The price isn't horrible, considering its a loaded Z. I think I paid around 22K for my Touring Sport this past January. That was a pretty great deal for a Z like that in my area (winter special
).
As far as commuting, I'm not sure I would buy a Z if a had to drive that many miles per day. People that buy/own Z's typically aren't looking for a commuter friendly car. As you know, the car also requires premium..which adds more to the fuel expense. I drove 200 miles just yesterday, nonstop. I drove like an old lady and kept the rpms below 3000, as I was curious to the best possible mileage. I calculated it out to be about 25.8 mpgs. Now that's all highway, and driving as easy as possible. That's decent mpg for a sports car with that kind of power but just know you can forget about gas mileage. Like I always tell people, when I'm in town driving, I'm driving a pickup.
Winter commute=absolutely no. My Z is stored for the winter. Instead of wasting money on snow tires and having to put the car through winter roads why not just buy a beater? I do this and it actually saves me on insurance because the Z isn't considered to be my primary (commuter) car.
Nearly everything will be more expensive than your typical car. Gas, insurance, tires as you mentioned (my rears are about $300 a piece), repairs.
Having said all that, the Z really is an excellent car. Just know what you're getting into. They are very reliable vehicles, especially the motors. I had a 350z before upgrading to my 370z. Once you get a feel for a Z, it is very difficult to switch to a different car. You have been warned.
