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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

Z or M3?

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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 08:49 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by jrod1014
I think everyone here can collectively agree that Nissan service does not exist.

I went to the dealer to have some of the issues services under warranty and each time I go it's like I have to fist fight the service advisers and managers to get something done. All that happens when you try to get service is get excuses as to why the issues are your fault and not covered under warranty.

The difference? Each and every time the car went into the shop for major mechanical warranty work, there was no question asked and he was given a loaner and his car repaired within the week.

Even the low end 325i's get the same stellar service that can be had on the high end models whereas my top of the line (Touring) Z doesn't get the time of day and looks and lately feels cheap... just cheap...
All very good points and very very true. For many people it isn't just about the car but the service that comes with the car. BMW, no matter how you slice it, is considered a different tier brand compared to Nissan. Even Infiniti's service is questionable compared to BMW, Mercedes, Audi...etc. I would have to say the Z's interior and fit and finish is one of the cheapest I've seen for a 35-40k car. Even the Mazda 6's interior looks and and feels better. If my Z didn't look so damn good on the outside I would have dumped this giant load of headache long time ago. Being a loyal Nissan owner for years, I have personally seen the decline in quality both inside and out. But at the end of the day you have to ask yourself this when purchasing a Japanese car: Do I let Toyota's conservativeness put you to sleep or let Honda's FWD torque steer you to death? Apples for apples out of the big 3 Japanese automakers, Nissan gives you more standard features than any of the other two and at the end of the day I have no disillusions on where my car ranks in the automobile pecking order.
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 08:59 PM
  #22  
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M3 hands down
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 09:52 PM
  #23  
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It seems many 350Z owners are closet M3 want to be's. Guys, drive to your nearest BMW dealer and trade it in. They have M3's for sale. I am sure they will sell you one. It is not too late, you can sell your Z and buy a used M3 also.
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by zland
It seems many 350Z owners are closet M3 want to be's. Guys, drive to your nearest BMW dealer and trade it in. They have M3's for sale. I am sure they will sell you one. It is not too late, you can sell your Z and buy a used M3 also.
I too am stumped with the responses. You can buy a used M3 for the price of a 350Z. Why would anyone recommend a M3 yet buy a 350Z? I am baffled.
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 10:00 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by davidv
I too am stumped with the responses. You can buy a used M3 for the price of a 350Z. Why would anyone recommend a M3 yet buy a 350Z? I am baffled.

Kind of odd isn't it? You would think the M3 came out after the 350Z and many did not have the option. If not that, must be many people really do not think their 350Z performed as well after they purchased it as they expected.
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 10:23 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by fairtex
I am really leaning toward the 350z (or RX-8, Evo, STi, but they lack the class and prestige).
M3 and 350z both are nice cars but if you end up giving up the M3, at least don't torture yourself with the slow RX-8...
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 12:38 AM
  #27  
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i got my 06 Z just because thats the price range i was able to afford. but if i was able to afford an M3 i wouldnt think twice on which one i should get
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 12:57 AM
  #28  
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I think many people here like the idea of owning an M3, i know i do. However when it comes down to it, for my money getting a BRAND NEW car is simply too much to give up. I know exactly what's happened to my Z in every one of it's miles. It's got a warranty that's nowhere close to expiring. I like the Z 9/10ths as much as I like the bimmer, so for me the Z was the way to go.

Besides people are going to assume you're a ***** if you have a BMW.
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 01:12 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by moflow
I think many people here like the idea of owning an M3, i know i do. However when it comes down to it, for my money getting a BRAND NEW car is simply too much to give up. I know exactly what's happened to my Z in every one of it's miles. It's got a warranty that's nowhere close to expiring. I like the Z 9/10ths as much as I like the bimmer, so for me the Z was the way to go.

Besides people are going to assume you're a ***** if you have a BMW.
ya i get the feeling there is a stuck up ***** behind the wheel everytime i see an M3
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 01:13 AM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by moflow
I think many people here like the idea of owning an M3, i know i do. However when it comes down to it, for my money getting a BRAND NEW car is simply too much to give up. I know exactly what's happened to my Z in every one of it's miles. It's got a warranty that's nowhere close to expiring. I like the Z 9/10ths as much as I like the bimmer, so for me the Z was the way to go.

Besides people are going to assume you're a ***** if you have a BMW.
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 01:29 AM
  #31  
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m3 all the way.
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 08:54 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by wildone_106
If U get an M3, dont forget to take the BMW certified Attitude course! Where it teaches you to drive like you own the road, bully people, tail gate if anyone "dares" to cut infront & generally act like a *****! Then, get the M3

So true.
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 09:15 AM
  #33  
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The service varies from Dealer to Dealer. I have had good experiences having work done on my Z so far. Don't be fooled in thinking that all prestige dealers have great service dept. My local Mercedes service dept is less than satisfatory, infact you keep a tight grip on your wallet when you are there - it really is that bad. Plus they give you an enterprise rental car as a loaner which is crap if you have just paid 50K + for a new car.

BMWs and Mercs are not as reliable as people think. I have driven used M3's that really feel tired after only a couple of years. Having said that, the M3 is a great car.

I bought the Z because I wanted a fast 2 seater coupe. Nissan is not known for up market interiors and I just accept the sea of black plastic that is the dash. What I care about is the connection I feel with the road and the sound which I never tire of.

Last edited by Black Duck; Nov 26, 2006 at 09:21 AM.
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 09:37 AM
  #34  
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I would buy a Z still. Having owned the Z for 3 yrs and driven the M3 daily for the pass 6 months, I must say the Z drives better. M3 is like a big muscular Sedan with not so comfortable seat and a light steering. Just my .02 thou.
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 10:39 AM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by Fab_vr6
I would buy a Z still. Having owned the Z for 3 yrs and driven the M3 daily for the pass 6 months, I must say the Z drives better. M3 is like a big muscular Sedan with not so comfortable seat and a light steering. Just my .02 thou.

I hate the light steering!!!
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 11:00 AM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by fairtex
I'm looking to get an 06' Z. The other years don't really appeal to me due to the clear engine superiority in the 06 model. Currently I have a 94' FD that is seemingly dying and a 97' 240SXLE, but I need something with some (reliable) power.

I have also been really thinking about getting a used M3 for around 35-40k, but after hearing about the kind of maintenance pricing I might have to pay for, I am really leaning toward the 350z (or RX-8, Evo, STi, but they lack the class and prestige).

Now if I had the money to be able to afford the maintenance and repairs on the M3 I would no doubt be picking it up, but sh*t happens and because of this I'm indecisive. I want another Japanese car but according to BMW owners, there is nothing like a bimmer.

What I would like to know from you guys who already own Z's is this... what pros and cons would you give on your Z? What things did you discover that you wished you would have known before you got the car?

What package would you guys recommend for DD and occassional street racing?

And also... how does the car fair as a DD (with forced induction , turbo preferrably)?
i have to say some BMW onwers are correct i used to have a 1988 BMW750il great car and everything, but you need to think on what you will be using the car for as an everyday car and if you live in a city and lot of stop and go traffice the Z can get you annoying sometimes. the BMW's are quick they are not fast i dont care what anyone says i know fast cars two of my uncles have a cl600 and SL55 those cars are fast. as for fun factor the Z is hands down more fun to drive then the BMW, even my uncles have driven my car for a weekend and were amazed by the performance even if it was 200hp less then there cars. if your driveing people around and you need the space get the M3 if its only you and your girl then go with the Z the looks you will get is hell of alot better then the BMW
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 11:21 AM
  #37  
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Originally Posted by zland
many people really do not think their 350Z performed as well after they purchased it as they expected.

I say put a number on your car and get out there and kick BMW butt!
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 11:40 AM
  #38  
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I just went from a z to an m3... Granted i went from a bone stock base '03 Z to a fully loaded 06 M3 SMG II... The Bimmer is more of a well rounded car and A great deal more comfortable. Also, its scary fast! All in all you get what you pay for and seeing how my z was half the price of my M3 then the Z is also def worth it!!! Love both cars!
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 01:31 PM
  #39  
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If you guys are talking about service from the dealer then i suggest getting a landrover. The LR service dept. here is great. Plust when its in the shop they give out pretty nice rentals, i had an 06 LR3 last week, before i had a Disco II and i once got shafted with a Jag X-type but i'll forgive them for that, now those are rentals, not some POS camary.
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 01:50 PM
  #40  
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well gotta stick up for the z
It looks better some may differ but to me i think the z looks way more exotic
It handles better more affordable easier to maintain
just as reliable maybe a tenth slower and its a tru sports car


All said and done either way u go ur gunna be happy with the m3 or the z i can see why some see the m3 superior cause of its price and 30 more horses im not too much of a luxury guy i liike sporty all sporty cars tend to look simple on the interior minus the few that have both

Last edited by infamous350; Nov 26, 2006 at 01:52 PM.
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