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Looking to buy a 350Z need some help

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Old Feb 10, 2011 | 09:16 PM
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Default Looking to buy a 350Z need some help

Hey I am looking to buy a 350Z soon and I want to make sure that it is suitable for my needs. I am looking for a convertible that I will be using as a daily driver. I drive about 50 miles on average everyday and will be putting over 15k miles a year on my car. My main concern is reliability. Will the Z carry me over 100k miles with only minor problems?

Although I certainly enjoy it, performance is not a deciding factor in this decision for me, although it definitely is a bonus. Because I am in traffic everyday i have to go with the automatic transmission as well.

I am looking in a budget of around $17k to $22k, for about 0k to 35k miles on it. I am also looking for the touring option.

How much will my insurance go up? 22yr old, 2 speeding tickets no accidents.

I live in Florida, where it rains every day in the summer, will i be able to be safe on the highway if it is pouring?

Id prefer a 2007 or above, but might have to go with 04-06 based on whats available. Should i settle for an earlier model or wait for a newer one?

Based on my research, the car I should be getting is the Miata, but i just cant wrap myself around the exterior.

I know that is a lot of questions but Ive heard mixed reports on all these issues so I want to make sure I get this right.

So my main question is, will the Z be able to get me to work everyday for 4 years + without being a huge money pit or pain in the butt?

And please don't try to sell me on the Z. Your honest opinion is greatly appreciated so that I can make an educated purchasing decision.

Thanks for helping out.
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Old Feb 11, 2011 | 02:40 AM
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i have only had my 07 a few months, so far no problems , drive it everyday,but with you having 2 tickets , i would check and see what your insurance is going to run , specially on a convertible..
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Old Feb 11, 2011 | 03:24 AM
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Have you looked at the RSX? You get performance AND reliability in one package.
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Old Feb 11, 2011 | 05:32 AM
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i have an 08 vert, i love it but the rsx may be better for u as mentioned above, plus its faster so u can get more speeding tickets to tack on to the ones u have
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Old Feb 13, 2011 | 05:35 PM
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Default help

I am looking for a convertible though and like i said, im not looking for performance, just reliability. Will the 350z work for me or am I making a bad decision by purchasing a performance car that happens to be a convertible?
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Old Feb 14, 2011 | 01:24 PM
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Doesn't seem like the z is the car for you based on your points. I would look into a civic si or similar vehicle. They are economical, reliable and get great gas mileage and are a bit sporty. An auto z driven daily is a waste in my opinion. You'll pay more to insure it, more for gas and I think an auto in a sports car is a waste (my opinion). But that being said I believe the z is reliable and is a great car. I use mine daily but also take it to the track often but its honestly sucks for daily driving (no room, not great gas mileage, heavy clutch, etc, etc). Some may not agree with me on this but if I was looking for a car soley for daily driving, the z would not cross my mind. But, good luck!
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Old Feb 14, 2011 | 01:54 PM
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as a daily driver long comute car I don't think the z would be my choice... mine is a daily driver and mine is an auto but my work place is only 5-10 minutes away depending on traffic. So it works out, If I'm only working I pump once every 2 weeks, if i'm out and about I pump once every few days. Reliability is nothing to be concerned about if you know how to take care of your cars.
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Old Feb 14, 2011 | 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Ticket14
Although I certainly enjoy it, performance is not a factor in this decision for me,
Z is not for you.

Originally Posted by Ticket14
How much will my insurance go up? 22yr old, 2 speeding tickets no accidents.
Z is not for you.

Originally Posted by Ticket14
I live in Florida, where it rains every day in the summer, will i be able to be safe on the highway if it is pouring?
Z is not for you.

Originally Posted by Ticket14
my main question is, will the Z be able to get me to work everyday for 4 years + without being a huge money pit or pain in the butt?
Z is not for you.

Originally Posted by Ticket14
And please don't try to sell me on the Z.

Thanks for helping out.
No problem
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Old Feb 14, 2011 | 08:07 PM
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The farmer basically hit the nail on the head...with slight over kill. Take it easy on the guy, jeez.

Based on what you say. I think the Z is not for you. I have an 04 roadster.

I dont know much about american insurance, so i cant tell you about that one.

It sucks in the rain. I mean it works and all, but it just sucks.

If it rains all summer... why get a convertible?

And if your stuck in traffic often, youll be just eating away gas. Its not a very economical choice for people stuck in traffic.

If your not looking for a performance based car, then there are a lot more economical options out there for you. The Z is considered a sports car...technically..

And they can be expensive to repair, depending on what goes wrong, again there are many more practical and economical options out there for you.

And yes the Z is an absolute money pit, unless your blind, and deaf, because im 99% sure, if your a young guy, your gonna get the mod bug.
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Old Feb 14, 2011 | 08:29 PM
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Great car and will last well over 100k miles , even with heavy abuse like mine gets. Only a money pit if you mod it.
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Old Feb 14, 2011 | 08:31 PM
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The Z is not for you. Get a Miata.
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Old Feb 14, 2011 | 08:50 PM
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you are going through a lot of points over here. honestly I would rather go with an Altima coup sine it's economical as a 2.5 and a bit sporty. I have owned my Z for a year and so now. enjoyed every minuet of it. although I'm a student and I have a lot of stuff to take care of rather the the car and carry a lot stuff in the car. I have no other car then the Z, but I wouldn't recommend it as a car for someone who is not focused on performance. It's a great reliable track/drift/drag car not a daily driver.

that's my point of view you are the one who makes the choices so it's up to you.
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 12:15 PM
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Get a chrysler sebring
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