Hey guys

Sorry for all the posts lately! THis forum has been extremely helpful and the people here are amazing !

I've recently sold my subbie and in the market for another sports car. I've found a nice track edition model 350z with the CD009 Gearbox and low miles for a good price ($10,500 USD).
However, basically I was pretty set to go through with buying it after getting it checked etc but my partner and my parents are saying it is a stupid idea as we have just bought a house and want to go on holiday because we are getting married soon.
I can afford the vehicle easily as I sold my previous vehicle but I have added that money to my mortgage and my partner is not happy about me spending all the money I sold my previous car for (plus a little more) to buy a new car.

I'm now really thinking of the other option of getting an Auto 350z for the meantime as I feel like I am being selfish by buying the Manual 350. I can pick up an auto one for around 6,000USD give or take which is a substantial difference and would make my partner a lot happier but still allow me for the moment to enjoy a nice car.

Are Auto 350s good cars still?

I've always owned manuals and never had an auto and I'm scared I will hate it. Or are they still super fun cars to mod etc?
If so, which year is good for an auto 350? I know that the 04.5 and 05s are good for 350s due to the CD009, but unsure which trim and year for auto?
Or is it just not worth it and should I just wait and get a 350z in manual another time when the situation is better?

 

Manual v. auto - it really comes down to personal preference. If you have always driven a manual and this is your first auto (and you're scared you will hate it), then you probably will. Somewhat of a self-fulfilling prophecy. That nagging voice in the back of your mind constantly telling you that you should have gotten a model with a third pedal. I think the Z33 is a very analog driver's car. The auto detracts from this experience, but it is still a "good car" nonetheless. Added bonus with the manual - millennial carjackers won't be able to steal it.

Is the auto identical in terms of mileage, condition, and trim? I'm guessing not. Hence, the reason for the $4,500 difference.

Personally, I would go with the manual. Especially, if you're about to get married. I'm guessing you do not have little ones and the Z is usually the first to go once that happens. Also, this may be one of the last decisions you can truly make "on your own" without involving your soon-to-be significant other.

 

the first Z i drove was an auto, while fun i felt disconnected with the car. me personally, all the sports cars i have owned have been manual

 

If you decide to go through with it get a manual. It'll really suck your partner/parents bitching at you about this decision and getting stuck with an automatic Z. Get a manual and at least youll have more fun driving it.

 

The car can last you 10 years. That vacation will last you one week.
Cut out the Kirspy Kreme in the morning and the car will pay for itself in 6 years
Avoid the auto. An auto sports car only makes sense when it is physically faster than the manual counter-part. This is not the case with the 350z's

 

Get your car, and hold off getting married.

 

car prob cheaper

 

Parents should have no say in your decision if they are not supporting you, you work for your money, it's your decision.
TBH, if someone that I was trying to marry would nag about money and me trying to buy something that would make me happy.....we wouldn't be getting married.
That's a red flag of a life plagued with that, not for me.

 

Waiting for next new post from OP taking a poll whether he should get married or not.

 

depends.. i would ask for pics, but he said partner (very broad term....)... dont know how to take that given the world we live in these days

 

Not going to get into the marriage issue.

S'far as slushbox vs manny tranny - with no bias - the automatic isn't a horrible choice mechanically. Matter of fact, most I've seen are better taken care or just driven less "forcefully".

But, as mentioned here, it comes down to personal choice.

[bias on now] I personally would never own an automatic Z unless I were going boost and straight line 1/4 mile time and speed was the game. I've owned 20 some odd Zs, not one without a third pedal. Personal choice. For me, the control I have and the small headrrush that comes from executing the perfect heel n' toe downshift sequence from 6th down to first for a decreasing radius 180 is my thing, maybe not everyone's cup o' tea.

Point: get what you'll be most happy with long term, not something you're going to want to sell in a year.

 

in other words get a 6 speed and call it a day