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A "Z" as daily driver???

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Old 04-16-2008, 07:34 AM
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Chris7586
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Default A "Z" as daily driver???

Four years ago my parents told me if graduated college in 4yrs or less, didnt get my girlfriend pregnant, and had a plan/ job after college they would get me a car... Graduation is only weeks away, no baby, and at the end of the summer im going to grad school in El Paso, TX where I will be living by myself for at least a yr. until the girlfriend comes to join me. I test drove the 350Z about a week ago and needless to say I am hooked. I love the car! HOWEVER. It would be my only car and I am pretty active ( camping, fishing, hiking, etc.) I was wondering if any body else on here uses this car a daily driver and is able to make things work without much hassle?... any info, stories, or insight is appreciated!

Envious wanna be owner,
Chris M.
Old 04-16-2008, 07:39 AM
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ny garbage_juice
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yes and i have no problems except bringing a 8ft surfboard to the beach.

use your own judgement on how much stuff you usually carry with you and stuff.

But it is a small, 2 seater sports car so space will be very limited. Especially with the big strut bar in the trunk.

its up to you! id say get it an worry about everything else later
Old 04-16-2008, 07:40 AM
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j.arnaldo
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It's my daily beast, BUT if you're a camper boy (fishing, hiking, etc.), you may have to think about it twice, 'cause room is scarce in the Zeds. A Murano
or Rogue may be in order for ya'. UNLESS your girl has a roomier vehicle, you
got to evaluate your strategy, concerning a ride.
Old 04-16-2008, 07:56 AM
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TreeFiddyZee
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It's my daily. I drive it in the snow, rain and sleet of night. No problems except for storage, but I don't have a girlfriend, so I stick stuff in the front seat!
Old 04-16-2008, 08:06 AM
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Dio1988
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it's not a problem for me but it really depends on what ur trying to lug around. you can take a look at the car and guess if you could fit the amount of stuff you usually bring on one of your trips or w/e. it's a great car and you won't be unsatisfied as long as u can carry everything you need to. good luck
Old 04-16-2008, 09:11 AM
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The Brickyard Rat
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My son & I took the Z on a week long camping trip and fit in everything we needed. That "trunk space" is fairly roomy as long as you avoid large hard objects...such as hard side suit cases.

My guess is, you would be fine.
Old 04-16-2008, 09:17 AM
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lucky350
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get one, you will have many years ahead to be "practical"

your biggest difficulty will be refusing all the trim from grad school while you wait for your loyal GF to move your way.
Old 04-16-2008, 09:21 AM
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My Z is my daily driver. It's perfect for everything I do. But like everybody else said, judge it yourself and determine if there will be enough room for what you like to do. If not look at the G35 coupe of sedan if you want to stay with the same type of car but have more room.
Old 04-16-2008, 09:31 AM
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TheProfessional
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Originally Posted by Chris7586
my parents told me if didnt get my girlfriend pregnant they would get me a car...


You're not from Arkansas are you ??!??!!
Old 04-16-2008, 09:40 AM
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jray8
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if u don't get it, you will regret it!
Old 04-16-2008, 09:46 AM
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I have an 07 roadster, it is my only car. However my husband has a F150 we use for any of the other stuff and I drive my car to work everyday and then on the weekends for fun. I live in Kansas so it snows...it's horrible in the snow, but that happens like every 7-10 years in TX, so your ok there. Just be careful on days it rains and if you plan to go offroading while camping rent a car for the weekend, Enterprise has weekend specials for like $20 a day, totally worth not taking the Z. BUT BUY IT, you will love it!!!!!!
Old 04-16-2008, 10:14 AM
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ni$mo350
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I use mine DD... To tell you the truth I would deffinitely get it reason being you can get friends who have trucks/suv's to haul stuff in for camping/hiking. You're not going to go by yourself so think of it that way. Good luck
Old 04-16-2008, 11:17 AM
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Chris7586
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Thanks for all the responses. I am convinced and its just good to know that not everyone here has a Z stored away in a garage waiting for Saturday and Sunday I drive a truck right now and I havent hualed crap in it since like august. I'd rather have a car that love for years than settle for somthing I "like". I will worry about being practical when I have to go buy a carseat...and I hope thats not for a while! Thanks again!

Chris M.
Old 04-17-2008, 08:51 AM
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I1DER
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Mine is a daily driver and it replaced an old Pathfinder. I had the exact same concerns. I don't think you'll have trouble with the camping gear. I've taken off for a couple weeks with GF, for across country, trips camping along the way. Like Brickyard Rat said, soft bags, stuff sacks, and compact equipment will make it possible and it's a great way to travel. If you're used to having a big cooler forget it or decide between it or the girl friend in the front seat. Rubbermaid makes a slim tall one that fits in front of the rear strut. (Cooler, not girl friend). I have absolutely no regrets.

I guess a concern would be leaving a nice car at a trail head for an extended time if you take long hikes and maybe the low clearance on bad roads. In the first case, you will face that with ANY nice car. As for clearance, it depends what you are used to. The cars are low, one of the reasons driving them on twisties is so nice.
Old 04-17-2008, 01:22 PM
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PrevWon
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Originally Posted by I1DER
(Cooler, not girl friend)
Hahahahahaha
Old 04-18-2008, 12:08 AM
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BRONZEE
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Welcome the others have pretty much said it. Surprising what you can fit into a Z, if you're clever about it. And don't forget as has already been said, on those times that you get a ride of camping with of friends, they'll probably we wanting a ride somewhere, sometime.
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