I'm looking at buying a sports car (or sporty car) sometime next year. Right now, the G35 coupe is on the short list (the short list changes pretty frequently). I was sort of wondering what cars other people considered before buying the G35.

I have sort of been all over the spectrum. I've considered the 350Z, the Porsche Cayman, Porsche Boxster, the Corvette, Lexus IS, Mercedes C, a new Miata and even the Kappa roadsters. I don't mean for this to be one of those God-awful tell me what I should buy threads; but I would be curious to know if there are some other cars that would be worth a look. The G35 has room for kids in the back. Not absolutely critical, but definitely a plus. I think if it weren't for that, the Z might be the current favorite.

disclaimer: I did a search and didn't see a thread like this.

 

From looking at your list money is no object so I would go for the corvette.

 

Well, money is not completely an object. I've toyed with the idea of adding a Porsche 911 to the wish list. It would offer the benefits of a 2+2, and be more sports car than I could ever ask for. But, I sometimes prefer to spend less money; particularly when I can get similar performance for less. Not for the obvious fiscal reasons, but just because it's somewhat of a fetish.

Although this would start a sh!tstorm if I posted this on a Porsche list, I think the 350Z and the Cayman S are good examples of this. They both offer similar levels of performance and functionality, but the Nissan costs almost half as much.

The Corvette is a great car, so I hope I don't step on toes with this... but, it fell off the list because of some fit & finish concerns. And to be honest, I live in a town where there are three Corvettes and five Mustangs at every intersection. Z's, G35s and small roadsters are much less common.

 

Yup! I also considered Boxster, Cayman, and an older 911. Z is near the same performance for way less money, and mcuh lower maintenance cost.

Bought a '06 Z Enthusiast.

 

Z has horrible fit and finish. Its got a nice engine, decent transmission and decent suspension. I would give it a 5/10 compared to other sports cars with similar specs. I'd give it a 10/10 vs other sports cars in its price range :-D

I also concidered STi, EVO, Used E39 M3, WRX, RX8, used RX7..Altima SER.

 

That's not good news. The ones I've seen appear to have great fit & finish. Consumer Guide seems to think they're okay (they give them an overall rating of "recommended"). The only critical remark I remember them having was regarding the "cut-rate interior decor." Frankly, the interiors look fine to me. I guess I have "cut-rate" taste.

Right now, the G35 coupe is the leading candidate. I think (hope?) it will offer a similar experience to that of the Z, but also the capability to take the kids along.

As for the Evo and the STi, I know they have a cult following. I'm just not a member of that cult. I know they go like raped apes, but I prefer (just) rear wheel drive, and styling that doesn't remind me of the Corolla I had 25 years ago.

 

Get yourself a 350Z or a G35, and Twin Turbocharge it!!!

Then you'll be walking all over those Porsches and Corvettes you thought of getting, all for less money too!!!

And what kid doesn't love a dad with a Twin Turbocharged Z/G.

 

i considered the Acura TL

 

I was also looking at the subaru sti, audi tt turbo, older c5 vette, vw r32 crossed my mind for about a second, even looked at a few porches

 

dude, if your gonna get a g35 wait till next years, its gonna be sweet. If you cant wait, i say get the porsche(always a good buy) and if you dont wanna spend that kind of dough......z for the win!

 

+1. Nothing like spending $40K on a car and they change the body style the very next year on you.

 

Considered BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, and Honda S2000 in addition to 350Z Roadster. Z was the best value for money, was fun to drive, cheapest to maintain (along with S2000), and had the most options for modding/customizing.

I am very happy I made that choice.

 

You "other cars considered" list is a lot more expensive than my list was. My other considered cars were RX-8, 350Z, Acura TL.

It depends on what you want from the car - luxury, speed, style, comfort.

 

350z and g35 thats all i wanted either or i love them both but favor the G a little more simply b/c thats what bought...

 

Considered the c6 Z06 vette, until I sat in one. (I'm 6' 7" tall... won't fit)

 

At the time I bought mine (Sept. 2003), I considered the RX-8 (no torque) and the 330i ZHP ($5K more for better driving dynamics but less power). If I didn't absolutely need a back seat, I would have considered the 350z as well.

I'd check out the new 335i if I were buying a car now. It seems like an excellent all-around package.

 

Honda S2000

 

I considered the S2000, WRX STI, new Miata and Pontiac Soltice....

 

C32AMG, kinda wish i got it

 

+1