Difference in years and packages?
 

At the age of 26, and currently driving a Prius, I was indecisive between a IS350 or a 370Z coupe. I have since been approved for a loan up to $28k.

I decided to forget the IS350 since the updated facelift is on the 2011+ models which is a few grand more than what I am willing to spend at this moment. I will definitely not settle for the IS250 nor will I be fully happy with a 2010 model.

Is there a sticky that notates the major difference between the years? Mainly 2009 through 2013.

I have yet to test drive the 370z, but have driven a 350z roadster. It was fun and all, but the interior felt a bit cheap and everything rattled. With the 370z, is it at least a bit better now?

TTL will probably be close to $2k, so I have roughly $26k to play with.

370 interior and exterior are leagues apart from the 350.
with 26 k i dont think your gonna be able to grab a 2013, you will prob need close to 29k before TTL. But your gonna want the sports package. Bigger rims, VLSD (For what its worth anyway). Spoiler, and other things. Its not just a least better its way better. haha.

I have seen a web page that lists the differences between model years but can't find it now. :( I think it was at one of the auto sales sites (maybe AutoTrader?).

As far as 350 vs 370 interiors, I haven't owned a 350 but have ridden in a few and I'd say the 370 has a much better interior. I don't think anybody would call it luxurious (at least not with a straight face) but it is very nice.

LOL i mean compared to a benz car looks like it was made in 1990 atleast the interior anyways hahahahhaa

the 1990 300Z interior was nicer than whats in a 350Z imho

I've owned both a 350 and 370. Exterior wise, they are pretty similar. Interior wise, the 370 wins hands down. It's much better. Only thing is they decided to take the digital speedo out....:shakes head: For the people who ant the "raw sports car" feel, they should have made it an option to be turned on or off.

Op are you talking about Lexus vs 370? I think some are confusing your question between the 350z and the 370.

I'm a little confused by the OP. Are you trying to pick between a 370Z against an IS250 or IS350?


For 370Z vs 350Z, it's fairly accurate (not entirely, but accurate enough to get the point across) to say that the 370Z is an improvement over the 350Z in every comparison. Unless I drive by a 350Z Nismo that is clearly in the hands of someone who loves their ride, 350s largely get ignored by me. It doesn't help that I only see kids driving them.

That said, if you want and are ready for a sports car, keep the 370Z on your list. But coming from a Prius and looking for a daily driver car, I'd actually try to sell you more on the Lexus. The previous models are absolutely excellent cars (though definitely ask around about ongoing maintenance costs, as they can get costly as the car lives longer).

There really aren't a ton of notable differences over the years of the 370Z. I know the stock oil cooler was updated at some point and the infamous steering wheel lock problem was quietly fixed in later years, but otherwise it's largely the same vehicle. 2013 was probably the biggest refresh with the new fang-less fascia and vertical LED running lights, plus new wheel style options, but that's likely still out of your price range anyway. (I still love me the fangs and original sport package wheels...)

If you do go the 370Z route at age 26, please talk to your insurer about what your insurance will look like, and please drive safely. You can sling your Prius around like a hoon and not really get into trouble. Do that with the Z, and you're going to lose the back end and total it out quick. And because it has the sexy looks of a Z that kill most every other car on the road, you have nothing to prove by driving recklessly on the roads. Blip the throttle down to a stop, give a knowing smile and nod to the kid next to you, and calmly continue on your way.

Quick rundown for the 370z packages & options to help you pick.

370z base:
-Standard features
-Cloth seats
-Manual seats
-6MT or 7MT
-18" wheels

370z base+sport:
-Everything from 370z base
-Akebono BBK
-Syncro rev match
-Rear spoiler
-Front under chin piece
-19" wheels

370z touring:
-Same as 370z base with the following changes
-Leather seats with heat
-Power seats
-Upgraded radio (Bose)
-Bluetooth
-18" wheels

370z tourning plus sport:
-Everything from 370z touring with everything from the sport option (bbk/spoiler/etc)
-19" wheels

370z Nismo:
-370z base plus sport with the following changes
-Nismo badging on the interior (cloth seats)
-Different aero kit
-Different sways & spring/struts
-Additional body dampers
-19" wheels, wider that the sport wheels with different tires
-Only comes in 6MT

To correct you on the Nismo before people jump in here to justify their purchase, the strut brace and engine cover are different too. :rofl2:

I thought both the front & rear on the Nismo wheels were wider, just the rear?

Are they? I know they both run 245s. Are they 9s or 9.5s? If it wasn't a long walk down to the car I'd check. Sport fronts are 9, right?

Just looked it up, front tires are the same but the Nismo fronts are 9.5" versus the 9" for sport.

Ah. You can tell I just bought them to get wider rears. :rofl2: