I'm really liking the 06s because of the new wheels and standard HID and LED on the back, but due to budget I'd really like to get a base. Since it doesn't offer any sort of traction control whatsoever, will I kill myself with it? I'm not a maniac behind the wheel but accidents do happen. The weather's generally good here in the bay area but we do get a lot of rain during winter, it's a bit scary thinking of what might happen if I hit a patch of water on the freeway during one of the winter storms. I WILL remember to be extra careful as I'm responsible enough to know not to endanger others and myself, but is the base mechanically safe enough to drive in the rain? Or should I stretch for the Enthusiast? AFAIK it only has a simple traction control that stops wheel slip, is it useful enough?

EDIT: this will be my daily driver so no staying in the garage during weather.

 

you will not kill yourself but if there is any heavy rain or ANY snow you will need to be extra carefull.Driving a Z in snow with traction control is pretty hard, never driven a base but i do like the little security that i get from the VDC. It comes on mostly in snow and i dont think i have seen it come in in rain but I do suggest you get yourself an LSD when you get some money.

 

Throttle control...

 

TCS on the enthusiast is not that big a deal. It'll simply stop wheel slippage. The higher models have VDC, which may be of more use...but I've even heard of accidents occuring due to this feature as well. You should be fine with the base model. Do yourself a huge favor and just invest is some good tires and be really careful in hazardous weather....thats your best safety feature

 

I wonder how drivers survived before traction control. Must have been a miracle.

 

There ya go. The Z is as safe as you want to make it. Get a Base

 

LOL! Thanks!

Also thanks to everyone that helped.

 

one of the main things the VDC system does is cut the throttle... you can do that with your foot too...

 

enthusiast IS the most bought trim, since it gives you more options for a little more money.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but for the 06s the only things you get is the LSD, traction control, cruise control and auto-dimming rear-view mirror by getting Enthusiast. I'm in the process of getting quotes from various dealers on both the Base and Ent, the final decision will really be based on the OTD price I can get from dealer.

BTW I'm one of those weirdos that NEVER use cruise control, even when I'm going down to SoCal on I-5, just plain don't like to use it for some reason.

 

You also get homelink and steering wheel audio controls. Enthusiast is the best value easily.....but if you really don't need them then why not save 1.5-2 grand...If its only about 1grand difference, i'd get it but if its closer to 2g's..id leave it alone

 

I see the value, and I'm not denying the Ent, but I gotta get a good price on it from the dealer, that's all I'm saying.

 

yeah pre 06's came with HIDs too so it looked like even a better value.

 

IMO LSD, traction control and homelink are worth the extra dough. but thats just me

 

If you "hit a patch of water in the freeway during one of the winter storms" and spin, the only thing that will save you at that very moment is your luck. I don't think TCS will save you.

TCS will help you more at low speed, when you apply too much gas and you're on a wet surface/ gravel, or you're taking a turn too quickly and decide to gun it out of second gear. It cuts off the potential wheel spin.

Nothing a little throttle modulation and countersteer can't correct. But regardless of how equipped your Z is, you have to take the same precautions when driving. Get some good tires and be careful in the rain.

 

Agreed.
If you are VERY, VERY careful in the rain & on sandy/dirt roads and DON'T drive in snow you'll be okay.

BTW, I find the TCS a distraction and often turn it off.

 

I believe that the Touring is the most popular 350Z.

 

The first thing I do after starting my Z (in dry, wet, or whatever) is disable traction control...

You'll be fine.

 

i bought the base because i modify my vechiles to my liking. Within the first week of owning my 06 i pulled the stock audio crap and put in some decent sounds. I plan on installing my own lsd so that isnt a problem. I made a mistake in buying my last car with leather seats, bose system, spoiler etc... I dont need that stuff factory because aftermarket parts in my opinion give you more options. Go with the base.

 

I would definately go for the base model for 06. Earlier model years didn't includ HIDs on the base model which is a "needed" feature and made the extra $2K worth it. I would buy a base model and an aftermarket LSD. It would be a lot better than the factory LSD. I only wish you could get factory leather/heated seats and nav as options rather than in a higher package. The Z's value is much more obvious at the $25K price level. Nothing can touch it at that price. I wouldn't spend $30-35K on the Z because in that price range you could be looking for better cars. My opinion is base model Z with aftermarket LSD. If you are only worried about safety then just get the base and don't worry about it. When you start modding your car, you are going to wish you didn't have to bypass all the electrical nannies onboard.