I've got a silver '08 touring coupe with low miles, but the red '12 base 370Z that's been at the local dealership for several months sure looks nice.

Will I hate myself for getting a new one?

 

Depends on how you look at it. The power difference isn't noticeable until you start modding. The interior quality is much much better in the 370Z. Is this a base plus sport or is it a base only? If it's a base only car then I wouldn't go for it. If it's a base plus sport I would. Most reason being, factory LSD and better looking wheels and tire setup. The 370Z is better than the 350Z in a some ways but not much better in others so if you do decide to pull the trigger. Make sure you have exhausted all other 370Z options to include a touring, sport package, and Nismo. They all appeal differently. I bought a 10' Touring package without sport package, and not that it matters now since I have a M3, but I wish I would have bought a sport package optioned 370Z.

 

From my experience the 370z is quite a bit faster then an hr. Once modded the gap grows even larger. That said I wouldn't spend the money to upgrade already owning an hr.

 

If its been sitting as long as you say it has try to talk them down on the price. And there should be good rebates on that car so may be you can get it at 28 or 29

 

Wait. Wait for the next generation (hopefully not the mini-Z currently being discussed). You have low miles on your '08 and 2015 is not that long to wait. Maybe there will be more info on the next full sized Z within the next year. I would wait at least for that before pulling the string.

 

I'd get a sport package at least. Coz the sport package get the BBK, LSD and Syncro Rev Match which I think is the best bang for the buck. Or if you don't planning on mods, get a NISMO! It's pure sex and better performence(well arguable) out of the box. Otherwise you might as well wait, wait for the new Gen(if you have that patient).

Since I own both G35 coupe(which is very similar to the 350z) and 370z Nismo, I can tell you that 350z will FEEL more torquey while the 370z's power delivery is linear. You don't FEEL it's fast but you'd be surprised when you see your speedo. In other words, the 370z gets more high end power and will keep pushing you. I don't have any regret upgrade my g35 to 370z. Or perhaps there is one... the exhaust note... stock 350z/g35 sounds SO BEAUTIFUL! You will miss that if you get a 370z(even NISMO).

Also, since the 13' 370z is out already you should be able to get a great price on a 12' model. I still can't get used to to the 13' look lol. But the 13' NISMO is a different story... Good luck OP!

 

I've owned a slew of Z's over the years and I have to say that my '11 370 Sport is the best one to date in all aspects. Maybe the stars aligned on the day this one was built, but it is simply stellar. YMMV - but let your seat of the pants test drive tell you.... Good luck!

 

I'm in the same boat, I own an HR 350 but wanted a 370 in the the first place and, I didn't want a 350 till the HR's came out lol

At this point in the game - we need to wait to see what the Z35 has to offer.

If it really does equate to an "FR-S with a big V6 aka Poor Man's Viper" then eff a 370. It it equates to "Nissan's FR-S aka Rebirth of the 240 with a Z badge" then that Black Nismo 370Z is looking better and better everyday.

 

i miss the purr from the 350z otherwise no regrets.

 

+1 Don't get a 370Z without the sport package. I also have a G35 and a 370Z. The VQ35DE definitely has more low to midrange torque than the VHR motor. The 370Z is a bit boring under 3000 RPM IMO. I wish I had more torque for city driving, but the 370 shines on the highway. But since you already have a HR, the torque difference will be less noticeable. The VHR just has more top end power.

As for waiting for the next Z... After seeing the epic fail and huge disappointment with the unveiling of the new Infiniti Q50, I don't have much optimism for the next gen Z.

 

sack up, put your big-boy pants on, do a line of coke and go get a GT-R...

 

I had the opportunity to trade in my 08 base for a 09 sport and my payments would be $20 cheaper. That being said, I would of had to start over my 60 months when at the time I already had 2 1/2 years paid off of my car. The miles were about the same also.

What kept me from getting it was:
1. I know my car's history since it was mine. I don't know what exactly happened with the 370z (accident, how it was driven, etc)
2. Why would I start over again on payments for the car that is slightly better

To me, a HR 350z to a 370z is not an upgrade. A HR 350z to a GTR is an upgrade.

Think long term. I know for myself I keep my Z in immaculate condition, so it looks new (perks of having a "time-less" car)

I would really consider your options before just pulling the trigger. You might regret it down the road.