Keep or sell/trade the 350...
Keep or sell/trade the 350...
What's up guys, I've been kicking around my thoughts for the past several weeks and need some help weighing the best option.
Right now I've got a Black 2003 6SPD Track Edition with around 68,XXX miles.
It's got a nice list of mods so far:
Full Audio System
18in RPF1s
TPs/AAM Y pipe/Momentum Dual
Plenum Spacer
JWT Popcharger
Tein S-Tech
Window tint
Z1 Brembo Upgrade Package
and a few other odds and ends
The car is in great shape and has been tuned by Z1. Made 263rwhp and 252rwtq. However, it needs the new CD009 Transmission. The 3rd gear is starting to go. I also figured I would do an SS clutch line and JWT Clutch/Flywheel combo.
I'm currently deployed and will finally have it completely paid off by the time I'm home in May which is awesome.
Question is: Do I keep it and spend the $$ to fix it? Or should I look into the 2010+ Nismo 370Z? That's honestly the only other car that interests me. So in my mind this is where I'm at:
My 350
Good:
Paid For
Tastefully modded
Still looks good
Bad (future possible bad)
Needs new Transmission
"Dated" interior
Soon will need new struts (i.e. coilovers since I plan to upgrade if I keep it)
Already replaced 2 rear wheel bearings, front 2 will need it soon I'm sure
370 Nismo
Good:
Warranty
Aggressive styling from the factory
Newer/Nicer interior
Bad:
Car payment
So, it just seems like I'll have to continue putting money into the 350 to keep it mechanically sound as well as I'm much more likely to dump money into mods. Not to say I wouldn't mod the 370, but with a larger monthly payment and it already being a Nimso, I would be less inclined to throw tons of money into the aftermarket world.
I've done my searching and I've done my research. Just now doing the final piece and getting some outside opinions to shine some light on something I may have missed. I figure I could part out my 350 and still get a decent amount for it before the transmission completely goes.
I read plenty on the details of going from an 07-08 HR to a 370 isn't really as beneficial as it would be for me coming from a DE platform...but, what about you guys that maybe had the same question before but decided to keep yours and not have a payment? Those that went the other route?
I've spotted a few 2010 Nismos from around the 27k-35k mark all with low miles.
Thanks for the help guys.
Right now I've got a Black 2003 6SPD Track Edition with around 68,XXX miles.
It's got a nice list of mods so far:
Full Audio System
18in RPF1s
TPs/AAM Y pipe/Momentum Dual
Plenum Spacer
JWT Popcharger
Tein S-Tech
Window tint
Z1 Brembo Upgrade Package
and a few other odds and ends
The car is in great shape and has been tuned by Z1. Made 263rwhp and 252rwtq. However, it needs the new CD009 Transmission. The 3rd gear is starting to go. I also figured I would do an SS clutch line and JWT Clutch/Flywheel combo.
I'm currently deployed and will finally have it completely paid off by the time I'm home in May which is awesome.
Question is: Do I keep it and spend the $$ to fix it? Or should I look into the 2010+ Nismo 370Z? That's honestly the only other car that interests me. So in my mind this is where I'm at:
My 350
Good:
Paid For
Tastefully modded
Still looks good
Bad (future possible bad)
Needs new Transmission
"Dated" interior
Soon will need new struts (i.e. coilovers since I plan to upgrade if I keep it)
Already replaced 2 rear wheel bearings, front 2 will need it soon I'm sure
370 Nismo
Good:
Warranty
Aggressive styling from the factory
Newer/Nicer interior
Bad:
Car payment
So, it just seems like I'll have to continue putting money into the 350 to keep it mechanically sound as well as I'm much more likely to dump money into mods. Not to say I wouldn't mod the 370, but with a larger monthly payment and it already being a Nimso, I would be less inclined to throw tons of money into the aftermarket world.
I've done my searching and I've done my research. Just now doing the final piece and getting some outside opinions to shine some light on something I may have missed. I figure I could part out my 350 and still get a decent amount for it before the transmission completely goes.
I read plenty on the details of going from an 07-08 HR to a 370 isn't really as beneficial as it would be for me coming from a DE platform...but, what about you guys that maybe had the same question before but decided to keep yours and not have a payment? Those that went the other route?
I've spotted a few 2010 Nismos from around the 27k-35k mark all with low miles.
Thanks for the help guys.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, CA
THIS ^
which is why I said you would have to make this decision on your own, are you willing to go thru another round of car payments, or have a fly *** car and keep that extra money from the payments and bank it?
which is why I said you would have to make this decision on your own, are you willing to go thru another round of car payments, or have a fly *** car and keep that extra money from the payments and bank it?
If it was me, I'd hold onto the 350Z. It isn't different enough from the 370Z to justify $500 a month... at least not from my wallet.
Get a refreshed trans, repair the minimal things that will go wrong with the VQ, put that $500 a month into a retirement fund, and thank me when you're 70.
Get a refreshed trans, repair the minimal things that will go wrong with the VQ, put that $500 a month into a retirement fund, and thank me when you're 70.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,126
Likes: 9
From: somewhere better than here
How long have you had your car? It sounds like you just might be ready for something different.
It's definitely no fun putting money into mechanical repairs or fixes for your car (it's not fun or satisfying like putting money into mods, lol), but you have to put a LOT into repairs to equal even a few months of new or newer used car payments!
Maybe consider splitting the difference and going with an 07 or 08 Z? Maybe a Nismo?
I'll admit I'm biased. I was fortunate to drive an 08 nismo and a 12 nismo back to back at the same dealer, and then to park them right next to each other and "eyeball" them thoroughly.
I preferred the look of the 08, and the drive. The clutch/shifter felt better to me, it was less "refined" and more of a pure sports car drive (talking about Nismo versions of both cars). I prefer the look too.
Just another option to consider. 07-08 Nismo's depending on mileage go for anywhere from the high teens (07 with high mileage, rough condition), to the high 20's (08 with low mileage from a dealership).
How much do you think your current car is worth?
It's definitely no fun putting money into mechanical repairs or fixes for your car (it's not fun or satisfying like putting money into mods, lol), but you have to put a LOT into repairs to equal even a few months of new or newer used car payments!
Maybe consider splitting the difference and going with an 07 or 08 Z? Maybe a Nismo?
I'll admit I'm biased. I was fortunate to drive an 08 nismo and a 12 nismo back to back at the same dealer, and then to park them right next to each other and "eyeball" them thoroughly.
I preferred the look of the 08, and the drive. The clutch/shifter felt better to me, it was less "refined" and more of a pure sports car drive (talking about Nismo versions of both cars). I prefer the look too.
Just another option to consider. 07-08 Nismo's depending on mileage go for anywhere from the high teens (07 with high mileage, rough condition), to the high 20's (08 with low mileage from a dealership).
How much do you think your current car is worth?
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How long have you had your car? It sounds like you just might be ready for something different.
It's definitely no fun putting money into mechanical repairs or fixes for your car (it's not fun or satisfying like putting money into mods, lol), but you have to put a LOT into repairs to equal even a few months of new or newer used car payments!
Maybe consider splitting the difference and going with an 07 or 08 Z? Maybe a Nismo?
I'll admit I'm biased. I was fortunate to drive an 08 nismo and a 12 nismo back to back at the same dealer, and then to park them right next to each other and "eyeball" them thoroughly.
I preferred the look of the 08, and the drive. The clutch/shifter felt better to me, it was less "refined" and more of a pure sports car drive (talking about Nismo versions of both cars). I prefer the look too.
Just another option to consider. 07-08 Nismo's depending on mileage go for anywhere from the high teens (07 with high mileage, rough condition), to the high 20's (08 with low mileage from a dealership).
How much do you think your current car is worth?
It's definitely no fun putting money into mechanical repairs or fixes for your car (it's not fun or satisfying like putting money into mods, lol), but you have to put a LOT into repairs to equal even a few months of new or newer used car payments!
Maybe consider splitting the difference and going with an 07 or 08 Z? Maybe a Nismo?
I'll admit I'm biased. I was fortunate to drive an 08 nismo and a 12 nismo back to back at the same dealer, and then to park them right next to each other and "eyeball" them thoroughly.
I preferred the look of the 08, and the drive. The clutch/shifter felt better to me, it was less "refined" and more of a pure sports car drive (talking about Nismo versions of both cars). I prefer the look too.
Just another option to consider. 07-08 Nismo's depending on mileage go for anywhere from the high teens (07 with high mileage, rough condition), to the high 20's (08 with low mileage from a dealership).
How much do you think your current car is worth?
The Z car is just amazing and I'm not willing to step away from it yet, if ever. As of right now without parting it out I'd say its worth between 12-13k. I'd go lower if I took some parts off. If I do the tranny repair I highly doubt I'd ever get that money back from selling it...I'd only get that worth from keeping it and driving the **** out of it...which seems to be what I'm leaning more towards.
put a new tranny in and hit up Sasha for a mid mount turbo. If you are mechanically inclined, you would have a fun toy that is paid for. I feel his turbo kit is one of the easiest to install(for a DIYer). All of this could be had for under 10k and you would have 400+whp to have fun in. I do love the new 370 Nismo, but boost is so much fun
put a new tranny in and hit up Sasha for a mid mount turbo. If you are mechanically inclined, you would have a fun toy that is paid for. I feel his turbo kit is one of the easiest to install(for a DIYer). All of this could be had for under 10k and you would have 400+whp to have fun in. I do love the new 370 Nismo, but boost is so much fun
That was always the goal if I kept it...right around 400rwhp would be a complete blast to drive and surprise some people. Got a link for the kit you're talking about? If I go boosted I'll have to make sure I have a daily driver though. I couldn't afford any issues of getting stuck without a ride haha
https://my350z.com/forum/search.php?searchid=16856668.
Let us know what you decide. Thanks for your service. Where are you stationed at, and what branch are you in. My cousin is a recon sniper and is about to start ranger school. My family appreciates all you guys do for us.
-Chris
here is a link to multiple threads. Drop Sasha a PM, he has great customer service and will go over everything you want and need.
https://my350z.com/forum/search.php?searchid=16856668.
Let us know what you decide. Thanks for your service. Where are you stationed at, and what branch are you in. My cousin is a recon sniper and is about to start ranger school. My family appreciates all you guys do for us.
-Chris
https://my350z.com/forum/search.php?searchid=16856668.
Let us know what you decide. Thanks for your service. Where are you stationed at, and what branch are you in. My cousin is a recon sniper and is about to start ranger school. My family appreciates all you guys do for us.
-Chris
Awesome points man. I do want to do some investing as well since I'm 25 and understand if I start putting money away each month I'll be set by the time I retire. I have also looked into the 07-08 Nismo's. Very beautiful cars, but I haven't had the opportunity to try them both out back to back like that. Plus, with maybe some low boost on a vortech setup someday it'd make me fall in love with it all over again, and the plus side would be that if need be I could walk out and buy something as a daily if she really started to give me problems.
The Z car is just amazing and I'm not willing to step away from it yet, if ever. As of right now without parting it out I'd say its worth between 12-13k. I'd go lower if I took some parts off. If I do the tranny repair I highly doubt I'd ever get that money back from selling it...I'd only get that worth from keeping it and driving the **** out of it...which seems to be what I'm leaning more towards.
The Z car is just amazing and I'm not willing to step away from it yet, if ever. As of right now without parting it out I'd say its worth between 12-13k. I'd go lower if I took some parts off. If I do the tranny repair I highly doubt I'd ever get that money back from selling it...I'd only get that worth from keeping it and driving the **** out of it...which seems to be what I'm leaning more towards.
Also, start investing. When I was a 25 year old E5 I was putting close to $400 a month into my Investment accounts. You want to start investing as early as possible. I started as an E2 , between my retirement check and investments I should be set when I push the button.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,126
Likes: 9
From: somewhere better than here
With the trans fixed you may be able to get $12k , probably less. Just fix and drive it. As mentioned, it is much cheaper to keep it in the long run. A Nismo 370 or even a newer 350Z will cost you a lot more in the long run, hell, a lot more in even just a year.
Also, start investing. When I was a 25 year old E5 I was putting close to $400 a month into my Investment accounts. You want to start investing as early as possible. I started as an E2 , between my retirement check and investments I should be set when I push the button.
Also, start investing. When I was a 25 year old E5 I was putting close to $400 a month into my Investment accounts. You want to start investing as early as possible. I started as an E2 , between my retirement check and investments I should be set when I push the button.
When I was in the Army you had to contribute $100 a month the first 12 months you were in, to qualify for the Army College Fund (which was worth 30k, and I used every cent!). So many guys when they were broke their first year, stopped their $100 contribution and got their money back (you could do that, but you lost your eligibility). Young, dumb, and shortsighted. I talked to a couple of them after they got out and they were so kicking themselves in the *** that they blew the chance for easy college money!
How many years you got in? you at Nellis?
With the trans fixed you may be able to get $12k , probably less. Just fix and drive it. As mentioned, it is much cheaper to keep it in the long run. A Nismo 370 or even a newer 350Z will cost you a lot more in the long run, hell, a lot more in even just a year.
Also, start investing. When I was a 25 year old E5 I was putting close to $400 a month into my Investment accounts. You want to start investing as early as possible. I started as an E2 , between my retirement check and investments I should be set when I push the button.
Also, start investing. When I was a 25 year old E5 I was putting close to $400 a month into my Investment accounts. You want to start investing as early as possible. I started as an E2 , between my retirement check and investments I should be set when I push the button.
Wise man.
When I was in the Army you had to contribute $100 a month the first 12 months you were in, to qualify for the Army College Fund (which was worth 30k, and I used every cent!). So many guys when they were broke their first year, stopped their $100 contribution and got their money back (you could do that, but you lost your eligibility). Young, dumb, and shortsighted. I talked to a couple of them after they got out and they were so kicking themselves in the *** that they blew the chance for easy college money!
How many years you got in? you at Nellis?
When I was in the Army you had to contribute $100 a month the first 12 months you were in, to qualify for the Army College Fund (which was worth 30k, and I used every cent!). So many guys when they were broke their first year, stopped their $100 contribution and got their money back (you could do that, but you lost your eligibility). Young, dumb, and shortsighted. I talked to a couple of them after they got out and they were so kicking themselves in the *** that they blew the chance for easy college money!
How many years you got in? you at Nellis?
With the trans fixed you may be able to get $12k , probably less. Just fix and drive it. As mentioned, it is much cheaper to keep it in the long run. A Nismo 370 or even a newer 350Z will cost you a lot more in the long run, hell, a lot more in even just a year.
Also, start investing. When I was a 25 year old E5 I was putting close to $400 a month into my Investment accounts. You want to start investing as early as possible. I started as an E2 , between my retirement check and investments I should be set when I push the button.
Also, start investing. When I was a 25 year old E5 I was putting close to $400 a month into my Investment accounts. You want to start investing as early as possible. I started as an E2 , between my retirement check and investments I should be set when I push the button.
What's up guys, I've been kicking around my thoughts for the past several weeks and need some help weighing the best option.
Right now I've got a Black 2003 6SPD Track Edition with around 68,XXX miles.
It's got a nice list of mods so far:
Full Audio System
18in RPF1s
TPs/AAM Y pipe/Momentum Dual
Plenum Spacer
JWT Popcharger
Tein S-Tech
Window tint
Z1 Brembo Upgrade Package
and a few other odds and ends
The car is in great shape and has been tuned by Z1. Made 263rwhp and 252rwtq. However, it needs the new CD009 Transmission. The 3rd gear is starting to go. I also figured I would do an SS clutch line and JWT Clutch/Flywheel combo.
I'm currently deployed and will finally have it completely paid off by the time I'm home in May which is awesome.
Question is: Do I keep it and spend the $$ to fix it? Or should I look into the 2010+ Nismo 370Z? That's honestly the only other car that interests me. So in my mind this is where I'm at:
My 350
Good:
Paid For
Tastefully modded
Still looks good
Bad (future possible bad)
Needs new Transmission
"Dated" interior
Soon will need new struts (i.e. coilovers since I plan to upgrade if I keep it)
Already replaced 2 rear wheel bearings, front 2 will need it soon I'm sure
370 Nismo
Good:
Warranty
Aggressive styling from the factory
Newer/Nicer interior
Bad:
Car payment
So, it just seems like I'll have to continue putting money into the 350 to keep it mechanically sound as well as I'm much more likely to dump money into mods. Not to say I wouldn't mod the 370, but with a larger monthly payment and it already being a Nimso, I would be less inclined to throw tons of money into the aftermarket world.
I've done my searching and I've done my research. Just now doing the final piece and getting some outside opinions to shine some light on something I may have missed. I figure I could part out my 350 and still get a decent amount for it before the transmission completely goes.
I read plenty on the details of going from an 07-08 HR to a 370 isn't really as beneficial as it would be for me coming from a DE platform...but, what about you guys that maybe had the same question before but decided to keep yours and not have a payment? Those that went the other route?
I've spotted a few 2010 Nismos from around the 27k-35k mark all with low miles.
Thanks for the help guys.
Right now I've got a Black 2003 6SPD Track Edition with around 68,XXX miles.
It's got a nice list of mods so far:
Full Audio System
18in RPF1s
TPs/AAM Y pipe/Momentum Dual
Plenum Spacer
JWT Popcharger
Tein S-Tech
Window tint
Z1 Brembo Upgrade Package
and a few other odds and ends
The car is in great shape and has been tuned by Z1. Made 263rwhp and 252rwtq. However, it needs the new CD009 Transmission. The 3rd gear is starting to go. I also figured I would do an SS clutch line and JWT Clutch/Flywheel combo.
I'm currently deployed and will finally have it completely paid off by the time I'm home in May which is awesome.
Question is: Do I keep it and spend the $$ to fix it? Or should I look into the 2010+ Nismo 370Z? That's honestly the only other car that interests me. So in my mind this is where I'm at:
My 350
Good:
Paid For
Tastefully modded
Still looks good
Bad (future possible bad)
Needs new Transmission
"Dated" interior
Soon will need new struts (i.e. coilovers since I plan to upgrade if I keep it)
Already replaced 2 rear wheel bearings, front 2 will need it soon I'm sure
370 Nismo
Good:
Warranty
Aggressive styling from the factory
Newer/Nicer interior
Bad:
Car payment
So, it just seems like I'll have to continue putting money into the 350 to keep it mechanically sound as well as I'm much more likely to dump money into mods. Not to say I wouldn't mod the 370, but with a larger monthly payment and it already being a Nimso, I would be less inclined to throw tons of money into the aftermarket world.
I've done my searching and I've done my research. Just now doing the final piece and getting some outside opinions to shine some light on something I may have missed. I figure I could part out my 350 and still get a decent amount for it before the transmission completely goes.
I read plenty on the details of going from an 07-08 HR to a 370 isn't really as beneficial as it would be for me coming from a DE platform...but, what about you guys that maybe had the same question before but decided to keep yours and not have a payment? Those that went the other route?
I've spotted a few 2010 Nismos from around the 27k-35k mark all with low miles.
Thanks for the help guys.
I was in the same boat i wanted to sell my z for a new wrx. Ut at the end of the day its what makes you happy. The z is my dream car and i love driving it. Mind as well like what you buy because its your hard earned money. I personally would keep it, its paid off and for now doesnt need too much work. And you can prolong the life of the synchros. My celica has been grinding since 30k, im now 6 years later and 100k and its still working.