Hello everyone! I've been looking for a new car and I came across the 350Z. I'm definately considering buying one, however I would like to hear everyone's opinions regarding the difference between models. Is it worth the extra money to go with the top of the line Z, etc. Thanks in advance for the info. I look forward to getting to know you guys.

~Jen

 

Welcome to the board! Hope you enjoy many future visits...

Choosing which model Z wasn't too difficult for me...I have a high-traffic commute to and from work, so getting an automatic was a necessity. The only trim lines available with an auto are enthusiast and touring, so that narrowed my choices down considerably. The touring model had too many frills that, to me, were nice but unnecessary (leather, heated seats, etc.), so I got the Enthusiast. I've been very happy with it so far...has everything I need, nothing I don't.

 

Many people have said that the Enthusiast model is the best buy for the money. Possibly, coming in second is the Performance model. Of course, this is open to debate. You may search this forum for similar threads, research the models on the Nissan website, and decide which features you're really looking for.

Good luck,
WayneTN

 

Well, I would never recommend an automatic on a sports car, but I agree the Enthusiast is the best buy. It will give you the viscous limited-slip differential, traction control, xenon headlights. cool aluminum pedals and some other things.

You'll get some not-so-cool 17" wheels, but you can easily swap them out. (The 18s you get on the Performance are not great, either, so why spend the money?)

If things like Vehicle Dynamic Control (???), tire pressure monitors, Bose stereo, leather seats, etc. are important to you, you will want to consider the Performance or the Touring.

I got the Enthusiast and put the Track wheels on it. Perfect for me.

Good luck choosing! There is no bad Z--it' s just a matter of personal taste.

 

The 6 spokers on the Performance looks better than the Track rims IMO thats why I have them on my Enthu. Since my wife works for Nissan got them thrown on order for for virtually nothing.

 

Enthusiast.

 

Depends. If you like having everything done for you and aren't planning to upgrade much, then Performance, Touring, and Track are your best options. Performance is pretty basic, Touring is comfy, and Track is the true "Performance" one.

If, however, you're planning to upgrade your wheels and/or suspension, go for the Enthusiast.

If you need auto, the Enthusiast and Touring are your only offerings.

If you're going to completely overhaul the car, get the Base.

 

when choosing a model, i wanted all the necessary stuff, and none of the luxuries. yes on the limited slip differential, xenons, and other minor niceties you don't get with the base. no to leather, power seats, nav, bose system (i'm going to get an aftermarked audio system anyway). i'd like to have had the brembos, but it wasn't worth the price of the 'track', and it'd be cheaper to put nice aftermarket brakes on.

so, that left me with enthusiast and performance. enthusiast is definitely a better value. i went with the perf because i wanted the vdc. after having my previous car in a four wheel hydroplane (sliding 90 degrees left of the normal direction of travel), i decided a little extra traction help wouldn't hurt. i also got the nice 18 inch wheels with it, saving me the effort of going aftermarket. i actually didn't like them at first, but they've grown on me and now i like them alot more than the standard wheels.

oh, and correction to what someone stated above, the performance (at least the 04) does not include the bose system.

 

See what you need from a 350z. All of the models are a good buy. It depends on the options you want.

Or you can get a base/enthusiast and buy after market parts with the money you save.

Have fun, don't rush!

 

You're in Florida.........get the ROADSTER!!!! nothing like driving topless!

 

I would say get it because chicks love it.....but I dont think thats gonna motivate you much....but if it does post pics in the gallery anytime you want.
In all seriousness I would get an Enthuziast model. They are the best bang for your buck and you can pic um up new for under 27K and used for way less than that.
Good luck,
Tom

 

I've got a TRACK Z and love it. Came ready to roll. I am Sure you'd love any 6MT Z. I dont recommend the 5AT. it's a sports car!
Depends on your budget and what you want on the car. It's true women love the car. Buy it and you will not regret it!

 

every model above the enthusiast, the bang/buck ratio decreases slightly. but for the money, even the top of the line is still one of the best sports car values. imo.