Ok, so I am, as I'm sure all the people I've bugged with questions can attest, looking at getting a Z, and I had, till this point, decided on an Enthusiast.

But looking at it vs. a base model it appears the only things I gain are HID's (not but not HUGE!), LSD and cruise control.

So my question is, given these things, is it worth it? Does the LSD make that much difference if you just get on it from time to time and dont plan on tracking it EVER?

HID's are nice but those can be done aftermarket too correct?

I don't use cruise control so thats not an issue.

just looking for some opinions from you guys.

Also is there anything else different between the two?

Thanks!

-Balthazar-

 

LSD makes almost no difference in drag racing with close to stock power.. I've ran a few enthusiast and track model Z's, and I have a base....Throw some F/I in there and you might need an LSD I'm sure it makes a lil difference in auto-Xing, but if you like to do that it's best to get the base and buy a good aftermarket LSD.. HID's are very sweet, but I can live without them...

It really comes down to the price.. I've heard of guys getting higher models for almost as low as the base price.. if thats the cae, then go for it...but my dealership wasn't willing to come down much..

 

Base also does not have TCS and also no vanity mirrors.

Enthusiast is the best bang for the buck going!

 

If this is your first car in life, your most likely to modify the car. I would go with the Base. (My first car fell under this category)

If you driven all types of sports cars in life, I would go with the Enthusiast. Your likely to drive stock for awhile. (After driving X amount of cars, I prefer driving stock)

Once in awhile when I drive a wee bit too agressive (and the imperfections of the roads) my slip light does come on. You can feel a transfer in power. The stock LSD is good enough for the streets, but if you like twisty roads and tracks, then you might want to consider the Base model + aftermarket LSD.

The TCS works quiet well on the Enthusiast, but can be annoying to turn off on racing stituations (I forget sometimes to turn it off).

You won't die w/o cruiser control, but there are times you will wish you have it.

HIDs are nice to show off the car at night, but depends how much you are into looks. There are aftermarket HIDs you can get for the Base model.

 

Again, thanks a TON for the input guys.

Does TCS really come into play that often or just when you are pussing it?

This is the first car I will have bought outright. The first sports car I will have ever driven/owned (outside of test drives lol).

The other thing that pulls HARD on me is that through my employer I get a discount on Ford, GM and Chrysler cars, so I can get a LOADED Mustang GT (I know, I know, stupid blue oval) for $25,800 NO hassle....

Should I mention that at the dealer, will they care, will they tell me to f**k off?

Also how much do the aftermarket HID's generally run? I'm not opposed to installing them aftermarket but here is where I am at.

I plan on putting $3k down on the car, if I do that I will need to wait three weeks and pray someone has a Entusiast in stock, its nothing but tourings and base models around here, there is a Chromesilver (how is this color) Base in stock right now at the best local nissan dealership.

But I dont want to get it and then end up going "wow, man, no LSD or TCS or HID's SUCKS!".

If I go for one though I could probably buy it today or tomorrow.

I would also pay a little less in stupid sales tax (another plus).

Is it possible to add TCS to this car down the road (I somehow doubt that)?
What about cruise?

Man, I'm going to have to start paying you guys consulting fees with all the retarded newbie questions I keep asking lol.

Thanks again guys, this place has helped SO much its not funny.

I am seriously going to subscribe if I don't end up buying a Z tonight (lol, if I do it will have to wait a week or two).

 

Believe me, get the Enthusiast. Just toooooooo many goodies (over the Base) for a marginal amount of $$$$.

 

Enthusiast comes with VDC too, no? If it does then I'd recommend you go with the Enthusiast. As this is your first sports car, good chance you're gonna exceed the limits by accident a couple of times. If it saves your a$$ once, it's worth it.

 

VDC DOES NOT come with the Enthusiast!

 

I had the same debate with myself when I was buying my Z....I ended up with the Enthusiast because it was only about a $2k difference for the cruise, traction control, HID's, and LSD. I planned on doing at least a track day or 2 some day so the LSD was a MUST for me......the cruise is sweet too since I didn't have it in my SRT and missed it like nuts on the highway.

 

I actually drive VERY carefully, I have never had so much as a parking ticket, so "saving my ***" is nice, but I question whether or not I'd use it.

Brickyard, could you elaborate on the goodies?

$2k more for HID, LSD, cruise and vanity mirrors?

Can you be specific?

I mean I assume HID's are only about $2k still correct?
$1k for the NISMO LSD (which people say is too stiff, but still, I imagine its more expensive than a regular LSD so if I decide to put a regular LSD in later it would run, what, $750).
Looks like sub $1k for HID's?
Maybe $1k for OEMs (can you buy the HID systems from nissan, like replacement parts, or will you need more?)

 

Lol, hey guess what, I have another question, I know, your SO shocked.

If I end up having to order one, how do they do that? Do you put down a deposit (if so, how much?), do you basically buy the car and the loan starts from the day you order it, or do you do the loan stuff when it arrives for pickup?

 

I would definitely get the Enthusiast model, the extra 2k or so goes a long way when you factor in the essential extras it has. The base model is just plain stripped to the bone basically, and unless you seriously plan on modding this car heavily, i wouldnt do it.

 

IMO...it all depends on the cruise control...if it is a daily driver and you think you might use cruise control...get an Enthusiast...otherwise everything the Base has can be upgraded to have what the Enthusiast has.

 

TCS has saved me more times than I would like to admit... ok I admit it two times... but this was my first RWD car so the mistakes could have easily been avoided.

 

Enthusiast has: LSD, TCS, HID's, Cruise, Homelink. Buying aftermarket for any one of these items will suck up a substantial portion of what you save by buying the Base.

And you cannot add TCS later.

When you order a car, you do not pay for it until you drive it off the lot. A deposit is usually required but, in most states, it is refundable...for any reason... by law.

 

I didn't realize TCS wasn't available on the Base...I would definately go for the Enthusiast then.

 

Don't forget vanity mirrors... to me thats worth 2k right there so its like getting the rest for free.

 

What are vanity mirrors?

 

Mirrors typically on the sun visors.

 

Oh, You'll use it now! The 350Z has a way of changing people. Trust me.

I have the enthusiast, and here's whay you should get it over the Base:

HID - It's worth it. Much brighter. And regular headlights end up looking cheap and out of place on this beautiful sports car.

TCS - That "SLIP" light has come on a few times and saved my bacon - even when I didn't realize I was pushing the limits! THIS ALONE IS WORTH THE UPGRADE.

LSD - It's the only way to plant power to pavement. Every real sports car in the world has it for a reason. If you only drive in straight lines, your OK. But if you want to drive through the twisties (and that's the fun part), then you'll need the LSD.

Cruise - You know you'll use it. You're going to buy a $28K+ vehicle that doesn't have cruise?? I wouldn't.

Homelink Programable Mirror - Geeze, I almost forgot this. It's pretty cool. Never have to carry around garage door openers. And it automatically dims the mirror glass for bright lights from the rear. Very handy.

Aluminum Pedals - There cool.

Vanity Mirrors - Who cares.

******Now remember that you can always add a few upgrades to an Enthusiast (or Base for that matter) at the dealership. I also have the rear spoiler, door sills, and mud flaps.