yet another Z totaled (never thought I'd say it)

sfearl1 · 12-03-2011, 10:51 AM

I was in a similar boat last february. My 350Z was totaled after an accident on the hwy involving an eighteen wheeler and bad weather. You can take a closer look here if you want...

The saddest day of my life. Z totaled

- MY350Z.COM Forums

Long story short, I chose to move to a 2011 Evo X. I figured it was a forward movement in performance from a Z, with the bling factor of a brand new car, that also provided utility to drive year round. It was a blast to drive - stage 2 mods/tune, a few aesthetic mods, and it was pretty damn quick. After 7-8 months of "buzzing" around in it though, I had grown tired of the teenagers trying to race me, the cheap plastic interior, the lack of a 6th gear for highway driving, and the overall boy racer image you mentioned earlier - it just wasn't me. I decided about a month ago to come back to what I was used to - the Z car. I couldn't be happier with my decision. The Z just fits me better. Funny thing is, I was doubting the 350Z prior to the accident - whether or not I wanted to keep it or move on to something else. This last year proved to me the grass isn't always greener. For the price, the Z is the car to get (if you don't like Mustangs). If you're anything like me (a "Z guy"), I'd say get back into one asap. You'll be happier in the long run. My vote is the Nismo.

Thechidz · 12-03-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfearl1

I was in a similar boat last february. My 350Z was totaled after an accident on the hwy involving an eighteen wheeler and bad weather. You can take a closer look here if you want...

The saddest day of my life. Z totaled

- MY350Z.COM Forums

Long story short, I chose to move to a 2011 Evo X. I figured it was a forward movement in performance from a Z, with the bling factor of a brand new car, that also provided utility to drive year round. It was a blast to drive - stage 2 mods/tune, a few aesthetic mods, and it was pretty damn quick. After 7-8 months of "buzzing" around in it though, I had grown tired of the teenagers trying to race me, the cheap plastic interior, the lack of a 6th gear for highway driving, and the overall boy racer image you mentioned earlier - it just wasn't me. I decided about a month ago to come back to what I was used to - the Z car. I couldn't be happier with my decision. The Z just fits me better. Funny thing is, I was doubting the 350Z prior to the accident - whether or not I wanted to keep it or move on to something else. This last year proved to me the grass isn't always greener. For the price, the Z is the car to get (if you don't like Mustangs). If you're anything like me (a "Z guy"), I'd say get back into one asap. You'll be happier in the long run. My vote is the Nismo.

Read your thread, sorry bout the z man. I once was hit by an eighhteen wheeler, junk car luckily. Its no fun

Thechidz · 12-03-2011, 11:39 AM

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.

( Click to show/hide )

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?

Im still

as to why YOUR insurance is footing the bill??? What happened to the guy that hit you? Hit and run?

If money is on your mind get a used 350z i just dont think youll be happy in a boy racer. If your doing ok financially get ur a$$ back in a 370z man!

Pharmacist · 12-03-2011, 11:52 AM

we have no fault insurance in ontario. regardless of what happened in the accident, everyone goes to their own insurance for repairs. it's a bit different from the tort system you americans are used to.

Pharmacist · 12-03-2011, 11:57 AM

sfearl1, damn, that was a horrific experience. mine wasn't even close to that. you just got a new lease on life in that accident. count your blessings

sfearl1 · 12-03-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

sfearl1, damn, that was a horrific experience. mine wasn't even close to that. you just got a new lease on life in that accident. count your blessings

I 110% agree. Scary stuff.

hide187 · 12-03-2011, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

we have no fault insurance in ontario. regardless of what happened in the accident, everyone goes to their own insurance for repairs. it's a bit different from the tort system you americans are used to.

Glad you're ok Pharm. Way down here in Florida its also no-fault.

Nixlimited · 12-03-2011, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

we have no fault insurance in ontario. regardless of what happened in the accident, everyone goes to their own insurance for repairs. it's a bit different from the tort system you americans are used to.

Actually, it's a state by state thing and many are no-fault these days. It's simpler, but it kinda sucks because your insurance can end up hosing you for something that wasn't your fault.

FL 4Motion · 12-04-2011, 01:39 AM

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.

( Click to show/hide )

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.

ZeeingAround · 12-04-2011, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

we have no fault insurance in ontario. regardless of what happened in the accident, everyone goes to their own insurance for repairs. it's a bit different from the tort system you americans are used to.

obvoiusly you have never been to Michigan in the US. no fault with no cap on payout. hopefully things change.

Thechidz · 12-04-2011, 11:33 AM

interesting... I just found this No-fault insurance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

turns out my state (NY) has no fault for most injury termed qualitative threshold.

I have considered moving to PA, which is only 15 miles from where I currently live (tri-state NY/PA/NJ) for lower insurance and taxes. Interesting

gurneyeagle · 12-04-2011, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

sorry to see this. Glad you're ok.

Best of luck with your decision on replacing your car.

waaaasabi · 12-04-2011, 02:20 PM

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.

( Click to show/hide )

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?

What do you think about the upcoming GT-86/FR-S/BRZ?

Pharmacist · 12-04-2011, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waaaasabi

What do you think about the upcoming GT-86/FR-S/BRZ?

It's also a possibility. But this car would be a huge step down in performance from the 370z. It's targeted towards the miata and will have price and performance levels in the range of the miata. For the money I'm better off buying a used 350z, which is already a faster car, and with a bigger v6 engine has more mod potential.

RiCharlie · 12-05-2011, 09:36 AM

Ya! I would say your phrase "possibly totaled" is an understatement! But the important thing is that you are okay...still its a bummer..

12-03-2011, 11:52 AM	#64 (permalink)
Pharmacist A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 1,249 Drives: 09 370z Sport 6MT Rep Power: 18	we have no fault insurance in ontario. regardless of what happened in the accident, everyone goes to their own insurance for repairs. it's a bit different from the tort system you americans are used to. __________________ 2009 370z Sport Touring/Nismo shift Knob/Z1 motorsports 34 row oil cooler

12-03-2011, 11:57 AM	#65 (permalink)
Pharmacist A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 1,249 Drives: 09 370z Sport 6MT Rep Power: 18	sfearl1, damn, that was a horrific experience. mine wasn't even close to that. you just got a new lease on life in that accident. count your blessings __________________ 2009 370z Sport Touring/Nismo shift Knob/Z1 motorsports 34 row oil cooler

12-04-2011, 11:33 AM	#71 (permalink)
Thechidz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: NY Posts: 1,009 Drives: Nissan 370z Monti Bl Rep Power: 16	interesting... I just found this No-fault insurance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia turns out my state (NY) has no fault for most injury termed qualitative threshold. I have considered moving to PA, which is only 15 miles from where I currently live (tri-state NY/PA/NJ) for lower insurance and taxes. Interesting __________________ I <3 my car

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12-03-2011, 10:51 AM	#61 (permalink)
sfearl1 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: St. Louis Posts: 2,300 Drives: 2013 FBO E85 GTR Rep Power: 18	I was in a similar boat last february. My 350Z was totaled after an accident on the hwy involving an eighteen wheeler and bad weather. You can take a closer look here if you want... The saddest day of my life. Z totaled - MY350Z.COM Forums Long story short, I chose to move to a 2011 Evo X. I figured it was a forward movement in performance from a Z, with the bling factor of a brand new car, that also provided utility to drive year round. It was a blast to drive - stage 2 mods/tune, a few aesthetic mods, and it was pretty damn quick. After 7-8 months of "buzzing" around in it though, I had grown tired of the teenagers trying to race me, the cheap plastic interior, the lack of a 6th gear for highway driving, and the overall boy racer image you mentioned earlier - it just wasn't me. I decided about a month ago to come back to what I was used to - the Z car. I couldn't be happier with my decision. The Z just fits me better. Funny thing is, I was doubting the 350Z prior to the accident - whether or not I wanted to keep it or move on to something else. This last year proved to me the grass isn't always greener. For the price, the Z is the car to get (if you don't like Mustangs). If you're anything like me (a "Z guy"), I'd say get back into one asap. You'll be happier in the long run. My vote is the Nismo.

12-05-2011, 09:36 AM	#75 (permalink)
RiCharlie Track Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Johnston RI Posts: 857 Drives: 370 Touring Spt A/t Rep Power: 16	Ya! I would say your phrase "possibly totaled" is an understatement! But the important thing is that you are okay...still its a bummer..