Try twice the frustration, bloody knuckles, and wasted weekends.

Not to mention wasted warranty...

 

I see what you're saying and totally agree with you (as you could probably see in my earlier post) but your items 2 and 3 totally contradict each other. If you are paying someone to install parts then you don't have to worry about stubborn bolts or things that don't fit right...the guy you're paying does. And conversly if you install all your parts yourself you don't have installation costs.

I think that comparing a base model with all that stuff to a track model isn't really fair....you get somethings with the track model that you DON'T get with the base model (warranty, better resale, no extra cost for parts after car is purchased, etc.) and vice versa (better performing parts, unique, customized). I guess I just can't see spending the extra almost 4 grand on the track package just for wheels...crappy tires, and brakes. That's why I got the Touring. I get my leather, Nav., Bose, heated seats, aero kit and next year I'll add some better wheels and tires, and do a stoptech front brake upgrade....I don't care how much I spent overall vs. what I "could" have spent. All that matters is that I'm happy with MY car. This applies to everyone. Someone may think it's great to pick up a base and spruce it up yourself, while others would rather have nissan do it for them.

 

It's all about what you're into...personally I LOVE working on cars...and it gives me a feeling of accomplishment when I fix something myself or install an aftermarket part. As for the warranty...think about the stuff you'll REALLY use the warranty for. I'd say the most common is small parts (power window motors, alternators, etc.) or sensors breaking (O2 sensors are a great example) and most of the stuff you upgrade won't have anything to do with O2 sensors, or your alternator...or other sensors...so you'll still be covered under the warranty for those things.

 

Not true at all. I've done plenty of car upgrading in my past. I did plenty of work myself, and paid people to do that work that I either couldn't do or turned out to be more difficult than I expected. So I got both.

With you 100%.

On the other hand, I can't see spending the extra 3 grand on the Touring package just for "ok" leather and a crappy stereo.

 

No one mentioned insurance costs, so I thought I'd bring it up. Has anyone tried to insure aftermarket parts? Most insurance companies don't hit you too hard if you plan on adding upto $1000 in aftermarket parts, but once you get past that, they give it to you up the butt if you want to insure them.

Then, if you ever have to claim a total loss (accident or theft), they give you "fair market value" for the aftermarket parts, which is only about 1\3 of what you originally spent.

I've been there and done that. I don't enjoy taking a 6k+ hit on my wallet, so I decided to go with the Track model which has a lot more of what I want straight from the factory.

 

I would have gotten the enthusiast over the track, but I am happy with my choice. As far as not being able to finance the aftermarket parts in, that lowers the overall cost in the long run, because you are paying less interest.

 

I have State Farm and they cover everything that is in and on your vehicle at the time when it is damaged or stolen (if it is a total loss). I have a friend who got hit by a drunk driver, his '95 Impala SS was totalled, and had almost 10 grand in aftermarket on it. State Farm paid for EVERYTHING, and gave him full original value of the aftermarket parts.

 

I see what you're saying, but it's not just leather and a "crappy" stereo. You get Leather (which I have been very impressed with so far), seat heaters (need them in Chicago), power seats, BOSE. People can say whatever they want about the BOSE, I think it sounds great for a factory system and I had no intention of doing what I did with my last car and adding 2 grand in Stereo equipment. Plus it has an in-dash 6CD changer, and I hated the base factory system when I heard it.

Now while it is always an option to get some nice custom leather and an aftermarket stereo, that still leaves me without seat heaters and power seats, and custom leather and a good stereo will run over 2 grand probably. I just saw it as easier to get wheels and a front brake kit down the road.

Two different view....both of ours very valid.

 

I would definitely go aftermarket...

and as far as resale value? that's why u keep ur stock parts...if ur gonna ever sale it, swap em back in!

 

well, i have the touring model in silverstone with the orange leather seats. i have the kick panels, splash guards, vdc, spoiler front and back, heated seats and mirrors, home link, etc. as far as getting after market parts. where i'm from, they are hard to get unless you order on line and even then, i don't know exactly what i'm getting. So, you guys who live in the larger cities have more options to choose from due to the access you have to these after market parts.
I am very pleased with my sellection and will probably not do too much to the car. I have installed a dvd and 7" monitor and I would love to have a chrome exhaust, but i don't know the differences between sounds and performances between each company. I'll probably be waiting a while for that one. I hope everyone is happy though. We do have the hottest car out
people!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Z lover,
calvin

 

Are the lowbeam lenses for the BASE 350z the same as the HID lenses all the other ones have? I am also thinking about getting a BASE model, but I eould like to know how hard it would be to install my own HID's, do i need to get a whole new lense, or can i just pop in the HID kit and use the stock lenses from the base model....would the projection of the headlight be the same...thanks for the help

 

i just installed my HID kit from misterjung.com (paid $379) a couple of weeks ago on my base. you simply pop in the HID bulbs in the same factory location. the only part you have to modify is the plastic cover behind the bulb, this plastic piece has to come off anyway when you replace the bulb. simply drill a hole for the wires to go through. just an fyi, the headlight for the base is an H7.

 

just visited quaife's website and didn't see an application for the 350z. anyone have additional info? thanks in advance

 

They actually don't have a diffy out yet for the 350Z....if they plan on making one (which I hope they do) it probably won't be out for another 8-12 months. I'm going to e-mail them....

 

...bought two of 'em!! My wife sneaks the car keys every chance she gets...