So,
Ive surfed quite a lot in the past few months, was going to go with an HR,
but the price difference is huge. (can get an enth/tour 06/05 for 10k less than a new enth 2k7/2k8)

so i know im trying to avoid oil consumption cars (is there a way to tell other than drive it 1k after i own it and go ****...?)
i know i dont want base b/c i live northerly and need the tcs at least.

so looking at 18-20k for an 05/06 or can they be had cheaper? (< 20k pref but up to 30k ok).

the sticky shows that there is a difference in options from 05 to 06, do both come with the rev/up motor?
is this motor the death of all and should be avoided (in which case an HR is the only option?)

are there any other problems i should look out for? (03/04 had tire feathering and tranny issues, 07/08 clutch and master slave)

last question, i know on long journeys you guys are reporting 27 mpg.. whats your easy driving mpg? (in a city'ish) im in rural bum**** city is why i say that, meaning that what i call city driving is NOTHING compared to LA... (1 miles bt stop lights and theres three of em then im at work.)

planned mods:
Supercharge LOOOONG time ahead (years)
wheels (unless i can get the 18's that are on the 07/08 or the thinner versions of the same)
maybe a bonnet/hood (i dont like the twin lines like the hump more.)
exhaust/intake (is it the same as pointless for the intake on a non-hr?)
Seat time (driver mod.)
at some point ill rip the seatas out and put some more grippy seats in.
Avic or some such sound system (about a year from now.) so i can have ipod/bluetooth/nav all in one package.


one of the guys i know personally is from clemson and has his z supercharged (vortec 03) i think he goes by CUxor or something like that (names xtopher on Clemsonscc.com). Ive listened to his advice but want more.
funny thing is i met him a long time ago when he first got his car, and even back then i was still thinking z or rx-8.

will be trading in fwd suckness (mazda 3 with 62k miles) for it. or selling privately (whichever is more convenient).

looking at red(redline? but pref nogaro)/black/white (ppw?) non of the other colors stand out to me (no offense to yall other color peeps)

 

05 Track and 35th anniversary models and all MANUAL 06's have the revup engine. You'd want to avoid a base model due to lack of TCS (look for audio controls on the steering wheel, if they're absent, its a base).

06 models got a minor interior refresher and i've been told that the pre 06's are slightly less refined (different steering feel/clutch feel).

Not all revup's burn oil, case in point: mine does not. That said, i'd STRONGLY suggest spending a bit more to get an HR. As far as i can tell, its a superior engine in pretty much every way. Low end torque AND top end power, plus you like the hood better anyway.

I average about 13-15 MPG....BUT i live in the middle of seattle and dont drive to conserve fuel. If i drive more slowly i can get around 17mpg. Bear in mind, Seattle is very hilly. On the highway i see close to thirty regularly at around 65mph. When i take it up to 80, i average about 26mpg.

I have a 06' Enthusiast.

 

I just picked up an 06 touring 6sp on Saturday with only 15k miles. I went with the extended warranty just in case. I did a short highway trip today of about 40 miles and reset the mpg computer before I left. I did 28mpg! I'm completely shocked! I don't know if the Injen CAI and Borla help in the MPG dept but I think 28 is damn good. My 07 G35 Sport sedan that I just got rid of only did 24mpg on the highway.

FWIW, the Z with the I/E feels like it has more power than the G35 HR. I think the torque is more consistent across the power band on the Z and the G pulls low 5s to 60mph.

 

You can tell my car based on my sig.

I know the kind of traffic you are referring to, and I get 21.5 mpg with similar driving (28-29 on pure highway cruising @ 70-75 mph).

Not sure of the pricing, but I would get an 06 if you are choosing between an 05 and 06. And remember, these cars have a 5 yr/60k mile powertrain warranty. So you will be covered if you do run into any oil consumption problems.

For the record, mine has 24k on the clock and no issues at all.

 

For unbiased reliability data see Consumer Reports.

For model years and motors and stuff see: http://x.nissanhelp.com/forums/

MPG? Not going to go there again again.

 

dont worry, i only meant it as in, what are you getting not oooh whats the best way to get the best gas mileage (not driving or towing the car...)

and just a minor rant but, cant the freaking dealers figure out wtf they have? im so sick of going ooh thats an enth and looking at the car and going wtf its got NOTHING on the steering wheel. Or when cruise is listed, but again is not in the correct position...

 

Nope. Since the model name is not visible, sellers are apt to mention nothing or make a guess. Buyer beware.

 

I have an 05 Track with the revup and i have seen minor OC. All in All i love my car and the color. PLUS the track came with 18 anyways. no complaints here.

 

I have a 2005 base black it had 10,000 miles and i paid 18,500. I love it and honestly traction control is only really a problem in snow. Other than that i love it and as far as hoods look at seibon cf . Your best upgrade is better tires than stock. Just my opinion most people will probably disagree

 

+1. The 2005 VQ Base has the highest torque/weight ratio of any Z ever built.

 

What did you get?

 

2006 PPW | Track | 13k miles. |

Congratulations!

 

the 06 has the same wheels as the 07/08.

Style-wise, the 06 is almost identical to the 07/08 (hood is different). But the 'redesign' (very light redesign) took place in '06.

Engines are not THAT much different - drive them both, see if the increase in power is worth the price difference to you.

Also - in a year, everyone will be saying 'save up for the 370 as it's engine is so much more powerful'. Gotta pick a point and jump in the pool.

Enjoy - and let us know what you get!

 

Hint: Son of Mad Dog drives a 350Z.