Hi everyone, sorry if I'm asking a FAQ but I did all of my searching and couldn't find an answer.

I really want a base 06 Z, but my local dealer doesn't have one in stock (but might be able to get one from trading/ordering/whatnot), but it still might be a little out of what tight budget I have to spend.

On the other hand, I found an 04 Silverstone Z with about 15,000 miles (i think) on it and the NAV system for 24,999.

However, my real question is that has anyone here, in their experience, found the HP and TQ boost of the 06 model (including the added weight) to be of any help AT ALL vs. the 04/05 model??? Because I'm thinking that adding 150+ pounds on the curb weight while adding 13 horsepower wouldn't actually do anything . . . . . but this is because I haven't really driven the Z's to compare or anything like that.

So if anyone could help out, I want the best for my buck but I also want the top end of performance that a stock Z will offer before find-tuning it.

Thanks a ton,

Miluo

 

Dude just stick to whatever fits best in ur budget. Even if you get a grand touring or performance 06, it wont do ya any good if u cant make the payments and/or cant afford gas/maintenance for it because the payments are high. If you really like the lay out on the second hand Z u saw then go for it, in my eyes a Fairlady is a Fairlady, LED lights arent that big a deal, enjoy urself, drive a Z, and enjoy life

 

Well most likely I'll be getting the 04.

I just wanted to know from you guys if the 06 model makes any difference; does the [slightly] increased TQ and HP do any justice when you throw in the extra weight? What are the performance differences between the 06 and everything before?

Thanks alot.

PS - if I can get my hands on one, I'll probably be trying for a 06 Base, black Z.

 

Welcome. The question about which year is best may be moot because you are working with a budget. If your budget is $25,000, then a 2006 is out of the question.

13 additional horsepower is nice, but consider that is an increase of 5 percent. If the 287 hp motor can do a 13.9 second quarter mile, the additional hp will not get you to 12.9 seconds.

Buy the model and color that you like - any year. Enjoy the ride.

 

I'll preface this by saying that I'd avoid the 2003, if I were you!

The price for the '06 Base Z is $27K, I'm sure that you can find ANOTHER Nissan dealer who will negotiate down to $25K. OR...you could possibly get a leftover '05 Z for less.

I'd check on these BEFORE I settle for an '04 with 15K miles on her.

BTW...You can get a portable GPS...I have a Garmin Street Pilot i5 that probably does everything the Nissan Navi system does (Voice prompts, 3D Maps, programmed for all 50 states, etc). It costs around $350.00. Get this and '05 or '06 Base Z and you'll be straight.

Unless you have other requirements (equipment-wise) on the Z (i.e. VDC, LSD, TCS)

 

The rev-up engines got the increase in HP (300 HP) but we lost TQ (260 ft-lb). Yes, 06 weigh more. The rev-up engines are only on the MT and I assume you are getting the MT. If you like the 04 you found and its in good order....buy it then. The extra HP btw doesn't make a world of difference in my opinion until you are driving 100+ miles an hour.

 

Ok this is begining to bother me..... The 06 350Z does NOT weigh 150+ more than the 03-05. We all weighed in at MIR 03s, 04s, 05s, and 06's... I was right there with all the older models, within 10 pounds or so.

Despite what most people want to believe, bolt on for bolt on the REVUP comes out on top (driver excluded of course).

 

Oh my God there aren't any 2003 Zs on the road because they all fell apart.

 

All you have to do is visit the local junk yard and look around. Filled with 350Z 2003.

 

That's where I got mine apparently....

2003s are also good Zs, and you may be able to find one you like with all the options you want and save a few bucks in the process.

 

I have a 2003 Touring model. Has no problems at all. If you want your car to be like the rev up models just have the ecu reflash by technosquare and you have a 7100 redline. Get a Z within your budget and you will be alright. Dont forget Gas prices are a killer too.

 

Before you drop your $$ on an '06 Base, know that the Base doesn't have an LSD. This is why I got the Enthusiast.

 

I found out that today. That's why I'm gonna get an Enthusiast.

But now, which car???

Time to make a new thread.