Hi everyone, i am a soon to be teenage driver and was wondering if i should get this car from what i have read and seen, it is a great performer and a reliable car. I can get a used one (base) for under 18k should I??

other suggestions for cars will also be appreciated

 

If you can afford it sure, get one.

 

Be careful with the base model since it doesn't have Traction Control or Vehicle Dynamic Control (search the board for an explanation). Both of these features are for safety. This is parmount espically for new drivers. Not saying that you will get in an accident but statistics show by the time a male driver reach 18 he will likely be in a collision.

The car is a hoot to drive. Check your insurance quote on a Z, to make sure you will be able to afford the total cost of ownership (which may include other factors dependant on your financial situation).

 

No.

-Brodie

 

Depends on how responsible you are and whether you can control the gas petal. We have seen lots of teens wreck their Zs & a few have died.

You really should get an Enthusiast....not a Base.

Go to Nissan site & read about model differences

 

I'd recomend an equaly nice car for you but NOT A Z OR A G!
Think something that is still equaly reliable, but without as much 'pep'...
If your just starting to lean how to drive, and/or have just gotten your licence as you've described...
Jetta?
Golf?
Honda civic
Suby 2.5?
The above are all VERY nice cars, are still fun to learn to drive well (As your first driver that is)

Oh, and your probably going to have an accident, within the next 9 months, face it, the stats are simply against you. (I'm sorry to say). Learn as much as you can with a 'slightly slower, less tempting speed wise' first car.

Discaimer*** First I dont care, if your parents bought it as a gift for you, or if you bought it with your own hard earned money...
Secound, This isent about 'age' its about ''ACTUAL driving expirience''***

 

+1, itz all about experience. I've have a clean record, and got my license last year.

 

Wow...how the internet has changed things!! I remember back about 10 years ago when I became a teenage driver that we didn't have sites like my350z.com to ask questions like that...

Make sure you take into consideration all the suggestions given to you.

Insurance cost on a 350z, especially for a teenage driver is very expensive so take into thought not only how much the car will be, but the total cost of ownership like Vince, above pointed out.

Consider how aggressive and responsible of a driver you are. There's something about the Z that's going to change the way you drive, and likely if you are not very careful and don't have that driving experience, more than likely your chances of getting in a wreck will be very high. Remember also to do a full inspection/check to make sure the used Z wasn't in a accident and runs well.

Also, after buying a 350z, especially teenagers (fast and furious 3 is going to come out, what an influence that's going to have) they want to modify their cars. Please!! do not spend your money on rice modifications b/c you don't have any money...euro taillights, stickers all over your car (when your not sponsored!!), unpainted fake body kits, etc...do not give the 350z community a bad name...if your going to modify, come to this site again and do a search or ask again...

Other than that...go for it...The 350z is an awesome car!! If you can afford it and you can convince yourself to keep it safe...there is no other car out there, that if I was a teenager, that I would want.

 

thanx guy for the insight, i am aware of the fact that the z is a....complicated car for a teen. I am a very careful person and will not race the z. personally i think is it really stupid to try anything like that on the road where you could get killed from a slight mistake. also people race cars mostly for the rush but i do not feel the need to do that in a car iwant to own for a long time.

Also i will go to a driving school to properly learn how to drive and maybe even take a sports car driving course.

Also about insurance, I live in a very safe neighborhood and get good grades so this is what i got for insurance "$1,690.00" SIX MONTHS

 

You should get the Mitsubishi Evo IX. You will have more fun with it, your friends will **** their pants because it's faster (plus more bragging rights), and it's not RWD so maybe you can keep from killing yourself. Plus teens look better in an Evo than a Z.

-Mike (is being serious)

 

that would be nice but a evo 9 is nowhere near my budget besides z looks better, enthusiast offer traction control, finally i'll be very careful
bragging, not really the most important factor in buying a car for me

 

...."Also about insurance, I live in a very safe neighborhood and get good grades so this is what i got for insurance "$1,690.00" SIX MONTHS"....

My Z insurance is $319 for 6 months....how much would your insurance be
if the car was a new reliable Civic ?

 

1994 civic base model 4 door sedan $1,218.00

2000 civic base 4 door $1,393.00

2006 civic base 4 door $1,652.00

2006 civic si (oh god) 2 door coupe $1,724.00 (not as bad as i thought)

so yeah this is basically it, umm i think i would rather pay $1690 for an old z than a new civic but others may want the more reliable low powered safer car, who knows?

oh and i got all of this information from esurance.com they actually give you free quotes without full name, adress and such, great tool. Also all of these rates were done with same profile and coverage, the only difference is the car.

 

I say go for it, but if I were you i'd look for a 2004 enthusiast.

 

[QUOTE=vincentalunni]Be careful with the base model since it doesn't have Traction Control or Vehicle Dynamic Control (search the board for an explanation). Both of these features are for safety.

I just bought a 2004 Nissan 350z; it's standard. I have Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), but not a Traction Control switch. What exact model is mine, base, enthusiast, etc. Oh yea, and do I have 287 HP or 300 HP? Thanks!