Whats up guys...I need some advice. I am considering a Z but some friends and fam have argued with me against getting it. First off I'm 25 yrs old and live in NJ. I currently drive a 2005 Murano SL AWD. Although I love the Murano, I want to drive something that with more edge. Previously I drove an 03 Sentra SER (auto not Spec V). My reason for wanting the Z is like I said to drive somethinig sportier and more fun. Sometimes I feel like an old man driving around in my Murano. Also I feel since I have no obligations (kids) right now, this is the best time of my life to really enjoy a car like this...now, I dont really have to continue telling you guys why I want one since most of you own one already...The reasons for me not to get one are: It would be my only car and I would drive it everyday. Now are there any daily drivers in the NY/NJ area? The winters here are bad sometimes and I know when we have bad weather I would be paralyzed. But then I say to myself F**K it if it snows I dont go to work! Anyways if the weather is really bad it might only be a few bad days for the entire year...is it worth it to worry about a few days a year or enjoy the rest in a nice sports car? My second problem is that I have never driven a manual transmission so it would be a learning process for me. I have read many posts about driving tips and am aware of what I can expect. I am really looking for you guys to convice me that I need to drive a Z. Is it worth it to drive one on a daily basis in NY/NJ? are there any members that do that? Most of the members seem like there from Cali...Also I am not the knowledgable when it comes to the mods and tuning, but I would take advice about that as well if I do end up with a Z.

 

My situation was pretty similar to yours and debating between these 2 vehicles. Do I get a new Murano or do I get a Z. The Murano was more practical. I am single and have no kids, but I do have a large dog that I like taking places too. I also get snow in my area.

For many of the reasons you stated, I ended up getting a new Z and a 2nd car for the winter/taking the dog around. As I don't drive it much, I didn't spend a lot of money on it. But, when the weather is bad (snow, storming, etc.), I just drive the 2nd car. As a previous 300ZX owner, I just couldn't pass up getting another Z. I definitely think I made the right decision, but I think having that 2nd car is a huge part of why. If the Z was my only car, I probably wouldn't have gotten due to snow in the winter.

 

The Z drives fine in the snow w/ snow tires.

 

if you drive carefully.

 

even the base?

 

a. Daily driver in a snow belt state? Same situation here. If it snows, I call in work sick, hitch a ride or take a bus. Number of days during the 2005-2006 winter season that I could not drive the Z? Zero.

b. The 350Z and learning to drive a manual transmission? The 350Z clutch and transmission are very forgiving of errors. A couple of trips around the block and you will get the hang of it.

A performance sports car is a compromise...

The manual transmission is a headache in stop-and-go traffic

Only room for two people

Little room for carrying stuff

Only 5-inches of ground clearance

minor bumps in the road toss you from side to side

Rattles like a SOB

Modified exhaust is so loud forget listening to the CD player...

...but step on the accelerator and all those trivial annoyances quickly disappear.

 

+1

 

Why don't you get snow tires? I live in Chicago(land) and drove my Z to work everyday. Although I live just 1.5 miles from the office and I have a Subaru for when things get really bad.

It sucks getting salt all over the car but oh well, the paint blows anyway.

This year there were < ten days where I didn't drive the Z. (weekends)

(MD probably got a lot more snow than we did)

 

GET THE Z! I recently got a roadster, and it was one of the best decisions of my life! Ya, i live in southern california and dont have to worry about snow and that kind of weather, but it is my only car and i drive it every day, and i wouldnt have it any other way! Also, if you havent driven a manuel, get the auto... it comes with manuel mode, which is what i always basically drive it in. Its a stick without the clutch... doesnt get much better than that!