I've been looking daily for my Z, for a month. Ideally, a 2007 coupe, manual, Enthusiast, in silver or gray, less than 40,000 mi., one owner, great condition, for around $17K.
Well, I've found several cars that have almost everything, only missing one of my criteria, like a few more miles or a few more dollars, or not my color.

However, at this moment, I am seriously considering 2 cars and need some help.

Car 1 - 2007 Enthusiast, manual 27,000 mi, outstanding cond, $17.5k, black.
Car 2 - 2007 Base, manual, 19,000 mi, in outstanding cond., $17k, white.

Question - This will be an extra car for me, to drive for pleasure, never racing, and rarely punching it. I'm an old-timer, but excited about a Z. I am leaning toward the white but wondering, if the features of the Enthusiasist are worth the extra $500. I would rarely use the cruise control. The radio controls would be nice. The real question is about the traction control and viscous limited slip differential. Since I will rarely be pushing the car, do I need these features? Also, does the Base really feel like a base model, with no creature comforts?

Your experienced opinions would be appreciated.

 

I have a base model and I'm sure it is just as comfortable as the other Z's. There really are no creature comforts missing. The automatic heating and air conditioning controls are identical on all the models. You get power windows also so most of the creature comforts are there. About the only missing creature comforts are the steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, the Homelink mirror and the lighted visor. You also miss out on the metal pedals and the viscous LSD. The decision is up to you.........I've had my base for over 7 years and couldn't be happier. Here are a couple pictures of mine.........

 

I agree somewhat...

If you're getting a Z for a daily driver ONLY, then why get a Z at all? I'd say get the base if you're going to do some mods or upgrades because the tranny and engines are identical.

The Homelink, steering wheel controls and cruise control are a nice addition for an extra $500. In my opinion, bargain down on the Enthusiast since it has a few more miles. WIN-WIN!

 

This:

 

My list of 350z desirables:
1) Brembo brakes, noticeable stopping improvement
2) LS differential
3) VDC/traction control for really lousy conditions
4) Leather seats (the cloth seats fray, get dirty, and look like crap after a while)
5) Homelink

Beyond that I don't care that much.

 

i got my base, and satisfied with it, BUT i wanted the LSD. For me that is the creature comfort i wanted/need.

i can deal without the cruise and other such necessities, but that is me... honestly i look at the cost, with 500 in price differences and the added comfort from the base, i would get the enthusiast. it does have more miles, but black is sleek.

i would talk down the black car to a price better then the base.

 

I'd get the white car for two reasons; first, it's a much prettier color and easier to take care of. Second, the VLSD is a safety feature, at least to my mind, on wet roads, and sometimes even in the dry. I've got an '08 base, and before I installed the VLSD, I would jump on the gas going up the interstate entrance ramp, and one wheel would just spin. The VLSD is certainly not the ultimate track setup, but it's a huge improvement in a daily driver, and adding an VLSD was the biggest performance improvement I've made to my car.

I added the metal pedals ($100), Homelink Self-Dimming Mirror with compass ($100), and VLSD (I got a great deal @ $400 for a nearly new one), but given a second chance, I'd just buy the Enthusiast version. I really have no need to cruise control, TCS, or the radio controls.

 

Thanks, great input and very much appreciated. Both sellers have already come down $1k each, both ads are new this weekend, so I'm not sure how much more room exists, for now. The best thing might be to wait a few days and see who gets back to me. I'm so anxious to get a car, but after reading your comments, I'm thinking that I should stick to my original specs, since I'll be enjoying the car for a long time.

 

Sorry, I see that I got confused, and thought the white car had the VLSD. I'd still get the white one, though, as that's my favorite color for a Z, and as I did with my Carbon Silver '08, it's not a big deal to add the VLSD or other aftermarket LSD.

This Spring I almost traded my 33K mile '08 base (with all the mods I mentioned) for a white '08 enthusiast with only 7K miles. The trade would have cost me $4k, and now looking back, I'm sorry I hadn't made the deal. The salesman at the dealer was just a world-class @sshole, though, and he p!ssed me off enough to make me walk away. I shouldn't have let him get to me, but I'm still loving the car I have.

Post some pics of the new car when you get it.

 

Enthusiast. VLSD is worth the extra $500

 

old saying, money talks.... one thing that will drop the price more is more interest for which ever you choose

 

def. get the Enthusiast, i got the base and wish i woulda payed a little more for all the extra features

 

rarely punching it, weekend driver, no racing? go base. you probably won't even drive it in the rain and if you do I'm sure you'll be careful so you won't need the LSD.

As far as the homelink mirror and volume controls on the steering wheel if you never have them you'll never know what you're missing.

just my thoughts.

 

Bought base specififically and started building ti the way I wanted, its same as enthus. just bit lighter overall than other models...its a sports car, WHO THE F needs creature comforts, just go rip

 

not true @ all... I have n 03 Performance I bought this past Spring. The seats still look great. Matter of fact they look so good I've been holding off on upgrading to leather seats. Though leather was a prereq for me it's something that can be changed relatively cheaply. Anyway I've seen leather seats in much worse condition than these cloth... but I guess the same can be said either way. It's all about who has and maintains their cars more than what material the seats are finished in...

 

VDC is for Pu$$ies, just a button you'll need to turn off! LOL

NTM one more thing to go wrong, its easier to get sidewayZZZZ too, hahaha
pick your Z man, youll be happy

 

Should I get a Base?

is a common question. Look at the extras that you get with the Enthusiast. Figure what premium you are willing to pay for the additional amenities

 

About Z-phile
Z/G Owner
Z
Location
Arlington, TX
Color
Silver
Trim Level
Enthusiast

I forgot to say congratulations.