Alright so I am in love with the 350z and I am thinking about purchasing one. I have a couple factors and questions about it before I buy one though and this site seems like I would get some good advice about them. First of all I am in high school and working obviously, and the main questions I have are about the type of octane the car needs, so ive heard that they will run fine on regular but ive also heard to fill with premium for best performance, and I also don't need top of the notch racing performance I am going to use it as a everyday car basically, so if I were to fill the Z with regular would it be fine? and are there any downsides of using regular compared to premium? Another question is, would it even be a smart idea for me to spend my money on this car, I mean ive heard theyre great cars but not from people who own them. And is it smart for me to buy one while im in highschool? I appreciate anyone who takes the time to help me out!

 

350Z VQ35DE and VQ35HR are spec’d to run on Premium fuel. If you’re trying to save the pennies between regular and super for some reason, the Z isn’t for you.

Also, insurance is going to be the real enemy, not the cost of gas.

 

So the only factor for me is the gas, because I’ve called my insurance provider and they gave me a good price for full coverage on the vehicle. So if gas is the only thing would it still be okay?

 

Tires, full synthetic oil changes, belt change, trans and diff oil,......etc etc

 

Travlee covered it, but tires aren’t cheap either. Depending on how you drive you’ll need new rears in 20k miles.

 

Another factor to consider is the Z33 is approaching 20 years of age. As a used car, it's still a good and reliable package, but things will crop up (ie. window motors, etc.) that you'll need to repair. How are your mechanical skills? Zs tend to be driven hard, so you'll need to be picky about what you buy- be prepared to BUY a full written mechanical assessment from an independent mechanic to know what you're getting.

 

The 350z is a cheap car to own. Parts are cheap. Can get 30mpg highway at 65mph. Tires are under $400 for a complete set. Don't put anything less than 91. You will get knock.
I have 145k miles
Only thing I replaced in my 350z in 9 years is two rear tires(didn't wear, but one got damaged($200) 2 window motors ($50) and a clutch (57$, but that's because I went turbo and burnt it out)

 

fixed. As far as sports cars go, they’re pretty affordable. An NC Miata or early FRS is still cheaper than a Z though.

Nothing beats a 10 year old civic for running costs though.

 

Either you are the luckiest Z owner on the planet. (And buy your Hot Wheels parts on etsy)

Or the meanest person I know.

 

Trying to understand the fixation on gas.

Even here in California (except maybe HI or PR), most expensive gas in the nation, the difference between regular and super is 20 cents. Like $3.00 per fill-up. Why do you want to run regular when the car should be gulping premium? Is this for cost savings or ????

 

Parents cover maintenance and insurance but the kid is on the hook for gas?

 

This!
Most people think the 91 are expensive, but if you really do the math, only $3 or $4 difference. And it saved your engine life.

 

I can't really believe 3 or 4 dollars per fill up would make a difference....run the best you can find.....or buy a freaking Corolla!

 

Hey I have a corolla and the Z lol