Well I have spent more time on the net this past several weeks than ever before and I am somewhat proud of myself as a few years ago I would have already purchased the z. I have grown into the person who is willing to research the car first buy second!
So as I stated earlier It was between the z and the rx8 mostly because of the rear seats the rx8 offered as I have kids the looks cannot come close to the z.However the more research I did on the rx8 the more I was disturbed to read of numerous owners who traded there car after months of frustration.
I know the z has its share of issues but they are dwarfed in comparison to what I read on rx8.com.I was somewhat frustrated that in most head to head test the z finished second although only by a small margin.Where the tale took a turn was when the consumer reports came into play the Z scored well and the rx8 did not citing poor quality and high maintenance cost. So the decision has been made it is a z for me so now I just have to find the right one .
Wish me happy hunting.
Thanks for the input I have received so far.

 

^^^ When I made the decision to purchase a “sports car,” I narrowed the field to these cars:

Audi TT (turbo)
Porsche Boxter
Mazda RX8
Infinti G35 Coupe
350 Z

Like you, I did a lot of research before purchasing. My thoughts and what drove the decision:

Audi TT (turbo)
- Good looking car with a very nice interior
- I hate “turbo lag”
- Driving experience is similar to the reincarnated Volkswagon Bug

Porsche Boxter
- Great car
- Slightly overpriced when buying, and greatly overpriced when servicing

Mazda RX8
- Too many negative reliability reports
- Rotary engine delivers poor mileage and other problems
- Ugly (exterior and interior)

Infinti G35 Coupe
- Great car… almost bought it
- Slightly longer wheelbase than the Z, giving it a slightly better ride and more stability
- Drives nearly like a Z

350 Z
- The best… a very quick car that handles better than a “go-cart”
- Plenty of space and opportunity to add Mods (sound/electronics, drivetrain, engine, etc.)
- Drives like a dream

--Spike

 

Thanks for the input which model and year did ya end up getting!

 

^^ I bought a 2003/350Z Performance.

The others I considered: 2nd place was an Infiniti coupe, and 3rd place was a Porsche Boxter. Either of these would have been a good pick. I just liked the Z better.

--Spike
______________
EDIT: If (when) I could buy again, I would buy the Track model.

 

Yeah i like the G35 but it still seems more refined than I want in a sports car right now and it is a bit more money than the 350 in the year Im looking at 03
Dave

 

Happy hunting.

 

The G35 does cost more. I must admit that I do like this car. Its slightly longer wheel base provides a marginally better ride without sacrificing the great handling that the G35 and Z share. The G35 has a better sound environment since the rear wheels are outside (isolated by the trunk when the rear seat is in position) the car.

But, the Z looks better and drives (from an enthusiast’s perspective) better. And, the Z allows more Mods.

--Spike

 

If you need the backseats, you have kids ya know, look into the G.

 

My choices were:

350zvert
M3
G35
NSX

Since my gf bought the 350 i needed a car that had some storage space so i went with the M3.

Used M3s now are pretty reasonable

 

But maintenance on a used M3 is probably not so reasonable.

 

I searched for the car that was the most fun to drive. I owned an 04 TT Roadster Quattro, and while it was superb in wet conditions and snow, it lacked character. The RX8 didn't really enter the picture because it's not as hardcore a sports car as the Z. The Porsche I wanted was too expensive.

The 06 Touring Roadster I ended up with is a dream to drive. Even in the winter with snow tires and the top up. Of course, it lives for sun and twisties, and has an exhaust note to die for. In my opinion, it's the best sports car value available today. It puts a grin on my face every time I spin through the gears.

You will absolutely love it!

 

^^ (sry110) +1

M3 series are great cars (luxury plus performance) that are fun to drive... But the maintenance cost…

--Spike
___________
EDIT: to direct comment to sry110

 

I was in your exact same position. I like the way the rx-8 looks, i liked the rear seats and I like rotaries. In all honesty straight line speed is secondary to me. The RX-8 also rides better. However reliability concerns convinced me to give the Z a second look and i soon found myself liking it more and more. It really is a true performance all arounder and the lack of rear seating just isn't that big of an issue (i dont have kids). Also I really like my revup engine, though obviosly i'd prefer an HR. I just think that sports cars should be revy not tourqy.

 

+1

 

Well we already have my wifes new town and country mini van and I have her old one so it is not a need. I will be storeing this car in the winter.Or else I would not even be able to consider a 2 seater.This will be my toy!