The difference in MSRP in the '06 models from base to enthusiast is about 1700$. The only difference in the two models are the LSD and the TCS. For a daily driver is the xtra money really worth it?

 

I don't know if it's still the case, but on the earlier model years the base did not include HIDs or Cruise Control. For some people, having cruise would have been worth the $1700 alone.

 

Do you ever drive in the rain? TCS could mean the difference between life and death.

As a daily driver I would opt for the enthusiast.

As a dedicated track car, I would get the base because you do not want TCS and probably will replace the differential anyways.

 

I can’t tell you how to spend your money, but I can give you an idea of which models 350Z-drivers choose.

 

I have to question the numbers from that chart. I know for a fact that in '04, 1/3 of the production was roadsters and I would suspect the same for '05. I would think that the number of roadsters would be a lot higher.

I would agree with your assertion that the base is the least popular of all the trim levels.

 

Thanks for mentioning that. After I posted the chart, I made another using the latest data. The new chart is above.

 

Also Enthusiast has Homelink & cruise control.

 

Base has HIDs now, but still not the CC.

Mellowman, go with Enthusiast. Yes, LSD and TCS are worth it, but that's not the only difference. You'll also get the cool cross-dilled pedals, Homelink w/ auto dimming mirror, Cruise Control, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Worth it? I think so!

 

I'm guessing since the roadster is available in both Touring and Enthu. trims, some of those votes went there instead of the "roadster" category.

 

Most people chose/choose the touring and the enthusiast models, because they want the automatic transmission. The touring model also offers better equipment than the enthusiast model. Pretty simple.

 

Yah, every single Enthusiast model or higher sold from one of my local Nissan dealers is AT. The only 6 speed they had was the Base model that I bought.
I see people driving around on the street, and they're usually 40 year-old ladies in business attire. Can you imagine them at a Z track meet competing with us? That would be so cool.

In regards to this thread, just remember that all the Nismo stuff was tested on a base model.

 

I don't think TCS is that important. Just imagine all the cars on the road today that don't have TCS.

 

+1

It all comes down to the driver.

 

That's why it's called technology. Hundreds of millions of cars don't have ABS either. Doesn't mean it's unnecessary.

 

TCS rules....

OK...what does it do?

by the way, yes the 1700 is worth the parts...LSD stock will run you about $1200 + installation, and TCS....dont know about price, but its worth it.

 

Dang I forgot about that. Still, the Touring Coupe takes first place by a wide margin.

 

traction control saves ur life!

 

I have an Enthusiast - kind of contradiction to have TCS and LSD in my opinion...when you need the LSD you don't want the TCS on. At the track or autox, the first thing I do when I fire her up is turn the TCS off...last thing I need is throttle retard at the worst time.

 

I have TCS off all the time, but when it rains, I definately have the TCS on.

 

Enthusiest model IS worth it.

I have a base and converted it mostly to Enthusiest, put in pedals, OEM hids, OEM VLSD. If I had to do it agian, I would probably get the Enthusiest.

But on the other hand I hate traction control, even if I had it, it would be off all the time, even in the rain. I know how the Z acts in the rain, so I dont act stupid when it rains.