Considering a Z; need some advice and wisdom

nmjaxx9 · 01-08-2013, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axmea?

Get a Z and a great set of rain tires to kick every corner's butt. You'll never get the kind of grin in any other car. Rain + driving does not always = get an STi.

plus the Z is much more fun to get sideways and it goes easy lil throttle and back end is out.

Wayfarer · 01-08-2013, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowfax

-I would say if the VW Golf is getting too expensive, the 370z will probably be expensive as well.

I guess I should have clarified that statement. The golf isn't expensive to maintain, but I'm looking at repair jobs now that would cost close to half the current value of car. Basically I'm at that tipping point of "Do I sink money into this car and hope for the best the next few years, or do I get out now" sort of deal. The car doesn't owe me anything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemon-fresh

I'd recommend taking a look at the mustang 5.0 as well (if you can get over the looks), a lot of forum members have switched to them.

I have been looking at the V8 pony car a bit. Like you said, the looks are what's holding me back on it right now. The only Mustang I've ever driven has been my dad's 2002, which was a total pig of a car, but I don't want to base the new models on that one. Thanks for the recommendation, I'll give it a test drive; it can only be better than that 2002.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1st

Get a 2011-13 Z! Get it, Got it, Good. All cars are prone to hydroplane when driven incorrectly in the rain etc. There isn’t any statistics in Seattle that state rwd car owners are in more wrecks then awd, fwd car owners. You drive in the rain you slow down.

Yep, although you'd be amazed at how many people here don't know how to drive in the rain. It's mind blowing honestly considering that it kind of does that frequently here. I grew up driving in some pretty adverse weather conditions (lake effect snow in NY) and learned how to cope well. Never hydroplaned a car either. I just wasn't sure if it was a particular problem with this car or not. Figured it wasn't, but didn't hurt to ask.

Thanks for all of your input so far. Leaning more and more towards the Z.

Red__Zed · 01-08-2013, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280z/300zx

I agree with this. Considering how often it rains there I would be looking more at the STI/EVO option. Sure the 370z can be driven safely in the rain but the STI and EVO will be much better at it. Also with the 370z you have to sacrafice dry traction by getting a better wet traction tire. With the AWD option you can have the best of both worlds. Get the car that makes you happy but if I lived anywhere like Seattle I'd be driving a STI no question about it.

I really don't think that the potential benefits of AWD are worth it IF the OP is looking for a RWD experience. It's not secret I'm a huge fan of the WRX, but if the goal is a RWD coupe, there's no way I'd buy an STI/EVO instead just because of some piddly rain. Snow is a different story.

That said, if the OP doesn't care, the EVO and STI are both great cars. I'd also second the suggestion to at least test drive the new mustang--preferably one with the track pack.

You really can't go wrong with any of the cars TBH.

DLSTR · 01-09-2013, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R0bDC

Pull the Steering lock Fuse! You have been warned!

He wont need to on a 12 or 13. The silly system was deleted.

OP Get a 13 and enjoy. Pilot Super Sports for tires(Michelin). Dont worry about snow if you do go that route. I drive mine here in Germany rain, snow or shine. Drives fine! If its really bad you should not be on the road in any vehicle. Dont use all season tires.
Car is low maintenance and fun to drive. Get a good thorough test drive and sleep on it and go from there.

SoCalBoy · 01-09-2013, 01:29 AM

Buy the 370Z!!! 2012 or 2013 doesn't matter which. Only factor you would consider is do you like the new front fascia look. If not then go with the 2012.

dawudih · 01-09-2013, 02:20 AM

I would consider the sti just because of the exhaust note; sounded great compaired to my z. Looked just as nice too, even with the giant spoiler.

OMGiGOTaZ · 01-09-2013, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayfarer

Hey everyone. Let me start by saying that this forum has been a wealth of info that I've been lurking and reading over the past few weeks. Lots of really good stuff and a helpful community. Thanks for that!

I know there are probably a bunch of other threads on this sort of topic, but I couldn't find all of the answers using search, so I'm just going to ask for your wisdom anyway.

I'm in the market for a new car as my current one (VW Golf) is getting too expensive to maintain when compared to it's worth. I bought the golf in college and it's served me very well, including 5 coast-to-coast road trips, lots of time in the snow and salt in the north east, and running over the mountains here in Washington. Great little car, but now that I've been in a stable job making good money, it's time to have some fun and be a little impractical. No wife or kids, so why not?

I've been looking at and test driving a bunch of different "fun" cars that have come to mind. WRX, EvoX, Nismo 370 have been test drove so far, and I enjoyed the 370 the best. Other than those three, I'm not totally sure what else I should be looking at. I've been eyeing the G37 too, but it's a bit higher than the price range I'd like to stay in (<40k prefered, but would consider going higher if it's REALLY worth it). I haven't driven one either. Should I be looking at anything else in this category? Knowing what you know, and having owned a Z, would you make the same decision if you were in my shoes?

Factors to consider:
-This would be my DD
-My work commute is about 40 miles RT. Would split miles with my motorcycle for commuting miles
-I don't plan on tracking this car
-I live in Seattle; the roads are wet here 7-8 months out of the year. Normally not a concern, unless I should be taking that into account
-I get employee pricing (at least invoice) on Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Chrysler auto group vehicles
-I would prefer new. Since it's my DD, I don't really like the idea of not knowing it's whole history.

I've been shopping around and have gotten some pretty good deals quoted on Zs in the area, which is exciting. There are quite a few new 2012s hanging around that I'm sure I can negotiate the price further down. I've read the differences between the 2012 and the 2013 refresh, but I'd like to hear from those with 2013s; was the switch worth it, or would the 2012 still be just as great?

Sorry again for asking what probably gets asked a bunch, but I appreciate your input. Thanks in advance!

The Z is my DD! Without having calls my Round Trip commute is 80 miles

I love every second of it!

The car is a Drivers car IMO. It is amazing on Straights/turns, but Sometimes I cant stand bumper to bumper in her. All these horses and no room to gallup

OMGiGOTaZ · 01-09-2013, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalBoy

Buy the 370Z!!! 2012 or 2013 doesn't matter which. Only factor you would consider is do you like the new front fascia look. If not then go with the 2012.

I could have had either, but I decided I liked the fangs more than I liked the LED lights. It was almost as if no thought went into where else they could put some LED running lights so they slapped them in the corners

kenchan · 01-09-2013, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawudih

I would consider the sti just because of the exhaust note; sounded great compaired to my z. Looked just as nice too, even with the giant spoiler.

exhaust sounds like a helicopter, no?

the stock muffler on the Z is quiet though... one of the things that needs to be changed imo too.

UNKNOWN_370 · 01-09-2013, 10:54 AM

I have a feeling that the next gen mustang is going to leave this gen feeling cold and alone. The next stang should be lighter, lower, and have a suspension set-up that's leagues better. If the 6cyl eco-boost gets in it? It will probably worth buying a v6 as well. paying into this body style will be a disappointment.
I almost feel similar about the Z. The Z is one of those cars right now that is over-priced in these model years. The suspension has been dumbed down for the track to make it a street queen. Nav and stereo options are way outdated and sub-par for the price.

The Z and mustang are both great cars but are ending a generation and both are probably going to have perfected next gen cars.

If you are hell-bent on getting a car now? I would strongly consider the EVO. and i would do it with the intention on paying it off withing two or 3 years. The STi is the slightly better value as far as build quality but the EVO is slightly more exciting to drive which make them essentially a tie.
But the Evo is halfway out the door. It will be a historically valuable car in the import tuner world. And a few grand spent at JP coachworks could enhance the Evo's weak interior. It's cheap to mod and easy to get 600rwhp out of. I know you have no plans of tracking but these qualities may be valuable to someone else when cars like this become hard to find.
So finally, when you pay off your Evo and have your classic and not so common mitsu car in your collection. I'd look at a Stang or Z. I have high hopes for both cars in the coming future. higher hopes for the stang only because at least there is info on the direction in which the stang is going.

but this is coming from an enthusiast perspective and NOT a DD perspective. DD wise, my choice is one of the worst choices and everyone else's advice is a little more sound.
But another perspective is always good to have.

HappyZmoke · 01-09-2013, 11:14 AM

i would go with a wrx sti or an evo x. 370z isnt fun in the rain. and you can hear so much sound coming from the rear when it rains. youre saying you drive 40 miles to work i cant even stand driving 10 miles when the roads are wet thats just me though.

just test drive all cars and see which one you like better. i made a mistake getting a z in ohio. hate driving in snow/rain. when summer time hits, the z is by far the sexiest mofo out there.

kenchan · 01-09-2013, 11:17 AM

i thought the 370Z is fun in the rain... but i dont enjoy washing my detailed cars so i only drive on sunny days.

i did however test the DW's in a down pour a few yrs back. it gripped quite well without VDC.

RandyD · 01-09-2013, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z_ealot

late production 2011 and up Z's have no steering lock so no

i believe fixed mid 2010's

blackcherry20 · 01-09-2013, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLSTR

He wont need to on a 12 or 13. The silly system was deleted.

OP Get a 13 and enjoy. Pilot Super Sports for tires(Michelin). Dont worry about snow if you do go that route. I drive mine here in Germany rain, snow or shine. Drives fine! If its really bad you should not be on the road in any vehicle. Dont use all season tires.
Car is low maintenance and fun to drive. Get a good thorough test drive and sleep on it and go from there.

blackcherry20 · 01-09-2013, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyZmoke

i would go with a wrx sti or an evo x. 370z isnt fun in the rain. and you can hear so much sound coming from the rear when it rains. youre saying you drive 40 miles to work i cant even stand driving 10 miles when the roads are wet thats just me though.

just test drive all cars and see which one you like better. i made a mistake getting a z in ohio. hate driving in snow/rain. when summer time hits, the z is by far the sexiest mofo out there.

GTmat can resolve some of the noise IF you don't plan on going all Spohn (super tracking it)

01-09-2013, 01:29 AM	#20 (permalink)
SoCalBoy Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Mesa, AZ Age: 41 Posts: 324 Drives: RipTide Rep Power: 13	Buy the 370Z!!! 2012 or 2013 doesn't matter which. Only factor you would consider is do you like the new front fascia look. If not then go with the 2012. __________________

01-09-2013, 11:17 AM	#27 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	i thought the 370Z is fun in the rain... but i dont enjoy washing my detailed cars so i only drive on sunny days. i did however test the DW's in a down pour a few yrs back. it gripped quite well without VDC. blackcherry20 likes this.

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01-09-2013, 02:20 AM	#21 (permalink)
dawudih Base Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Katy, TX Age: 50 Posts: 93 Drives: 2011 370z auto Rep Power: 14	I would consider the sti just because of the exhaust note; sounded great compaired to my z. Looked just as nice too, even with the giant spoiler.

01-09-2013, 10:54 AM	#25 (permalink)
UNKNOWN_370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: ny'r livn in tx Posts: 8,687 Drives: well over 130m.p.h. Rep Power: 14858	I have a feeling that the next gen mustang is going to leave this gen feeling cold and alone. The next stang should be lighter, lower, and have a suspension set-up that's leagues better. If the 6cyl eco-boost gets in it? It will probably worth buying a v6 as well. paying into this body style will be a disappointment. I almost feel similar about the Z. The Z is one of those cars right now that is over-priced in these model years. The suspension has been dumbed down for the track to make it a street queen. Nav and stereo options are way outdated and sub-par for the price. The Z and mustang are both great cars but are ending a generation and both are probably going to have perfected next gen cars. If you are hell-bent on getting a car now? I would strongly consider the EVO. and i would do it with the intention on paying it off withing two or 3 years. The STi is the slightly better value as far as build quality but the EVO is slightly more exciting to drive which make them essentially a tie. But the Evo is halfway out the door. It will be a historically valuable car in the import tuner world. And a few grand spent at JP coachworks could enhance the Evo's weak interior. It's cheap to mod and easy to get 600rwhp out of. I know you have no plans of tracking but these qualities may be valuable to someone else when cars like this become hard to find. So finally, when you pay off your Evo and have your classic and not so common mitsu car in your collection. I'd look at a Stang or Z. I have high hopes for both cars in the coming future. higher hopes for the stang only because at least there is info on the direction in which the stang is going. but this is coming from an enthusiast perspective and NOT a DD perspective. DD wise, my choice is one of the worst choices and everyone else's advice is a little more sound. But another perspective is always good to have.

01-09-2013, 11:14 AM	#26 (permalink)
HappyZmoke Base Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: ohio Posts: 35 Drives: 11 370Z M6 SP/NAV Rep Power: 13	i would go with a wrx sti or an evo x. 370z isnt fun in the rain. and you can hear so much sound coming from the rear when it rains. youre saying you drive 40 miles to work i cant even stand driving 10 miles when the roads are wet thats just me though. just test drive all cars and see which one you like better. i made a mistake getting a z in ohio. hate driving in snow/rain. when summer time hits, the z is by far the sexiest mofo out there.