I wrote a thread close to a year ago: https://my350z.com/forum/buying-leasing/210943-maxima-vs-350z.html

Have been thinking of selling the Max for a Z. Before it was just for the thrill of having a sports car / manual / car with superior handling. Now some economic factors come into play. I have not test driven one yet, mainly because I don't feel like I'm a 'serious' buyer, nor do I like being pressured by salespeople. More likely than not I would order through carsdirect or a similar site that would eliminate my need to argue at the dealership.

I have the base pre-owned warranty coverage on my Maxima until April of next year. I hate to buy things related to my car not covered since the dealership is way too expensive for what they do. I have not had any issues with my ignition coils, mass air flow sensor, motor mounts and other components that typically may go on Maximas of this era. I really would like to get a Z next year with a 100k warranty. The question though it is economically feasible to do so and usually buying another used or new vehicle is not.

My car has needed a new crankshaft position sensor and was not covered under the TSB, had to get a new gas tank installed when I purchased the vehicle (had a hairline fracture that caused me to smell gas whenever I drove for the first couple days), needed a new wheel hub assembly (covered under original powertrain warranty that would've run me ~$4-500, had to argue with nissan na to get them to reimburse me for it). In the coming weeks/months I will need to take my car in again for an issue with the steering feeling a bit loose. Might need new struts soon too, one in the back makes a creaking noise. Overall I am not too happy with the suspension, even with a sway bar. Multi-beam setup iseemss definitely too bouncy for my tastes.

My front bumper has loads of rock chips / scratches. Small door ding on my passenger's side and I see very small rust spots in different areas. I believe I should trade my car in next year and get something new or almost new while my 03 still has some decent value (~11k I estimate).

I'm someone who is constantly running the numbers related to financial decisions in their head.

I'm not sure if consumer guide auto is right, but these numbers are much higher than for the Maxima..
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...san-350z-2.htm

03-07 350z Repair Costs
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $1,400
Alternator $610
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $4,120
Brakes $420
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $1,670
Constant Velocity Joints $1,120
Exhaust System $910
Radiator $720
Shocks and/or Struts $5,400
Timing Chain or Belt $1,200

2000-2004 Maxima repair costs
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $705
Alternator $290
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,310
Brakes $455
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $635
Constant Velocity Joints $740
Exhaust System $480
Radiator $380
Shocks and/or Struts $470
Timing Chain or Belt $460

How can these components cost so much more in the Z. Is it because it's rear wheel drive, something to do with the extra rigidity of the chassis? Are the components in the Z higher quality (ie this part will cost you twice as much to fix but it has a lifespan twice as long, etc)

I also have quite a fair bit in student loans to contend with so that's constantly on my mind. Interest is a *****. Your thoughts guys?

 

i wouldnt try to "struggle" to pay for a sports car. >.<
school is more important and debt = dumb!

look over your financials really good maybe.
i would expect the Z to be more than a maxima for parts because the parts should be stronger and lighter for a sports car.

 

The Z is not the vehicle you want if you're not financially comfortable and stable. Also, living in NY I'm sure you get lots of snow during the winter. You'd want to get another cheaper winter vehicle along with your Z.

As for the repair costs, a more expensive sports car and more expensive parts go hand-in-hand. However, it's highly unlikely these parts will fail (except for the well-known things). Another thing, is the fact that some parts, such as suspension, are much more expensive for the OEM replacements, but aftermarket and better solutions are much cheaper.

As for your reason not to test drive a Z... Go out and test drive any car you want. I was sure to test drive many cars before I landed on the Z. Even when I have a car, I still go out and test drive different cars just for the thrill of driving a different high-priced sports car.

 

in general the Z is obviously going to be more expensive to repair/maintain at a dealer(it's a high performance sports car and a dealer will price it as such...there's also not as many of them on the road) you're also going to need snow tires in the winter.

the upside is if you're savy you can find tons of used OEM parts here for dirt cheap because of all the modders.

suspensions, brakes, wheels....$910 for exhaust repair?

someone would probably pay you to take their stock exhaust here

 

As for the suspension...
Shocks and/or Struts $5,400...
Tein Coilovers are around $2100. Buy an in-car adjustable remote and you'll be much happier.

 

Well I wouldn't be struggling to pay it. I am finishing up my MBA this semester and my next job will likely pay an extra 5-10k or more than what I currently make. The thing is I'm still working a job that pays just around 30k/yr. Student loans are $46k at 5.5% APY, but if I'm able to put a 25% of my income toward them each year I should be able to pay them off in the next 6-7 years or sooner.

I have enough to trade in my max and buy a Z with cash but I plan to invest the money and earn interest on it to pay back my student loans faster. To just blow it all on a car would be a dumb move. Call my crazy but i like to have a decent money buffer in the event I fall on hard times.

Every week I watch the Suze Orman show. Right now I would probably be denied. It depends on whether I buy used vs new and what the interest rate is too.

 

yea i see what you mean. (Im going for my MBA soon later on too!)
i could give you more financial advice but im only 20 and i got none.
if you think you can do it, go for it. you only live life once! you are responsible enough not to get yourself into a bigger hole.
btw idk about used. Z is a sports car and im sure ppl mightve eaten a Z then sold it used >.<

 

btw yea. aftermarket parts are MUCH cheaper than manufacturer parts.

 

350Z enthusiasts are taken immediately when they first see and drive the Z. Few if any choose the car after rational deliberation: its love at first site.

Considering that you have been a member for 16 months, you have not been bitten by the “350Z bug.” Its not the car for you.

 

I am definitely not an impulse buyer. I recently got myself an iPhone, but not when it first came out at $499 for the 4Gb model. I waited a few months and got a refurbished one with the same warranty for $299. I don't believe in getting into excessive amounts of debt when avoidable. I analyze the pros and cons of a purchase before jumping right into it. Many people I know are quite the opposite.

I turn my head whenever I see a Z go by. I was at McDonalds earlier and saw a boxy late 80s bright red 300Z parked. It was so beautiful and well-maintained. Even though it was an old car with a lot less power, I wondered what it would be like to drive something rear wheel drive and more nimble than the Maxima. I also am interested in doing autocrossing, but it's silly to do in a mostly stock Maxima.

 

I agree. These are the calculations a meticulous single mother might do because she needs safe transportation for herself and children with minimal cash outlay.

Nobody needs a 350z, they don't make any $$ sense when compared with a midsize family car, chevrolet aveo or RSX, and they're not supposed to.

If I were you, knowing what I know I would do this: Trade the Maxima and cash it out from the dealership ASAP. Do a sign and drive $300 08 GTI lease, pay minimal money to the bank and have a fun car that should perform better with a warranty.

Then, pay off your debts for the next three years and get a real car later.

 

I decided to make a 2007 Roth IRA contribution along with making other investment decisions. I want to wait till the next 350z revision comes out. I might be working in NYC soon, depending on circumstances and wouldn't get to enjoy the Z much if that is the case. Also the new 240sx / silvia may come out next year, not to mention the RX-8. There are a lot of interesting possibilities in the pipeline. I don't want to jump too quickly and have regrets. Thanks for your replies all, I really do appreciate it.

Tomorrow I'm taking the Max in for repair... Steering is loose, though the car doesn't pull to one side.

 

I was in the same boat as you. I had a Jetta GLI 1.8T that i had paid off and in good shape. I got a good job though, drove a Z, and said screw practicality. It currently sits in a storage unit for the winter while i drive my eclipse.....but hey i still love it and dont regret it one bit..