I will finally be getting my Z in the next month or two, I have some questions about it before I make my final decision though, here is what I know for sure, Its going to be white, Touring, NAV, Kickplates, floormats, side air bags, my questions are:
1. does the frost leather stay clean or is it too much hasle for someone who lives in seatle with all the rain.
2. does the automatic perform as well as th 6 speed?
3. are the mudflaps worth it?
4.whats the release date for the 04's
5.does anyone have the stone guard and is it worth it?
any of this info will really help me out, thanks in advance to all!

 

1) First select the model based on what you want to do with the car. If you want to modify the car than I say go with the enthusiast model. If you want to only add a few mods and like the touring package than go with that.
2) I can’t help you with the frost leather. I don’t know how dirty it gets.
3) Automatic vs. 6 sp. There are too many opinions on this. This website is full of debates on this subject. Get the one that feels best to you.
4) Mudflaps? Do you mean the splash guards? If you like the look of them. I think it is an aesthetics decision. Do they help save your paint? I have them b/c I like the look of them. I don’t know if they help protect your paint behind your wheels. But I will tell you that your paint will chip in many more obvious places (front bumper, hood) too worry about behind the wheels. Also if you plan to add aftermarket body kits then will have to be removed so save your money.
5) I don’t know the release date for the ‘04 most likely Oct/Nov. I would wait for the ’04. I think that they have worked out a few kinks that were in the ’03 model. Don’t ask me what specific kinks but there is a lot of web chatter on the improvement.
6) Stone guard? Do you mean a clear bra? If you mean a clear bra than yes get one. This has been highly recommended by many people. The front of you car will love you for this. The front end chips and dings like crazy.
My opinions.

 

i don't know you personally, but from what you've written, i'm sensing that you are buying the Z more for looks and cruising than anything. if that is the case, have you considered the g35 coupe?? i think you might be happier with that car.

 

I actually dont like the way the G35 looks, I have been a huge Z fan for as long as I can remember, I plan on getting a superchargher later on, its defenetly not goning to be a cruising vehicle, but I do live in seatle and it rains all the time.
I was planing on getting the track model, but i am really tired of all the stop and go traffic in seattle, the many hills really are hard on the clutch, so im thinking of getting the touring with auto instead.
thanks for the feedback!
Boris

 

I have to say I love my Automatic/Sportronic shifter, completely comfortable in thick traffic with the automatic and when I wanna run it thru the gears the sportronic works great and no worries about missing shifts or letting out the clutch too fast. It's the perfect mix for me

 

the auto is great as far as autos go. triptronic is always fun.

but in the end youll be losin a few extra hp to the inefficient transmission design. manuals are just more efficient at putting the power to the ground. also give you more flexability for engine braking, launching, and so on.

unless your a major racer, or just enjoy the feel of a stick, auto is good for you.

I dont like the look of the mudflaps, but some do. thats a personal choice, they are functional as long as you dont get wider tires, youll start to kick dirt outside of them then. however I dont have them, had stock and wide tires on there, never had a problem with dirt on the fenders or anything. no scratches there. so they may be functional, but there isnt a big need for their function.

 

If you get frost leather get those stupid seat belt covers cause the seat belts will ruin the white leather where they touch by your shoulder.