s, 350z and 370z when I got my car. BMW is way to expensive to maintain for a car with such a meh interior. The G37s was nice but after driving a Z I decided to go for the true sports car. I seriously love driving my Z everyday I drive it and look forward to driving it. If I bought the BMW or the G37 I probably would have gotten bored with it by this point. Also do yourself a favor, learn how to drive stick and drive a manual z. I promise your mind will be made up.