are these two different models? Or does the convertible make it a roadster?
Also I have to make a decision which may seem like a no brainer yet I am looking for everyones input ..........so here goes.

I am bout to buy a 350z obviously its a 2004 convertible full package touring with leather seats and 6speed etc... I recently got told today that they had a 35th anniversary coming in and its automatic same package though but this has dvd and navigation and its a 2005. SO what do I choose? I need some good info on this one. Anyones positive help is needed.

 

To who?

 

Are you a real driver then? And do you consider non-Base Z owners to be posers?

 

NO I do not consider non-base z owners to be posers.
Unless they are thinking they are the stuff and have an automatic tranny with 20 inch rims.

I like to think of myself as a real driver. I like grinding it out between the the rubber and the road and how it locks up and drags down the rpm's all the while screaming for a shift change.

I like down shifting to catch myself as I jetesen around a corner hearing the tires grab and scwal while they try to keep me in line. I don't like tcs inhibiting my performance.

I do however like cruise control. For when I don't want to be on the ragged edge and just kick back and enjoy the ride.

 

Love my Roadster. And yes - convertible = roadster.

Assuming they have similar miles, similar condition, etc - it's up to you. Newer is always better. But if you want the 6sp manual, stick w/the '04. If you don't mind the auto (it's really not that bad ) - go w/the '05.

In the end - drive them both - get the one you like better.

Good Luck.

 

+1,000

 

See extreme sized font for what not to get!

*Puts on flame suit to shield from 5AT guys*

 

Which did you choose?

 

Cruise control was my main factor in buying mine.

 

Just closed on an awesome deal on my 2005 Base model. You'll need to ask yourself a couple of questions before you decide what you can or cannot live without. If you want to drive around for a few years and potentially sell the car later, you'll have to consider a few things.

1. If you're buying the lowest model, make sure you get a good color so that when you resell it later, the buyer is sold on what it looks like. It's good brownie points.

2. If you are in Cali, why would you really need the LSD or Traction control. I live in Chicago and I don't need it. Granted I don't drive that fast when it snows but if you read the sticky, all that is there to help PREVENT the car from going out of control. ONLY the the driver could let it go out of control. That being said, there are thousands of wrecked Z's from morons behind the wheels of traction controlled cars. Also, sometimes the traction control is really annoying as I find it limits what I can do as it kicks in and locks up at times when the tires slip just a little.

3. You aren't going to drive any car when it's more than 2 inches of snow on the road anyway. Unless you have a jeep or FWD. (would the traction control really matter then?)

4. If you like to have some fun on the roads, getting the base is good. You spin tires once in a while, drift into a corner etc etc. I don't think the LSD will allow that. Most people with traction control turn it off most of the time anyway.

Finally, if you like the car... get it. Don't look at the price as the deciding factor. Sometimes paying a little more goes a long way. Always check the value of the car before you buy.

 

I've got an 08 Base model.

I share the same sentiment for choosing the Base as many of the others do.

As for the cruise control, my Evo didn't have it, and I can't remember the last time i switched it on in my STi. So for me, it was a moot point.

I've never been a fan of leather seats. Unless we are talking a Caddy or something.

Its a fun car, i got into it dirt cheap, and I enjoy it.
You gotta go with what works for you though.

 

'08 base. Love it.

I do miss cruise control. That is my only real complaint.

Installing a Quaife LSD and new Kenwood head unit, though.

 

You guys boasting about not using stability / traction control crack me up. What about air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, or syncro transmissions? Do those things rob you of your driving experience too or are you ok with those technologies?

 

+1

I have a microwave where the glove compartment is supposed to be in built. My coffee never gets cold anymore when I drive.

 

My $.02, yeah, I think the Enthusiast is worth the extra $. I think so twice, even, because I bought two, an '03 and an '08.

It is true one can add HID headlights and an LSD to a base, but any aftermarket LSD will be mechanical and probably designed for performance, which almost certainly means is a little noisier. The VLSD in the Enthusiast is, well, a VLSD, so it's not awesome by any means, but still better than an open diff, and not intrusive or noisy at all. I hardly use Cruise Control but it's nice to have when you want it.

The other trims, I don't know. Leather is nice, but it's slippery and heavier, a trade-off. Again, probably nice to have in a daily driver. And, for a DD or an occasional Autocross you don't need Brembos and though VDC can be nice in an unexpected event, in any other case you can simply choose to not drive like a jackass who is pushing the limits of his own talent. I would never have a car with VDC which could NOT be disabled completely.

So, it really depends on what you want. If you want a stock car which has everything you want, and you want an LSD, HID, cruise, and traction control, go for the Enthusiast or higher.

 

I went with the touring because i wanted leather and cruise control. I drive this car ALOT... i bought it last august with 24k on the odo, i now how 50k on it. I do alot of highway driving so the cruise comes in handy when the legs wants to cramp up. It boils down to your drving habits, desires and expectations.

 

ok, if you installed a high performance aftermarket 5000 Watt microwave then then that is BASE and your cool.

If you brag about having a microwave, but turn it off everytime you start the car, that is ENTHUSIAST and you are cool as long as you constantly tell everyone that you never use it.

If you ever used the microwave for the purposes of microwaving something, that is TOURING and although half the people on this forum also use their microwave, they'll still tell you they never use it and always turn it off.

If your favorite thing about the car is the microwave, but you never really use it, that is TRACK and everyone will tell you that you wasted your money.

Is that about right?

 

 

WHAT!!!!! No Nismo section??? We feel so left out now.......

 

lol, did I tell you I put my donuts in there too? what's the analogy now?