Hi,
Im now at a point where I'm considering the 350z. Here's some background. I'm 17 (I know wtf am I doing looking at a 350z), Ive driven my 99 4runner since I got my permit. The thing is a beast in Colorado winters and has served me very well. A few weeks ago, my grandparents gave me a 2006 rx330. I don't want to pay for the insurance on both of these vehicles along with the maintenance. I'm planning on going to college in boulder Colorado. I'm looking at small cars, that have that sporty character to them, which the 350z fit perfectly. With the tradeins and some extra cash, I'm looking at around 15k. I have a lot of questions. Ill just number them off.
1. Ive heard varied responses to the 350z in winter. I will definitely put blizzacks on the car during winter with studs. I'm only looking at a few timesw a year in 1-3in of snow. Worse case scenario I use the campus transportation during rough winters. How long do tires last on this car. I know it depends on quality and so forth, but Ive read that I can get a good 40k on 1.7k tires ( I have th ename bookmarked).
2. I've read that these cars are really reliable under the hood and have lasted well over 100k. For around 15k, I see pretty decent ones in the 2005 area.
3. I have no past speeding tickets or violations, no accidents, no claims, and have a student gpa driver discount on my parents insurance. Since this is a sports coupe, in boulder Colorado, what is an estimate that id be looking at per month?
Thank you, this will greatly influence my choice of my next car.

 

Hello Brandon.
Good choice looking into the Z's. I was 17 when i got mine also. Been having it for about a year and a half now and i love it.
I picked up an 04 with 68k miles, clean title, and a few mods on it for $10.5k.
Seeing as your budget is around $15k you should be able to get one for a nice deal.

As far as tire wear. When i bought the car it came with some nankangs(ik, they're garbage) but they have been on the car for over 1.5 years(6months being around -2.5camber) and they still look very good. Plenty of tread.

My car has been totally reliable since i have bought it, just have to maintain it, and it'll run.

Gl with search.

If i were you, i'd look at some s2000's also!

 

Truthfully, I wouldn't even bother with a RWD if you're driving it in winter, your 4Runner and RX330 are more dependable vehicles for snow and even with snow tires, you're still driving a very light and small vehicle.

 

With a budget like that look into the 07/08 models, they came with a lot of upgrades that are well worth your money.

 

Brandon, check this thread out first. it will probably answer 99% of your questions.

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...questions.html

(You've already made a few mistakes, but your new we wont flame you too hard)

 

I'd get a sti or evo for sure if I had to worry about snow. The vq35's are very reliable motors, if your set on a 350 I would get a vq35hr which are from 07+ And not a base model because they don't have the lsd which you will need for snow. The insurance depends on your coverage.

 

I wonder how people were able to drive in the snow before front wheel drive became somewhat standard in the 1980's. Back in the day, all cars were rear wheel drive and we did just fine in the snow.

 

Hey Brandon, I'm 17 and I've had mine since when I got my permit. I got my license and all that late though and so I didn't get my license till March of this year. I love my Z, haven't driven it in winter yet but it's a blast. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a nice little sports coupe.

 

Javan Z33, I find myself totally agreeing with you.

 

I will answer only the first question, as the rest can be answered by you searching or reading the FAQ section.... I've had 3 other RWD cars and this is the worst car I've ever driven in the snow. It can be done, but it is not fun or safe to do it. You will absolutely want snow tires unless you have a death wish. The rear kicks out constantly and it has a lot of trouble getting traction.

 

The biggest problem most people have with the Z is they try driving in the snow with summer tires. All season tires will get you through most snowy conditions and dedicated winter tires are ideal. The Z won't go through deep snow simply because it is so low. The Z will do fine in winter conditions with correct tires mounted.

 

I'd keep the 4runner and your money till you're done with college.

 

I agree. Besides the snow, ice, hail storms etc. as a student where will you be living and where will the car be parked? Student parking lots can be notorious for damage and the responsible party not reporting it.

I'd say stay with your old Toyota and buy a nice car after graduation.

 

Your grandparents GAVE you an 2006 rx330...and you want to trade it in for a Z...Keep the rx and be grateful for it. It'll perform better in the winter anyways.

 

Nub central in here...

As an aside:
You can't drive.