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Comments
I went back to the dealer today and took the car out on the Beltway, to see if I'd be nervous with big trucks whooshing past. And I wasn't, at all. I like that the Z is heavier than the usual sports car, it felt stable and rigid and not blown around at all. Handling is precision-sharp.
I asked the sales guy about the tire feathering issue, and he said it was because the alignment of the 2003 versions had been set to the way the Japanese drive, on the left with the driver on the right. Um, frankly, that sounds like nonsense to me, but whatever. Anyway he said the alignments specs were changed by mid-2004, and the 2005 shouldn't have any problems along those lines.
I feel like I got a good deal. Original sticker was somewhat north of $40,000. Current asking price for this was $34,500. (Current 2006s are in low 40's) I offered $32. He came down to $33,500 plus the dealership has a program where they give you two sets of tires, at 25 and 50k miles. So that's not bad, as long as the tires make it to 25,000 miles each time! I asked what would happen if they don't, and he said as long as I do all the maintenance per the book, they would replace earlier if needed.
Used Touring models with some miles on them have asking prices of typically around $30 - $32k, sometimes even more, so I feel like this is fair enough.
Anyway, I'll re-evaluate after I've had it for a couple years, might trade up to a Volvo then if we find we really wish for a larger convertible very often, but I think I'll be very happy with this for quite some time.
I think you did fine, too. Heck, I said $33k would be my trigger point, right?
i just love the various ridiculous explanations I've heard salespeople give on the tire issue.
I think there is a good chance you'll love this car for a long time. enjoy!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Please don't interpret that as being sexist in any way as it is not. It is just fact.
My wife always tells me that the way each sex's brains are 'wired' will always be a mystery to each of us.
You gotta admit that your logic is very,very funny.
Let me get this straight cause I have to admit that I am laughing my butt off after reading your post:)
You bought the second most popular Sports car as judged by being the number 2 seller behind the Corvette in the Sport Car Coupe category (sales results for all production cars are on automobear.com) to take to the BEACH?
(BTW, Exotics are Not included in the sales figures and that includes the gamut of the Dodge Viper to the Ferrari's.)
And you bought tbis beach car where a 350Z at the Beach is "steal me" bait because you were afraid of "I would almost be scared of taking the Volvo to the beach, as a large, expensive car"?
Is this some private beach at your second home or a public beach?
I ask because there is no way I would leave a Z at a public beach which is full of people who will steal it over that Volvo in a hearbeat.
Don't misunderstand. The Volvo C70,although underpowered, is a car I would love to own as it is a very nice car.
It also would be the car I would choose for those long road trips particurly since the 350Z is very tiring after a few hours of driving it.
If you wanted a convertible then why didn't you look at the Nisssan 350Z Roadster?
Well, what is done is done and the Z is in your driveway now.
I KNOW you will love your new Beach car. It is a blast.
Just curious. Why didn't you look at the G35?
You gotta admit that your logic is very,very funny:)
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
We have a second home in Nags Head, North Carolina. The Outer Banks area is not exactly a bed of crime; it's a family-oriented area where people typically rent homes by the week (although ours is just for our use, not rented out). The 350Z roadster seems a perfect car to cruise along the beach road, top down, with the ocean to the east and the beautiful Albermarle and Croatan Sounds to the west. I can imagine driving it all over the back roads in the area, having fun, maybe with the top down on a moonlit night, listening to soft jazz on the excellent stereo.
The Volvo is certainly a very nice car. But for $45,000, plus tax, plus fees, etc., I really wanted more zing. I wanted more than "nice car." After seeing all the gadgetry, there was something about it that just seemed, well, soccer mom having an outing. It lacked spice. Lacked that quickness of acceleration and handling. Lacked that ephemeral sex appeal that the Z-car has, in spades.
When I said I would be afraid to take the Volvo to the beach, I wasn't even thinking crime. I was thinking sandy feet, salt water stained beach towels, people in wet bathing suits. Somehow the Z seems like a car that can take life as it comes. The Volvo seems like, "ooh, don't hurt me, don't put those messy feet anywhere near me."
Buying a car is as much about emotion as it about logic, and the Volvo just didn't make my heart beat faster. The Z did.
And it didn't hurt at all that the Z I bought, due to the unusual circumstance of finding a left-over 2005, was around $12,000 cheaper than the Volvo. Best of both worlds, a new car at a used car price.
It appealed to my heart; it appealed to my wallet.
So if that's woman's logic, well, so be it. I think there are plenty of men who understand what I'm talking about here.
Now I need to learn all there is about Z ownership. Any suggestions on clubs, events, etc... would be appreciated.
Most important, are you having fun yet?
If you do a google search for "3350z groups" you might find something. I've found quite a few on-line forums just searching with "350z."
Enjoy.
Read this article on the automotive turkeys of this year and it will make you feel even better.
The #1 Winner(loser?) was the Volvo.
The article is a bit wierd to navigate but you will get to the page on each car in the list.
http://biz.yahoo.com/weekend/carturkey_1.html
How'dja guess?? I already have a chamois tucked in one of the little cubbies behind the seats to wipe off the fingerprints on the trunk...so I'm inconsistent I guess!
Going off to read the article you posted...
Couple days ago I went to meet a friend for drinks at an outdoor cafe. The car was parked just in front of the seating area. While we were there, a woman was walking across the street towards us. She stopped and grabbed her friend's arm and pointed excitedly at my car. When they got closer, she got out her little digital camera and took a picture of it!
That has NEVER happened, to my knowledge, with any other car I've had!
yeah, i also never had a car anyone took much notice of until i had my Z. People would stop me in parking lots all the time to share compliments.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I think it was a great deal, too, and am continuing to enjoy every minute of driving! Drove down to the OBX a few days ago and mileage on the highway was much, much better than around town. Made it from Washington to Nags Head on one tank of gas and still had, according to the trip computer, slightly over 100 miles to go until empty. Avg was around 23 mpg.
Has anyone else started buying convenience accessories? I ordered, from a place called "Courtesy Nissan" that I found on line, a replacement cupholder that's pretty neat. It is a double cup-holder with a sort of handle for the base that fits into the coin compartment thing. (You have to take out the little coin holder, of course.) It works pretty well. I've taken out the useless cupholders that came in the car and just put them aside to use that whole console space for storage.
Also I bought the Z over-the-back-of-the-seat mesh storage bag, and that's quite useful. All together, it was amazing how much stuff I could put into that little car for my trip down here. The trunk holds more than you might think, since it's all so accessible.
Anyway, practicality aside, am loving driving this thing. The zoom-zoom and grins factor are certainly off the scale!
Seems like the coupe had more problems than the roadster. From what I can tell, from build dates of mid-2004 onwards people aren't having those tire problems.
Can anyone confirm that, or has anyone been able to do that replacement?
When your current tank gets down to about half full, fill it up again with 91.
You've paid a lot of money for a high-perfomance car. Don't cheap out on the gas. If the difference between lower octane and premium is .20, and you put in 15 gallons at a time, you've paid $3.00 more for putting in what the manufacturer says is necessary. If you can't afford that, then do yourself a favor and trade in the car for something that runs on regular.
Thanks for the advice. Lots of mixed msgs on google ("do I need premium") At age 74 I'm not cheap just frugal and I really can afford the Z.
Except for buying my cars and my jewelry...
We should start an "older, wiser, and still having fun" club; I'm a young retiree myself.
Including you?
(P.S. - do you let your wife drive your car? So far I've only let my husband drive it once. Mostly he gets the Maxima. Life is good. :shades: )
1) When I test drove it, I felt like there was heat seeping into the cabin (with the top down) while driving on the freeway. It was after a very hot day, but had cooled down in the evening - during my short drive. I couldn't localize where the heat was coming from and *NO* I didn't accidentally turn on the seat heater (I checked). Has anyone experienced this problem? What's the cause? Should it prevent me from buying car?
2) Best price for private party deal? Asking is $29,900. After looking at used inventory, Edmunds, KBB, NADA, I have an idea what I should pay, but would like to hear your opinions on a good deal, considering a major model change may be close at hand.
Thanks!!
The black interior of my car heats up really fast (I have a 2005 Redline touring roadster, carbon leather seats). I bought a couple of inexpensive terry-cloth seat liners (sort of like a poncho for your seats) to use here at the beach. Protects the leather from sand and sun-tan oil, and keeps it a bit cooler.
That black leather may have been the source of the heat you felt.
If not, check the heating controls carefully. If the temperature knob was turned to 75 or higher, and the other knob turned to "auto," it may have been sending out warm-ish air. On your next test drive make sure temp is set to 72 or below, or else turn the "auto" knob to off, and see if you still have a problem.
For 30K is this a decent car? (seems cheap for the price considering all the mods.)
Are there anything I should be wary of?
The miles are low (15k).
The only thing I could say you should really worry about is the tire-feathering issue. BUT, with the full aftermarket suspension on this car, you may not have that problem any more.
You will go an inspect and drive it, though, right? Before bidding, I mean. Make sure it drives right. With only 15k, it should feel like a new car. I always worry that a heavily modded car like this was beat on hard.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I took my wife's truck 100 miles from home just to get a moonroof put in. Between shopping for the best price AND a quality shop with a good reputation, you can wind up travelling a good distance.
good luck with the test drive. let us know how you make out.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
i should probably point out, however, that these are 2 entirely different vehicles that appeal to 2 entirely different crowds for entirely different reasons.
Sure, I like them both, but if a Z fulfills my needs, I certainly won't spend the extra money for the bimmer. The G35 vs the bimmer is a much better comparison. Although there is still a price difference, at least they share the same number of seats, for starters.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
the options (and price) difference is a big reason why they are very different vehicles. The bimmer STARTS at about $13k more than where the Z starts.
If you step up to the Grand Touring Z, you still save $5k over the base bimmer. The equipment difference can almost be considered a draw because each vehicle at that point comes with equipment the other doesn't.
I'm not sure why you wouldn't be comparing the G35 instead.
Honestly, if you can afford the bimmer, I don't see where the decision lies. And if the Z has ANYONE thinking twice about their 335 purchase, again I say GOOD FOR NISSAN!! That's an incredible feat, in my opinion.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
who is doing that? You realize I was saying to compare the G35 to the 335, don't you??
You have to compare equal features also.
I would if I could, but a base bimmer doesn't come with leather and a limited slip differential like the GT Z. Likewise, a GT Z does not come with memory seats like the base bimmer. WHY? because the 335 is not a sportscar like the Z and the Z is not a luxury car like the bimmer.
Oh yeh, all the cars you mention (z06, xk, viper, porshe) those are unfair and in completely different price ranges!
ummmm... EXACTLY my point! glad we agree.
Do you realize that a base bimmer is only $3k less than a base vette. SO... if $5k doesn't mean that much, then why not extrapolate your position and compare a vette to the Z?? Oh, and, hell, the Cayman is only another $5k beyond that, and a Cayman S is only a couple grand more than a loaded 335. I could go on and on. The fact is, you have to draw the line somewhere.
If 5,000 dollars is too big a gap for you you should not even be a car enthusiast.
LOL! See my statement above. Hell, what if I said I think you shouldn't be an enthusiast because you are picking a weighted-down GT Z rather than the lighter base model or more sporty Track model? Everyone has their cross to carry. Some folks find it more important to put $5k in their child's college fund. Others may rather use that $5k to mod their vehicle.
Right there is a heck of an idea. If you really want to cross-shop the 2, you should be considering a GT Z with a twin-turbo mod. That would bring the prices right in line with each other. (although i'd still argue one is a luxury car and the other is not, at least you'd cure the price argument)
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
That he/she can understand what you just posted is highly unlikely.
You have more patience than I.
I'm down to the G35 coupe & 3-series BMW for my next vehicle, but the longer I look & listen, the closer I get to the BMW.
What this all comes down to is that the new 335i is a much more impressive car even considering the slight price difference.
BTW- yes have drove both 350z and g35 and the Z is a better car IMO so I would not even consider an entry level infinti over the historical Z car.
alright, I'm done with you. I can't compare base models, but you can? (referring to the base 335)
and, yes, i changed my comparison because (and this would have been obvious to the most dense reader) you originally stated you were comparing RWD coupes, which would include all that I listed, then YOU changed to mention price, which I originally mentioned, but you dismissed as unimportant.
fine. whatever. you obviously have your own agenda and no amount of sane and logical reasoning can change that. As I've said, the mere fact that someone would pit the Z to the bimmer in their mind is REALLY good news for Nissan.
good luck to you.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I never changed the price, look back at the posts.
It is your own unappreciative outlook of Nissan that makes it inferior to BMW in such a way to be overjoyed at a comparo of a 335i and well equipped Z.
A better kick in the pants for Nissan fans would be the many Z to M3 comparos, but since the dropping of the new 335i with a much more competitive price, this comparo is only natural.
Read over the posts and look at how much you change stance on this subject.
OH... don't forget your "done" with me
Disadvantages: Strictly a two-seater where some rivals offer four, and boot space is compromised by suspension strut.
Verdict: Works brilliantly as coupe or convertible.
Information from: http://www.car-catalog.com/sports_cars/nissan_350z.htm
What do you think about this car? Please comment!