I'm trying to decide if I should get a Z. I have a g35 6MT SEDAN and am looking for a 2 door. The G has less than 18k miles and I own it outright, so I've started looking at the enthusiast and touring models and have some questions.

What do you guys think of the BOSE in the touring model (the bose in the G blows, but the FX has a killer system)? Is there anything else in touring that justify the cost? How's the audio in the enthusiast model? If I get the enthusiast model can the radio be upgraded w/ amps & speakers? or swapped out for a din model ? are the parts available "reasonable" or is it a "costly" endeavor?

How is the auto? Is it the "new & improved" model that can hold a gear (07 G35 Sedan), or still the old slusher.. I'm leaning toward a 6 but might consider an auto (if its the new model). I'm primarily focused on good handling / performance, but I do not want a bone jarring ride on the way to work.

Thanks in advance, and if anyone knows of a good mod shop or audio shop in the Plano / Frisco TX area send that along also.

Thanks

 

You are interested in a performance sports car, but are asking about audio equipment and automatic transmission. If I was interested in creature comforts, I would get a G35 with automatic transmission. Drive the 350Z. You will know immediately if its the car for you.

 

Actully the car will probably do (since I have a 6MT G35), but I do not know much about the audio setup, and the different models, which was the general point of what I was asking. I do plan on taking several out for test drives. On the 07 G35 Sedan the "new" auto is really impressive, but the auto from before 07 was a slushbox (compared to the 6). I'm curious to see how the owners find the 6 / AT setup in the Z.

 

I've got an 06 with the AT and like it a lot. Being I'm 70 it may influence your consideration of my opinion. The following is part of a review in Winding Road magazine that talks about the AT. It may help you decide.


"After this, we jump into the 350Z, not expecting much. While many on the WR staff like the 350Z, past renditions always left us wanting more of the soul we could find in a Porsche Boxster or a Mitsubishi Evo or a Mini Cooper. To make matters seem worse, our test car has a five speed automatic transmission. While we don’t mind loading up a car with all the luxury and performance options in the book, we’ve come to expect an automatic to wring some life out of the proceedings.

Wrong again. Twenty minutes down a twisty section of road, we’re amazed how much better we like the automatic version than the manual-equipped Zcars we’ve driven in the past. It isn’t that the manual is bad, but rather that the automatic, though old-fashioned, fits so harmoniously with Nissan’s excellent, 287-horsepower V-6 (the manual-gearbox gets a revised version with a full 300 horses). The loose torque converter allows the engine to get easily into a rev range that works, which makes the car seem even more responsive.

That’s nice, but it doesn’t begin to describe the essential virtue of the 350Z. The Z has one of the best combinations of straight-line feel and corner-to-corner agility that you’ll find at any price.

We’ve always figured that you wanted a short wheelbase for agility and a long wheelbase for straight-line tracking. The 350Z has a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, which is a foot longer than the Porsche 911’s 92.5 inches but five inches shorter than the 650i’s 109.4 inches. On top of that, the 350Z engineering team worked overtime to make the car feel completely alive and at home on both long highway stretches and tight curves. The suspension is tight but compliant, the steering communicative, and the chassis has a light, balanced feel with a hint of oversteer. This is what you want in a true GT.

We came into this comparison with the sense that the 350Z was a single-minded sports car that would be great on tight back roads and slightly out of place everywhere else. In contrast, we thought the 650i would epitomize GT balance: pleasant in town, enjoyable in the curves, and dominating on long highway runs."

 

I would stay away from Bose stereo and Nav. Not worth the money IMHO. I have both and when compared to after market stuff for less money, the aftermarket is in a different league.

The MT is definitely faster feeling, but I am lazy and don't drive the thing hard very often if ever. Highest RPM ever is 5.5.

 

"a hint of oversteer"? Say no more.

 

Easy to replace stero; cost will be at least $2 grand for decent system assuming you have shop do installation.

Personally,I'd go for the Enthusiast.

 

get an enthusiast. best bang for the buck, unless you are dead set on heated leather seats, I see no advantage to spending 3 grand more for a touring. For 3 Grand you can get a very decent stereo setup.

 

Yes this may be the ticket. I tested a touring w/ a AT and I WAS IMPRESSED !!!, now I'll have to go find one w/ a stick. D*mn that car drove well.

 

you think the auto was fun, wait till you try the stick, much more control and "oneness" with your vehicle

 

I do not disagree that the enthusiast is the best bang for the buck. But I have no regrets in going with touring. I wanted leather and NAV. You can't beat a factory intergrated NAV. IMO the dash looks much cleaner. As for the bose, it really isn't as bad as some say.

 

2007 Carbon Silver Enthusiast 6 speed. Clearbra & 30/20 Tint.

Looks like you drove a 350Z, and bought one. Congratulations.

 

I'll add my congrats as well. After the fact, but in terms of the 6 speed, I have to say that it's a very good package of tranny, shift and clutch feel. I came from an '03 s2000 that I drove for four years and generally agreed upon as having one of the best shifters in the business. I am very happy and impressed the the Z. What was the question?

 

07 car's have improved shifter feel vs earlier years. Otherwise, what the automotive press say's about the MT trannies is totally deserved.

 

good idea going with enthusiast instead of touring. i'd just throw out the old system and throw something a little better in.