Hey everyone... i just joined this forum because im looking to buy the 350z i bought a ford focus SVT back in november and wat a huge mistake that was...ive had nothing but problems with that car..every month something breaks...so i decided to trade it in for the 350z ..now im just looking to get a base model because im in it all for the power....what do u guyz think? am i missing something special if i don't get the touring or other models...also if im going for the base model how much MSRP should i buy it from the dealer for ? I went in today and a dealer told me 27k..also are their huge problems with the Z? the reason im going with a nissan is because my dad has a 97 sentra that has over 200,000miles on it and the engine is still running strong...so i just wanna know the basics here..and lastly wat are the times in the 1/4 for the Z i ran a 15.3 with my stock svt i kno the Z is hell of a lot faster but just throw some figures at me thanks..

 

Model
Best bang for buck -- Enthusiast model For around 28-29K (depending on Tranny) you get the HID lights, LSD, HomeLink, and some other stuff. The first two make it worth it.

Problems
Some 2003's haev some problems, but the 2004's seem to be pretty problem free.

Reliability
The first tune up is at 102,000. I think that says something.

1/4 Mile
Around 14 seconds stock depending on the the driver

CaptinB

 

Get the Enthusiast. Look up what all you get (over base) on Nissan site.

 

check out Nissan's page and see the differences between all the models, and then just choose the one that best suits your need and falls into your budget
as for problems, I have a 04 and it's problem free so far

 

Cool thanks for the response guyz

 

This question comes up a lot about which model to choose.

Let me stress that the beauty of the 350z as that there is no wrong choice. Typically when a manufacturer offers several variants of a car model, it's a marketing driven decision based on the car's look. In other words, someone who can't afford to buy the car the way it was meant to be, can buy one that looks similar, but is entirely a different car mechanically/performance-wise.

This is exactly the opposite with the 350z -- stock mechanicals are pretty much identical across the board (Track has different brakes) -- same engine, transmission, suspension, etc. Also known as the "good stuff."

That being said, I agree that within the Z's pricing spectrum, the Enthusiast offers the most bang for the buck. However, there is no shame in buying a Base. Of course, maybe I'm just saying that because I have a Base...

In any case, decide what makes the most sense for you. For me, I chose the Base because while I think $29K for the Enthusiast is a good deal for the amount of car you get, it was still out of my reach. I figured that the Z, at best, is a toy - an extravagance and I shouldn't be buying it at all. But, for $25K I could do it and not significantly impact my lifestyle.

(takes a deep breath)

 

I have an Enthusiast. My dealer tried to sell me a Base and I wouldn't take it because of 4 features found in the Enthusiast that aren't in the Base: TCS (Traction Control), LSD, HIDs, and the aluminum pedals (although they did offer to put the pedals in free of charge). I think they warrant the extra few thousand. If you don't care about the mechanical differences, the Base is definitely worth it because you can always make the cosmetic changes later on (like the HIDs and the pedals).

 

Toddius, have you thought about leasing?

I'm currently leasing a loaded '02 Jetta 1.8 turbo that I couldn't afford to buy 2 years ago as a grad school student. Today I have a good job and in a few months I will get promoted (God willing). I love the Z and I'm looking into leasing a '05 touring when my VW lease is up in Jan.

I've searched on Edmunds and Nissan web pages for estimate lease monthly payments and for a fully loaded Touring w/o navi payments are around $550 (4 year lease, 12k miles per year and MSRP car price)... so it could even be lower than that.

I love having a new car every 3-4 years. Leasing works for me!
Cheers

 

Also this is sorta funny but i wanted to ask b4 i go to the dealer ask for a test drive and embarass myself im 6'2 would i really fit in one of these the one i looked at it looked very doubtfull cuz my friends old 300zx i couldn't fit into those

 

Not only will you fit, but you will have room to spare.

Edit: At least you should. I'm 6'2" as well, but most of my height is in my legs.

 

Oh sweet thanks for the quick reply

 

Haha. No problem. Today was just your lucky day. I think the only time I closed my window for MY350Z.COM was when I went to lunch. Haha.

 

Oh yeah, and something else to think about. The Roadster would give you an inch more than the Coupe.

 

Zonda, I didn't consider leasing because I'd like to keep this car for a while.

It isn't so much that I couldn't afford a higher model -- I really just couldn't justify it. Everyone has different priorities, but for me part of the enjoyment of owning this car is that I know I didn't pay an arm and a leg. I think this is a great car at $35K, but it's almost impossible to believe at $25K.

 

I would say one of the big things people forgot which comes on the enthusiast is that cruise control, which i would say is pretty important.

 

I didn't forget it. I didn't mention it because I hate it. I have never used Cruise Control in my Z. That's the one thing I like more about the Base.

 

Hey 350zracer04, I just got my 350 9 days ago for $27400. 2004 Enthusiast Auto with the Aero package with only 22 miles. So thats evidence that there are deals to be made. Go to your dealer and make him an offer. Worst he can say is no.

 

yeah thanks man im gonna go on monday and talk figures with the dealer my parents are leaving for a couple of months on vacation so i haven't had any time but i'll go ahead and talk to him on monday thanks for info