Notices
2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

New to 350Z...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 08:47 AM
  #1  
djlaz99's Avatar
djlaz99
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Smile New to 350Z...

Hey I'm new to this forum and have been researching alot of stuff about Z's, I currently own a 03 Subaru WRX Wagon. I almost traded it in a month ago for an 04 Grey Z Coupe with 21k miles.

I'm kind of torn between the Coupe or the Convt. The z's are phenominal, so I definetly want one.

What are some pros or cons to either one?

What model yr should I consider? btw not going brand new. I want to save a few $$$ by going used like 25k or less miles.

Just looking for advice since you guys have the knowledge of the ups and downs of either model, let me know what you think.

Thanks in advance for you help.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 08:53 AM
  #2  
davidv's Avatar
davidv
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 42,753
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, AZ
Default

Drive a 350Z roadster with the top down. See if you like it.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 08:57 AM
  #3  
myZter's Avatar
myZter
PREMIER MEM.FTW
Premier Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,503
Likes: 0
From: so cali
Default

i personally dont like roadster cuz the Z is small as it is. i would get 05 model since there are no problems like the 03, 04. some people here are selling there car maybe one of them could be living in tampa
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 09:02 AM
  #4  
savvy's Avatar
savvy
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,124
Likes: 0
From: Salem, New Hampshire
Default

+1 on the 05. I have a base model because i dont feel the need to have cruise control or traction control, plus it is the lightest model.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 09:18 AM
  #5  
cavallino33's Avatar
cavallino33
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 0
From: California
Default

I traded my 05 wrx in for a base model 350Z. Youll like the Z it has a mcuh different feel from the WRX.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 10:02 AM
  #6  
Spec_Tacular's Avatar
Spec_Tacular
New Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by savvy
+1 on the 05. I have a base model because i dont feel the need to have cruise control or traction control, plus it is the lightest model.
+2 it make them so much faster with out all the weight and no LSD is sweet too.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 10:59 AM
  #7  
Alang's Avatar
Alang
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Default

Originally Posted by Spec_Tacular
+2 it make them so much faster with out all the weight and no LSD is sweet too.
You've got to be kidding right? There is only about 60 lbs difference between the lighest and heaviest models. I'd take an LSD over 60 lbs any day.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 11:22 AM
  #8  
djlaz99's Avatar
djlaz99
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Default

Thanks for the suggetions on the 05 model. I love the look of the roadster but my worry is the fabric top tearing and the wear and tear plus its one more thing to go wrong with my new Z in the future.

Is it better without the LSD? I would think it gives better traction, the weight thing really isn't an issue.

I probably would go with the Coupe model, just because it roomier inside. with that top up it would be kind of tight in there. But with top down its nice.

Damn those engineers!! Shouldn't have made such a nice looking car!!! lol
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 11:28 AM
  #9  
cavallino33's Avatar
cavallino33
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 0
From: California
Default

Originally Posted by djlaz99
Damn those designers!! Shouldn't have made such a nice looking car!!! lol
Fixed.


As for LSD its really up to you. Its undoubtedly better to have LSD, but you could get a base and swap in a better LSD rear end for cheaper than the extre monaye paid for the enthusiast. Theres lots of base models out there its not like not having LSD is going to be a disaster.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 11:30 AM
  #10  
myZter's Avatar
myZter
PREMIER MEM.FTW
Premier Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,503
Likes: 0
From: so cali
Default

i would love it if the ZR was hard top but then it will be heavier then it is with soft top. i guess if ur in FL ZR will be cool.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 11:33 AM
  #11  
davids's Avatar
davids
F U StuLax18
Premier Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,419
Likes: 0
From: H-Town
Default

If you are going to mod, get a base.
If you are keep stock, get a roadster.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 11:50 AM
  #12  
Built2shredZ's Avatar
Built2shredZ
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,235
Likes: 0
From: West Coast
Default

Originally Posted by lobotomy
If you are going to mod, get a base.
If you are keep stock, get a roadster.

I assume when you say modding your talking about F.I. (turbo/supercharger)

If your going to put 500 HP then Ya I would agree the coupe would be safer... But if your going to do bolt on mods and appearance mods then there's not thing wrong with modding the Roadster...
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 12:37 PM
  #13  
djlaz99's Avatar
djlaz99
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Default

Turbo would be really sweet! However I have a stock turbo car now and its great but HP is addicting, a stock Z is already a step up from a stock WRX, I would probably just go bolt on's ie: Intake, Exhaust ,tuning, etc...

Just for a reliabilty stand point. So as not to have too many issues with the engine. 300whp would be nice.

But forced induction is def a wet dream to have but not for now.

One question though are the Brembo brakes that come on the Track pkg really worth it?
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 03:47 PM
  #14  
Alang's Avatar
Alang
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Default

Originally Posted by djlaz99
Turbo would be really sweet! However I have a stock turbo car now and its great but HP is addicting, a stock Z is already a step up from a stock WRX, I would probably just go bolt on's ie: Intake, Exhaust ,tuning, etc...

Just for a reliabilty stand point. So as not to have too many issues with the engine. 300whp would be nice.

But forced induction is def a wet dream to have but not for now.

One question though are the Brembo brakes that come on the Track pkg really worth it?
They don't stop any faster than the "regular" brakes, but they fade a lot less in street driving. They will fade on the track, so if you plan to track the car, skip the brembos and get aftermarket big brakes.

If you are patient, lots of people that upgrade their brembos to big brakes will sell their "old" stuff. You can often find a really good deal.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 06:10 PM
  #15  
djlaz99's Avatar
djlaz99
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Default

Yeah but if I'm going to upgrade the brakes then I might as well go BIG Brake setup and just save the money on the car to begin with.

Is it possible to get a Base with leather interior, I believe the Base is only Cloth interior. But I'm not positive. I have cloth now an leather just seems to last alot longer and cloth gets faded and stained too easy.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2006 | 07:06 PM
  #16  
Xoulrath's Avatar
Xoulrath
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Georgia
Default

Originally Posted by djlaz99
Is it possible to get a Base with leather interior, I believe the Base is only Cloth interior. But I'm not positive. I have cloth now an leather just seems to last alot longer and cloth gets faded and stained too easy.
Get seat covers. That's what I'm doing.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2006 | 12:38 AM
  #17  
taurran's Avatar
taurran
Registered User
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,482
Likes: 0
From: .
Default

Get a 6mt coupe of at least the enthusiast trim. Thank me later.


Oh, and check out this site: www.350zclubofflorida.com


See ya.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2006 | 09:30 AM
  #18  
Black Duck's Avatar
Black Duck
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 0
From: North East
Default

Hello All,

I am new to the forum. I have a 2004 Enthusiast model. It is my first Z and I gotta say I love the car!
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2006 | 10:10 AM
  #19  
Black Duck's Avatar
Black Duck
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 0
From: North East
Default

What are the problems with 03/04 models?
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2006 | 10:27 AM
  #20  
djlaz99's Avatar
djlaz99
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Default

I hear there are alot of recalls on the 03-04 models, but there are alot of them out there. I've seen a bunch on autotrader.
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 09:10 AM.