Quote:
Originally Posted by Pharmacist
Minor update: I informed my insurance company of the accident on wednesday morning. They told me they'll send the adjuster to look at the car within 24-48 hours. It's been over 80 hours and i haven't heard from them yet 
Meanwhile I'm cruising around pimpin in a rental sonata 
If my insurance decides to total the car, I'm weighing 3 options:
1) Get another Z. Possibly a used nismo from the US. Part of me feels I lost the Z prematurely and i haven't explored all aspects of the car yet. On the other hand, part of me feels after a bit over 2 years and 45000 km of driving, maybe it's time to move on to something else.
2) Upgrade to something else. That is my toughest decision. The problem is that the Z is such a damn good bang for the buck that any upgrade will cost some serious $$$. Options include used E92 M3, post-2009 Cayman S, R35 GTR, 997 porsche 911. But the thing is, even on the used car market, these cars will still cost me a lot of $$$ on top of the money I'll get from the insurance so I'm not sure if I wanna make that kind of financial commitment for a car. And realistically, a Z with a bit of aftermarket upgrades will spank all these cars on the track except the GTR. So minus the bling and "prestige" factor, I'm not gaining much by this "upgrade" (except if I get a GTR).
Another possibility is staying within the same price and performance point as the Z and getting an EVO or STI. I'd gain more practicality (4 dr, trunk, awd for snowy days, etc). Of course I'd have to put up with crappy economy car interior, boy racer image, and (possibly) reduced reliability.
3) Downgrade to something else. Either buy a basic economic car, e.g. vw golf diesel manual gearbox. Save up money. And in 1.5-2 yrs buy a proper supercar, such as a 2013 GTR or 911 GT3 RS or even an R8 or 911 Turbo.
Or, downgrade to a cheaper used sports car and use the savings to mod it into a track beast. Options include used 350z, s2000, or NSX. The thing is, even used, the NSX and S2000 are still as overpriced as usual. In fact, they aren't significantly cheaper than a used 370z and some of them are more expensive!!!! So that really leaves a cheap used 350z to which I can add twin turbos, coil overs, sway bars, big brake kit, big tires, etc.
What do you guys suggest? |
hmmm, decision decisions... Well, here's my two cents:
1. If you go with a used "cheap" sports car ala 350z etc and build it up to be a track car, it will be loads of fun, but also i can guarantee you that it will end up costing you more $$ than you originally budget for possibly bringing your total expenditure up to that of getting a lightly used 370z. Also, by that point it won't be a daily drivable car anymore either and then you'll need to buy a beater.
2. An STi wouldn't be a bad move if you can live with the wing and the bland interior. Cheaper than the Z to mod and practical and all weather capable to boot. Not a bad way to go.
3. A used nismo (or regular 370z) would of course be a good option if you still love the 370z and want to get back into one. Nothing wrong with that, we're a Z family here too and my wife and I will never not have a Z of some sort taking up a spot in the garage regardless of whatever else is there.
4. Used bimmers are risky imo, if it's pre owned certified etc, then not so much but I would do nothing to risk voiding that warrantee and I'd NEVER own a german car outside of warrantee period (I've owned german cars before). Porsche maintainance costs, new or used, will be higher than Z as well. Obviously so will GTR maintenance costs so factor that in as well if you get a used one.
5. Buy and drive a beater for 24-36 months and then buy a brand new '14 GTR, 911 GT3rs etc. If you have the paitence and and self discipline to squirril away all the $$ you're saving by driving a pos for a while, then this is probably the best choice if you REALLY REALLY want to step up to the next level car wise at some point. All the other choices put you in a position where you won't be able to save as much since your car will cost roughly the same as the Z you just got totalled.
So, cliffs: I'd go with 2,3 or 5 I mentioned above.
