I went for the Base because I didn't really need the extra the Enthusiast has. I do mostly road driving so the cruise control feature didn't matter. I live in an apartment without a garage so the homelink wouldn't make any use, but the auto-dimming would be cool. The drilled pedals look nice and I might consider adding them later on, but I heard you can't do that to the gas pedal. HIDs would've been nice, but not worth $2k to me. I didn't go with the LSD, but I live in Florida with a lot of rain and as of yet, I have never felt unsafe driving in the rain.

 

The gas pedal is capable of the aluminum pedal upgrade. Do a search, it's been done by all members on this board that have upgraded their pedals (I remember one thread by Jun that had detailed pictures of the installation ).

 

I got base I kinda regret it now even tho I dont need cruise control and homelink. Just make sure u got money for new tires, stock tires are no good for cold temp and rain.

 

did you change your tires jor8888? and is it noticeably better in the rain/cold?

 

Buy the base, put the extra 2k in the stock market.

In 30 years, you will have $20,125 if you earn 8% interest. You will have $59,919 if you earn 12% interest.

If you are very lucky and earn 20% annual interest, you will have $474,752 in 30 years.

 

I love it... I am a math teacher, and I say this kind of thing to my students all the time. I kid tells me he is getting some dubbs for his neon and I reply by telling him/her how much that will be by retirement. This is one reason why I got a base model as well. But mine is a base g35 coupe 6 speed. Saved $2500.

 

I look at it like this. I'm taking my retirement benefits now and enjoying the car that I want now. I'd rather enjoy the Z that I want while I'm reasonably young instead of waiting until I'm a geezer and then buying a sports car. What's up with that? I'll still have plenty to retire on (done the math)... probably get an old beater pickup truck to haul stuff from Home Depot every Saturday morning - not worry about door dings any more.

Your point is very well taken, however. Everyone needs to know how much this car is costing them, the first cost, the operation & maintenance cost, and the lost opportunity cost.

WayneTN

 

Base Model Owner. Here in Florida it rains a lot, i haven't had problems without the traction control, only one time, some ***** cut me off and i had to swerve real fast out of the way, i was going probably around 50, she was coming in from a intersection, it was dry too, i don't know if traction control would have saved me though....
HID, i bought them aftermarket, about $350.
Mirror, i use a convex mirror, so i have no use for the auto-dim/remote thing, yeah, it's more convenient to have all the buttons there, but if you want you can add it later for like $250.
LSD? Well, if you want you can add one later, a better one too.

In the end, i am happy that i got the base model, i did it because i recently graduated from grad school and don't want high monthly payments.

Like everyone else said, either way, whatever model you get, you are going to be happy.

 

I say buy a slightly used touring or track! Just find one thats well taken care of!

 

The base, that I got, was $26,700, brand new, and I couldn't argue with that price. And it turned out to be a quick Z too.

 

yeah you could save for 50 or 60 years then when you're 90 you'll have even more money and you can really live it up. cuz living it up at that age is FUN!. jk. but seriously, retirement is important, but so is being young. save some, spend some.

 

I wanted the best bang for the buck with future mods in mind, the LSD was the determining main factor, but all the extras made my decision-HID, mirror, pedals, cruise control, Homelink. Only one that I didn't care about was Traction, though after a few drives in the snow I'm glad I have it. Keep in mind just the labor cost of installing an LSD (given you don't it yourself). IMO the extra $2k is worth it.



Hey, doesn't LSD give you posie (spelling?) rear end as opposed to the one wheel wonder?