350z becoming the new 240sx
12-18-2014, 09:05 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
350z becoming the new 240sx
Like the title says, does anyone feel the same way?
With our cars age, used Z's have become more affordable to the younger crowd where they will have a greater chance of being abused and tastelessly modified. Unlike the 240sx, our cars came with more power than a 19 year old fast food worker can handle... It's obvious why that can be a problem.
Not sure if anyone noticed this too, but recently there seems to be a heightened influx of noobs to this site
I never understood why they take the time to make an account and start a new thread when it will generally take less time and effort to google their question and most likely find a thread (here) that answers everything they need.
Ahh, anyways. I foresee Z owners progressively getting a worse reputation as irresponsible and dangerous drivers and would really like to not see that happen.
With our cars age, used Z's have become more affordable to the younger crowd where they will have a greater chance of being abused and tastelessly modified. Unlike the 240sx, our cars came with more power than a 19 year old fast food worker can handle... It's obvious why that can be a problem.
Not sure if anyone noticed this too, but recently there seems to be a heightened influx of noobs to this site
I never understood why they take the time to make an account and start a new thread when it will generally take less time and effort to google their question and most likely find a thread (here) that answers everything they need.Ahh, anyways. I foresee Z owners progressively getting a worse reputation as irresponsible and dangerous drivers and would really like to not see that happen.
12-18-2014, 09:36 PM
#2
Like the title says, does anyone feel the same way?
With our cars age, used Z's have become more affordable to the younger crowd where they will have a greater chance of being abused and tastelessly modified. Unlike the 240sx, our cars came with more power than a 19 year old fast food worker can handle... It's obvious why that can be a problem.
Not sure if anyone noticed this too, but recently there seems to be a heightened influx of noobs to this site I never understood why they take the time to make an account and start a new thread when it will generally take less time and effort to google their question and most likely find a thread (here) that answers everything they need.
Ahh, anyways. I foresee Z owners progressively getting a worse reputation as irresponsible and dangerous drivers and would really like to not see that happen.
With our cars age, used Z's have become more affordable to the younger crowd where they will have a greater chance of being abused and tastelessly modified. Unlike the 240sx, our cars came with more power than a 19 year old fast food worker can handle... It's obvious why that can be a problem.
Not sure if anyone noticed this too, but recently there seems to be a heightened influx of noobs to this site
I never understood why they take the time to make an account and start a new thread when it will generally take less time and effort to google their question and most likely find a thread (here) that answers everything they need.Ahh, anyways. I foresee Z owners progressively getting a worse reputation as irresponsible and dangerous drivers and would really like to not see that happen.
As a n00b to the site and the Z33 chassis, I still empathize with where you're coming from.
Fortunately, if you look back on the Z31 and Z32, they never really struggled with the same pitfalls as the deliberately abused 240's. Perhaps being a more complex and ultimately more expensive and time consuming chassis to maintain and modify will act as a deterrent to the young hopefuls.
I've spent several years being responsible and working my *** off to establish and maintain good employment and credit worthiness. So let this be an inkling of hope that not all new (young) owners are going to run out and turn their Z's into haphazardly pieced together drift *****.
I'm confident the real enthusiasts; young or old, will continue to appreciate the car for what it is.
As far as what everyone else thinks? Well........
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PP08HR (08-05-2015)
12-19-2014, 03:45 AM
#3
I was thinking about this the other day too.
With the price of the Z so low these days it's inevetable that those in a lower income bracket, or young people will find the Z a really attractive bargin. Not to say all young ppl are cheap or irresponsible but a few of the new threads on this forum have come lately (ie. Wrecked my Z, what's faster than a Z, or how to mod my Z for under $100).
I foresee these people Mod it but with replica or tasteless parts...get bored of it or wreck it by not respecting the car, or not be able to afford the maintenance and upkeep with a 10+ year old car. I'm not worried though. My personal car is my pride and joy and I consider myself a tinkerer and enthusiast (as I imagine most ppl on this forum are).
I'll just mod mine to the best of my ability. Keep driving and tending to my car for maintenance issues. Sell parts to those that run their Z over a curb or into a wall. (It's How I've been getting rid of my OEM parts lately - all buyers were teenagers or in their early 20's btw). Weather the storm, keep having fun and it'll pass. I know my car isn't worth much anymore but it's what I love to do.
With the price of the Z so low these days it's inevetable that those in a lower income bracket, or young people will find the Z a really attractive bargin. Not to say all young ppl are cheap or irresponsible but a few of the new threads on this forum have come lately (ie. Wrecked my Z, what's faster than a Z, or how to mod my Z for under $100).
I foresee these people Mod it but with replica or tasteless parts...get bored of it or wreck it by not respecting the car, or not be able to afford the maintenance and upkeep with a 10+ year old car. I'm not worried though. My personal car is my pride and joy and I consider myself a tinkerer and enthusiast (as I imagine most ppl on this forum are).
I'll just mod mine to the best of my ability. Keep driving and tending to my car for maintenance issues. Sell parts to those that run their Z over a curb or into a wall. (It's How I've been getting rid of my OEM parts lately - all buyers were teenagers or in their early 20's btw). Weather the storm, keep having fun and it'll pass. I know my car isn't worth much anymore but it's what I love to do.
Last edited by clubhopper; 12-19-2014 at 03:54 AM.
12-19-2014, 05:12 AM
#4
I was thinking about this the other day too.
With the price of the Z so low these days it's inevetable that those in a lower income bracket, or young people will find the Z a really attractive bargin. Not to say all young ppl are cheap or irresponsible but a few of the new threads on this forum have come lately (ie. Wrecked my Z, what's faster than a Z, or how to mod my Z for under $100).
I foresee these people Mod it but with replica or tasteless parts...get bored of it or wreck it by not respecting the car, or not be able to afford the maintenance and upkeep with a 10+ year old car. I'm not worried though. My personal car is my pride and joy and I consider myself a tinkerer and enthusiast (as I imagine most ppl on this forum are).
I'll just mod mine to the best of my ability. Keep driving and tending to my car for maintenance issues. Sell parts to those that run their Z over a curb or into a wall. (It's How I've been getting rid of my OEM parts lately - all buyers were teenagers or in their early 20's btw). Weather the storm, keep having fun and it'll pass. I know my car isn't worth much anymore but it's what I love to do.
With the price of the Z so low these days it's inevetable that those in a lower income bracket, or young people will find the Z a really attractive bargin. Not to say all young ppl are cheap or irresponsible but a few of the new threads on this forum have come lately (ie. Wrecked my Z, what's faster than a Z, or how to mod my Z for under $100).
I foresee these people Mod it but with replica or tasteless parts...get bored of it or wreck it by not respecting the car, or not be able to afford the maintenance and upkeep with a 10+ year old car. I'm not worried though. My personal car is my pride and joy and I consider myself a tinkerer and enthusiast (as I imagine most ppl on this forum are).
I'll just mod mine to the best of my ability. Keep driving and tending to my car for maintenance issues. Sell parts to those that run their Z over a curb or into a wall. (It's How I've been getting rid of my OEM parts lately - all buyers were teenagers or in their early 20's btw). Weather the storm, keep having fun and it'll pass. I know my car isn't worth much anymore but it's what I love to do.
12-19-2014, 06:43 AM
#5
General & DIY Moderator
MY350Z.COM
MY350Z.COM
iTrader: (64)
As the owner of a pre-order track model, I've seen this site go through many iterations. We were all so excited to see Nissan release a state-of-the-art Z car that any sightings were treated with the excitement of examining a UFO up close. After Z33s were delivered, the conversation turned towards what could be done to improve on what was already a very well-developed chassis and engine. The excitement for the first five years was amazing!
There's really a wealth of information on this site due to contributions from the 350Z community over the years. Unfortunately, much of it gets lost as nobody wants to take the time to do much of a search any longer. So, we end up dispensing band aid advise in many of the threads that pop up nowadays. But the Z really was designed for the young, or the young-at-heart, so perhaps this is just a natural cycle within the car industry.
There's really a wealth of information on this site due to contributions from the 350Z community over the years. Unfortunately, much of it gets lost as nobody wants to take the time to do much of a search any longer. So, we end up dispensing band aid advise in many of the threads that pop up nowadays. But the Z really was designed for the young, or the young-at-heart, so perhaps this is just a natural cycle within the car industry.
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gringott (09-17-2016)
12-19-2014, 07:23 AM
#6
I don't see it that way. Whenever I do see a Z. It's mostly bone stock and a older driver. Really don't see too many teens driving in a Z. I think Z is in the past now, which is a good thing. I see a lot of younger guys getting into the genesis, civic si, wrx, evo, Mustangs, BRZ, Z seems to draw the adult crowd. Maybe it's boring to the young guys. I'm 34, so when I say old that means in the 30s. I've met a few Z owners, and they just are in the late 20s and not into the whole rice scene. Rice meaning fake,cheap knock off parts, stickers and loud, lol.
As u get older, u start to realize, quality parts will look better and last longer. I like my cars to have some sound, but not listen to my fart can loud.
As u get older, u start to realize, quality parts will look better and last longer. I like my cars to have some sound, but not listen to my fart can loud.
Last edited by Golden_Armz; 12-19-2014 at 07:28 AM.
12-19-2014, 09:12 AM
#7
As a n00b to the site and the Z33 chassis, I still empathize with where you're coming from.
Fortunately, if you look back on the Z31 and Z32, they never really struggled with the same pitfalls as the deliberately abused 240's. Perhaps being a more complex and ultimately more expensive and time consuming chassis to maintain and modify will act as a deterrent to the young hopefuls.
I've spent several years being responsible and working my *** off to establish and maintain good employment and credit worthiness. So let this be an inkling of hope that not all new (young) owners are going to run out and turn their Z's into haphazardly pieced together drift *****.
I'm confident the real enthusiasts; young or old, will continue to appreciate the car for what it is.
As far as what everyone else thinks? Well........
Fortunately, if you look back on the Z31 and Z32, they never really struggled with the same pitfalls as the deliberately abused 240's. Perhaps being a more complex and ultimately more expensive and time consuming chassis to maintain and modify will act as a deterrent to the young hopefuls.
I've spent several years being responsible and working my *** off to establish and maintain good employment and credit worthiness. So let this be an inkling of hope that not all new (young) owners are going to run out and turn their Z's into haphazardly pieced together drift *****.
I'm confident the real enthusiasts; young or old, will continue to appreciate the car for what it is.
As far as what everyone else thinks? Well........
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12-19-2014, 09:37 AM
#8
Registered User
I've been saying the same sentiment since 2011. The 370z never took off the way it could have, the styling missed its mark and the lack of power from the Z33 to the Z34 wasnt sufficient enough to me. The 240 is definitely an aging frame that has solidified its place in drifting history as being the most widely used and widely recognized vehicle to used for a track purposes. But sadly we, as Z33 owners, are quickly approaching new low levels in interest and ownership. A 2003 350z with a salvage title is about $4000-$6000. Imagine all the individuals that have been in the fwd game (Hondas, Acuras, Eclipse, SRT4, etc) that can now have an affordable entry level rwd "performance" vehicle. The value of the vehicle is reflecting its age and the level of maturity of new owners tends to only disappoint. That being said, the 350z remains a great looking vehicle despite the fact its almost 12 years old.
My prediction, we will be seeing a lot more Z bodies, probably more than double than todays Zs out there, on drift circuits in the next 3 years. No wonder a number of my friends have jumped to the Vette circle lol
My prediction, we will be seeing a lot more Z bodies, probably more than double than todays Zs out there, on drift circuits in the next 3 years. No wonder a number of my friends have jumped to the Vette circle lol
12-19-2014, 09:40 AM
#9
I've been saying the same sentiment since 2011. The 370z never took off the way it could have, the styling missed its mark and the lack of power from the Z33 to the Z34 wasnt sufficient enough to me. The 240 is definitely an aging frame that has solidified its place in drifting history as being the most widely used and widely recognized vehicle to used for a track purposes. But sadly we, as Z33 owners, are quickly approaching new low levels in interest and ownership. A 2003 350z with a salvage title is about $4000-$6000. Imagine all the individuals that have been in the fwd game (Hondas, Acuras, Eclipse, SRT4, etc) that can now have an affordable entry level rwd "performance" vehicle. The value of the vehicle is reflecting its age and the level of maturity of new owners tends to only disappoint. That being said, the 350z remains a great looking vehicle despite the fact its almost 12 years old.
My prediction, we will be seeing a lot more Z bodies, probably more than double than todays Zs out there, on drift circuits in the next 3 years. No wonder a number of my friends have jumped to the Vette circle lol
My prediction, we will be seeing a lot more Z bodies, probably more than double than todays Zs out there, on drift circuits in the next 3 years. No wonder a number of my friends have jumped to the Vette circle lol
12-19-2014, 12:35 PM
#10
New Member
It goes both ways where I am, there are quite a few teenagers in very tasteless modified high mileage '03-'04 z33's but then there are also original owners like me who have owned their car for 10+ years and either haven't modified them or have used tasteful high quality mods.
I still get the same excitement out of my z as when I bought it and I still get as excited when I see one on the road as I did when they were first released, I just got back from a weeklong vacation in the mountains, my GF wouldn't let us take the z because she claims it's uncomfortable, it was great waking up this morning and taking it for a drive, it never gets old to me.
I still get the same excitement out of my z as when I bought it and I still get as excited when I see one on the road as I did when they were first released, I just got back from a weeklong vacation in the mountains, my GF wouldn't let us take the z because she claims it's uncomfortable, it was great waking up this morning and taking it for a drive, it never gets old to me.
Last edited by bith8791; 12-19-2014 at 04:37 PM.
12-19-2014, 12:45 PM
#11
New Member
I may be missing your point, but I believe it is wise welcoming “new blood” (i.e., young people). This principle applies to products (cars for example) and activities (recreational sports, hobbies, etc.).
An example of loss is golf. We forgot to include kids a few years ago, and the sport suffered. And, not that long ago; skiing became too expensive for young people and families, and we foolishly banned snowboarding (which was a young person’s preference on the slopes).
The Datsun 240z was very different from its competitors when Nissan introduced the car in 45 years ago. Affordable sport cars came from the UK, but they were junk with extensive plumbing to satisfy pollution levels demanded in California. Italian sport cars were expensive and challenged mechanics who strived to keep them running. The 911 Porsche from Germany was expensive and almost impossible to keep “tuned.” Mercedes was an old man’s car. The 240z was affordable and reliable… just a better car, and it was a sports car.
I think it is great having a car like the 350z that young people can afford to own. Of course youngsters drive more aggressively. We have seen this with the high rate of crashes with 350z cars.
The solution is education, and my350z.com is a great place where young drivers can learn the about the hazards of aggressive driving.
An example of loss is golf. We forgot to include kids a few years ago, and the sport suffered. And, not that long ago; skiing became too expensive for young people and families, and we foolishly banned snowboarding (which was a young person’s preference on the slopes).
The Datsun 240z was very different from its competitors when Nissan introduced the car in 45 years ago. Affordable sport cars came from the UK, but they were junk with extensive plumbing to satisfy pollution levels demanded in California. Italian sport cars were expensive and challenged mechanics who strived to keep them running. The 911 Porsche from Germany was expensive and almost impossible to keep “tuned.” Mercedes was an old man’s car. The 240z was affordable and reliable… just a better car, and it was a sports car.
I think it is great having a car like the 350z that young people can afford to own. Of course youngsters drive more aggressively. We have seen this with the high rate of crashes with 350z cars.
The solution is education, and my350z.com is a great place where young drivers can learn the about the hazards of aggressive driving.
Like the title says, does anyone feel the same way?
With our cars age, used Z's have become more affordable to the younger crowd where they will have a greater chance of being abused and tastelessly modified. Unlike the 240sx, our cars came with more power than a 19 year old fast food worker can handle... It's obvious why that can be a problem.
Not sure if anyone noticed this too, but recently there seems to be a heightened influx of noobs to this site I never understood why they take the time to make an account and start a new thread when it will generally take less time and effort to google their question and most likely find a thread (here) that answers everything they need.
Ahh, anyways. I foresee Z owners progressively getting a worse reputation as irresponsible and dangerous drivers and would really like to not see that happen.
With our cars age, used Z's have become more affordable to the younger crowd where they will have a greater chance of being abused and tastelessly modified. Unlike the 240sx, our cars came with more power than a 19 year old fast food worker can handle... It's obvious why that can be a problem.
Not sure if anyone noticed this too, but recently there seems to be a heightened influx of noobs to this site
I never understood why they take the time to make an account and start a new thread when it will generally take less time and effort to google their question and most likely find a thread (here) that answers everything they need.Ahh, anyways. I foresee Z owners progressively getting a worse reputation as irresponsible and dangerous drivers and would really like to not see that happen.
12-19-2014, 03:01 PM
#12
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I'm an older newb to the car, but I live in a (privileged) college town and I feel like they are jumping over this car, to newer rides sti brz genesis 5.0. I mean a few people are picking them up but its still a certain personality type that goes for the 350.
12-19-2014, 07:36 PM
#14
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Its funny you should say that I am also looking into doing the same, but have always had a love for corvettes.
To the OP I believe that you may be right but there is something that you are missing. I would know I came from a swapped sr20 240sx myself. The 240sx is a very under-powered, forgiving car compared to the 350z unless swapped of course. The z on the other hand will bite you if not respected, i.e. all of the "ooops crashed it" threads. But i believe that is what will weed out a lot of the immature owners.
To the OP I believe that you may be right but there is something that you are missing. I would know I came from a swapped sr20 240sx myself. The 240sx is a very under-powered, forgiving car compared to the 350z unless swapped of course. The z on the other hand will bite you if not respected, i.e. all of the "ooops crashed it" threads. But i believe that is what will weed out a lot of the immature owners.
12-19-2014, 08:01 PM
#15
Registered User
Dont be smug. I understand tasteless mods. But the most tastelsess mods 'ive' seen come from midlife crisis dudes. If u have bad taste u have bad taste, no matter the price of the car. I think its a compliment to the z that people still love this car enough to have big visions for it, unlike a focus st in 4 years, so i say bring on the new blood. Ive seen almost everything else.
Also without new fads/ looks the mod game will die. I thought 20" wheels on trucks looked terribe on trucks a few years ago. Now with the right offsets big lifts and 33"+ tires on em. I love it.
Also without new fads/ looks the mod game will die. I thought 20" wheels on trucks looked terribe on trucks a few years ago. Now with the right offsets big lifts and 33"+ tires on em. I love it.
Last edited by J 0 K 3 R; 12-19-2014 at 08:05 PM.
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PP08HR (08-05-2015)
12-19-2014, 08:21 PM
#16
Can agree with what people earlier in the thread said. I am one of these younger drivers being 16 and this site is kinda what i need. There is no other place that i can reliably come to and get good information despite some of the trolls. Most of the kids in my high school would rather stay away from the Z and lean towards tiburons, celicas, and mustangs. Just my view from the inside looking out of this situation.
12-19-2014, 08:21 PM
#17
Like the title says, does anyone feel the same way?
With our cars age, used Z's have become more affordable to the younger crowd where they will have a greater chance of being abused and tastelessly modified. Unlike the 240sx, our cars came with more power than a 19 year old fast food worker can handle... It's obvious why that can be a problem.
Not sure if anyone noticed this too, but recently there seems to be a heightened influx of noobs to this site I never understood why they take the time to make an account and start a new thread when it will generally take less time and effort to google their question and most likely find a thread (here) that answers everything they need.
Ahh, anyways. I foresee Z owners progressively getting a worse reputation as irresponsible and dangerous drivers and would really like to not see that happen.
With our cars age, used Z's have become more affordable to the younger crowd where they will have a greater chance of being abused and tastelessly modified. Unlike the 240sx, our cars came with more power than a 19 year old fast food worker can handle... It's obvious why that can be a problem.
Not sure if anyone noticed this too, but recently there seems to be a heightened influx of noobs to this site
I never understood why they take the time to make an account and start a new thread when it will generally take less time and effort to google their question and most likely find a thread (here) that answers everything they need.Ahh, anyways. I foresee Z owners progressively getting a worse reputation as irresponsible and dangerous drivers and would really like to not see that happen.
12-19-2014, 08:24 PM
#18
I may be missing your point, but I believe it is wise welcoming “new blood” (i.e., young people). This principle applies to products (cars for example) and activities (recreational sports, hobbies, etc.).
An example of loss is golf. We forgot to include kids a few years ago, and the sport suffered. And, not that long ago; skiing became too expensive for young people and families, and we foolishly banned snowboarding (which was a young person’s preference on the slopes).
The Datsun 240z was very different from its competitors when Nissan introduced the car in 45 years ago. Affordable sport cars came from the UK, but they were junk with extensive plumbing to satisfy pollution levels demanded in California. Italian sport cars were expensive and challenged mechanics who strived to keep them running. The 911 Porsche from Germany was expensive and almost impossible to keep “tuned.” Mercedes was an old man’s car. The 240z was affordable and reliable… just a better car, and it was a sports car.
I think it is great having a car like the 350z that young people can afford to own. Of course youngsters drive more aggressively. We have seen this with the high rate of crashes with 350z cars.
The solution is education, and my350z.com is a great place where young drivers can learn the about the hazards of aggressive driving.
An example of loss is golf. We forgot to include kids a few years ago, and the sport suffered. And, not that long ago; skiing became too expensive for young people and families, and we foolishly banned snowboarding (which was a young person’s preference on the slopes).
The Datsun 240z was very different from its competitors when Nissan introduced the car in 45 years ago. Affordable sport cars came from the UK, but they were junk with extensive plumbing to satisfy pollution levels demanded in California. Italian sport cars were expensive and challenged mechanics who strived to keep them running. The 911 Porsche from Germany was expensive and almost impossible to keep “tuned.” Mercedes was an old man’s car. The 240z was affordable and reliable… just a better car, and it was a sports car.
I think it is great having a car like the 350z that young people can afford to own. Of course youngsters drive more aggressively. We have seen this with the high rate of crashes with 350z cars.
The solution is education, and my350z.com is a great place where young drivers can learn the about the hazards of aggressive driving.
12-20-2014, 02:46 AM
#20
I started out with a 77 280Z and fell in love with the car it was a passion to own a car with a personality it spoke to me made me feel like I was owning a original car.I had never really set out to buy this car but I did.It passed away by no ones fault but my own I was devastated and vowed if I ever had the chance to own another I would cherish it forever more, today I own a beautiful 2006 Lemans 350Z and the love affair is like no other so over time I've learned to respect and just enjoy the passion of owning a car with a badass history! Not many cars and owners has been and seen some of the things a Z and it's owners have so just Love it and have fun isn't it really what it's all about anyway!!!