Unfortunately no one responded with any covincing argument as to why buying the Z new makes more economic sense than buying an almost new Z on the private market so my internal conflict persists.

Part of the problem is that I really can't think of another car that even comes close to offering what the Z offers on the market today, so there is nothing to buy "in the meantime"

I was thinking of buying the C5. I drove a 2000 hardtop with exhuast and intake and only 20000 km on saturday and I was not impressed. It was certainly the most powerful car I have ever driven but if I had a choice I would pick my old 1990 Z32 over it for a variety of reasons. Despite its age, the Z32 was a more refined automobile than the C5, and I would guess that the 350 Z will be that much more refined.

Does anyone here believe that there any alternatives to the Z available on the market today in the 40-55 K CDN price range? I know my question is directed to an obviously biased audience.

 

We've got an '02 Lexus Sportcross we'll sell you! or even an '00 Saab

 

Well I love to recommend this car because I love this car so much, it's the only thing I would consider right now next to the Z - get yourself a 97 NSX. 97's go for around 55k now, you can probably get a 95 for 45k or so, but with 20hp less.

I really miss my NSX, and would get another one today if I could afford a 97+, but thanks to the stock market I'm not looking in the 55k plus range right now. :/

Lots of people think it looks dated now... I think it's a classic myself. The interior is not as fancy as todays cars, but certainly acceptable. The driving experience is what sells it for me - the view of the road is great, the engine roaring behind your ears is very addicting, and the handling is fantastic. And what other exotic car has even won the "Year's Most Reliable Car" awawrd from JD power?

Anyway, that being said, I still think the Z is a better value for the money, but if you want someone who's eagerly awaiting his Z to recommend another car, the NSX is the only one I feel comfortable pointing you at.

 

The only other car that would come to mind is the other car I was considering...

The S2000.

If I wanted a convertible as my next car, that would be the car of choice.

Good performance... Although it lacks in the torque department, it more than makes up in the high-end power and handling.

If I wanted a convertible, I would buy the S2000 instead of getting the 350Z conv. even if the latter was available right now to purchase.

 

Hey, Zless, I replied to your previous thread on the question and thought I gave some convincing arguments: less maintenance costs (warranty), single owner vehicle, and of course the emotional arguments that you can't really put a price on. Why is that not convincing enough?

 

LowFuel: I was also looking at getting a used NSX, but for $35k it would be older and high-mileage. When I saw the performance I could get in a new car with the Z, that changed my mind quickly.

I always perfer to get new vehicles if possible. All the economic reasons for buying used are bogus, IMO. We buy cars like this not because we need them but to satisfy desires. Getting a brand new car adds to the excitement and trying to analyze the dollars and cents of it is not relevant!