Z, IS300 or Acura TL?
#21
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, good luck with that. Be sure to post when you find one available.
You might try putting away $700 a month for April, May and June and see how that fits your budget. That should just about cover car payments, gas and insurance.
You might try putting away $700 a month for April, May and June and see how that fits your budget. That should just about cover car payments, gas and insurance.
#22
All those cars are nice, but you need to ask yourself, "Do I really enjoy driving an automobile, is it a thrill to me?" If the answer is no, then dont mind, but if its yes, then scroll down and see what car your mind subconciouscly has wet dreams about.
-RSX FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-RSX FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#25
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Ocean City, MD
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've only had my ZR for a couple of weeks but in that time I've used her as a DD putting on 600 miles/wk. Each Monday I drive 160 miles from Ocean City, MD to Columbia, MD with a large hardshell garment bag in the trunk, a roll around computer case on the passenger floor and a brief case on the passenger seat. The ZR isn't a practical car but it has enough room to support this old man for a week away from home.
I've managed to find a spot for everything that I used to schlepp around in my Mustang. I was pretty sure what I was getting into when I bought the ZR but I valued the pleasure of driving it more than the utility I could get from a more roomy car.
The fun of driving was as much a deciding factor as any practical consideration. I figured I was practical long enough to raise three kids. Over that time I had a lot of cars and I was dammed sure I would return to a sports car after they didn't need me to run them around anymore.
I guess what I'm saying is to not under estimate the fun factor when you choose your car. If you have to have certain things that dictate a sedan or whatever then so be it, but if you can live with a great little ride where you'll have to think about how to get you stuff to fit...get the ZR.
Ed
I've managed to find a spot for everything that I used to schlepp around in my Mustang. I was pretty sure what I was getting into when I bought the ZR but I valued the pleasure of driving it more than the utility I could get from a more roomy car.
The fun of driving was as much a deciding factor as any practical consideration. I figured I was practical long enough to raise three kids. Over that time I had a lot of cars and I was dammed sure I would return to a sports car after they didn't need me to run them around anymore.
I guess what I'm saying is to not under estimate the fun factor when you choose your car. If you have to have certain things that dictate a sedan or whatever then so be it, but if you can live with a great little ride where you'll have to think about how to get you stuff to fit...get the ZR.
Ed
#26
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ed, you're a man after my own heart there. Fun factor was what did it for me, too; it was a case of "if not now, then when?" I thought I was going to buy a Volvo C70, waited a year for it to come out, but after one drive of the Z I was smitten. I drove the Volvo the very next day (first day the dealership had it!) and while it was very luxurious and all, it just wasn't fun like the Z was.
Went back to the Nissan dealer and signed on the dotted line for my beautiful red ZZZoom-mobile.
With all the storage cubbies, and a very accessible trunk, I find I can get a lot of stuff into it when necessary. It's pretty amazing, really, because it doesn't look that big, but it seems sufficient.
I bought the seat-back organizer designed for the Z from someplace on-line, and that is an amazing thing. I put all the stuff that usually I would put in a glove compartment in there - maps, tissues, car registration in one of the little pockets, and so on. Very, very useful to have.
Went back to the Nissan dealer and signed on the dotted line for my beautiful red ZZZoom-mobile.
With all the storage cubbies, and a very accessible trunk, I find I can get a lot of stuff into it when necessary. It's pretty amazing, really, because it doesn't look that big, but it seems sufficient.
I bought the seat-back organizer designed for the Z from someplace on-line, and that is an amazing thing. I put all the stuff that usually I would put in a glove compartment in there - maps, tissues, car registration in one of the little pockets, and so on. Very, very useful to have.
#27
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Ocean City, MD
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Morningglorie
Ed, you're a man after my own heart there. Fun factor was what did it for me, too; it was a case of "if not now, then when?" I thought I was going to buy a Volvo C70, waited a year for it to come out, but after one drive of the Z I was smitten. I drove the Volvo the very next day (first day the dealership had it!) and while it was very luxurious and all, it just wasn't fun like the Z was.
Went back to the Nissan dealer and signed on the dotted line for my beautiful red ZZZoom-mobile.
With all the storage cubbies, and a very accessible trunk, I find I can get a lot of stuff into it when necessary. It's pretty amazing, really, because it doesn't look that big, but it seems sufficient.
I bought the seat-back organizer designed for the Z from someplace on-line, and that is an amazing thing. I put all the stuff that usually I would put in a glove compartment in there - maps, tissues, car registration in one of the little pockets, and so on. Very, very useful to have.
Went back to the Nissan dealer and signed on the dotted line for my beautiful red ZZZoom-mobile.
With all the storage cubbies, and a very accessible trunk, I find I can get a lot of stuff into it when necessary. It's pretty amazing, really, because it doesn't look that big, but it seems sufficient.
I bought the seat-back organizer designed for the Z from someplace on-line, and that is an amazing thing. I put all the stuff that usually I would put in a glove compartment in there - maps, tissues, car registration in one of the little pockets, and so on. Very, very useful to have.
As far as cars go I figure they are designed for what they are designed for. There are haulers, transporters, econoboxes, econosedans, luxury sedans, sport sedans, vans, mini-vans and all sorts of crossovers that combine this with that. All of them have their calling and uses but the Z is one thing only. A sports car in the great old tradition. It's built for driving fun and everything else is a secondary consideration. I love it...
Ed
#28
'12 TL SH-AWD
iTrader: (26)
I had a G35 Sedan 6mt, and now a 06 Acura TL 5AT A-Spec and It's very reliable and comfortable though. Just a bit boring. I would look at the Z if you want performance.
Originally Posted by magic626
Hey everyone, I'm totally new to this forum, but I am very interested in getting a 350z convertible. Being a college student, I've managed to save $25,000 over the past 4 years and now I am ready to buy a 2004/2005 car depending on the price. My current car is a 3000gt VR4 and that costs me thousands of dollars just to maintain it over the years. I know that all three have excellent reliability records, with the acura and lexus ahead of the nissan. I'm wondering what you guys think I should get? I wont be expecting kids in the near future (~10 years) and I do want to get 8- 10 years out of my next car.
My question is really simple... Besides gas, oil/ filter changes, and the basic stuff that costs under $200 to maintain, how are you guys with your 350z convertibles? Are they reliable if I take good care of it? I'm not going to mod it or do anything stupid and I will definitely baby it and do all the required services on time like my 3000gt. Will I be scared to start my car in a 2004/5 Z? I seriously need a reliable car that will last a long time and this will be a DAILY DRIVER!!! I've sat in one at the dealership and it feels comfortable enough, but will I be able to drive it to vegas on a monthly basis? I'm definitely going to party a lot and this will be my only means of transportation. Can I get an honest suggestion here? Thanks
My question is really simple... Besides gas, oil/ filter changes, and the basic stuff that costs under $200 to maintain, how are you guys with your 350z convertibles? Are they reliable if I take good care of it? I'm not going to mod it or do anything stupid and I will definitely baby it and do all the required services on time like my 3000gt. Will I be scared to start my car in a 2004/5 Z? I seriously need a reliable car that will last a long time and this will be a DAILY DRIVER!!! I've sat in one at the dealership and it feels comfortable enough, but will I be able to drive it to vegas on a monthly basis? I'm definitely going to party a lot and this will be my only means of transportation. Can I get an honest suggestion here? Thanks
Last edited by SOLO-350Z; 04-12-2007 at 12:31 PM.
#29
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was considering that seat back organizer but didn't know whether it was a step above the pocket already on the passenger seat.
Both the mesh pockets are on one piece of fabric which lifts over the part that's right next to the seat back. On that interior piece there are two smallish fabric pockets with Velcro fasteners, plenty big enough for say, a small notebook, or cell phone, I-pod, what have you. All told, an amazing amount of glove-compartment like storage in the package. And there's a cut-out, of course, for the seat-back button. Since this thing was designed especially for the Z, it's miles better than just buying a random organizer from the auto parts store.
http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...Code=350Z-SBRG
Looks like they've changed the design a little since I bought mine. Anyway, very useful item. (Note that they claim it won't fit a Roadster with mesh seats. I have regular leather seats, no problem with this fitting.)
The other thing I did to make life a little more pleasant was to replace the cupholder compartment, which is very awkward to reach, with a double-cupholder arrangement built on a "stalk" that fits into the change compartment. This brings the two cupholders into a very reachable position. Putting an insulated "sleeve" on a can of soda makes it a perfect fit.
http://www.thezstore.com/store/merchant.mvc?
Here's a picture. The vinyl ones are $40; the burnt-orange leather is $68. It's a neat little thing to have.
With that, plus my tube of sun creme in the driver's side door cubby, I'm set! ;-)
Last edited by Morningglorie; 04-12-2007 at 08:21 AM.
#31
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Ocean City, MD
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Morningglorie
Oh yeah, it's way, way more useful than the pocket that's already on the seat. The organizer has a top horizontal mesh pocket, ideal size for tissues, some maps, folder for car registration, etc., then there's a larger mesh pocket below that, where I keep most of my maps and other stuff.
Both the mesh pockets are on one piece of fabric which lifts over the part that's right next to the seat back. On that interior piece there are two smallish fabric pockets with Velcro fasteners, plenty big enough for say, a small notebook, or cell phone, I-pod, what have you. All told, an amazing amount of glove-compartment like storage in the package. And there's a cut-out, of course, for the seat-back button. Since this thing was designed especially for the Z, it's miles better than just buying a random organizer from the auto parts store.
http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...Code=350Z-SBRG
Looks like they've changed the design a little since I bought mine. Anyway, very useful item. (Note that they claim it won't fit a Roadster with mesh seats. I have regular leather seats, no problem with this fitting.)
The other thing I did to make life a little more pleasant was to replace the cupholder compartment, which is very awkward to reach, with a double-cupholder arrangement built on a "stalk" that fits into the change compartment. This brings the two cupholders into a very reachable position. Putting an insulated "sleeve" on a can of soda makes it a perfect fit.
http://www.thezstore.com/store/merchant.mvc?
Here's a picture. The vinyl ones are $40; the burnt-orange leather is $68. It's a neat little thing to have.
With that, plus my tube of sun creme in the driver's side door cubby, I'm set! ;-)
Both the mesh pockets are on one piece of fabric which lifts over the part that's right next to the seat back. On that interior piece there are two smallish fabric pockets with Velcro fasteners, plenty big enough for say, a small notebook, or cell phone, I-pod, what have you. All told, an amazing amount of glove-compartment like storage in the package. And there's a cut-out, of course, for the seat-back button. Since this thing was designed especially for the Z, it's miles better than just buying a random organizer from the auto parts store.
http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...Code=350Z-SBRG
Looks like they've changed the design a little since I bought mine. Anyway, very useful item. (Note that they claim it won't fit a Roadster with mesh seats. I have regular leather seats, no problem with this fitting.)
The other thing I did to make life a little more pleasant was to replace the cupholder compartment, which is very awkward to reach, with a double-cupholder arrangement built on a "stalk" that fits into the change compartment. This brings the two cupholders into a very reachable position. Putting an insulated "sleeve" on a can of soda makes it a perfect fit.
http://www.thezstore.com/store/merchant.mvc?
Here's a picture. The vinyl ones are $40; the burnt-orange leather is $68. It's a neat little thing to have.
With that, plus my tube of sun creme in the driver's side door cubby, I'm set! ;-)
Thanks,
Ed
#32
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I put a little trash container in the passenger cup holder. It's just a gray rubber thing with a lid that I bought at an auto parts store. It's roughly the size of a travel mug.
By the way, Courtesy Parts has the Chug N Plug cupholders for a little bit less ($32 instead of $40) but only in black. So if you don't have to have the colors, you can save a few $$.
By the way, Courtesy Parts has the Chug N Plug cupholders for a little bit less ($32 instead of $40) but only in black. So if you don't have to have the colors, you can save a few $$.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
I want a 350Z
2003-2009 Nissan 350Z
15
12-05-2002 10:39 AM