Hi,

I hope to buy a 350Z within the next few weeks.

Currently focusing on a black base model with a few bells/whistles (side air bags, mats, etc. but no aerodynamics package). MSRP is roughly $27,500, and I hoped to pay $26K.

Should I more carefully consider the higher-end models?

Seems like the enthusiast is basically the same car with halogen headlights (i.e. not worth the premium). "Performance" model adds 18'' wheels, but I have read some mixed reports regarding these (impact on ride quality, etc.). FInally, the $35K track model is out of my price range (30K tops).

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

 

if you like automatic and/or drive somewhat tame, get a base. the enth is the best value 'cause it has the lsd rear transaxle. the lights are a great bonus too. however, if you don't know what lsd is, you may not need it. the performance model in comparison is a complete ripoff.

 

You get a LOT more with the Enthusiast than HIDs including LSD, Homelink, & cruise control, and a couple others I can't think of.

Stretch your budget & get Enthusiast.

I luv my Performance and appreciate the 18 inchers, TPS, & VDC but there not essential.

 

Thanks. This is very helpful.

However, I now have a new concern. I came across a number of alarming posts (on this site) concerning alignment issues (some referencing http://www.nissantireproblems.com./class-action.html).

What are your opinions in terms of the liklihood and severity of these problems?

 

Does anyone really notice any real performance plus with VDC. I have not had the chance to drive the Enth. and the Perf. models back to back to see the difference.

Thanks.

 

It's not a performance plus, it takes away from the performance. It really makes the car idiot proof especially for those who are unfamiliar with a high powered rear wheel drive car. It has it's good points though, you can always turn it off and it's a nice margin of safety especially when driving in the rain. I'm glad I have it on my car, but I don't rely on it. The car can still be overdriven and it isn't fool-proof.

 

Your statement depends on your definition of "performance". If the VDC keeps you from sliding out on a curve or over-powering through a corner, then it performs by controlling the performance of the acceleration and braking systems. So, it does take away from performance by performing in the interest of safety. I understand your point, however.

WayneTN

 

It depends on what you are looking for. If you really like the wheels that come on the Performance 6MT, then they would be worth extra money. If you think having the tire pressure readouts are a plus, then they would be worth extra money. If VDC saves your butt one time, then it is worth extra money. Performance is not a complete ripoff if those items are what the buyer is looking for. For me, it made enough of a difference and I got the Performance.

WayneTN

 

I have an Enthusiast Model, but if I did it again, I would opt for the Performance model just to get the VDC package. At first, I didn't think $2k was enough to justify 18" wheels (that I would eventually replace), a tire pressure sensor, and VDC. But, from what I understand, VDC assists novice and average drivers in both wet and dry conditions when the car is pushed hard. Unless you track your car often and know how it behaves at limit, most drivers would fall under this category.

I've put my car into a slide once on a wet on-ramp only to discover how quickly I can lose control of the car. I recovered from the slide, but it sure made me respect the car's power and take note of the OEM tire's poor wet traction characteristics. In most cases, however, I drive with my traction control off because I don't like how it's invoked...a bit too abrupt and it almost always occur at inopportune moments. I would prefer to drive with VDC and TC on, or none at all. Having just TC seems kind of lame, to me.

I've also read some of the AutoX threads, and one member is getting very good times when it rains. Apparently, VDC is helping him perform well on wet pavement whereas some of the other competitors, who normally do better than him, couldn't control their cars as well without a VDC-type system.

As for the Base model, only consider it if you plan to upgrade a the limited slip diff, and don't care much about traction control or VDC. I just don't see how 274ft-lbs of torque gets down to the wheels and ground properly without a LSD. The HID's are OK, but, I wouldn't miss it terribly if I had halogens instead. The homelink mirror is actually really cool, and possibly one convenience package I gladly paid for in the Enthu model.

 

Great info. THanks again for your insights.

Given my skill level, the performance model may be worth the investment, assuming I buy (now uncertain, see question below).

To beat a dead horse - What about the alignment problem? Scanning a few dozen posts on this site, there seems to be little consensus regarding:

a) The root cause (tires themselves versus alignment at factory versus design flaw)

b) The appropriate remedy (tied to #1, posts range from rotating tires to invoking lemon law and returning car)

c) The response by Nissan and current status (users disagree as to whether Nissan fixed the problems in the 2004 model...one user even mentioned discontinuted production..)

Comments and/or personal experiences (favorable/unfavorable) are greatly appreciated.

Tom

 

Ok... get the Enthusiast.
LSD - Your car will SUCK without this
TCS - Nice but not necessary
Cruise Control - Come on... you want it on the highway
Aluminum Pedals
HIDs- They are so much better

Seriously, unless you plan to swap out the rear nd for a Nismo LSD, I would get the Enthusiast. Buy a used one if you cant afford new. There are a million used ones out now.

 

2k more for the Enthu is worth it probably for the cruise control alone if you make any decent sized trips....

I use my cruise almost daily on the interstate. I considered the base, but the more I thought about it the more I thought that I would be kicking myself later for not going for it.

 

Enthusiast is the best value. All of the cosmetic upgrades are worth the difference in cost. ...And then you get all the performance/handling upgrades.

And I can honestly say, I've never once thought "damn, I wish I had VDC." Even when my 45 minute drive home from a client turned into 3 hours because of snow.

I just wish Cruise Control wasn't added until the Performance too. Then the Enthusiast would be perfect.

 

I'm pretty sure most folks with a 2004 or 2004.5 350z do NOT have any tire feathering issues. There are some, but not nearly as many as the 2003 model.

I don't think you'll have a problem with the tire feathering if you get a new Z.

I agree with everyone that the Enthusiast is the best value. it's what I haev and I love it. I've got an auto because I drive mostly in the city, but it's plenty fast when I stomp the gas

CaptinB

 

the VDC is a waste for any sort of spririted driving..it kicks in too early, too often and cannot be turned off

It does not help in the rain or the snow (in snow, car car is useless). If you want the car to behave truly well in the rain, get better tires, plain and simple. the stock ones, even the 18's, are utter junk.

Nissan says the 04 has no tire feathering isues. I have an 04 and had zero issues on my car, and despite suspension mods, I still have not had one, nor had a need for one.

I considered all models but the Enthuasiast really is the best bang for buck, especially if you plan to mod.

 

Dont worry about any problems with the 04.5 Z's. As far as I know they are all compleatly trouble free.

How about am ore compleat list for the Enthusiast.

- HID headlights ( WAY better then the base lights )
- LSD
- TCS
- Homelink/Auto dimming mirror
- Racing Pedals
- Cruise Control

Try getting all of that for $1,980 dollars in the aftermarket. NOT GONNA HAPPEN!

The base is still a great car at a great price. But if you can afford the Enthusiast, it is a great bargain.

 

Why not have Cruise on the Enthu?

I think its kind of odd to have auto everything on the base, and not have cruise on it as well. I guess they wanted one more option to save for the different models.

 

The base is not offered with an automatic transmission, only 6 speed.

I am totally happy with my base. I don't plan on taking the car out in the snow or heavy rain so I really don't need traction control or VDC. Of course, sometimes you can't prevent getting stuck in bad weather but those incidences are few and far between. The LSD and HIDs are very nice additions to have but I plan on going aftermarket for both of these items.

 

Because I have an Enthusiast and I HATE Cruise Control. To me it's nothing but extra weight that I don't need.

 

Oh I see....

Does it really carry much weight?

I'm on the interstate a decent amount of the time, so setting the cruise around 77 keeps me from trouble.