Well, tomorrow, short of any unforeseen problems, I will no longer be an owner of of the 350Z.

I will be driving a 04 325Ci SP instead.

As a fellow Z owner for the moment still, I wanted to share my thoughts with the rest of you and hope you make the right choice and treat the car like it's meant to be treated.

Since I picked it up in Feb 01, 2003, I have babied that car. The power, the styling, the looks I get, the handling and the RAW feel, is nothing like I have ever experienced before.

I loved that car, I was the envy of all my friends and it made me want to get up every morning eager to go to work because I get to drive the Z! it's an amazing felling.

I barely drove the car hard and refused to drive the Z in the winter, so I bought a winter beater instead. Since then, I drive the winter beater more than I drive the Z. In realization of my NEED to keep it in PERFECT CONDITION, I need to sell it, because it is just stupid to own a nice car while driving the beater all the time.

I opted for the 325ci because it is practical, the same price as the Z. It is also more drivable in the winter and I would not feel bad about it.

Now, 5 days after I made the deal and plan to take my Z in tomorrow to the deal in trade fo the 325ci. I have had nothing but the most awful feeling about giving up one of the most exciting car I have ever driven. I stare at it in the garage, drove hours for no reason, just so I can enjoy the car a bit longer.

It's sad really. I never knew one could grow so attached to a car. Part of me wish I never went through with it, and part of me says I made the right choice.

Don't make the mistake I made, enjoy the car. Make every shift count. Maybe one day, I will be back for another Z, or the GTR( ). Happy driving guys, I'll be sure to give you guys a thumbs up when I see one drive by.

 

... and that's why I drive my 350 year round in Ottawa.

Regardless of how it's driven, it will eventually get scratched, chipped and used - but at least I'll be loving every moment of it. Yesterday I discovered a 4 inch long scratch 1/2 down the driver's door. Instead of stressing out, I was happy that the car is finally starting to get a little "worn-in". Don't get me wrong, I don't like the scratch and will try to polish and touch it up. But with every scratch, nick, and ding I know I'll stress less about keeping it perfect and enjoy it for what it is - a great car to drive.

Good luck with your Bimmer. It's a nice car and I'm sure you come around to enjoying it.

 

The 2004 325ci is a very nice car. My brother has one. Very small changes from the 2003 but it looks so much nicer...new front bumper, LED rear lights etc. He loves it and although it is not as fast as the Z, its not a slow car and it looks great and feels like an expensive car inside...which the Z lacks. If I did not get my Z I would have gotten a 325ci w/sport package. Good luck. Actually, when my lease is up in 2 years, I may end up getting the new 3. I'm 26, recently married and it's only a matter of time until I need a car that can carry a baby seat.
P.S. I drive my Z all year round...but My wife has a 4runner for the really bad days.

 

very well said redfox!! I too baby my car to death and got nuts when I discovered my first scratch and rock chip this weekend. I just have to realize that....nothing can be done to prevent the elements or jealous poeple wanting to scratch your car.

I now need to simply enjoy it and drive it like I stole it. I know I got this fabulous machine for a reason.....and it wasn't to stare at it in my garage!!

Enjoy your new ride!!

 

Wow, you have courage. I could never give mine up. It's bad enough 4 months after I owned it, some s.o.b. LA driver (they can't drive to save their lives), rear ended me. With the nicks and dings from canyon runs, it makes me nuts in the head. My baby has to shine and sparkle. I park miles away from stores to avoid other door dings, or lazy asses who leave shopping carts everywhere in the parking lots (welcome to LA).....but wonder when I come back to Montreal, if I bring her with me, will I be willing to drive her in the snow??? Probably not!

I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuv my car!

 

YOu know..sure the 325ci doesn't have the power of the Z. It is a lot more calm, refined and composed. For daily commute, it's a lot more friendly! Anyway, I have decided to do a comparo on the two cars and help others to choose the direction they want to take: raw performance, or infinite refinement. Stay tuned! This is going to be interesting!