Opinions on the Nissan 350z

  • Thread starter Thread starter kensei
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Ya, lol, thats the one thing I forgot, and actually it wasn't from a magazine, it was from RX8club.com.
 
Yeah - the 350Z is definitely better than an RX-8. An RX-8 would get spanked on a track against a 350Z.
 
kensei, ever considered a EVO VIII or STI? They're both available at that price range. Both are fast and would kill anything in the snow. :) One other thing...I like the sound of the RX-8 rotary. There's a RX-8 around Melbourne that has a bodykit, twin catback exhaust and Buddy Club wheels. It looks amazing and the 3 inch double exhaust combined with the rotary engine makes for one awesome note.
 
You should definitely check out the RX-8 before you decide. I test drove one and the handling, steering feel, and interior ergonomics and design are all wonderful, not to mention the buttery smooth engine feel that only a rotary can provide. It is low on torque obviously, top end acceleration is pretty good though.

The RX-8 is not selling as well as hoped, so there are good deals to be found if you shop around. I looked at some 350Z's and sat in one and didn't really want to drive it, as I'm 5'7" and the window sills were too high, and all around visibility was very poor for me. This may not be an issue if you are taller, however. I though the interior was chintzy next to the RX-8 as well.

I think the 350Z is selling better because it impresses you on the test drive with it's great low end torque, and that's what most people who are looking for a car with a sporty image want. (Not necessarily driving enthusiasts) The RX-8 is a car that you would grow to love over time, after carving corners around town, as well as the more functional 4-seat configuration and better rear visibility. I keep an eye on car lots around here as I pass several on my commute and I have seen at least a dozen 350Z's used already with very low miles (Usually under 10,000), and have seen only one RX-8 in that same time and it was gone in just a few days and the 350Z's sit around forever, so I am suspecting some of my assumptions about daily drivability are somewhat correct.

Take what I said in perspective as I am a bit biased towards Mazda, and towards handling over power. (Naturally since I've owned 3 Miatas already:lol: ) No harm in taking another test drive while shopping however. Your opinion may be the opposite of mine and the RX-8 may be crap to you.:)
 
CFM
I keep an eye on car lots around here as I pass several on my commute and I have seen at least a dozen 350Z's used already with very low miles (Usually under 10,000), and have seen only one RX-8 in that same time and it was gone in just a few days and the 350Z's sit around forever, so I am suspecting some of my assumptions about daily drivability are somewhat correct.
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Maybe that has to do with the 350Z out-selling the RX-8?

I don't hate the RX-8 at all. I actually like it, but let's just say for 26 grand I wouldn't get it. I saw a black RX-8 with a OEM spoiler, it actually looks pretty good. Ha-ha.
 
Akina Racer
kensei, ever considered a EVO VIII or STI? They're both available at that price range. Both are fast and would kill anything in the snow. :) One other thing...I like the sound of the RX-8 rotary. There's a RX-8 around Melbourne that has a bodykit, twin catback exhaust and Buddy Club wheels. It looks amazing and the 3 inch double exhaust combined with the rotary engine makes for one awesome note.
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Maybe because those cars are stiff and loud.....
 
rollazn
Maybe that has to do with the 350Z out-selling the RX-8?

I don't hate the RX-8 at all. I actually like it, but let's just say for 26 grand I wouldn't get it. I saw a black RX-8 with a OEM spoiler, it actually looks pretty good. Ha-ha.
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I don't hate the 350Z, either. In fact, I prefer the exterior syling of the Nissan, it's a very sharp car.👍 And my winter car is a 1988 Nissan 300ZX Turbo, so I don't have anything against Nissan in particular either. Both cars are very different approaches to sports cars, and are both very interesting to me. The Rx-8 hits closer to the mark for what I look for.

If I could afford it, I would get an S2000 over either of them however.:dopey:
 
Div is back
I'm 6 feet 1 inch and I had a HARD time getting into a Rx-8.

My knees were up on the dashboard.
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Maybe you should've adjusted the seat - I found the front seat average and the rear exceptional, and I'm 6'0".

CFM
I though the interior was chintzy next to the RX-8 as well.
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Which is okay if you can live with it - it's got a great price, great standard features, and a great engine. I don't need a super-nice interior if it's simply going to add cost. I'd rather spend the extra money on a radar detector. :D
 
I don't own one, but I went for a through test drive when it debuted. It is a very good car that does a lot of things well. It reminds me of a BMW E36 M3 in many ways, and shares many of that car's handling qualities but with more low end grunt from the VQ instead of the S52's peakiness. No doubt you will enjoy it very much.

When I was researching the car I noticed some owners complaining about extreme tire wear on the rear set. They were going through the OE Bridgestones in <5000 miles in some cases. Nissan replaced them gratis, but owners were concerned there was a suspension geometry problem with the car that caused this and unless resolved, they would be counting on Nissan's goodwill replacements indefinately. I understand later cars were not affected by this, so before you buy one, I strongly recommend you look into this at a 350Z site, like my350z.com or similar. At the very least, find out which build dates were possibly affected with this problem.

I also ditto CFM's remarks on the RX-8. Another superb car.


M
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm thinking I should give the RX8 another look. I like Mazdas, it is just the RX8 and 7 do little for me. What do you Mazda guys think about the Mazda3 5-door? I like the looks of the car and it has everything I could want. it might not be as performance related as the 350z or Rx8...but anyone got opinions?
 
kensei
What do you Mazda guys think about the Mazda3 5-door? I like the looks of the car and it has everything I could want. it might not be as performance related as the 350z or Rx8...but anyone got opinions?
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It's crap - decent car but options prices are a tangled web of woes the likes of which no one can begin to decode. The Mazda 6, 3, and Cadillac SRX and STS are like this - unless you want to be forced into buying options you don't want, you can do better.

I used to proudly recommend two cars over the 3 5-door, but with the elimination of the SVT Focus I'm down to just recommending the Mini Cooper S - though I'd also rather have a nice GTI than a 3 5-door as well.
 
M5Power
though I'd also rather have a nice GTI than a 3 5-door as well.
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I'd avoid the GTI. Great daily driver (it's a bit bloated to be a real good performance car at say, an autocross), but the service VW gives is an absolute nightmare. My former driving instructor is probably never going to buy another VW again (certainly not in the near future), because the prices for general vehicle maintenence are obscene, and the service there is just plain crap. And don't think you might get lucky and avoid the dealerships if your car doesn't need service. VWs are almost at the bottom of the reliability scale (If my memory serves me correctly, only Kia, Daewoo, and Range Rover scored worse ratings in Canada).
 
kensei
Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm thinking I should give the RX8 another look. I like Mazdas, it is just the RX8 and 7 do little for me. What do you Mazda guys think about the Mazda3 5-door? I like the looks of the car and it has everything I could want. it might not be as performance related as the 350z or Rx8...but anyone got opinions?
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Aren't they supposed to be really affordable. I think they offered H.I.D., navigation, leather interior included for around or just over $20,000? If the test drive is good, I'd strongly consider it.

P.S. If you can get a good deal on an RX-8, I'd get that!
 
Ev0
I'd avoid the GTI. Great daily driver (it's a bit bloated to be a real good performance car at say, an autocross), but the service VW gives is an absolute nightmare. My former driving instructor is probably never going to buy another VW again (certainly not in the near future), because the prices for general vehicle maintenence are obscene, and the service there is just plain crap. And don't think you might get lucky and avoid the dealerships if your car doesn't need service. VWs are almost at the bottom of the reliability scale (If my memory serves me correctly, only Kia, Daewoo, and Range Rover scored worse ratings in Canada).
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Meh.

:D

It's a fair point, I guess - I've known people who have been both satisfied and dissatisfied with Volkswagen reliability and service. I have a friend who had a mid-80s Fox and just replaced it with a New Beetle whose husband drives a 98-01 Passat, and one of my brothers' girlfriends' parents has an 00 Passat bought new and recently an 02 Jetta bought used. I personally find no appealing products from Volkswagen but I'd definitely get a GTI over a 3 5-door.
 
Ok, let me pose this question.

Say I have 25k USD, 30k USD tops...

I have little "performance" driving skill, though I consider myself a very good daily driver. Never driven on a track....

I want to get more serious about driving, do track days, enroll in a driving school, etc etc.

I need a car to be a daily driver and a track car. I don't care about leather seats and power windows, actually would prefer all that crap gone.

I love Porsches and RUFs, Audis...and more recently Nissans. I don't like american cars, well don't want one. I've test driven a 350z, Scood WRX (not STI), Mini S and VW turbo beetle. The 350z was by far my favorite...by far.

I'm 30, married, no kids....

What would you recommend? New or used?
 
I'd vote for RX-8, but if you really liked the 350Z, you should go with that.

My advice would be to test drive your choice of cars througly, then choose.
 
kensei
Say I have 25k USD, 30k USD tops...

I want to get more serious about driving, do track days, enroll in a driving school, etc etc.

I need a car to be a daily driver and a track car. I don't care about leather seats and power windows, actually would prefer all that crap gone.

What would you recommend? New or used?
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If you're serious about not needing leather, power windows, etc., then I'd go used and get a legit car. For $25-$30 you can do damn well as far as performance is concerned with a used car. Consider:

- early Acura NSX
- 97-01 (exc. 99) Acura Integra Type-R
- 03 Acura CL Type-S 6-speed
- 87-88 BMW M6
- 88-91 BMW M3
- 88 BMW M5
- 91-93 BMW M5
- 93 Cadillac Allante
- 01 Ford Mustang Bullitt
- 91 GMC Syclone
- 92-93 GMC Typhoon
- 93-95 Mazda RX-7
- 95-97 Mercedes C36 AMG
- 94-99 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
- 90-96 Nissan 300ZX Turbo
- ?-95 Porsche 968
- 93-95 Porsche 928 GTS (not sure on the price of these things)
- 93-97 Saab 9000 Aero
- 91-95 Toyota MR2 Turbo
- 93-96 Toyota Supra Turbo

You can't really beat many of those for performance-for-dollar on the new scene - unless maybe you get a Vue V6 - and most of those vehicles lend themselves well to modification. I wouldn't recommend the very first vehicle on that list, but I tell people that if you're completely taken by an NSX, go for it - you only live once.
 
I support your original decision and I would go with the Z. I really like them despite other's opinions. I also LIKED the RX-8. I was very impressed by it in it's early days but it lacks appeal now. For the most part, I don't like the direction car manufacturers are taking with they're so called sports cars, but I think Nissan hit the nail right on the head. I actually hope to own one someday. I personally wouldn't consider an RX-8 at all.
 
I really suggest the Subaru WRX STi and the Mitsubishi Evolution if you want new. These two cars are both around the 30K mark, but they are the quickest thing you can get NEW from the dealership for $ 30,000. My cousin has a Subaru WRX STi, and he loves it. His brother has a Nissan 350Z and he loves his Z. I will tell you this, the one with the Z is not impressed by the STi that much. Although he likes the car, I think he will still rather take his Nissan 350Z.

You claimed that you wouldn't get an American car, so I guess the Dodge Neon SRT-4 is out of the question? For a car around the 20,000 dollars mark, it can really give the Z a run for its money expectually on high-way rolls (Not saying racing on highway is a good idea!).

If you want a track car, it seems like the STi and Evolution are your best bet. They also come with standard equipment like radio now. The 350Z is not a bad track car what-so-ever, but it is a two seater. If you plan on having kids soon.... The 4 door rally breed cars will be better. :) If you want to go for the sophisicated look, get the G35 Sedan/Coupe. Not only does it has luxuries options and standard feature but it also is a great track car. Just like the Nissan 350Z but with more luxuries options. I believe the newest 05 G35 comes with 298hp.
 
kensei
Ok, let me pose this question.

Say I have 25k USD, 30k USD tops...

I have little "performance" driving skill, though I consider myself a very good daily driver. Never driven on a track....

I want to get more serious about driving, do track days, enroll in a driving school, etc etc.

I need a car to be a daily driver and a track car. I don't care about leather seats and power windows, actually would prefer all that crap gone.

I love Porsches and RUFs, Audis...and more recently Nissans. I don't like american cars, well don't want one. I've test driven a 350z, Scood WRX (not STI), Mini S and VW turbo beetle. The 350z was by far my favorite...by far.

I'm 30, married, no kids....

What would you recommend? New or used?
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Sounds to me like you want an Evo VIII. Look around and you might find a good used one for 25k, though I'd be careful when you shop... there's bound to be a few out there ridden hard. Alternatively, you can probably pick up a nice WRX for the same price, probably with some mods already installed.

IMO, the key in choosing a good daily driver/track car is aftermarket and community support. Most performance cars have weak areas when tracked. Either brakes, cooling system, stock suspension or something else. As you upgrade key components to cope with tracking, you want a good selection of quality parts, not to mention an enthusiast group that's been there done that in every venue and application.

It's nice to realize your new street car has a serious understeer problem when tracked/autocrossed, do a few searches and have 5 or 6 options to cure the problem ranging from a hundred bucks to several thousand.

That said, you'll want to pick a car that will grow with you, so that as you evolve and grow as a driver, the car will accomodate your needs. Look at these cars:

Porsche 944/968
Porsche Boxster (986)
Mazda Miata (any year)
BMW M3 (E36 '95-99)
Audi S4 (B5 '99-01)
Honda S2000
Chevrolet Corvette (C5 '97-04)
..and the already mentioned Evo and WRX.

All these cars have a large and active enthusiast community. The aftermarkets on them are mature and have good, well developed products for reasonable prices. You'll have no problems finding a good car at a good price and you'll have no problems getting advice from old pros.

If you decide on an M3, PM me and I'd be happy to share what I know. ;)

That said.... if you LOVE the Z... then get one :)


M
 
Personally I think the 350Z is a pig of a car. ///M-Spec's list is a pretty good, except that some of those cars can be difficult to come by in the same price range as the 350Z. I of course am a huge S2000 advocate.
 
LoudMusic
Personally I think the 350Z is a pig of a car. ///M-Spec's list is a pretty good, except that some of those cars can be difficult to come by in the same price range as the 350Z. I of course am a huge S2000 advocate.
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There should be no problems finding a car on my list for 25k or under. In the case of the Miata and 944, it's a no brainer to buy them all day long for 10k or under.

Early C5s, Boxsters and E36 M3s can be had for well under 20k. 25k will buy you a very nice example of any. True, no one will sell you an '04 C5 for 25k, but look back a few years and they become very, very good deals.

S4s, S2000s should be buyable for ~25k easy.

Only trick is finding a good Evo for same money, but it should be do-able.


M
 
I personally like the Nissan 350Z a lot. I have seen them in real life and had the oportunity to drive them but I just didnt. I think the body style and the way they sound is great. I cant give feedback on the performance because like I said, I havent driven them besides in games. The Fairlady Z was one of my favorite cars in GT4P. 👍
To answer your question about the winter driving. Like you said get yourself some really good winter tires. More than likely the car will have traction control and obviously anti-lock brakes. You will be fine since most of the time in the winter the roads are dry after they are cleaned off. I remember a couple times driving my Camaro in the winter. Obviously the roads were clear. :lol:
 
I'm dead serious about power nothing and leather nothing, I loath that crap, especially leather. I want a solid car that eventually can be tuned. I will roll down my own windows thank you very much! Forget about cruise control and heated seats too. I've been looking at option packages for msot of the cars I like and they are all leather this, heated seats that, power this...no thanks

I'd rather buy a base model and add options on my own via a 3rd party. I like the Nissan because of the nismo parts, same with the WRX and STI.

I've consider an older porsche, 911 or even a FR one. Are they really worth the $$$? I mean isn't getting them fixed if anythign happens expensive? I want a car that woun't cost me an arm and a leg to own.

Any thoughts on a Mini S as a track car?
 
I've driven 3 Mini's on an auto-x course, and I like them a lot. They handle very well and are pretty nice. Although, I'd take a Z any day. No questions asked.
 

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