just joined. I'm an exterior/interior car designer ( what used to be called "styling" ) at one of the Big Three and I've been trying to decide between a used TT and a new Z.

What's the best way to go about ordering one?

I want a Daytona Blue, with the offset 6 spokes ( are those Track-only wheels??)

I've read in all mu automotive publications there's no or minimal gouging- is that true?

 

You may have guessed correctly, but the Viper is way too dear $$, and I'd get a used one anyway, I'm not pleased with the softened exterior the 2nd gen has taken on...as for the Z06- I can't consider a Vette until it has a better interior than a Cavalier.

So anything special to order a Z? Just go to any dealer? Any tricks I need to know?

BTW, I considered a Touring, but is it true the 6-speed *adds* another $1600??? The Nissan site shows the Touring as standard automatic, but I would think the 6-speed would be a credit option, right?? Otherwise, I have to live without leather.

So the wheels I want are the Track-only Rays, huh? Believe me, with the roads in Detroit, I sure don't want a Track model.

 

Well, the way I read the brochure:

Touring model Manual = Performance model + Touring package upgrade (leather & stereo)

Touring model Automatic = Enthusiast model + Touring package upgrade (leather & stereo)

Using the prices from http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/nissan/350z/index.html, that means you're paying about $2,500 for the leather + stereo upgrades for the Touring, but the Performance model is about $1,600 more than the Enthusiast.