Say the Z only came as a combo touring/track (in terms of its options)... Brembo's standard and Rays....maybe a few more goodies..leather on the doors..etc... and the only major option being Navi. MSRP around 35-39k. Would you have still bought the Z or considering something else?

 

Well Synth, I think that the G35 Coupe is kind of close to what you are asking. Brembos, leather, sunroof and full luxury standard. Everything but navigation. The G35 is not for everyone and they really don't sell enough to make several versions. Also, the Z cloth seats are interchangable with the G, but they are not offered on the G.

In short, the Z is trying to appeal to serveral groups---the old, mid-life crisis people (like me) and the younger, more aggressive sportscar driver, and everyone in between. I think they did a great job balancing models, options and price in order to hit all the different customers.

What are other peoples thoughts on this?

 

probably not... dont need all that, rather not pay for all that. hard to say for sure, as Ive never driven an RX8, STI, or evo. that would be the true comparison of value.

 

Sounds like you are describing a UK spec Z, at least the one supplied so far, but you would need to up the price a bit, with the current exchange rate nearer $45,000 plus Tax at 17.5%.

 

Sounds like my car: rays/brembos/leather/bose/xenon... €50,000 incl. taxes (that's like $60,000)
Jeez you lucky bastards in the U.S.

 

nope

 

ditto

 

wow! I would have bought an M3 if I had to pay 60k!

 

i'm not an owner, but i wouldn't consider one for 35k. unless it also came with a lot more horsepower or awd or something else that increased performance.

 

This guy would rather get a (Civic Si, Focus, eclipse, etc) because their power is unreal for the price.

 

Where he is at an M3 is prolly 100K.

 

No not for 35-39K, wouldnt even be a second thought in its current configuration!

 

No, I would have bought a used E36 M3 (98-99 model years). Better value than the Z the way I bought it (Enthusiast @ 29K) already so a lot better value if my only Z choice was what you describe.

The reason I got the Z in the first place was because a) I had a slight preference for a new car b) it is one of the few sports cars that is easily findable without all kinds of luxury features I don't want (leather, power seats, sunroof, etc...). Finding a used 99 M3 without sunroof and power seats is really hard and finding one without leather is impossible (since they weren't sold in the US without leather). Had I found a clean, low-mileage 99 model without power seats or a sunroof in the few months before I bought the Z, I would have gotten that instead. In retrospect, I love the Z and am happy that I got it - but there's no way I would get the car you describe.

Jason

 

nope.
the z is a good combo of performance, styling and price. if i wanted to drop $40k, i would've gotten the g35 coupe with the aero package, bells and whistles, and navi.

 

Not a chance. The sensible pricing is half the attraction.

 

This is the mistake Nissan made with the last 300ZX - cost. The big deal was that Nissan came back with a Z that was affordable again. Most of the Zs sold so far are the lower end models I am sure.

 

Nope. Probably would get a STi instead.

 

lmao, so true. Prolly 75%.

 

only consider it if it came with a substantial lift in Horse power and a more refined interior....

335-350 horse would be nice..

Mark

 

Hell Yes!!! To me the cheap price is half the problem with the car. Too many people can afford them, which places more of them on the road. The only good side to that is the aftermarket availability of parts and options is big and only getting bigger. I do not think Nissan would have done this though. They knew from the past that to sell the car, they needed to keep the price low enough. I only wish they had a special edition or something with all the frills and FI.