I traded in my '07 MINI Cooper S for an '08 350Z, lightly used base model in PPW, a few weeks ago for what I consider a pretty good deal ($24k with 6k mi on the clock). It's a 6 speed and is actually my first full time standard tranny. I learned how to drive stick on my friend's base MINI, but the two cars are completely different. The clutch to throttle ratio seems very touchy, and the MINI has hill assist. This car seems to defy the law of inertia! ("objects at rest" yadda yadda) Despite that and the lack of cruise, I love this car. I certainly inspires different reactions from folks who would give me thumbs up or "cute car" comments in the MINI I had, or smile like crazy at the 1980 Classic Austin Mini 1000 (right-hand drive, ~40 hp woo!) I still have. People seem to like to challenge this car at stop lights/signs, or at least seem more inclined to take off from them than before, but I'm too concerned with trying to not too often see 13-15 mpg on my OBC to fall for it - that and I'm too bad at driving stick to ever give them any real competition anyway.

Oh, a little about me: I'm a 26 year old high school science teacher in Arkansas.

Anyway, here she is:







And just for kicks, the little Mini named Bosley, aka the Escalade Escape Pod:

 

Welcome.

You will find lots of threads on the subject of driving this car with the MT. Some people seem to have issues with it, and some don't.

 

Welcome and congrats!

 

Nice. I really do like the PPW Z's.

You'll get better with the MT. Whenever I start driving a different car with MT my goal is to make it smoother than a Auto. I figure once I can drive it smoothly, then everything else is cake.

 

Excellent decision.

Just in case you are not aware of this, I congratulate you on receiving the latest and most competent engine in your 08; the VQ35HR (HR stands for High-Rev). It is a beast of an engine. It will not let you down when you need it most, if you know what I mean.

 

welcome aboard

 

Nice

 

Big change over from the mighty Mini. A lot of respect for the Mini, as over here they do very well competitively. CongratZ on the PPW by the way.