Only thing I wanted was the brembo's and bigger wheels on the track edition,but the track editions were really rare in my area. The way I see it everything would be upgraded sooner or later anyways like different wheels,seats,audio,but I would have kept the brembos. Its too hot here for leather seats imo and as far as the vdc and tc goes,I havent driven a higher model yet but so far I'm loving the car without 2nd thoughts.

 

The 07's don't really vary that much, so I got the base model.

-07 base has the nice HIDs, larger brakes, etc...
-stock vlsd would have been upgraded anyways (getting a helical unit instead)
-even the "better" bose stereo would have been upgraded
-aluminum pedals, etc.. I added for cheap
-cruise I kinda miss, but oh well.
-steering wheel controls weren't on my old car, so I don't miss them.

No VDC/TCS is a big plus for me. I prefer to not have the electronic aids.

 

yep. B-)

 

I bought a Base on purpose. I wanted the least amount of electronic control and weight. I knew that this particular Z would be used in SCCA, so the wheels weren't an issue. The OEM VLSD is nothing to write home about, and after a little wear and tear, it's only use is to try and help keep the rear end planted with the weight. The brakes too, can be easily and cheaply upgraded. The Brembos are pretty much just bling to me. It really depends on what you plan to do with your car.

 

I didn't miss the LSD (much) until I started autocrossing, but the Quaife that I had installed works better than the stock LSD so I'm very happy with my 05' base.

 

i just ordered nismo 2way lsd today

and cant wait to install it.. and .. to get coilovers..

i am not going to mess around with engine for now

i want to get all the suspension upgraded and then engine

besides its amazing engine compair to sr20det

i am not saying sr sucks but.. there is huge diffrence power

and i am satisfied with it .. haha 300 hp... thats a lot...

 

its almost been a year with my base 06 and im really happy with it. I got the base b/c the price was good for me (30k) and the weight vs the other models. I got my car to be my daily and I also autocross. I wanted something fun. I do plan on getting the nismo lsd but Im very happy with the car none the less. As far as vdc and tc I dont need it. My autocross exp. helps me not get in situations with my Z I know the cars limits and how to dance on that fine line. I think all trim levels are great, just get what makes you happy

-walt

 

I bought my '03 Base when the car first came out.If an Enthusiast or Touring was available,I might have bought one of them,but all the other inventory at the Dealer's were automatics anyway and I wanted a Z I could shift and I wanted it now...

I'm glad I got it.Here's why;
...It's not encumbered with any useless electronic aids,it's lighter more agile and closer to a "pure" sportscar...
...I don't like,or need,leather or powered Mystery Hole doors or computer-led drivers aids,and I'll get interactive electronic screens on my dash when singing monkeys fly out of my ***...
...Because it has the 17" wheels,my tire repair and replacement is less,and when things wear out they will probably be cheaper to fix than the upgraded models....
...It has exactly the same horsepower,suspension and drivetrain as the more uppity Zs,the same seating,the same lack of storage...
...If I want to upgrade the car I can start from a blank slate,the basics,and improve on those...
...my trade-in value will be approximately the same as all other model Zs in a few years...

I do miss traction control.And the nifty little spoiler lip.Otherwise,I'd buy another Base Z in a minute (if I needed two Zs,that is).

 

i actually wished i stepped down. hardly use the cruise control, always turn off the TCS and the VLSD sucks *****.

 

It depends on what you want. If you like all the extra goodies, spend the extra couple thousand and get what you really want. If you go cheap and buy the base you're going to always be wishing you spent the money and got a nicer model.

 

I bought a base cause I knew I was going to heavily mod my car. Body kit, Nismo Differential, Hated leather at the time (considering now), No use for GPS (I love getting lost in my car), Stock rims, springs, brakes, shocks all gone. So for me buying a bunch of stock upgrades would have been a waste of money. With difference of the Base compared to more expensive models allowed me to personalize my car the way I wanted to and spent alot less. And I definately dont wish I didnt buy a Base so the guy who posted above me is just wrong.

 

The only regret I have in choosing the Base is that it doesn't have cruise control.

This really wasn't a glaring problem until I just drove 14 hours from PDX to LAX and cruise control would have been very convenient

 

I have a base 06, and seriously considering trading her in
for a touring 07, or G35...not sure yet.

 

I have to say that I would defo get the enthusiast. Agree w/ Evolved - something along the lines of it being the best price. I could go w/o the leather/bluetooth/bose/power seats etc etc but I had an old 944 back in the day for about 4 years and man how much I missed cruise on trips - that was enough to vow that I would never own a car w/o cruise again - I use it too much. Plus, I (unlike some others) like having at least the TCS; I especially like it in the rain, and it is always there to turn off if I feel the need (I haven't). The VDC is nice, but not necessary, even though I like having it. Go with the enthusiast - my $0.02
E

 

the only thing i miss not having is the leather seats. All the other frills you can keep. My '03 base gets down with the best of them.

 

I guess I fall into the 1% as well.

 

I will be getting a lsd out of a q45 installed for free. Nice to have a Nissan tech dating my sister.

 

no,i bought the base on purpose.I hate leather,..eventually it will crack or deform some how,i would always have tcs off anyway..And i really like how its open for whatever you want to do..its the lightest and the cheapest.i do miss the cruise control but i can live without it.

 

Base heads (base model owners) usually make the decision to get that particular version for one of two reasons; either because they cannot afford to get one of the other versions, or because they already have plans to do certain mods to their car. Either way the performance of the vehicle is the same for all the versions. Amenities are nice...but blasting down the road in a Z is a feeling ALL of us love and can share. And THAT'S what's important.

 

Base FTW