andyffer

Should I get a
-325i coupe or sedan or convertible
-330i coupe or sedan or convertible
or
-Nissan 350Z like an '04 or around there

Im looking for something under $20,000
The reason why is, I have a '02 Nissan Pathfinder that I want to trade in. Its valued just at $10,000. I figured if I go Nissan they might give me more money for that trade rather than a "general" used dealership that sells everything.

I want to compare performance, maintenance, cost, gas mileage, and anything else you can think of.

Thanks

Smackin

O man, I upgraded from a 2000 328i to a 07 350z. I have not looked back.
The upkeep on my old BMW was unreal and it seemed that everything was slowly breaking on me and costing 500+ for just this and that.
The 325i does not have very much power compared to its brothers. The 330i is a great car and you can upgrade alot.
The gas mileage is about the same.
My 328i didnt have a sport package so I really missed the sporty seats like i have had in other cars. One of the main reasons i looked at getting rid of it.
I say go with the 350z. The maintenance is a killer!

homErx55

get a 335, those are kinda nice.

Z04

iTrader: (15)

i think you should get the car you can afford. then once you figure that out i suggest you take a class on decision making. then you can learn how to decide for yourself

blacksl3ek

if the bmw will be under will be under warranty then its a nice luxury car. No sports car though. but if you want a sports car that you dont have to worry about out of warranty nissan is the way to go.

NISMO_558

iTrader: (1)

Just buy an RSX

davidv

iTrader: (2)

This is a 350Z forum.

lonewolf

iTrader: (10)

same generic responses in every thread. how many times are they gonna be funny?

AML225

I recently had to make a very similar decision (new Z or used 3 series for around $30k). Coming from a German car (Audi A4) I went Japanese. I figure even though the Z gets worse gas mileage you'll EASILY (in my experience) make up for that with the cost of one or two repairs. The only big difference is do you need a back seat? Both are great cars and handle and feel great, the BMW's may be short on power but they're very well balanced and much more useable. The Z you're gonna find yourself wanting to take it to the track to come close to its limits.

dalecan

iTrader: (2)

Why not go for a BMW ZM Coupe. Same sort of structure as the Z, but more rare and does get more attention. You may have to go for the 2.8 or early M version though, as the later Ms have 315HP.

Having owned an European spec ZM Coupe in London (325hp) I can honestly say it's been the most unique car I've ever owned. Regular trips to Le Mans would see me getting more attention than exotic sports cars.

But they are more expensive to maintain.

zpak

You're not asking the operative/core question: do you want 2 seats or 4?

2nd question: Purpose of car? Weekend/Track warrior or daily commuter?

chazz0812

BMW's are about as areodynamic as bricks. Gas is 4$ a gallon. Do you wanna push an ugly German brick through the air, or a sleek Z?

Dr. Venture

iTrader: (19)

comes down to this. do you wanna pay or just play? with a beam, your gonna keep buying crap that breaks down. Control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, the damn auxiliary water pump always leaks. And it's all pretty Expensive to fix, as far as parts go. Since 03 i've had the Z and my buddy has had a 330 nothing has failed me to date, but for his poor soul he spent least 3 g's already fixing things. i know cause im his mechanic!!!!

OWTKAST cpt

iTrader: (1)

Im new to this nissan forum and can already tell its got alot of the same people in the other ones.....





BMW if you want good forums with tons of good people.... and can do some maintainence yourself....
330ci coupe HANDS DOWN....sexy fun to drive, and plenty of room in the back seat....

325ci-WEAK

Nissan for overall amazingness.....

OWTKAST cpt

iTrader: (1)

pretty sure Bimmers get better fuel mileage then z's??????

Dr. Venture

iTrader: (19)

besides what i already said if u do get a bmw and it' snot an M series get the 330...if driven right and set up perfect you can keep up with an M3. Takes the M a lot to pull away from a 330 ci.

JCSVT

My brother gets great gas mileage in his 330i 6-speed. He gets 24mpg with mostly city driving.

OWTKAST cpt

iTrader: (1)

I get anywhere from 23-24 average.... and i easily get high twenties on the highway. BMW are EXTREMELY effecient for what they are....

THEN AGAIN.. a 300hp V6 getting averages in the 23-24 range is good too..

Im planning on swithcing from BMW-350z. Mainly working on my BMW can be hell without the special tools for the hubs and such. and they charge an arm and a leg to fix them which i refuse to pay.... DIY or go broke on a bimmer

ncparamedic

iTrader: (49)

great first post ...

OPTIMO

I had an E46 convertible from 2001 until 2005 (I think). Great gearbox (much better than the Z). The convertibles are very heavy (so is the Z).

They are very different cars.

I sold my E46 convertible and bought an E30 M3. Then sold that and bought a Civic Si. Then sold that and bought the Z. I think the Z will stick around for awhile although I did buy an E91 at the same time.