Let me start with a background of my goals first. I have loved cars ever since I was born, my dad once was able to win a porche in some contest and I loved it and always loved to go joy riding with him. I read the "What compliments do you get about your Z" topic and noticed some people talking about how 3rd graders get all excited and stare when a Z drives by. I was once one of those kids. I grew up knowing I wanted to get a nice car. I have saved a lot of money ever since I was little....I cant believe I actually listened to my mom when she told me to save my money....but anyways my 17th birthday/ Senior year is upon me and I want a nice car. I have looked and looked been to many different car forums talked to folks and got opinions, Heres a list of cars I have wanted to get and have looked at (many are dreams but where are we without dreams?): Toyota Supra MKIV, Nissan Skyline, Nissan 300zx, Mistu Eclipses, Subaru STIs, Mitsu EVO IX, Mistsu 3000gt, Honda Civics, Acura Integra, Acura RSX, and now I think I have finally finally found a car that I want and hopefully can afford, the Nissan 350z. I have looked over the differences between years etc and I have done my research, I have looked at other "Help me" topics, but I just can't seem to get the same feel without having someone suggest something for ME. So I am not going to tell you my budget so I don't have any biased opinions. So any suggestions are well well welcomed.

I see there is a difference between the 06 and before to the 07-08. I really like the 07s and hope I can get that because I think that engine has a better future. But is it really worth it in the long run? I also don't really have much difference between trim types... touring is the best??

Also what would you think is a fair price for the 2007s? A price range if possible.

How about the pre2007s? (Under 100k miles)

Of course I want a manual transmission.

Any more tips/hints/flames/suggestions are well welcomed.

Thanks in advance for any people who help and this is a great community of people!

 

Welcome. Are you old enough to sign a contract to purchase a vehicle?

 

Couldn't resist could you?

 

Its in my blood.

 

Tip: Whatever you do, don't be one of those idiot kids with the car, which ever you end up with. We don't like idiots! Other than that, congrats on being responsible enough to save money, good luck on your decision, looks like you've looked at a wide range of cars!

 

No, but my Dad said as long as I can come up with money for everything he will sign.


Thanks, I know what you mean, a lot of people in my highschool think it is okay to be dumbasses and not respect other people etc. I have been brought up to respect just about every aspect of life good or bad. Thanks and yeah I have done my homework on a lot of cars. Hopefully I will be joining the ranks of you elite car owners.


On another note any help?

 

double post. sorry

 

If you are thinking about modding the z, buy it that way. You can buy a nicely modded car for about the same price as a stock one. Wish I had heard this advice earlier. Even if you want to change the mods you can sell those that come on the car and add the mods you want to. Stock parts don't sell here for much cash generally.

 

Thanks for being straight-up.

All the cars that you mentioned are great, but 99 percent of us have chosen the 350Z. I could give you a list of subjective qualities, but they would be mine not yours. One car will inspire you.

Obviously you will have to shop with dad. Dad will have the final word. I trust his decision.

 

every one of the cars that you mentioned has their pros and cons. actually you mention cars that in some ways are complete opposites of each other (seating, fwd vs rwd, etc) you should test drive what you can and hopefully youll fall for one and that would tell you which one to buy. good luck with whatever choice you make.

 

Well, I think I have narrowed it down to either a Z or the Acura RSX. Huge difference of cars as far as ones RWD the other is FWD, one is 2 seater, one is a 4 banger motor.

I really like the Z it meets what I want power wise. It has all the power I need straight 'outta the box. The newer acura k20 engine that is in the RSX gets just over 200hp where as the Z gets just short of 300. Also I kind of don't want to go with the Acura because it comes with the "Ricer" title... I want a nice car that I can look good in and a car that I can take care of and be proud I own. So could some people help me out narrowing down the perfect Z?

 

The new 07+ Z have 306hp and dyno bettween 260-280rwhp, At the track the are mid to low 13sec.cars stock.

 

That is exactly what i want from a car.

 

In your budget you need to think about insurance. The 350z is very expensive to insure compared to other cars. I would get a quote from your insurance company on a new one just to give you an idea of how much its going to cost.

Being under 21 won't help since we seem to get more than our fair share of 17 year old idiots trying to mate their cars with stationary objects on the side of the road.

 

All cars you listed have their pros and cons like everyone else has been saying.

As for insurance, if you're dad is willing to help, I'm guessing he'd be willing to put it under his name to keep costs down?

 

I see you have studied well

 

The Primary driver will have to be listed as the OP which will set the premium price on insurance although the father can put him on his policy for the multi-car discount which is typically 10-20% savings.

regardless the Z is near the top of the range

from bankrate:

10 cars most expensive to insure:

1. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
2. Mercedes CL
3. Dodge SRT-4
4. Subaru Impreza WRX
5. Jaguar XK (convertible)
6. Lexus IS 300
7. Honda S2000
8. Acura RSX
9. Nissan 350Z
10. Jaguar XJ


10 cars least expensive to insure:
1. Volvo XC90
2. Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
3. GMC Safari
4. Buick Le Sabre
5. Nissan Pathfinder Armada (2004 only)
6. Pontiac Montana (standard model)
7. Mazda MPV
8. Ford Thunderbird
9. Pontiac Montana (long wheel-based model)
10. Ford Taurus (station wagon)

 

This was a very good post! Thanks! My dad is willing to help with insurance. About a month and a half ago I had him sold on the EVO and so he looked up insurance and was like nope we are not getting that car. I see the RSX is higher than the Z that is good to know, good ammo...


Any ideas what type of Z is should be looking for?

 

Depends on your price range and what you're looking for in the car.

 

Well I want to put the price aside for now and if I need to save up some more to get it then I'll do it. I just want a car really. I am thinking the Enthusiast, Touring, or Track?? I don't want the base, The Enthusiast looks nice. Now the question is whats your guys opinions on the year? Pre07 or should I get an 07?