I'd probably be making my choice between a used Evo or STi and a Z. But if you can barely afford either, I'd save up longer.

 

you make 2k a month, w/ a house payment, and a family and you thought you could afford a z? i just have one thing to say to that: bahahahaha!!

 

Get an EVO RS. Same price as 350Z base model. Motor Trend tested it a 0 - 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Nuff said.

 

riding to jersey with a group of cars yesterday (srt4, wrx, z32tt). The srt4 drafted me and tried to pass me. I got a late jump but managed to keep it even . 5min later I did the same to him and left him by about 3 car lengths. It was also the ugliest car there.

 

Man, of cos get the Z. Don't waste your money on a FWD car

 

I bought my base model in May for $26 flat before down payment, tax, title and all that other b.s. expect to be financing closer to $28-$29 with no dp. BTW I know a guy with the srt-4, they're quick (beat me off the line), but come on...a neon is a neon

 

picked up my 2004 base silverstone for $26,900 out the door, that included floormats, mud flaps, all fees, des charge and taxes. picked it up last week. granted i had to put $9,000 down at signing.

 

so that leaves you with at most around 400 a month to spend on food, entertainment, car, etc? the choice is clear

 

Ok, I was in almost the exact same predicament as you...

But my choices were a decked out MINI S or base Z. BMW makes the Mini and it's a great car for what it is. The Z is also a great car for what it is. I went with the base Z because of personal choices. I also went with the Z based on how the public perceives and associates certain cars with a person’s persona. I can get deep on this issue because it's complex, but I won't.

I am a product designer and I always try to find the best for the least. Generally because I know what things really cost from the manufacturer.

My family owns three Doges and I think the SRT-4 is a fine car for the money. But if you want a car that looks almost as slick as a porsche and just as good as a VETTE for 6k more, go with the Z.

I bought a 04 base with 120 miles with all those little packages included for $26,400. I am 28 and this was my first car purchase, so I don't think I did too bad. I paid the tax on the car with the extra money they were asking for

Go with the base Z. I live in downtown Chicago and I have porsche's, vettes, M3's, jags, AMG's and every ricer with a 4 door winged car trying to take me. It's pretty funny... why, because the history of the Z is grand and respected.

 

hey Zquicksilver,
i actually had a cooper s and sold it to get the Z. i will say this. the cooper s is an awesome car. and there are things about it that are better than the z (cornering being one of them). it really, really is a great little car with tons of performance and quality.

i also have another question. i am looking to relocate to chicago in the next few years. thats another reason i origionally bought the mini (for city driving). will the Z be a problem driving around in the middle of downtown chicago. all that traffic. parking. tons of power. and the worst yet, NO VISIBILITY. i might even sell the Z before i move there and pick up another mini s. how are you managing in downtown chicago with your Z. let me know. thanks.