Lately I've been thinking about trading in my '03 auto Touring for an '05 stick shift Track model. I kinda want to learn how to drive stick and be able to race it. Is the stick much faster than the auto? My Z is pretty damn fast for an auto. I've only done one mod to it, a CAI. I just want to know if it will be worth it, cause I'll be losing a good 6-7K on trade in. I only owe 23K on my Touring. Should I keep it or trade it in for a Track model?

 

What color are you looking for in a Track model?

 

Please don't learn to drive a stick on a brand new Z! If you plan on taking your car to the track then a manual will be much more satisfying (and faster). If you're just going to drag race, or take part in the "traffic light grand prix" then you're probly better off with an auto, your launches will be far more consistent. In my opinion, get a stick. It's much more fun, it's faster, and you'll have more control over your car. I couldn't imagine my baby without the stick.

 

it takes a lot of time to be faster in manual than auto for every possible instance. For just flooring it, it isn't so hard, but downshifting and making sure you're always in the right gear - that takes longer to get to be 2nd nature.

It is more fun. The Z's auto is pretty awesome though. There's a lot more aftermarket support for a manual Z than the auto.

I didn't learn stick on my Z, but I kinda did - previously only drove a POS truck that was stick. Maybe a total of 6 hours experience driving stick before I got my manual Z. It's probably better to abuse a POS car first, but if the Z can't take it, that's pretty sad for a modern car you know? And yes it'll take a lot of abuse

 

Black, the same color as my Touring.

 

Ok, I was going to say if it's red there are only 3 in the country right now.

 

I like to drag race and I also take part in "traffic light grand prix" quite often, but I also want to take it out to the PIR track and race there too. Half of me wants to get the stick and the other half wants to pimp out the car I have now with a nice stereo and rims. I don't know what to do.

 

its funny. the last time i drove stick was 7 yrs ago in a 91 300zxTT for 6 months. last week when i test drove the 350z i had to relearn how to drive manual, the sales guys at power irvine was more than happy to give me a refresher, i was horrible to say the least. anyways, long story short, i bought a SS 350Z 6MT, as i was waiting for it (deliver from sister dealer) they let me take another Z to drive around before mine came. how great was that?

 

They gave you a Z for until your's came???

 

I learned how to drive manual on my Z, its very easy

 

How do you know this?

 

He's the moderator , he knows everything .

 

Just believe him. Moderators Know all. I had a moderator tell me who killed JFK last night. Just as I suspected!! Cheers.

 

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He's got one on order?!

 

yea, the guys didnt care about the car. as long as i bought one.

 

I had a salesman do a nation-wide search.

 

That is awesome, i'm going to ask a dealer near me if they'll do that.

 

I figured. I wonder how many PPW Tracks they have.

 

you still owe 23k?... your not going to get that much on your trade so this is going to be a pretty expensive venture. I am sorry you don't like your 5at though but I really don't think its worth it. I am thinking I may trade in my Z in 2 or 3 years if I can find a good deal on a used convertable... but I think I am going to stick with automatic