HI guys, this is my first post.

Let me take you back. In 1996, I was a HS senior and my first car was a "hand me down hand me down" from my father to my brother to me. It was a ugly tank looking car called the 1984 Buick Regal. I had no game while driving in that car but did feel quite safe when I rolled into ghetto neighborhoods. It had the ugliest color which should've been called toilet bowl brown, code B52. Don't get me wrong, at least I got from point A to point B so I appreciate at least having a car. Then I went to college w/o the tank. My junior year in college I got my brother's "hand me down" car which was a 1996 Honda Civic Hatchback DX. It's an upgrade from the tank and it was economical. I think it's 1.2 liters 106hp and I get 30 miles/gallon. I still have it and I drive that car everyday to work w/it's standard 13" wheels. If you guys know what I am talking about, the hatchback looks like a turtle and sure feels like one when driving.

In any case, I thought it was about time I treated myself to my first new car. I didn't get a car after I graduated from college and have been saving $$$ to afford something I can appreciate and call it my own. I am 25 years old and I have been drooling over the 350z since it first came out in August 2002 as a 2003 model. I am contemplating on purchasing a new car at the end of this year or the 1st quarter of next year. However, I was very disappointed in learning that there will be no increase in hp for the 2005 350Z. I am envious that the 2005 G35 has 298 hp and 19" rims. This just makes my decision harder. I have some debts to pay off but recently I have a burning desire to just buy a new car. I want to feel like I am on Cloud 9 everytime I get into my new car and drive to and from work. Enough sacrifice. Time to cruise on PCH 1. I was wondering if this forum can give me some new insights as to what I should do and when would be the best time to buy a 2005 350Z? I am looking at invoice price so if I can't get a good deal on a 2005 I might just settle for a 2004 350ZR. There's a whole bunch in Costa Mesa, CA.


Oh by the way, here is a list of cars I am planning to test drive before I make my decision since I am taking this experience as an adventure and might as well enjoy it!

Nissan 350Z
Nissan 350ZR
Nissan Altima
Infiniti G35 Sedan
Infiniti G35 Coupe
Lexus IS 300
Acura TSX
Acura TL
Subaru WRX STi
Chrysler 300 C Hemi
Mazda RX-8
BMW Z4
Mazda 6


Thanks for reading.

 

Personally I'm waiting to see what the "TBD HP" means on the 2005 Track and upcoming 35th Anniversery 350z. Just gives me a few more months to save if it turns out to be bogus.