Z impressions from a GTR owner

AK370Z · 06-01-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phimosis

The universal truth here is that cars are not an investment, they are a depreciating asset. On the used car market, you see (multiple) 2005 Lambo Gallardo's or 2006 911 turbo's for $90,000. The seller of the lambo is losing $90,000 in depreciation in 4 years. The Porsche sellers are losing $50,000 in 3 years, plus you're losing $1,000 a month to the bank on the interest for a loan that big. Then, Lambo owners are replacing the SMG clutch at like 15k miles at a cost of $7000. The total cost of 4 years of Lambo ownership (on a new car) is going to run you $120k-140k.

I strongly agree with the first sentence. I always tell my friends that line whenever they look at cars that they can't afford. Car is a depreciating asset. The second you walk out of the dealership, you lose thousands of dollars. You must do it right and don't over do it. You MUST keep your car payment LESS than 10% of your income. Without revealing ANY figure, I can tell you my car payment is about 7% of my total monthly income. I love cars and I will continue to buy them and enjoy driving them.

Okay, lets get the thread back on topic. Any plan for the 370Z Scott?

Musashi · 06-01-2009, 10:13 AM

You have to admit your Z has a much nicer headliner! :-)

Boston isn't too far from New Jersey I invite you to bring it to the Thunderbolt or lightning track in millville as a guest on a member day. PM if you're interested...

Robert_Nash · 06-01-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotts-GTR

One thing the Z has that they forgot on the GTR is AUTO LIGHTS!!! I have no idea how they forgot those.

I guess it's all personal preference...my M45 and my 370 both have auto-headlights and I never use them!

I suppose that's because I always drive with my headlights on and have for many years...I think the only time I wouldn't do so is if I had a car with "pop-up" headlights such as was on the C5 "Vetts and fourth generation Firebirds since I don't think I'd want those lights up all the time (plus they were liking putting up air brakes on a jet plane).

jakoye · 06-01-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Thank you for your review. I quite agree on your points. I really hoped that Z would be equipped with hill assist. It's one of my favorite features (currently offered by BMW and other auto company).

You currently have two of the best sports car in your stable. Enjoy the cars!

Sorry for the ignorance here, but what's "hill assist"?

jakoye · 06-01-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakoye

Sorry for the ignorance here, but what's "hill assist"?

Woops... nevermind. Just saw ChrisSlick's response later in the thread:

"Subaru pioneered the technology in MT form many years ago. Basically it holds the brakes for you until you start engaging the clutch."

KillerBee370 · 06-01-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phimosis

A lot of people in southern California live to the very maximum of what they can afford so they can be flashy, be players, meet hot girls, etc.

Well, the first part of that is certainly true for myself and my wife. Because I am married and could care less to be a "player" and all that boloney, I don't fit the bill on the second part whatsoever. But we do definitely live right up to the limits of our means!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phimosis

The universal truth here is that cars are not an investment, they are a depreciating asset.

This is true... that's why I am currently spending over 200K on my complete backyard remodel and not buying a Lambo or Ferrari. I guess if I had Oprah money, I would do both

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phimosis

If they didn't scrap the program, I would have spent $180,000 on a Lexus LF-A. I want one that badly.

I don't think they scrapped it. I could be wrong but last I read, it was on!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phimosis

The C6 Corvette (ZR1) and 997 Porsche (turbo or gt3) are coming to the end of their life cycle and make them less desireable.

You obviously haven't read the latest C&D or Automobile mags... the GT3 is brand new and better than ever (my secret favorite car

)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phimosis

The GTR is ugly and too heavy.

Sadly, I agree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phimosis

By buying a 370z, I get a car that is beautiful, light, great handling, has stylish interior and makes good economic sense. Even with mods on this car, I'll probably only lose $20,000 on it. And, if something new and hot comes to market that I just "have to have," like a Porsche 998 or C7 Corvette, I'm still in a financial position to do it, plus I end up having a lot more money in my bank account, which makes you feel "safer," especially when the economy is in the tank.

So don't neccesarily write everyone off as a fake or a braggart just because they say they can afford to buy an $80,000 car but choose not to. It's how their priorities are set up. Based on your comment, if you had the means, you would get an $80,000 car because that is your priority, but not everyone thinks that way.

-Phim

Agreed again. I guess if you were to add up all for of my vehicles (new) which consist of a Porsche Boxster, a Mitsubishi Outlander, a Jaguar XF and the 370Z, it would add up to a lot more than the cost of a GTR. But with 4 kids, a wife (who owns the Porsche & Jag), I just don't think one GTR would make much sense for us.

TX_370 · 06-01-2009, 03:38 PM

Awesome review.
Thanks!

Scotts-GTR · 06-01-2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerBee370

Sadly, I agree.

Honestly, I have 2000+ track miles on my GTR. Dealer or Nissan has never given me greif about the mods I have done (extensive). They encourage it even.

To address the weight, again I track the car, and I can tell you the only thing that bears the brunt is the brakes. Besides that, the GTR is a dream to own, and is blindingly fast. Its hard to make a comparison between the Z and the GTR in terms of thrust.

As to the looks... to each there own. I think the GT3 looks like a VW beetle with a big ricer wing on the back, and the ZR1 is gods gift to mullets...

NotmyGTR · 06-01-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTRFAN

Interesting. I pretty much agree with whats said, however, as others have said the R35 GTR is not really even comparable to the Z as it's miles in front in all areas....especially price.

I think the 370z is the first car to come along in a long time that is actually fun to drive.

If you want huge HP and 10 sec quarters, then get an older GTR and modify it. 10sec quarters are not very hard at all. The RB26DETT is one of the best base motors to tune...ever.

My mate Dave's old GTR - 608kW at the wheels
YouTube - Fangartists - Leewah's R33 GTR

BUT

If you want a new, fun, daily driver get a Z.

The statement about the RB26 is true fact. Ive owned 3 Skylines. The inline 6 twin turbo is bulletproof. Change injectors, swap stock turbines for some HKS 2530's, exhaust, and cpu tune and youve got a 10 second car.

Pricing and road laws are two things that limit most of us here in the U.S. I really enjoyed my 15 years in japan..............simpley because R's are not that expensive over there and most of your daytime police are out running wan-gan with you at night.

But not to be a hater, Im happy for the guy who started this thread comparing the two. My wife will tell you, Im an R fanatic, but I wouldnt own the new 35. Doesnt appeal to me in the least. Too many things that differ from the 32 and 33 that make me lose interest. I really wasnt a big fan of the 34 either, but I wouldnt turn one down thats for sure. I hope you treat her right bro. But, $1800 routine maintenance fees/paddle shifters(which I think belong soley to video games) and not being able to do my own work since its a rolling cpu have turned me away. Im a twin turbo kit away from having a 370 with 500hp to the ground that will be a blast to drive..........and I can even do my own maintenance.
The paddle shifting comment might cause some of you to be bitter.....sorry, dont mean to be an azz. Just dont like it. Im just hard headed I guess and wont change what I love as far as the spirit of driving.

ssqpolo · 06-01-2009, 04:51 PM

hey whats up man. nice ride. i too have both the Z and a GTR. picked the GTR up like 2 weeks ago and already put 700 miles on it. u already know it, but for those that dont, both cars are awesome! and i use both as daily drivers. as said before, the GTR is a beast and is blindingly fast. the Z is so much fun because its RWD (i love spinning tires) and its MANUAL! big thing. I dont mind that the GTR doesnt come in manual becuase i wouldnt be able to shift fast enough to keep up with that thing.
the reason i got the GTR over things like a ZR1 and porsche turbo and viper are...well theres alot.
im a big nissan fan, every **** with money buys a porsche (although they are great cars...my brother had one), i never like corvettes (and not a huge fan of the way american cars are in these times). plus, the GTR is new, fun, and cheap to mod.

anyway, congrats to a nice stable

antennahead · 06-01-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phimosis

The universal truth here is that cars are not an investment, they are a depreciating asset. On the used car market, you see (multiple) 2005 Lambo Gallardo's or 2006 911 turbo's for $90,000. The seller of the lambo is losing $90,000 in depreciation in 4 years. The Porsche sellers are losing $50,000 in 3 years, plus you're losing $1,000 a month to the bank on the interest for a loan that big. Then, Lambo owners are replacing the SMG clutch at like 15k miles at a cost of $7000. The total cost of 4 years of Lambo ownership (on a new car) is going to run you $120k-140k.

-Phim

Exactly! As someone with a degree in Economics and an MBA in business, 30+ years in the financial world, it is great to see a Medical Doctor with financial savvy, so you can throw that back at your "my friends all drive Porsches" crowd, and feel good about "not making amends"

If you have enough money to burn and realize you are buying the "toy" because it brings you great satisfaction, then by all means, but don't expect it to be anything other than a depreciating asset. The 370Z is one hell of a sports car for the price, and a wise move for someone who doesn't want to loose their shirt in 3 or 4 years if they trade or sell.

John

MutantChicken · 06-02-2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phimosis

Hi. I don't mean to be confrontational. I would just like add some insight, because I've probably lived through situations and seen things that you haven't. I totally disagree with your statement.

I'm a medical doctor, nearly 40 years old and well into the "fat" part of my career. I'm single and no kids or alimony to pay for. I can afford going into exotic territory, but I choose not to. A lot of people in southern California live to the very maximum of what they can afford so they can be flashy, be players, meet hot girls, etc. My friends drive Porsches and AMG Mercedes and tease me, saying "I bought a car that is a socioeconomic class below me." The same guys teased me about my last car, which was a Corvette, calling it my "redneck car".

The universal truth here is that cars are not an investment, they are a depreciating asset. On the used car market, you see (multiple) 2005 Lambo Gallardo's or 2006 911 turbo's for $90,000. The seller of the lambo is losing $90,000 in depreciation in 4 years. The Porsche sellers are losing $50,000 in 3 years, plus you're losing $1,000 a month to the bank on the interest for a loan that big. Then, Lambo owners are replacing the SMG clutch at like 15k miles at a cost of $7000. The total cost of 4 years of Lambo ownership (on a new car) is going to run you $120k-140k.

It will take a LOT of desire to get me to spend that much on a car. But desire is a weird thing. Like the girl that was so hot that you'd spend your entire pay check on her, just to keep her happy? If they didn't scrap the program, I would have spent $180,000 on a Lexus LF-A. I want one that badly. The C6 Corvette (ZR1) and 997 Porsche (turbo or gt3) are coming to the end of their life cycle and make them less desireable. The Maserati GT is not fast enough. The GTR is ugly and too heavy.

By buying a 370z, I get a car that is beautiful, light, great handling, has stylish interior and makes good economic sense. Even with mods on this car, I'll probably only lose $20,000 on it. And, if something new and hot comes to market that I just "have to have," like a Porsche 998 or C7 Corvette, I'm still in a financial position to do it, plus I end up having a lot more money in my bank account, which makes you feel "safer," especially when the economy is in the tank.

So don't neccesarily write everyone off as a fake or a braggart just because they say they can afford to buy an $80,000 car but choose not to. It's how their priorities are set up. Based on your comment, if you had the means, you would get an $80,000 car because that is your priority, but not everyone thinks that way.

-Phim

Thank you !

I can pay cash for both cars, but this has not always been the case, and old habits die hard. I don't see the need to spend 80k on a car that will never see it's full potential, it's a beautiful car, and I think I want one, but I just can't bring myself to spend that kind of money on a car. I think I would end up driving it about the same as I would the Z and 40k on a Z is enough... Just because I have the means, doesn't mean I have to waste them. I've wanted a Lambo since I was a kid, but I will never buy one, just because be afraid to drive it , not because of my driving abitlity, but because of everyone elses ...

, and I would be afraid to ever park it!

Why waste the money ? Maybe in a couple of years I'll find something else that catches my eye ?

370er · 06-03-2009, 12:42 AM

I feel the same way. I could afford to buy a more expensive car but i'd be scared to drive it to certain places and parking it would be stressful. The more the car costs generally means more expensive servicing/maintenance/insurance costs. Buying a less expensive car is more practical, that's why i'm looking at the 370Z.

Musashi · 06-03-2009, 02:03 AM

We'd love to see a picture of the cars together in your garage as some eye candy! I'm so impressed with how many track miles you have logged, where do you belong? You must go through a lot of tires.

nizz23sd · 06-03-2009, 02:39 AM

i still pick the 370 than the gtr..i've always love 2 seater..and for the buck..i can use all that extra money doing mods.35g's for z and 120g's for gtr?i say 15 g's for twin turbo and upgrade internals for the z..set of volk racing whels..hks exhaust system..brakes..and sound system..hmmm that'll be around 50 g's..according to my bud that own a shop here in daygo..660 hp for twin turbo and that's stock internal for 8g's??gtr i think is a beautiful car but way too limited for upgrades..but that's just my opinion..

06-01-2009, 03:38 PM	#37 (permalink)
TX_370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 5,389 Drives: American Rep Power: 28	Awesome review. Thanks! __________________ 2009 PW Nissan 370Z with Sports Package

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06-01-2009, 10:13 AM	#32 (permalink)
Musashi Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 357 Drives: 09 370Z 6speed Rep Power: 606	You have to admit your Z has a much nicer headliner! :-) Boston isn't too far from New Jersey I invite you to bring it to the Thunderbolt or lightning track in millville as a guest on a member day. PM if you're interested...

06-01-2009, 04:51 PM	#40 (permalink)
ssqpolo Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 882 Drives: '12 Black Nismo Rep Power: 267	hey whats up man. nice ride. i too have both the Z and a GTR. picked the GTR up like 2 weeks ago and already put 700 miles on it. u already know it, but for those that dont, both cars are awesome! and i use both as daily drivers. as said before, the GTR is a beast and is blindingly fast. the Z is so much fun because its RWD (i love spinning tires) and its MANUAL! big thing. I dont mind that the GTR doesnt come in manual becuase i wouldnt be able to shift fast enough to keep up with that thing. the reason i got the GTR over things like a ZR1 and porsche turbo and viper are...well theres alot. im a big nissan fan, every **** with money buys a porsche (although they are great cars...my brother had one), i never like corvettes (and not a huge fan of the way american cars are in these times). plus, the GTR is new, fun, and cheap to mod. anyway, congrats to a nice stable

06-03-2009, 12:42 AM	#43 (permalink)
370er Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Australia, VIC Posts: 231 Drives: Yellow 370Z Rep Power: 16	I feel the same way. I could afford to buy a more expensive car but i'd be scared to drive it to certain places and parking it would be stressful. The more the car costs generally means more expensive servicing/maintenance/insurance costs. Buying a less expensive car is more practical, that's why i'm looking at the 370Z.

06-03-2009, 02:03 AM	#44 (permalink)
Musashi Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 357 Drives: 09 370Z 6speed Rep Power: 606	We'd love to see a picture of the cars together in your garage as some eye candy! I'm so impressed with how many track miles you have logged, where do you belong? You must go through a lot of tires.

06-03-2009, 02:39 AM	#45 (permalink)
nizz23sd Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: san diego,cali Posts: 76 Drives: nissan 370z 09 Rep Power: 16	i still pick the 370 than the gtr..i've always love 2 seater..and for the buck..i can use all that extra money doing mods.35g's for z and 120g's for gtr?i say 15 g's for twin turbo and upgrade internals for the z..set of volk racing whels..hks exhaust system..brakes..and sound system..hmmm that'll be around 50 g's..according to my bud that own a shop here in daygo..660 hp for twin turbo and that's stock internal for 8g's??gtr i think is a beautiful car but way too limited for upgrades..but that's just my opinion..