Hey Folks...

I'm Dave, from Rock Hill, SC (just across the state line from Charlotte, NC).

I'm thinking very seriously about buying my first Z...likely a 6-speed Roadster Touring. Never had a vert before, but really like the couple I've test drove so far.

I'm coming from the F-body world, as my last two vehicle have been a 2000 Trans-Am, and currently a 2002 T/A Firehawk. I've kept the Hawk in show car condition (and have taken several first-places with it. ) Recently, though, paint problems have kinda soured me on the thought of keeping it long-term. While I would dearly love it's successor to be a C6 Vette, there's just no way I can make the $$$ work...and lord knows I've tried.

Which brings me to the 350Z. I've liked the overall look of the 350Z since it first came out a few years back, so I decided to test-drive a couple, and havent been disappointed. I also test drove a G35, but just can't get into it's styling. Only real disappointment so far is that you apparently can't get either of the satellite radio options on the Roadsters (anybody know why?)

So...now that I've written you a book...this leads to my question...any words of wisdom? Anything specific I should be looking for during a test drive? Do I stand a prayer of getting one of these for less than sticker?!? Lastly...Is there anyone on here from the Charlotte area that could possible recommend one of the dozen or so area Nissan dealers?!?

Thanks!

 

Most/many folks seem to be buying for $1-2Gs below MSRP in the past few months.

It depends at least partially where you live.

But not one dime over MSRP & no dealer extras (e.g. paint protection, etc).

 

I paid MSRP last year but that was their first year and in CA convertibles always fetch a higher price. I think you can do better now. Just shop around and try dealing with the fleet or internet sales manager via computer. This method is way easier and a lot less stress. I bought mine this way and it was the most enjoyable car buying experience I've ever had.

 

You can get aftermarket satellite radio to work fine. Check out these pics of my install. I have since installed the antenna in the stock NAV GPS location under the dash, and it works fine.

Roadsters rock!

 

I have had the Touring Roadster since 4/04 and love it. Just buy it...you will have no regrets. Look into fleet pricing, ie. Costco, and don't spend more than 37K.

 

Hey guys... thanks for the responses so far.

One other question...how's the resale value of these things hold up over time?

The more I think about this, the more ready I am to pull the trigger on one. Fun part may be finding the color combo I want...no one seems to have one sitting around. What I'm thinking of is Chrome Silver, Frost interior, and blue top.

 

The resale value of the 350ZR is the best in its class (convertibles). This was in an article I read somewhere...

 

Not certain but I don't think Chrome Silver comes with frost interior.

 

Pull the trigger!!! I promise you, you'll love this car! I got a Grand Touring Roadster last month, (Silverstone, charcoal/vent. orange seats, 6mt, navi)and I LOVE driving this car!! this is a second car for me and just for fun driving. I swear, I literally have a sh*t eaten grin on my face when I'm driving the Z. Especially on mountain roads.

Get it and enjoy!

 

Just to update everyone...I bought my new Roadster last night!

Talk about amazing luck, one of the local dealers just happened to take delivery of a chrome silver roadster with blue top this past week...four days later it was mine!

I'll post up later tonight after I get some pics...been a fun day showing it off at work!

Thanks to those that posted the words of encouragement!!!

 

Chrome silver with blue top? This i gotta see. Congrats

 

Congrats on the purchase man! I love my Z and I'm sure you'll love yours as well. That is a nice Firehawk by the way, . Later,
Fletch

 

I bought ($1K under MSRP) my CS roadster, frost interior with blue top (mostly down though!) in August of '03, I'm stlll getting lots of looks and people at gas stations who want to look inside, and say the nicest things about my ride. Enjoy!

 

Every time I see your car, it makes me want to get a Raodster. I just don't know if putting a lot of horsepower into a convertible is a good idea. I hate to make all kinds of hp and can't enjoy it because of the drag of the top being down or fear of ripping the top off.

 

resale is top notch...Bought mine used for 32K last year and checked value a few weeks ago and was still at 32K.

Holds value real well!!

 

Dont they sell new for 45k? lol thats a 12k loss for the person who sold it to you.

 

wow i didnt know they made silver with blue tops, i thought the only ones with blue were the white ones. cant wait to see pics

 

Words of wisdom - put the top up if it rains. LOL

 

I put the pics in a new thread here:

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/134140-pics-of-my-new-z-just-got-it-last-night.html

Enjoy!
Dave

 

Daytona Blue also gets a blue top.