Scipher21

So I'm stuck between which to get. The main difference im looking at is traction control, considering it will be my DD.

Should I be concerned about traction control on a RWD Car? This is not my first manual car and I know how to drive sensible.

So opinions please.

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

There are literally hundreds of threads here on the subject of buying a base vs something else. For some it's worth it to have TCS (traction control), the VLSD and cruise control, for others it's not. YOU hav eto decide what's right for you.

Then you have the hundreds of threads here from people who have wrecked their Zs, a lot by doing something stupid, some of which probably who have been saved if they had TCS/VDC.

It all boils down to how much risk or inconvience are you willing to take for the reward of saving some money, right?

Swiffer

iTrader: (8)

You can probably guess what I'm going to suggest

davidv

iTrader: (2)

I don’t know which model suits your needs, but I can tell you what members are driving.

Scipher21

well i just checked the invoice price of an enthusiast and was surprised to see it. So ill be getting that one. 300$ over invoice is a good price, right.

chromesilver6

iTrader: (3)

I would just get a base and buy a good 1.5 way lsd. But im the kind of person who could care less about some cruise control and i hate traction control of any sort. So buy whatever suits you. Sounds like youre getting a good deal on the enthusiast so go for it. Unless on the other hand the base is more than 1500 cheaper. Just my 2 cents.

annahandres

You live somewhere where it snows and rains a decent amount. And this car is going to be your DD? I wouldn't be considering the base unless you add an LSD but you still don't get TCS. But it's up to you.

silver350tn

iTrader: (6)

i can offer my opinion i have a base and when it rains i really regret it.........

The Brickyard Rat

iTrader: (1)

By the time you pay for an aftermarket LSD you are less than a grand for all the other goodies on the Enthusiast.

350Zak

iTrader: (1)

base ftw

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Considering that it is April, invoice plus $300 is OK. For reasonable pricing see the prices at CarMax.

dystopian

On a different angle, if you ever plan on selling the car, the TCS may help with the process as well, as there's probably many other 350z buyers that are concerned with the same thing regarding TCS safety.

HondaKiller

iTrader: (5)

People have been driving rear wheel cars without that shat for decades now. You dont need it to get by, your tires dont just spin all over the place because you dont have TCS. I'm sure it does a good job at times, but something cutting power to my wheels because it senses "wheel spin" is bogus... let that ***** fly lol

jray8

if you spend a lot of time on the interstate, CRUISE CONTROL BETTER BE AN OPTION, i have a base, but didnt care too much at the time of purchase because i had to have a Z! good luck, congrats on purchasing a Z

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

Yeah, just like people have been driving without tire pressure monitoring for decades too. Not surprising, underinflated tires are the main cause of tire failure. That's why all car are required to have TPMS now. While a few of us are vigilant and check our pressures regularly, the vast majority of driver don't.

For the same reason, the vast majority of drivers do something stupid at one time or another that gets them into trouble and they wind up in an accident. That's why you'll see more and more cars coming with ESC (electronic stability controls) in the near future.

j1234

iTrader: (5)

ive got a base and my TCS is my right foot.....

Slow*Jim

iTrader: (5)

I assume if you bought a base you would be buying an LSD... but how much better is a Nismo or Tomei LSD than the stock one? Also, consider resale value - I don't think there is a very big market for base Z's.

Wheelman

iTrader: (3)

Then you are a crappy driver. You don't need an LSD to maintain traction in an open diff car in the rain. If they were that unsafe, they wouldn't be manufacturing them. Don't drive like a moron in the rain, and you'll be fine.

Scipher21

Im pretty much sold on the Enthusiast.

Thanks guys, Im just too worried about snow/rain. I just dont want to take the chance of running over a puddle, or ice patch in the winter and totaling my Z, raising my insurance. Im very ignorant when it comes to RWD Cars and I'm not sure whether or not they are as bad as people say during harsher weather conditions.

Cruise Control isnt that important but its nice to have. As LSD is also nice to have but not important to me since ive been driving without it for 2 years.

Now I will have no regrets buying a Z(Hopefully).

Spike100

You have received some responses with good advice. I would like to respectfully add to this discussion.

Since this car will be your DD, and you live in Maryland (where you get snow and ice); TCS will be enormously helpful. In fact, I would look for the next safety upgrade (a Z model with VDC).

You can add VLSD to a Base model, but having VLSD integrated with TCS is a better arrangement. I would recommend the Enthusiast model as the minimal configuration you want to buy. You should also consider two sets of tires/wheels for summer and winter.


--Spike