Car Decisions

[flowsanity]

I dont actually have a 370z yet, but im planning on getting one. Do you guys think that a 370z is too much power for a 16 yr old because at first i fell in love with the 350z but as time went on i started liking the 370z. than i thought a g35 would be a better option for me, But when i told my parents that i was gonna get a g35. They told me that they dont want me getting an old car. They rather have me buy a new car. (my Parents told me they would help pay half of the car im gonna get because i help work at our restraunt)

[NickBaragona]

You could also consider the G37.

[Minsu]

or the frs/brz. or even something cheaper and more practical like a mustang.

[XiP]

get something more practical like an altima or something

[fonzo179]

Yeah, the Z is a serious cousumer/enthusiast car. Get it only if your heart is ABSOLUTELY set on it.

As much as I don't like when people say it, the 370Z is starting to age. However the upgrades made to that big-body Maxima and the well-reviewed Altima would give you a more practical car when it comes to inner city travel, taking your friend(s) and family places, carrying luggage/cargo, carpooling, etc.

My first car was the 2007 Mitsubishi Galant, and man I used to put half my life in that dang thing. I miss the cabin space and gas mileage.

[Chuck33079]

A 330hp rwd car is way too much for a teenage driver. No matter how responsible you may be, you simply do not have the experience level required. A new car for a 16 year old is retarded. Even if you are the best, most responsible teenage driver in the world, you're going to park it in a high school parking lot and collect dents and scrapes. Remember, you'll be surrounded by 16 year old drivers. Get something cheap to operate and maintain. The Z/G isn't. Maybe it's ok for now while you're living at home and the parents are contributing, but at some point you need to wean yourself off the parental tit and a $35-40k car that eats tires and gets crap gas mileage isn't the way to do that.

If it's got to be a new car for some reason, the FRS/BRZ isn't a bad choice. Get used to the dynamics of a rwd car before you get one that has a lot of power. Whatever you buy, don't void the warranty with mods. The warranty will be your friend when you're in college and have little income. Take a look at insurance costs too. I don't even want to know what a Z would cost for a 16 year old.

[Minsu]

let me chime in on insurance does 8k a year sound like a joke.
shiet not to me it dont

[Minsu]

and your in colorado? arent winters there pretty bad i mean its bad in NJ is why im asking

[Chuck33079]

Originally Posted by Minsu

let me chime in on insurance does 8k a year sound like a joke.
shiet not to me it dont

You can't compare insurance rates across the country like that. It'll be bad, but NJ will pay higher premiums across the board than CO. Good point on the winters. Since I live in TX, I never even consider snow. OP, you want a Subaru 2.5i hatch.

[Minsu]

i mean im 22 and hes 16, 6 years is no joke! hes gonna be looking at numbers he has never seen before on insurance if he isnt one of the lucky ones

[Brutal 370Z]

OP - First and foremost, I had a 350Z when I was 16 so I speak from experience.

I didn't find that there was an issue with the car being too powerful at that age. Its actually not the greatest feat in the world to get used to 300+ HP so don't worry about it being too much power to handle.

Some of the concerns that I would have for you are as follows:

- insurance: if the car is registered under your name, this will be an issue. My 350 was under my dad's name so I didn't feel this. Also, you need to determine how much your parents are going to help you out on this because at 16, I'm sure you have other priorities to spend your money on other than car insurance.

- winter: I've been driving a rear wheel drive sports car in the winter for 7 years now, and although I'm used to it, it still isn't a joke. Just like Colorado, we get a lot of snow here in Toronto, and there are some days that I don't even take my car out and just cab or borrow a parents' car instead. So be prepared for that.

- Other 16 year olds at your school: WILL BE JEALOUS. I had anything from dirty looks and comments to full fountain pop cups being thrown at my car. So be prepared for that as well.

Some of the pros:

- chicks: enough said
- 2 seats: no way to cart around all your friends that don't drive and/or don't have cars
- responsibility: from my personal experience, my parents continually explained that having a car like that at an early age was a privilege. Some of the contingencies were getting no tickets, getting straight A's, and generally being a good kid. I think it helped me become more responsible.

[1st]

You must first learn to crawl before you walk young grasshopper.

[enkei2k]

If you want high powered fun, look into an Evo or STi. Slightly more expensive, or even a WRX which is slightly less expensive.

Way more practical.

Sedan/Hatch (WRX) so you can fit your friends/junk/parents/etc.

AWD for added safety during the winters

Turbo for when you feel the itch to go fast.

[rAiN]

power doesn't mean anything when you have control over your emotions on the road.

[Chuck33079]

Originally Posted by enkei2k

If you want high powered fun, look into an Evo or STi. Slightly more expensive, or even a WRX which is slightly less expensive.

Way more practical.

Sedan/Hatch (WRX) so you can fit your friends/junk/parents/etc.

AWD for added safety during the winters

Turbo for when you feel the itch to go fast.

That's still way too much car for a 16 year old. "High powered fun" and "16 year old driver with his first car" should not be in the same sentence.