Buying My Daughter a 350Z...Questions...
I have to agree with the comments on reliability.I bought my 03 new.Now has 77k on it.
NO problems other than the tire malady already mentioned.I can only give you a "if it were me" advice.
I would not buy her a Z.
why?Coming frome her Honda,the car may be too much for her to handle.Also,if she is to use it as a daily driver,depending on how careful she is and if the roads/speed bumps in your area are a factor,there may be a problem...a stock Z has below average road clearance.
Lastly,I have a personal view that I can offer.My youngest daughter,wanted a Eclipse
just as bad as your daughter wants that Z.I bought one for her.There were the usual
dings&dents that a teen will do.One day she was driving too fast/wet road...lost control
a t-boned the car around a tele pole.They had to cut her out of the car.
She came out of it with no major injury.She just was not ready for a car with
such quick handling.She too was a straight A STUDENT.
a small SUV would be best.Whats your budget?If you are looking for new..try the new Nissan Juke...fun car..kids love it.
Good luck.
NO problems other than the tire malady already mentioned.I can only give you a "if it were me" advice.
I would not buy her a Z.
why?Coming frome her Honda,the car may be too much for her to handle.Also,if she is to use it as a daily driver,depending on how careful she is and if the roads/speed bumps in your area are a factor,there may be a problem...a stock Z has below average road clearance.
Lastly,I have a personal view that I can offer.My youngest daughter,wanted a Eclipse
just as bad as your daughter wants that Z.I bought one for her.There were the usual
dings&dents that a teen will do.One day she was driving too fast/wet road...lost control
a t-boned the car around a tele pole.They had to cut her out of the car.
She came out of it with no major injury.She just was not ready for a car with
such quick handling.She too was a straight A STUDENT.
a small SUV would be best.Whats your budget?If you are looking for new..try the new Nissan Juke...fun car..kids love it.
Good luck.
OP, youve had alot of comments here about should you buy it or not.. and thats not what you asked.
I dont know you, i dont know your daughter...but you do. I'd trust you will make the best decision as a father, its not my call.
That being said, an 07-08 is the BEST bet, but Id stay away from anything pre 2005. the 2006 had an issue w oil conusmption at a ridiculous rate in some cases, and im sure about your daughter, but remembering to check the oil that much is a recipe for disaster.
a solid loan can be found for an 07-08, and a very inexpensive price can be had even when compared to far earlier years.. they are all pretty cheap now, why not pay 3k more for a far newer car with the best ammenities. They are are a better year to have in terms of simplicity and reliability.
In terms of issues as the car ages, you live in florida.. some ppl didnt catch that.. theres no "winter issues" in FL. You have rain issues, thats it.
Make sure she has fantastic tires, watch the belts and all the fluids carefully, and the most common issues the cars wil have are possible worn or broken busings in the fr compression arms, the same bushing issue on the rear differential mount, and it will need shocks well before 100k miles, you wont gfeel it, but it will benefit from a change. All fairly cheap and are not disastrous issues. These cars are very dependable and reliable when they are left alone in terms of mods , and when they are looked after by Dad with fluid change reminders, etc..
when things start to break, fix them when its only 250-350 bucks or things car spiral to much more cost quickly, like any car.. but they are VERY robust and nice.
I think the things everyone else are mentioning are trival when talking about a 17-18 year old new college girls graduation gift.. Dads making it fun, but wants to make sure hes not paying for a piece of crap either.. youre safe on a 350z, just buy on 07 and sleep easy.
I dont know you, i dont know your daughter...but you do. I'd trust you will make the best decision as a father, its not my call.
That being said, an 07-08 is the BEST bet, but Id stay away from anything pre 2005. the 2006 had an issue w oil conusmption at a ridiculous rate in some cases, and im sure about your daughter, but remembering to check the oil that much is a recipe for disaster.
a solid loan can be found for an 07-08, and a very inexpensive price can be had even when compared to far earlier years.. they are all pretty cheap now, why not pay 3k more for a far newer car with the best ammenities. They are are a better year to have in terms of simplicity and reliability.
In terms of issues as the car ages, you live in florida.. some ppl didnt catch that.. theres no "winter issues" in FL. You have rain issues, thats it.
Make sure she has fantastic tires, watch the belts and all the fluids carefully, and the most common issues the cars wil have are possible worn or broken busings in the fr compression arms, the same bushing issue on the rear differential mount, and it will need shocks well before 100k miles, you wont gfeel it, but it will benefit from a change. All fairly cheap and are not disastrous issues. These cars are very dependable and reliable when they are left alone in terms of mods , and when they are looked after by Dad with fluid change reminders, etc..
when things start to break, fix them when its only 250-350 bucks or things car spiral to much more cost quickly, like any car.. but they are VERY robust and nice.
I think the things everyone else are mentioning are trival when talking about a 17-18 year old new college girls graduation gift.. Dads making it fun, but wants to make sure hes not paying for a piece of crap either.. youre safe on a 350z, just buy on 07 and sleep easy.
Last edited by bmccann101; Feb 29, 2012 at 02:41 PM.
My wife and I insisted our daughter get some seat time at the track before we let her handle a high HP car.
Whatever model year you get, I recommend getting one that has at least traction control if not stability control (VDC)
Two examples:
Throttle oversteer on dry pavement. (This is an experienced autocrosser too.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK_6Ei5j9YY
And the Z is a handful on wet pavement. ( my tires are not good in the wet, but the Z still requires a lot of a attention in the wet when it's on good tires.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAFXE60mrng
I'm not against the idea of a responsible teenager driving a Z. But I think they should learn the dynamic characteristics of a RWD car like the Z on a track rather than the street.
A few autocross events are relatively cheap and your daughter will probably have a lot of fun too. Another pleasant side effect to track time like this; It makes mashing the gas pedal at a stop light (street racing) a relatively boring endeavor.
Whatever model year you get, I recommend getting one that has at least traction control if not stability control (VDC)
Two examples:
Throttle oversteer on dry pavement. (This is an experienced autocrosser too.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK_6Ei5j9YY
And the Z is a handful on wet pavement. ( my tires are not good in the wet, but the Z still requires a lot of a attention in the wet when it's on good tires.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAFXE60mrng
I'm not against the idea of a responsible teenager driving a Z. But I think they should learn the dynamic characteristics of a RWD car like the Z on a track rather than the street.
A few autocross events are relatively cheap and your daughter will probably have a lot of fun too. Another pleasant side effect to track time like this; It makes mashing the gas pedal at a stop light (street racing) a relatively boring endeavor.
Last edited by Z1NONLY; Feb 29, 2012 at 02:52 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 122
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From: Houston, TX
I would aim at a G35 Coupe as well for her but, If she just HAS to have a Z (lol)
Get her a Touring, She's gonna need the LSD, TCS and VDC for sure - G35 comes with all of these stock last I checked.
Get her a Touring, She's gonna need the LSD, TCS and VDC for sure - G35 comes with all of these stock last I checked.
I agree with everyone saying if you're going to go with a Z, go with an 07-08. 06 you'll fear oil consumption issues. I also agree with people recommending the G35 instead of the 350z. The 350z has a lot of interior noises and unless you're running some nice set of tires, a lot of road noise as well. My car has so much plastic rattle its crazy.... lets not forget that infamous rear clunking I still haven't been able to fix yet. There are people suggesting you educate her on RWD, ++++++. She has to understand, and I mean she SERIOUSLY has to understand that this is a 300hp RWD car. It's so easy to lose control in the wet. I know florida gets pretty big storms sometimes. EASSSYYYY on the gas pedal in wet conditions. She has to know that she can't throttle while turning, as you can see with the throttle oversteer video the gentleman above me kindly posted. I don't think the Z is a difficult car to drive as some have mentioned.... honestly the blind spots aren't bad and the rear view mirror shows plenty of action going on behind you. Don't forget gas prices are rising, and this car isn't cheap to insure. You're going to pay damn near 3,000 a year to insure her.
I'd go with a G35 just because it's more comfortable. If she doesn't mind a couple annoying noises and the ride comfort, then 350Z it is. I've got Tien S-Tech lowering springs on my Z and it makes the ride comfort WAY better than stock springs.
I'd go with a G35 just because it's more comfortable. If she doesn't mind a couple annoying noises and the ride comfort, then 350Z it is. I've got Tien S-Tech lowering springs on my Z and it makes the ride comfort WAY better than stock springs.
I have to agree with the comments on reliability.I bought my 03 new.Now has 77k on it.
NO problems other than the tire malady already mentioned.I can only give you a "if it were me" advice.
I would not buy her a Z.
why?Coming frome her Honda,the car may be too much for her to handle.Also,if she is to use it as a daily driver,depending on how careful she is and if the roads/speed bumps in your area are a factor,there may be a problem...a stock Z has below average road clearance.
Lastly,I have a personal view that I can offer.My youngest daughter,wanted a Eclipse
just as bad as your daughter wants that Z.I bought one for her.There were the usual
dings&dents that a teen will do.One day she was driving too fast/wet road...lost control
a t-boned the car around a tele pole.They had to cut her out of the car.
She came out of it with no major injury.She just was not ready for a car with
such quick handling.She too was a straight A STUDENT.
a small SUV would be best.Whats your budget?If you are looking for new..try the new Nissan Juke...fun car..kids love it.
Good luck.
NO problems other than the tire malady already mentioned.I can only give you a "if it were me" advice.
I would not buy her a Z.
why?Coming frome her Honda,the car may be too much for her to handle.Also,if she is to use it as a daily driver,depending on how careful she is and if the roads/speed bumps in your area are a factor,there may be a problem...a stock Z has below average road clearance.
Lastly,I have a personal view that I can offer.My youngest daughter,wanted a Eclipse
just as bad as your daughter wants that Z.I bought one for her.There were the usual
dings&dents that a teen will do.One day she was driving too fast/wet road...lost control
a t-boned the car around a tele pole.They had to cut her out of the car.
She came out of it with no major injury.She just was not ready for a car with
such quick handling.She too was a straight A STUDENT.
a small SUV would be best.Whats your budget?If you are looking for new..try the new Nissan Juke...fun car..kids love it.
Good luck.
OP, youve had alot of comments here about should you buy it or not.. and thats not what you asked.
I dont know you, i dont know your daughter...but you do. I'd trust you will make the best decision as a father, its not my call.
That being said, an 07-08 is the BEST bet, but Id stay away from anything pre 2005. the 2006 had an issue w oil conusmption at a ridiculous rate in some cases, and im sure about your daughter, but remembering to check the oil that much is a recipe for disaster.
a solid loan can be found for an 07-08, and a very inexpensive price can be had even when compared to far earlier years.. they are all pretty cheap now, why not pay 3k more for a far newer car with the best ammenities. They are are a better year to have in terms of simplicity and reliability.
In terms of issues as the car ages, you live in florida.. some ppl didnt catch that.. theres no "winter issues" in FL. You have rain issues, thats it.
Make sure she has fantastic tires, watch the belts and all the fluids carefully, and the most common issues the cars wil have are possible worn or broken busings in the fr compression arms, the same bushing issue on the rear differential mount, and it will need shocks well before 100k miles, you wont gfeel it, but it will benefit from a change. All fairly cheap and are not disastrous issues. These cars are very dependable and reliable when they are left alone in terms of mods , and when they are looked after by Dad with fluid change reminders, etc..
when things start to break, fix them when its only 250-350 bucks or things car spiral to much more cost quickly, like any car.. but they are VERY robust and nice.
I think the things everyone else are mentioning are trival when talking about a 17-18 year old new college girls graduation gift.. Dads making it fun, but wants to make sure hes not paying for a piece of crap either.. youre safe on a 350z, just buy on 07 and sleep easy.
I dont know you, i dont know your daughter...but you do. I'd trust you will make the best decision as a father, its not my call.
That being said, an 07-08 is the BEST bet, but Id stay away from anything pre 2005. the 2006 had an issue w oil conusmption at a ridiculous rate in some cases, and im sure about your daughter, but remembering to check the oil that much is a recipe for disaster.
a solid loan can be found for an 07-08, and a very inexpensive price can be had even when compared to far earlier years.. they are all pretty cheap now, why not pay 3k more for a far newer car with the best ammenities. They are are a better year to have in terms of simplicity and reliability.
In terms of issues as the car ages, you live in florida.. some ppl didnt catch that.. theres no "winter issues" in FL. You have rain issues, thats it.
Make sure she has fantastic tires, watch the belts and all the fluids carefully, and the most common issues the cars wil have are possible worn or broken busings in the fr compression arms, the same bushing issue on the rear differential mount, and it will need shocks well before 100k miles, you wont gfeel it, but it will benefit from a change. All fairly cheap and are not disastrous issues. These cars are very dependable and reliable when they are left alone in terms of mods , and when they are looked after by Dad with fluid change reminders, etc..
when things start to break, fix them when its only 250-350 bucks or things car spiral to much more cost quickly, like any car.. but they are VERY robust and nice.
I think the things everyone else are mentioning are trival when talking about a 17-18 year old new college girls graduation gift.. Dads making it fun, but wants to make sure hes not paying for a piece of crap either.. youre safe on a 350z, just buy on 07 and sleep easy.
I have narrowed it to 07+ models, and I guess I should consider the G coupe.
I agree with Z1NONLY about taking her to a few Autocross events. The car is a lot of power to handle coming from a normal teenager car. I went from an 1986 Mr2 n/a to this and it was night && day. I have since then pushed my car and my own driving limits to the edge on my back country roads so I know how to handle the car fairly well. She on the other hand will not know what to do when those rare instances occur.
Take her to the track and let her have fun. Never know, might actually save her life one day with the know hows she learns.
just my 0.02$ && coming from the words of a 20 year old kid. (:
Take her to the track and let her have fun. Never know, might actually save her life one day with the know hows she learns.
just my 0.02$ && coming from the words of a 20 year old kid. (:
not to be a d*ck, but dont buy her a car.... make her earn it. Its the only way to appreciate what you have. If parents continue handing sh*t to their kids, as is todays trend, kids feel like they are entitled to all this sh*t and dont take care of anything!!!! Whats wrong with the accord???
I saw the title of this thread and knew it was going to be a good one....................
My .02 is when you buy a teenage girl a car it should be like the Saturn Ion I bought my daughter, not a Z of any year. Buy her a safe car that gets good gas milage, thats the best thing you can do for her. I did this for my daughters graduation and she put the down payment I footed the loan (in both of our names) as long as she did good in College. She did, the car got paid off and she had a good start with good credit. Be smart about this.
My .02 is when you buy a teenage girl a car it should be like the Saturn Ion I bought my daughter, not a Z of any year. Buy her a safe car that gets good gas milage, thats the best thing you can do for her. I did this for my daughters graduation and she put the down payment I footed the loan (in both of our names) as long as she did good in College. She did, the car got paid off and she had a good start with good credit. Be smart about this.
Last edited by tazicon; Feb 29, 2012 at 03:37 PM.
Wow that still doesn't earn you a Z. A z is not a car to be take lightly. My 40 year old wife has truoble handling it at times and she's a pretty darn good experienced driver. A Z can get away from you. Put it in a kids hands and you are asking for trouble. Then who are you going to have to blame? Only yourself. Think about this like a grown up not a Dad trying to please his little girl.
I guess I may have a slightly different attitude than most of you. When my daughter was a senior in high school, I bought her a Dodge Stealth. She drove the car quite well and never had any problems with it. I say if the girl is responsible, get her the car that she wants. If she wants a Z and you are happy with her choice, then get her the Z.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Snohomish, WA
not to be a d*ck, but dont buy her a car.... make her earn it. Its the only way to appreciate what you have. If parents continue handing sh*t to their kids, as is todays trend, kids feel like they are entitled to all this sh*t and dont take care of anything!!!! Whats wrong with the accord???
These last few posts suggest you guys know me and my daughter...I had the comfort of my family buying me a car because of good grades while I was in high school and about to enter college....I think I turned out just fine. I am 40 and retired. Not many of my classmates can say this. She has never been anything but hard working and reliable. I even taught her why investing in common stock would allow her to focus on other aspects of her life while planning for her future....same thing I did as a young man. I have a daughter that is in college already, and they are total opposites. I couldnt say the same things about her. Many lessons still to learn. It is my youngest daughter that the oldest comes to for advice and knowledge....Seems it should have been the other way. She has earned alot more than just a car like this, however I AM teaching her lessons that will take her much further than where she is now. Please lets not pass judgement. I didnt ask for that, I simply asked about common problems about different years of the Z33.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Snohomish, WA
Some of the best advice posted so far... other than the pic request, lol, I appreciate all of the advice. She has driven my car, though its fwd, and an Altima SER, its over 300whp and she handles it well. She isnt a speeder by any means, doesnt give in to peer pressure. As far a finance, it wont be an issue I plan to buy it out right. I hate payments of any sort. I have narrowed it to 07+ models, and I guess I should consider the G coupe.
I have narrowed it to 07+ models, and I guess I should consider the G coupe.