For a lot of years before AWD, 4WD and FWD cars the only thing available was a rear wheel drive car. Probably a lot of years before there were snow tires too. The Z has TCD and VDC to help keep everything in line when things get a little slippery. A really good set of snow tires and judicious application of throttle and a Z is drivable in the snow same as any other RWD vehicle.

 

Buy a beater and own a Z. Its the only way to go w/o worry.

Ass! lol

 

You can also post a 14.1 second time slip and say that it is really 13.1 seconds on the east coast.

 

I just bought a 2007 Z in October and live in the Chicago Il area and with stock summer tires, you want to stay away from the snow. I drove a spare car this year, but for next year, I am getting some snow tires and expect to be just fine.

 

Don't sweat it. Plenty of locals drive theirs throughout the year.

 

 

I Live in the UK but close conditions on the main roads (I am guessing your not going to be taking the Zed up places where 4x4's go...). I spent a winter in Colarado and I think Its all about knowing the car and its limits, we have had loads of changable weather here over the past 6 months and only had the back end out once. Learn to drive it as its meant to be and when it snows and gets harsh, alter your driving style and go slower.

If it was me I would be gettign a vert so I could see more of that great countryside when I was out in it!

 

I know this is my first post, but I hope it doesn’t hurt my creditability just because I don’t feel the need to post to simply increase my post count.

I actually read this post and decided not to say anything as I have done so many times in the past. However, I could not let this discussion continue without letting you all know what I know about driving the Z in the winter.

I live in Milwaukee, WI and we normally don’t get as much snow as I am used to. (I am originally from more north than Milwaukee.) I bought my 05 ZR in February of 07 and we did not have that much snow at the time. Right after I bought my ZR, Milwaukee had a few large snow storms and I couldn’t even sleep at night with the thought of driving my car in the snow the next day. I really missed the AWD TT I gave up for the Z and thought I made a huge mistake buying the Z for the DD in Wisconsin.

During the summer, I dedicated a significant amount of time to finding an all season tire for the Z. I ended up putting on a set of Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S and discovered the potential of the Z in the snow. Milwaukee had 100+ inches of snow this winter; the second highest amount of snow on record. There were several days where we had over 14 inches of snow in one day. Of course, I had to drive my Z on every one of those days and I did not get stuck once. One day in particular we had 22+ inches of snow in a 24 hour period. About 14 inches into it I had to leave work in my Z. There was about 6 inches of unplowed snow on the roads and I DID JUST AS GOOD, IF NOT BETTER, THAN ALL THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CARS ON THE ROAD THAT DAY.

My whole point is that I think that the Z gets a bad rap because of the horrible stock tires that come on the car. The Bridgestone R040’s are not for winter driving (or any driving in my opinion) and a set of all season or true winter tires turns the Z into a tank in snow.

Buy the Z, gets some good tires, and have some fun.

 

If the Z will be your primary means of transportation in Denver and you really really want the Z then, yes, but only if you have a set of winter or studded tires. Stock summer tires on the Z will be very dangerous driving in snowy Colorado. I don't drive my Z in the snow at all because I have the stock Bridgestone Potenzas. I actually tried driving the Z in the snow and it's no fun praying while driving--there is just no grip whatsoever.. So when it does snow, I drive the other vehicle (FWD) that has all season tires with good capability in snow conditions.

 

Just buy a cheap beater and then use the rest of your money for a down payment on a Z

 

DUDE! i live in colorado with a DD Z. Its ok for now. Go to milehighz.com and you will meet lots of DD z guys here in denver

 

You only live once, buy what you want. Your parents will eventually understand that you really loved the Z and the purchase was more of a sentimental value than having a price on it.

 

Subaru Legacy GT. Those are nice, awd, turbo, and have quite a bit of potential.

 

thanks for all the input guys! I am hoping with a good pair of snow tires i should be ok. I would rather get the car i want than settle for like an AWD TT. I mean i dont have a very far drive to work and they are really good with getting the streets plowed. I dont need to take it out on the weekends in the winter and you only live once so what the hell!

 

I had a mustang in Colorado for a while, with some studded tires and a 100lbs of weights in the trunk it did alright. Granted, this was colorado springs, not aspen or telluride. But, it wasnt too bad at all.

 

A Z is the wrong car for you. STIs, EVOs are both really fun cars.

 

Buy a SUV...lol....I dunno man go get your Z and figure it out when winter comes. Buy a new one a HR.

 

Awd G35

 

I'm a Denverite and bought a 2003 Touring earlier this year as my daily driver. Do yourself a favor and buy snow tires with dedicated rims! Snow tires are AMAZING and with dedicated rims you can get thinner tires which are better in the snow (they will also be cheaper in the long run).

I ended up getting the cheapest rims possible (225/17 all around) and will end up saving money over just buying rubber after a couple of years. This is possible because remounting snow tires on Z stock rims costs around $100 (that's $200 a year) but switching out the wheels is free (at least at Discount Tire).

You'll be fine getting the Z in Denver as long as you get the right tires!

Two years ago I made the conservative decision to buy a WRX as my DD instead of the Z and, while the rex was fun, I regretted it until I finally made the switch to the Z. Don't be me 2 years ago!

 

I was in a similiar situation, where I bought a 350z and live at home. Fortunatly I am able to

1 take the train to work

2 borrow one of my parents AWD or FWD cars

3 take a bus...... (shutter) feel more unsafe here sometimes than I would with my Z on a sheet of ice.

And I would never go back on my decision. My parents told me I was wasting my money as well, but my logic was why limit your driving experince on good days and get something that is average, when you can have the best and just find alternatives on those really really bad days.

Good Luck