Hey everybody, I drive a 2004.5 Volvo s40 T5 and its time to trade. I'm currently trying to decide between a 350z or an acura TL/ Nissan Maxima. I'm a college student and what i want to know is how practical a Z would be for me? The Z is my first choice by far, i just dont know how going from a four door to a two seater is going to be. How has luggage space been for everybody? Insterstate driving? What problems of practical use of the car have you come across? Any opinions or suggestions would be great. I'm leaning towards the Z, but i can get a TL or Maxima for the same price... Thanks for the help!

 

There's really nothing pratical about the Z. It's a 2 seater. With that said the fun factor is much greater than the 2 other cars you've mentioned. Space wise the is be somewhat better than most 2 seater sports car because of the hatch design. I think what you really need to do is access your realistic needs in a car, price range in which you can afford (including maintanence and insurance), and decide if the Z is right for you. The cars you've mentioned aren't exactly an apples to apples comparision. I drove my Z for a few years and due to the responsiblities and needs of my life I had to get rid of it for a FX35.

To break down your questions:

1) I'm 6' 2" about 190 lbs. The car is okay for driving anything less than 250 miles IMo. I still would avoid it if I can.

2) Luggage space is decent if you are just packing for the weekend. I had trouble fitting just a laundry basket in the back. THe front passenger seat will be your best friend if you are looking for space.

3) The car isnt really practical in any way. You can carry anything, more than one person, and it drinks preimium gas

 

I have hauled alot of stuff in my Z when necissary..

full set of rims and tires... halfstack amp... a longbow... when going on trips with two people (space limited... lol) there is normally no issue with cargo space if you remove the spare tire and use that cavity (in cases of large amonuts of luggage..) but normally if I need that much luggage I am taking a PLANE so I wouldn't leave my car parked at the airport

 

true but I dont think it is smart to drive long distance without a spare. I have fit my HKS exhaust in the Z when i drove it to my friends to get it installed. You do have to get creative.

 

This is a Nissan 350Z.


This is practical transportation.

Any questions?

 

Space can be tight but only if you have large things to carry around. But I did manage to cram 4 tires in there when I had to move them - just have to think about it a little more than in an average car. Seating is great - and for two (I love having only 2 seats).


But is the car practical? Not really. Is it fun as hell and a sexy *****? Yes. You only live once don't be practical.

 

Well said JDM.

Welcome to the site Vinnybob. Let us know what you decide upon.

 

I guess im just asking everyone, have you ever wished that you had a bigger car instead of the Z? How many times has not having enough space made you ride with somebody else? The overall question, is the 350z sush an awesome car that its "badassness" makes up for the practicality of a nice four door (acura TL)???

I really like the Z, Im just hesitent to go from a four door to a 2 seater without getting some opinions from people like you guys that drive a Z. Do you have many "everyday" issues?

Once again thanks and so far the posts have been real helpful!

 

It so depends on your lifestyle. If I was single, would I own a Z as my only car...yes.

If you don't have to worry about hauling stuff back & forth to school (you can borrow/rent a vehicle for hauling) and you don't go everywhere with a bunch of friends, etc., then, yes, you will love the Z.

It is a great highway car.

 

Ironically, no. I know that I can only carry 1 passenger, and so do all my friends. Unless you have kids, I think the rest of your life automatically adjusts accordingly. Besides, everyone has their own car here.

Granted that when you go for a sports car, you sacrifice some practicality. But considering only sports cars, the Z is actually one of the more practical/daily-drivable ones. So the question is probably not about the Z's practicality. It's whether or not you can live with a sports car as your only car.

 

Every vehicle is a compromise. A 350Z is worthless in the snow. A SUV does not corner worth spit. Drivers who love sports cars know who they are. Its impossible to force a sedan driver to love a sports car.

 

I really have had very few practicality issues with the Z. And the few times(4 or 5 in 4 years) it was absolutely necessary to drive a bigger car I just switched with someone I trusted, ie family member, best friend

Nobody ever turns you down when you ask them if they want to drive the Z for a day. trust me.

Aside from that, Ive fit alot of crap in the Z when I needed to. It doesnt fit large square items very well but ive fit 4 wheels/tires a few times, computer and clothes, small tv etc etc. Moved myself into and out of school more than once. It does require a little adjustment and planning but the sacrifice isn't that much for what you get in return.



and the Z, while it does have a stiff ride is a pretty nice highway cruiser when it needs to be.

 

You've heard it from the older generation. Im in college and driving a Z. here's my imput: Were broke as it is so unless your parents are helping you GAS is going to murder your wallet. The Z has been a bit distracting to me at times for example when im studying. If it Z sees you it will get you. you have to drive it. Control. I honestly am going to sell mine, its to much to early. Stay with a beater, earn your degree get the Z and you will enjoy it SO much more. Keep the volvo man, swedish cars are great. That is just my opinion. The car wont get you as much ***** as you really think either... *cough *cough

 

Your sarcasm never ceases to make me

 

I would not want to have the Z as my only vehicle. If I were you I would stick with a sedan or get a Z and a beater.

 

Im keeping my Matrix Xrs for practical reasons. It was a great car for school, will be a great car for the commute too. The Z will be a great car for the weekend.

 

I went from a Pathfinder as a Daily Driver to th Z. A big change for me as I do tend to haul a lot of things around.

I have absolutely no regrets and I was surprised. I love taking the Z on long trips. It is wonderful to drive and you learn to pack in stuff sacks/gym bags instead of suitcases. It will hold a lot if the shape isn't rigid. I've been on several long(over 1 week) touring trips with camping gear for two.

Biggest changes for me.
- The dog won't even fit...but now I have no dog hair in my car.
-2-3 times/year I need room for another passenger if I'm picking them up at the airport.
-a couple times/year I need to move the boat or haul wood.

As Drivencsz said, it's not hard to trade with somebody for these rare occurrences.

Do you want to be part of the Z crowd or the Volvo crowd?? Think about it.

 

I1DER- Thanks, thats helps out a lot. So it seems like it is easy to adjust to and actually benefits you in some ways (no dog hair). Wouldn't be to bad to ride with friends and save gas as well.

Two more questions for everybody,
-How is the interstate driving?
-How reliable have your Z's been?

 

You want a honest opinion?

Get a Z and watch your life be filled with joy sex alchohl girls sex drugs sex parties sex job advancements sex people think you made it good in life sex and sex and more sex from people you dont even know but wouldent mind having sex with

oh, and of course, SEX.

 

Seats are extremely comfortable if you are not too wide, but they tend to hold you in a fixed position. They do make you feel secure. Move your seat around or if with somebody, switch once in a while. Cruise control for interstate trips is invaluable. Having a range of around 500 miles is awesome.

There are several guys on the forum that put more than 25K/year on the car and I'm one. I've no complaints and I will be surprised and pissed if I don't get close to 200K miles out of the car. Of course driving habits will have an effect.