I came across this site while researching about the 350z. I've noticed there are quite a few people on this board, some very knowledgeable. Anyways, I'm looking to purchase a new base 2007 and am accepting any kind of advice.

Here's a brief description of my current situation:
This will be my first car purchase since I was never privileged enough to own a car in my teenage years. I've never driven shift so it'd be a total learning experience with the 350z. What should I be looking to pay for a base model? the MSRP(27,900)/more/less? I won't be using this for racing or modding (not for a long time). Am I looking at the wrong car completely or should I buy a cheap used car to learn how to drive manual first?

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

Welcome.

a. For Florida, the 350Z is a 4-season daily driver. No need to contend with snow.

b. The clutch and transmision on a 350Z is forgiving of mistakes. Learning to drive a manual is a piece of cake.

c. If you are looking at a 2007 Base, I suspect that you have set a budget. My recommendation is used 2006 Touring for the same price or less.

Happy shopping.

 

I don't really have a price set. I'm making good money at the moment so I can afford a couple extra grand. I'd prefer keeping it under 30k. Are there any performance differences between the base and touring model? I personally don't like leather interiors (absorbs heat/cold easily, gets ripped easily). The only differences I've noticed is the hands free bluetooth system and bose audio.

Should I be worried about messing up the transmission while learning stick on a new car?

 

I don’t know which model suits your needs, but I can tell you what members are driving.

 

i love my 07. best money ive ever spent but watch out because the 07's have clutch issues. my 07 with less than 3k has been in the shop since 4-30-07. my clutch started sticking to the floor. just ask the dealership about this problem because it is pertty widespread on these fourms. good luck with the purches

 

Thanks for the help so far. I'm gonna have a hell of a time test driving this thing w/o any experience driving stick. Are there any real reasons as to upgrade for performance reasons from the base model? (Eventually I would like to stick a twin turbo in it, but that won't be for atleast 5 years or so). I don't want to upgrade for comfort reasons, I can upgrade that if needed later.

 

Are you speaking about the 2007? Check the specs at nissanusa.com.

 

I did check it, the only reason why I would want to upgrade is for the traction control system, viscous limited slip differential and vehicle dynamic control. I don't know if its work the extra 4.8k

 

I personally think the Base is fine. It's a good value, but is missing VDC and LSD. IMO, it's not much of a big deal for me. You can upgrade the LSD to something better than OEM when there's a need for one. I don't have VDC, but I'm not complaining. The new engine is much nicer than the previous years, so I'd get that over anything before '07.

 

Enthusiast is best bang for buck. You get LSD, TCS, cruise control, plus other stuff for around $1500 over price of Base. Go to Nissan site for full list of model differences.

 

+1

 

Yeah, I was looking at the Enthusiast, looks like its got all I want and I can cough up the couple extra thousand. Anyone know what kind price range I should be looking for? Also, what color would be the best? I am tending towards the orange but the alloy silver and black seem very classy.

 

I bought a new '07 Enthusiast (6mt) for invoice without any further negotiation. Not great, but then again, not bad!

 

What kind of dealer fees did you pay? I am in the same boat and I'm being offered invoice for one but then a $600 dealer fee which Im trying to negotiate down...and no the fee does not include tag and title..its just pure profit

 

I just realized I don't have a credit record in America. Does anyone know if my Canadian credit rating can be used to finance something in America?

 

thats interesting

 

My guess is "yes" but you might check with local bank or credit union. Your better off having financing arranged when go to dealer anyway.

all you want to negociate with dealer is price.

 

NMAC will review Canadian Credit during the weekdays.

 

I'll look into NMAC sometime this week. I sent an e-mail off to the local dealer but they were asking if I had any relatives in the States to co-sign, which didn't really answer my question.
Thanks for the help, I'll keep y'all posted.

 

Find the 350Z that you want.
Post the MSRP.