My long journey to the 370Z NISMO

torpedo2k

I have had the car eleven days now and have no regrets. It took me four years to pull the trigger on a sports car. I consider myself a realist and very practical. It was never a cost issue. I had to overcome my own "practicality" to make the purchase -negatives being - fuel economy, insurance, comfort, etc. I really didn’t “need” a sports car. I “wanted” a sports car.
My list of cars was short:
-Mazda RX8
-Porsche Cayman S
-Nissan Z
I loved driving the RX8 and the Cayman. At the beginning of my quest I drove the 350Z. I liked it but it didn’t push any of my buttons. For some strange reason I really liked the RX8. I think my practical side was creeping in to my subconscious ... four doors… back seats… trunk space… (Yes, stupid I know but it’s my subconscious)
So 2011 arrives. We had no real plans for New Year’s Day. We live about forty five minutes from Hilton Head, SC. My wife goes there to shop about once every couple of months. I sometimes tag along because there is a great Mexican restaurant along the way in Beaufort. Also along the way is also an Auto Mall. How’s this for irony – the first three dealerships are, in order, Nissan, Porsche and Mazda. I had frequented all three. Porsche thought I was a groupie, Mazda a stalker. I always just cruised through the Nissan lot. But I digress…
New Years day. We head to Hilton Head. A little shopping, BBQ and head home. Passing through Beaufort, I swung in to the Auto Mall. Mazda first. Nothing interesting on the lot. Porsche, the same. Nissan- wait a minute- that 370 is nice. So I parked. It was different. I hadn’t been following the Zs because I had focused on the RX8s. I hadn’t seen the NISMO. Something clicked. I fell in love with the appearance. 2010 platinum graphite. Wow, I had to drive this one. I had no plans to drive a car that day, much less purchase one. The dealer checked my license and handed me the key. I won’t get all cheesy here and say that I had an automobile epiphany. I was hooked. It was solid, handled well, comfortable. Fit and finish seemed much better than the previous Z I had driven. This would be my car. I made an offer, they countered. I pretended to try and leave and they counter offered (I actually enjoy buying cars. I know, I have issues). I was very happy with the deal.

Practicality be damned. It is definitely what I needed.

See you all around.

ChrisSlicks

Congrats man! None of us buy the Z because it is practical, we buy it because we like it. Enjoy!

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chops

i agree haha. ive helped numerous friends purchase cars, as well as a few of my own, and its always a fun experience for me. the look of desperation on some of the salesman's face is always priceless when you just walk away from an offer because he wont go down a few hundred. if you dont get chased while walking back to your car, you almost always get a phone call as you're drive off. always a fun game

anywho...congrats on the nismo. i originally wanted the platinum graphite color, but "settled" because the only plat graph was almost a 150 mile round trip to get it!

I want a Z

You sound like my identical twin - I have been shopping 2+ years with all the same hesitations you have.

ScGRaceR

you made the right choice nice car dude!

__________________
2010 PW Nismo: GT-R Start / Stop | Kenwood Navi / DVD | Escort X50 | F.I 18' CF | F.I Resonated Test Pipes | PasswordJDM | Post MAF Tubes | K&N Drop In's 297 RWHP 9/25/11
WTB SPARE RIM TIRE. PM ME

c41006

Congrats! I had the same feelings when I was thinking about buying mine and I eventually realized that life is too short to be driving a honda accord

Nismoracer

This one was different..... Had to have it....... Now you know..... Enjoy your Nismo!

vividracing

you made a great choice! love the nismo! congrats and welcome!

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SPOHN

Sweet ride. It is killing me not to be able drive mine with this weather here.

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c41006

I hear ya I just made it out of my driveway for the first time since sunday

Waiz

Nice Z!!

Front looks a little tall, you may want to check this out:

Nismo Z Suspension: All Nismo 370Z Owners Check Here FIRST!

Joka4411

Nice choice!!!

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2010 40th Anniversary Z Owner

ludeakris7

I'm on year 2 now with my finger on the trigger...8 months to go! Like you I am a dealership stalker and when I see a NISMO pop up at my local dealer I need to go to a NISMO-ANON class. Not one day goes by that I dream about the day I drive my NISMO off the lot. Congrats!
Sincerely,
Jealous

torpedo2k

Yup, found that day one:
http://subroc.net/NISMO/IMG_5504.JPG

Thanks

antfd3s

First off congrads on getting a Nismo.A great choice considering theres no other car like it. I feel your whole situation about your sub conscious with the RX8. They made the Rx8 into a family sports car. If your ever had the honor in driving a FD the model B4 the Rx8, it was a huge let down. Especially after having Rotary running threw my veins for 3 gennys? I actually bought a 350 over the Rx8.

Just curious, since your interests and mine are semi similar. Both having the same car and also our passion for the Rotary. If the Mazda dealership still offered a Rx-7/RX8 TT would you still have purchased a Nismo/370?