Considering a Z; need some advice and wisdom
 

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!

Doooooo ittttt!!!!!!!

the Z for the most part is a comfy ride. and you mentioned you're on wet roads often. i suggest running tires like bridgestone S04. it has superb wet traction.

continental DW or DWS also do well in the wet.

if ur going to drive in the snow, have dedicated snow tires set. LM60's do very well in the snow. GL.

What he said ... :iagree:

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.

Other than that it looks like you've cross shopped the main performance vehicles in your price range, if you liked driving the Z best then I'd go for it. Seattle's climate is mild enough that a Z should be fun year around. Also consider that if you are going nismo for more than just looks you can get the same performance or better with a few mods relatively cheaply.

Here's what my brain has to say to you:

-I would say if the VW Golf is getting too expensive, the 370z will probably be expensive as well.
-Since it's rainy a lot, a WRX or EVO would make more sense and you wouldn't have to deal with tire swapping.
-You can get employee pricing or invoice anywhere.
-WRX and EVO are both a bit more practical.
-Other cars you could consider are BMW 3 series coupes, 1 series, Audi A4/A5.

Here's what my heart has to say to you:

-The 370z is by far the sexiest out of all the aforementioned cars.



I just picked up a 2013 370z Pearl White Sport. I was considering all these same cars. I think to be honest with you, if I lived in rainy/snowy weather, I'd go with something AWD. But if you can manage it, try to get the 370!

370z get it!!! :icon17:

The haters should show up around page 2 to talk you out of it. Just get the Z.

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.

Pull the Steering lock Fuse! You have been warned!

All I read was "blah blah blah, just tell me to buy it"

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.

here is my 2 cent from things you list out.

Factors to consider:
-This would be my DD
my Z is my DD I have no problem at all.

-My work commute is about 40 miles RT. Would split miles with my motorcycle for commuting miles
my commute is about 30 miles RT a day fuel up about every 1.5 weeks

-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 live in north east, I uses snow tire during winter, keep the VDC on you will have no problem for wet road.

-I get employee pricing (at least invoice) on Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Chrysler auto group vehicles
there is always good deals on Z, you can always find a dealer that want to get rid of their inventory

-I would prefer new. Since it's my DD, I don't really like the idea of not knowing it's whole history.
again there should be some new 2012/13 that dealer want to unload.

I hope this helps :tup:

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

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.