Hi folks,

I know the final decision is mine , but I'd like your advice on pros and cons between getting a used 04 Touring Roadster (in DB) with 12k miles and a new 05 Enthusiast Roadster or new 05 Enthusiast Coupe. I love roadsters, and I currently own a mica green 01 MR2 Spyder. It is great driving that ragtop, but if the Z was out in 01 when I was shopping, I would probably be a fellow Z owner now! What brings up the subject of making the switch is that a co-worker might be moving to Juneau and she has said if that happens, she will sell her 04 Touring Roadster in DB. Gorgeous car, only 12k miles. She has new tires (I don't know if she had a feathering problem or not - would she with a late 04 model?), and stock rims that are newly chromed because the tire guys scratched the rims while doing the tires.

Never having driven one before, I went to the local dealer to test drive theirs, and see what they have in stock. No 06's yet, all 05's, and seems there are more roadsters than coupes, but I did not really ask. I liked the solid feel of the Enthusiast Roadster that I drove!! I would say it feels more like it is on rails compared to the Spyder. Not that it feels heavy, but just feels more like it goes where I point it. The Spyder is a bit light, and darty on rutted roads. Anyway, I don't want to incite comparison bashing, just saying I was delighted by the solid feel of the 350Z.

Back to my original questions - would you recommend going with a new 05 Enthusiast or the 04 Touring roadster? And to confuse it more, I have to consider the coupe vs roadster dilemma too, since cost is always a criteria to me. I am willing to spend the bucks for the right reasons, making me happy, haha.

Thanks for any advice you veterans or newbies care to offer!! maukaonyx

 

I’m not familiar with the weather in Salem, OR. How many months of top-down driving can you do?

 

Yay! Someone new in my area. Ironically, I even lived in Juneau for 10 years too [born in Ketchikan, AK]. Personally, I'd go with the coupe. That's what I have because I know I would never put the top down with the amount of rain we get. I had a 1989 Toyota Celica convertible and I probably put the top down about 3 times in 2 years. I'm sure you'll make the right decision for what's best for you. When you do get a Z, I'll see you at one of the meets.

 

Salem is wet, probably six months of the year, but there are lots of good top-down days in the spring, summer and fall, and probably a few in the winter. I have had my top down lots of times this year, so it that is not a problem to me in making a decision between coupe and roadster. I think my main criteria between coupe and roadster is cost and looks. My main problem is the difference between the used 04 Touring roadster and the new 05 Enthusiast roadster.

GreenEnvy, did you used to own a Spyder too? There was a person called envygreen at the Spyderchat site. Either way, congrats on your Z, I see that you are a new owner. Well, I hope to be one too, but we'll see.

 

Gee folks, how about some input? Thanks.

 

Nope, but I had a 2000 Eclipse GT [with GRNENV tags] I traded it in for the Z. Is your co-worker giving you a really good deal on her Roadster? If there's not much of a price difference, I'd personally go with buying a new one. PS: Thanks. I've had my Z since August 27th and I'm still lovin' it.

 

You hit my dilemma on the head though - what if my co-worker's price for her 04 Touring Roadster is about the same as a new 05 Enthusiast Roadster? Would you still recommend the new one, even though it is a lesser model with less goodies going for it? It boils down to whatever my preference is, but I was hoping for folks to point out some things they would weigh in the decision. Thanks!

 

The used 350Z will be less expensive.

 

 

I don't think there's any question: go for an '05 model with the 'Rev-up' engine option with 300 HP! Those of us who have Z's know the extra ponies don't come cheap with this car. IMHO the Enthusiast coupe (or Roadster) option offers the biggest bang for the buck.

 

What transmission are you wanting?

The new 05 will have "rev matching" for down-shifting the automanual...

And will have lighter clutch feel with the 6sp manual...

 

Looking for MT, just my preference for a sports car! Is it the 06 that has 300HP or the 05? I was thinking it is the 06. My dealer has only 05's on the lot and hopefully wants to get rid of those before bringing in 06's. So I think I would be stuck with 287HP, but a better priced deal due to year end dealing. Thanks folks.

 

The 06 has 300hp for all manual transmisions. The 05 only has 300hp for the Track and 35th anniversary edition.

 

You’ll be stuck with only 287 HP. Oh what a shame!

 

Haha, that didn't come out right, I should be so lucky to get stuck with 287HP!

 

Also keep in mind that the 06 Rev up engine will have less torque than 287 hp engine. It is kinda a trade off you gain HP but loose torque.