Hi guys,

I'm in the market to buy a new car. I'm having trouble weighing the advantages of buying a 350z or a safe bet car (mazda 6, altima, etc.) I found an 05 35th anniversary with 20000 on it for about 23k and it has definitaly caught my eye. I will be using my car all year round and I commute about an hour to work. Right now I am driving a 1999 bmw 323is and I love the car. Unfortunately, the miles have racked up and maitenence prices are God awful. What kind of maitenence prices am I looking for with a z and would it make sense for somebody in my situation to go for it? I become attached to my cars but unfortunately do not have a garage to put them in, so it will be outside at all times. I live in NJ and winters are a toss up (either terrible storms or nothing at all). I am 22 and figure that if I were to ever to get a Z...this is the time. I was just wondering if anybody else is in a situation similar to mine. Obviously taking car of it will cost more than an altima, but how much more can I expect? Thanks in advance.

-Alex

 

You're only looking at regular maintenance. Only problem is, if your Z is your only car here in Jersey, you're gonna possibly want to look elsewhere, into something that can tackle the winter and be fun in the summer.

 

I have an 05 with 40,000 miles. Maintenance is nothing out of the ordinary, or expensive. Fuel economy is great for this type of car (15-17mpg flogging it all the time, 24ish normal driving, 30-32 hiway)

the only drawback is space, but i have an SUV for that. I have even driven it in the snow (with snow tires) and it was a very balanced predictable ride, actually really fun (while i was between SUV's)

choice#1- buy it

choice #2- don't buy it, but wish you always did.

whats worse, potentially regretting the purchase if it doesn't turn out to be the best choice for you- or- not buying it and always wishing you did every time you see one (and hear the hypnotic exhaust note).


i jumped in head first, and can always sell it if i stop loving it.

DO IT !!

edit: i live in canada, get some snow tires and turn off trac control. Only deep snow will be an issue- but main roads should be plowed.

 

here we go again.........

 

You both bring up some good points. Luckily, I have the option to work from home on occasion so any days where I obviously wouldn't be able to make it due to snow I wouldn't be completely screwed. It's funny, a while back I looked at a spotless 03 touring with only 6k miles on it for 21000...never even driven in the rain, and I passed. Part of me regretted that one. One last question, since the tires can't be rotated how often do you replace them and how much do they run you?

 

I know I'm sure this has been brought up a billion times and it's probably very obnoxious.

 

The 350Z will be more fun in snow. Definitely.

 

Being only 22 expect some real high insurance rates if you purchase a Z.

 

too much...

 

Insurance was actually only about $25 more per month than if I got an altima, so I can swing it. And the price on the car is the list price, trust me I'm going to bring up the economy and winter if I end up looking further into it, I'll suggest the 19k and see what happens...sounds like you got an awesome price though.

 

well, if you can get by not being able to drive during snowy days, then definitely go for it....however, you gotta remember its not just the actual snow days, but when the roads get icy, thats when you're gonna have the most problems.

i remember it took me about 45 minutes to get out of parking space due to ice, and this was a couple of days after a snowstorm!

also, make sure the Z has enough space for your stuff. and factor in that the car has no backseat, which is one of the bigger drawbacks IMO. if you need more space, opt for the G coupe. if you need your car everyday, opt for the G awd

 

Not true. call to get a quote, you'd be surprised.

I'm 23 with a major accident on my record (yay hitting black ice at 60 mph on a turn), that caused an injury, I pay 160$/mo with a 500$ deductable, allstate. it will be wayyy cheaper in feb when my accident drops off as well.

it will differ for every location, company, car etc.. but its worth checking out

 

Tires are around a grand per set installed and you will need a new set about every 20,000 miles. Otherwise maintenance is fairly cheap; about same as an Altima, i would think.

For winter use you will need snow tires.

 

Hi.
I survived an entire winter with the 350z, amazing.
Thank you.

Oh, and for the OP, I say go for it. The only thing that would concern me is that its a 35th. Has the rev-up motor.