Nissan 370z vs Lotus Elise
10-19-2009 | 02:52 PM
#41
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 133
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From: Michigan
Overall costs are usually much lower for a used car.
The #1 reason for depreciation in the first year is that everyone would prefer a new, "virgin" car for a used one.
Second is age and the threat of repair costs, but these costs are small in the first 5-7 years compared to depreciation.
The #1 reason for depreciation in the first year is that everyone would prefer a new, "virgin" car for a used one.
Second is age and the threat of repair costs, but these costs are small in the first 5-7 years compared to depreciation.
10-21-2009 | 08:05 AM
#42
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 65
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From: Vestal, NY
370Z alternatives
I looked at a used Elise for about what I paid from a new Z. Didn't care for it. Sure, they're fast and handle like a go-cart, but the interior looks like a kit car. Plus, I had to stand in the seat to get in or out of it. (That would suck on a rainy day in a muddy parking lot.)
The Z has a much nicer cabin, actual storage space for a weekend away and goes like hell. Choice was a no-brainer for me.
The Z has a much nicer cabin, actual storage space for a weekend away and goes like hell. Choice was a no-brainer for me.
10-21-2009 | 07:04 PM
#43
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Central Coast, NSW, Australia
"Buying a new car is almost always one of the most stupid financial moves anyone can make".
I don't see how you can make this stmt. I know plenty of worse things u can spend your $ on. Like gambling, drugs, ... Its only stupid if u can't afford it.
What do you want...the manufacturers to make all their cars 'used cars' . Hey there's an idea! This years model we'll shelve it for a few years, drive it around the plant a few hundred times and then sell 'em 2nd hand.
I don't see how you can make this stmt. I know plenty of worse things u can spend your $ on. Like gambling, drugs, ... Its only stupid if u can't afford it.
What do you want...the manufacturers to make all their cars 'used cars' . Hey there's an idea! This years model we'll shelve it for a few years, drive it around the plant a few hundred times and then sell 'em 2nd hand.
10-22-2009 | 07:32 AM
#44
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1
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From: Washington
Yep, agree with this advice. This sounds to me like something that should be advertised on the back cover of a comic book. If you're not getting a good feeling about the boss, it's time to leave.
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10-22-2009 | 11:10 AM
#45
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From: TUALATIN,OR-E-GON NOT ORY-GONE
It doesn't sound like you have really figured out what you want out of a car. Decide that first, then pick the best car that matches your needs.
Ask yourself these questions:
1) Would this be your second car?
Ask yourself these questions:
1) Would this be your second car?
If you have another more practical car to drive and are looking for something fun and different, then go ahead with the Elise. They are uncomfortable, loud, small, and most likely expensive to maintain (but I'm guessing on that last one). Watching an Elise run through an Autocross course is incredible however. The 370Z might be a better car however if you are over about 5'11" and like a few conveniences in your cars.
If this will not be a second car, don't consider the Elise at all and you should stay away from the Z as well. A RWD two seat sports car is simply impractical for too many of life's requirements. A Mazdaspeed3 would make a great car for someone as a solo car. It is fast, fun, handles well, and is reliable. It gives you the practicality of a hatch.
2) Do you have money to burn?If this will not be a second car, don't consider the Elise at all and you should stay away from the Z as well. A RWD two seat sports car is simply impractical for too many of life's requirements. A Mazdaspeed3 would make a great car for someone as a solo car. It is fast, fun, handles well, and is reliable. It gives you the practicality of a hatch.
Buying a new car is almost always one of the most stupid financial moves anyone can make. If money is simply not an issue and you will pay cash for the car, then don't worry about it. For most of us, money is a limited asset. Buying a new car you take a huge depreciation hit. If you finance it is is even worse as you will quickly owe more on the car than what it is worth. In this, the Elise has the advantage as it is used. A used MS3 (if you can find a good one) or RX8 would be good choices as would a used 350Z.
Speaking of money, are you prepared for the insurance costs? A 370 or Elise will be expensive to insure. A MS3, RX8, or Si will be a lot less expensive.
3) Have you driven RWD cars before?A RWD car drives differently than a FWD car. If you haven't had the experience that is fine, but make sure you understand that you don't and take it easy if you get a Z or Elise. FWD is a lot more forgiving
4) Do you get much rain or snow?Your from CA but don't say where. If it snows where you are, and you don't have another car, don't get the Z, Elise, or RX8. That would be just asking for trouble. The MS3 would be a good choice. Rain isn't a big deal (unless you are SoCal driver, then for some reason it is) but rain can be a problem with a soft top.
5) Are you a 16 year old kid whose folks are going to buy the car for you?If so, buy a used Civic Si. The car is reliable, fun to drive, easy to mod without breaking the bank, and no great loss if you wrap it around a tree.
Don't discount the RX8. It is a great car that is reliable if it is maintained properly. A rotary is a lot of fun to drive and the car's handling is much better than the Z. It also has the benefit of back seats (sort of).2) You can always pay more monthly for the principle rather than the interest rate. Most of the time you'll be paying about 5K extra in interest alone. Insurance obviously depends on many things, mine is at $106 a month for full coverage. Everyone's insurance rate is different.
3) Anyone can handle a RWD vehicle if they are not stupid and try to show off.
4) If you live in Oregon like me and dealt with the arctic blast, take the bus if you can or carpool with a buddy who has a 4X4 or even better buy a beater 4X4.
5) I really hope that he is not 16...too much power for a young adult.
Basically, if someone has good credit, money, and good driving record then they should be fine. 370Z all the way, no Elise!
10-23-2009 | 11:55 PM
#47
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
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From: Austin, Texas
I have an '08 350 Nismo and an '07 Elise. There are assets and liabilities to each. I like both cars, just for different reasons. The Lotus is fine for me as a DD except when it's over 90-95 degrees outside.
10-24-2009 | 01:28 AM
#48
370z and lotus elise are fine cars. i think on avg. you would waste $10 more every time you fill the Z. but 10$ is not that much... extra $40 a month...
but insurance will be way different.... ask your insurance agent.
anyways.. cheap maintenance would be civic Si...I had honda civic for almost 5 years... bought brand new... and she didnt even give me a single problem. her last known mileage was 150k... I only did oil change for her every 4-4.5k fully synthetic.. i didnt even have 30k or 60k... or anything ... ahhaha i did flush the tranny when she reached 100k tho... but it is a very reliable car...
Anyways, if u plan on having a family anytime soon.. i would go with the Civic... Think about it...dont regret after u already bought the car.
but insurance will be way different.... ask your insurance agent.
anyways.. cheap maintenance would be civic Si...I had honda civic for almost 5 years... bought brand new... and she didnt even give me a single problem. her last known mileage was 150k... I only did oil change for her every 4-4.5k fully synthetic.. i didnt even have 30k or 60k... or anything ... ahhaha i did flush the tranny when she reached 100k tho... but it is a very reliable car...
Anyways, if u plan on having a family anytime soon.. i would go with the Civic... Think about it...dont regret after u already bought the car.
10-24-2009 | 08:04 AM
#49
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 139
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From: 'merica
**** if your looking for an all year round daily driver thats fast and practicle then why not an evo or sti? I know thats may very well be blasphemy on this forum but they really are the perfect all year round dd especially ifyou live in an area that gets snow and you can get a used one for under 20k
11-03-2009 | 07:06 AM
#51
The Elise, IMO, is pointless as a daily driver, unless you literally just use it to drive around. There is little to offer in terms of creature comforts and cargo space. They are not practical for much else aside from tracking/autx-crossing.
12-05-2009 | 07:14 PM
#53
I have only test driven the 370, but I have driven an Elise on the track. I have driven a lot of fast cars on the track and the Elise is the only street-legal car that I love to drive but would never own. (unless it was only for the track)
The Elise is a great tool for driving, but getting in and out of that thing was the worst PITA. (I'm 5' 10" and 175lbs)
The Elise is a great tool for driving, but getting in and out of that thing was the worst PITA. (I'm 5' 10" and 175lbs)
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