I have been doing quite a bit of searching and researching and found that although the base 350z model seems to have the smallest amount of sales next to the 35th anniversary and track models, there are quite a few of them for sale. I found a deal for $13,000 for a 2006 base silver 6mt with 45k miles (cosmetic damage to front bumper and left sideskirt from hitting road debris, clean title but they will need to be replaced) but really want a PPW, Daytona Blue, or Black 350z Enthusiast or upwards. However, I am unable to find as good deals on these as the base models and was wondering if the VDC, VSD, and TCS and/or color preferences are worth a little premium and if the various systems help at all on a somewhat lengthy daily commute or slightly spirited driving. From my past experience, getting options and the exterior/interior color of choice is worth a little premium, but the deal on the 2006 seems too good to pass up even though silver really does not appeal to me. I also haven't searched how much nicer the Bose system is over stock but the leather seats I am impartial to so I guess it comes down to whether or not I want the limited slip, VDC, or traction control systems. Are these worth paying for? Despite it being silver, I do like that it comes stock with 18'' wheels and bi-xenon headlamps which makes my decision even harder... any thoughts?!

 

Personally I did not want a base. So many more options that every other model has that a base does not.

 

Do you plan on modding it? If so, the base model may be perfect. The aftermarket LSD offerings are far superior to the factory LSD and actually require axles from a base model if installed on another model. Another thing that sucks is having to worry about compatibility issues between mods and VDC.

If you don't plan on doing anything to the car then yes, some of the refinements found in the upgraded trim packages are definitely worth while

 

you sound like my son.

 

For a DD, can you live without cruise. I have to admit I wish I had cruise but ah well. I got used to it since getting my Z in 06. I personally like my base model due to its rawness. Don't care much for vdc or the tcs since I would turn those off. If anything, those aids rod you of learning the cars limits. I know how much to push my car without the driving aids to be honest. One thing I would look for are the side airbags. Those are worth the added price and helps you survive accidents.

 

Are the side airbags standard on all trims except the base model?

Thanks for the input everyone, sucks that I'm so indecisive argh! I test drove two track models and liked the slightly stiff ride and as far as mods go, I will probably not be touching the car anytime soon except for maybe a set of 19'' wheels and lowering springs/coils (if it is not a track model). Now to determine if I want a high rev or non high rev engine... haha oops it's late and I'm driving myself crazyyy...

 

I don’t know which model suits your needs, but I can tell you what members are driving.

 

So as you can see. Buy the base and you"ll be smoking half the people on this site.
Real drivers dont run the tcs or anything else. It just gets in the way of your instinct.

 

base, although i do miss cruise control at times

 

I have an Enthusiast and really like the cruise control and HID options, but usually turn of traction control unless its horrible out... but I don't think I'd really get anywhere in snowy conditions without it!

 

I dont know about you but my cruise control keeps me from getting speeding tickets. The lsd and tcs you probobly wouldnt miss if you just drive it on the street. My friend had a base that i drove on the street and it drove pretty much like my touring when i turn off my vdc.

I could take or leave the Bose and heated seats.

 

The Brembo brakes alone make spending a few bucks more for a track model worthwhile.

 

^ depends on what kind of deal you can get on the car. I bought a full set of Brembo brakes for under 1200 shipped and deals like that are becoming more and more common.

Cruise control is nice and I do like the bose and heated leather. The VDC and VLSD I'm not so much a fan of.

 

Do they??? You must not have had to purchase replacement anything with brembo stampped on it.

 

Since your in Cali with year around warm weather you can get along without TCS or VDC; certainly you can live without the other goodies.

On the other hand, you can generally buy a model above a Base for less than a thousand bucks. Lots of goodies for not many $$$.

 

I have an '07 base model and enjoy it, but I do miss cruise control sometimes and plan to add a Quaife LSD in the future. I bought the car new for $22,800 and figured for the money saved over other trim levels I could add to the car exactly what I wanted.

 

Not having cruise is the only minus.

 

I dont know about you, but I bought the Touring FOR the leather, FOR the VDC, FOR the cruise control, not the BOSE though. LOL.

 

i would go for the base, mainly you can get it at a cheaper cost than other trims and its great if your planning to mod it

i honestly dont care about the VDC, VSD, and TCS, since i am the driver and i want to take full control of the car and not have computers do the driving for me =)

 

+1

i wish theres a way to get cruise control on the base lol