Hi guys and gals.

Simple (I hope) question. The new Track version (australian) sounds good in that it addresses some of the complaints of the initial release (harsh ride being the main one), plus adds a few bhp.

My question is this: Is it better to buy the older Track version and spend AUD15k on it or buy the new one?

If so, what would you do to the old version to bring it up to, or over the new "base spec" Track? And I'm not just talking about shoving a turbo or supercharger in - I'm not interested in something like that and besides, that would send the insurance through the roof! If I wanted that I could buy an Evo VIII or something afterall!!

Loking forward to your advice and opinions!
Feyjarl.
[Newbie]

 

I don't see a significant difference between a 2003 and 2006 Track. Harsh ride? Heck someone might drive a 350Z from every year and say harsh ride. The best 350Z is the one that you are driving NOW. Get one.

 

get an old one and spend the money you save on MODS!

 

If you want the best performance, get an '03. It's lighter and that harsh ride means sportier suspension. '03-'05 Track Rays rims are also lighter and cheaper to buy tires for than the staggered '06 rims (though they are pretty cool; I'd still rather upgrade to a set of Nismo LMGT4). Add a plenum spacer and you've essentially got the same power as an '06. I love my '03 Track. I put Nismo suspension and exhaust on it, a plenum, pulley and intake and it rocks.

Question is: do you want a new car or a used car?

 

The 03-05 Track has better looking rims than the 06 35th anniv style rims. Also its lighter and the 03 Track has the stiffest suspension of all.

 

I drove the 2006 and the 2003 Track versions and I didnt see much of a diff in suspension..way I look at it, if you can find a good used one then get that one and save your money for mods. I picked up a 2003 silverstone track about 3 weeks ago and im lovin it. I do have the same probs as the people who complained about the alignment though.

 

i love my 03 track wouldn't give it up for the 06 track.

 

Do you really want to blow that money on the extra weight and newer yr....thats the question you should be asking yourself..BTW I love my 03 Track wouldn't want any other Z

 

I was under the assumption that the suspension was the same across all models of Z's. Nissan's official press releases never made any mention of differentiating suspensions.

+1 to MustGoFastR. '06 Track rims are heavier than '03-'05.

Side note to OP: just came back from Australia a week ago. Took me a while to order coffee properly (we don't know what "flat white" means here in the States). No worries!

 

absolutely agree with spending 15 AUD grand on mods

 

I would get a slightly used with say 20k-30k older track model. Save yourself some money, still under warranty just the same while saving money for mods.

The 03-05 track models are supposedly stiffer then the other models of those years.

Hey Zpak, whats a "flat white" coffee?

 

05 track model is the best model ever made imo. Its not as heavy as the 06's but it has the good brakes and its got the 300hp engine. Also, its got the light weight rays wheels(unsure what the 06 has). If i had enough money when i got my car, i would've gotten the 05 Track.

 

"Flat white" is a double espresso with steamed milk (latte).

Evidently, a lot coffee shops there don't sell a regular cup of straight coffee, so you have to order a "flat white" if you want a coffee derivative with cream or a "long black" for coffee without cream.

The only place that I found which sold regular cups of coffee was Starbucks (yes, they're in Australia, too), but Gloria Jean's Coffee still outnumber Starbucks by far.

Sorry. Didn't mean to be so tangential. Back to the '05-'06 Track debate...

 

Plumpzz, So the only difference with an 03-04 vs 05 track model is the rev-up motor (300hp) because all of the older track model Z's I have seen, all had the brembo brakes and the Ray's 18" wheels.

 

IMHO the '05 Track rules!! Has the same engine as the new model, but it's lighter than the '06, the RAYS look so much cleaner and accessorizing the interior is much easier, since the 06 parts are not widely available. Good luck!

 

the 06 track has much wider tires and wheels, and they're still forged.

 

Well, I have an '06 track and I very much enjoy it. The '06 track has new style forged rays and an 18/19 staggered setup.

I've done a few reviews of the '06 versus a 287bhp '05 that I had previously had, but basically, the '06 drives better. Along with having LED tails and bi-xenons, the '06 pulls better up top, has a slightly upgraded interior, improved clutch and less annoying engine drone from within the cabin.

Yes, the weight has gone up, but it honestly doesn't feel heavier. I've read a few posts where people have weighed their '06s and have found the weight to be similar to previous years. Even if it is heavier, a race between an '06 and previous years will still be very much up to the driver.

 

Though I'm a proponent of the '06s, if you're going to get an older version and mod it up, that would be the way to go.

 

Get an 05 track model and spend the money on making it even lighter!!

You can buy dry carbon fibre for most parts of the car already.

 

Depends what is your primary use for the car...

If you primarily want a track car, get a 2003-2004(possibly still with warranty) in good conditions, and spend a fraction of the price difference in tires, track time and a few performance bits. You will have a far more enjoyable car on the track with change to spare. (good track bits get expensive quickly)

If you primarily just want a grocery getter(with little to no track time), get a brand spanking new 2006.