Hello all...
New to the site...Am ready to purchase my new Z...Probably a roadster...But debating if I should try to save a little $ on an 05' or wait a bit longer for the 06'...What do all of you current Z owners think?
Thanks...Ryan

 

Not any changes of substance so I'd go with an 05 & save some bucks.

 

Also have to figure if you want to go FI or not... lot of the kits are still in testing stages with the 05 track & 35th anniversary engines which come standard on all 06' so it might take some time to get that all squared away.

 

Maybe I am wrong, but I thought I read that the 06 because it is the 300hp not the 287hp, therefore has a beefier bottom end. I would think if in the future you were to go FI that would be to your advantage.

 

I think if I could a really amazing deal on a 2005 model, I'd take it. There are a few 35th models around here with NAVI and all for around 40K, for 30K or bellow I would get it I think. Otherwise I wait for the 2006 models. Would love to get that NISMO from the commercial.

 

I just asked myself this exact same question this past weekend.

Buy an '05 if you can get a killer deal. Otherwise, I'd wait for the '06.

It's end of August/early September, and the '06's will be here soon, so the dealers might be willing/eager to move an '05 that's been sitting on the lot for a while.

For me, the only reasons to wait for the '06 would have been the new lightweight forged Rays 5 spoke wheels (the GT and Track versions) and the bi-xenon headlights (didn't care about the interior upgrades or the LED tails), but I got my 35th AE at $100 under invoice, so I couldn't pass that up.

For the $2000-$4000 dollar difference between the '05 35th and the '06 GT, I figured I could always buy the newer '06 rims (or ANY rims) and change out the headlights to my liking.

Oh, yeah, the color "Super Black" will be gone next year (and a couple other colors, too), and I didn't want to miss out on a Super Black Z. This new "Magnetic Black"...not sure how it looks yet (maybe better, maybe worse?).

But since you're thinking about getting a roadster, this might not apply at all.

 

Magnetic black = brickyard i think

 

The magnetic black takes over super black. intergalgos fire (sp) is similiar to 03's brickyard

 

Thanks for the input all...Please continue if anyone else has anything to add...I will have to get a better feel for what 05's are left on the lot(s) here in Vegas...If nothing looks appealing I may have to wait for the 06'...

 

I suggest wait for the 2006 because of the new "speed sensitive" steering wheel and 19" wheels on the back.

If you will go for a 05 get the 35th aniv. so you can atleast have the 300 hp engine.

 

+1 If you are going for a roadster I'd go for a 2006 because of the engine. Else, a 35th aniv. is comparable to a 2006 (coupe that is).

-LamaZ

 

The best 350Z is the one that’s sitting in your driveway.

 

The 287 to 300 is more hype than substance. And to get there, Nissan lowered the low end power; less "grunt". Personally, I love grunt!

 

Thanks again all...Pretty excited...Just spoke with the GM of a Nissan dealer here in Vegas and he said he just got his first 06' in...Should have 7 or 8 by Sept 5th...I think my mind is made up...Probably will shell it out for the 06'...Will post a review after I get my first look!!!

 

I would go with the 2006 350Z unless the dealer gives you superb discounts on the 2005. We're talking like anywhere from $1500 to $3000 off invoice price. If not, then the 2006 350Z is a much better buy. It has a stronger and better "built" engine, which would probably translate into the upgraded ability to handle more stress or be more reliable ( if the 287hp engines aren't reliable enough). The bi-xenon headlights would be really nice as well. Typically, the discounts off last year's models do not offset the depreciation that occurs. Make sure the discount you are getting will offset the depreciation and then some.

 

The '06 will have less torque but more hp. You will be able to feel the diff. when you hit 3rd gear. Just as in the 35th or track editions. All you have to do is talk to someone who has driven both the types of engines. Like a salesperson at a dealership they'll let you know whats up.

 

Trust me don't ask a Salesperson. He's in it to make money. Of course I'm speaking generally, I'm not saying they are all bad. I actually like the sales rep and dealership I bought mine from.