The 370Z doesn't baby.
 

This will pose a problem for me in around February of 2016, a date which begins my plan to populate the world with mini-Ricers. You have all been warned.

Sadly, my situation doesn't really make keeping my Z a reality as much as I'd like to, so it's the end of an era for me in 370 land for now (however, I imagine I will be back someday). Plus, I would rather indoctrinate my young ricer with fun little cars that can fit the whole family, and I anticipate AutoX ride-alongs one day. Even if I kept the Z, I would likely rarely get an opportunity to drive it for the coming couple of years.

I'm looking at stuff at a max of $40k for now, and it needs to be able to serve as a vehicle that can do a rear facing baby seat 5 days a week.

Right now, the strongest candidate is a 2015 STI. I have driven it, like it way more than I expected to, and can't really see going with anything else unless it's some earth shattering car that I'm not aware of.

Tough to break up with Nissan after 10 years of brand loyalty across Sentra SE-Rs, Altima Coupes, and Zs, but there's nothing they have that I want within my budget. I'm not interested in a G37 sedan or importing an R32 as a DD.

Here is my list of "would not hit":

1) Used turbocharged car that is known for being beaten on severely by most owners (which is why the Subaru would be purchased new)

2) Fiats.

3) Chryslers.

4) GMs.

5) Fords (that's more due to the wife and her long troubled history with the brand... I might like the idea of a Focus RS but I will get stonewalled. Though I anticipate that car to be over my budget.)

6) A lack of a third pedal.

The Evo X was a strong candidate, but my psychic powers say that if I ever need warranty work, I might be screwed after two years or so. I don't think Mitsu is going to survive on the American market much longer. Plus, rounding up a new one with Recaros (MY 2014) is just not happening with my being stuck in lovely Alabama. I'm afraid of a used Evo (hence bullet point #1).

I also need to get my HKS coilovers off the car and sell them. Sadly, I only put around 1500 miles on them and they have to go. I don't want to leave them on the car when I trade it - that's extra cash.

Anyway - wahoo being an adult!

http://www.nissanusa.com/future-and-...s/sentra-nismo

Maybe Nissan would make this? Great choice if you don't mind FWD that is.

Otherwise I think the new WRX/STI platform is great, had one ordered before I found my Z. Loved everything about it except the seat height. I like sitting closer to the ground.

yah, there's not too many cars i WANT right now, but the STI (while production model is ugly vs concept) it can be a candidate for a dd.

for me though, my knee kept hitting the last STI's steering column when i lightly heel & toe'ed during the test drive, and that was one of the reasons why i didnt get the hatch. will need to test drive the new one if that still is the case for me.

I liked the looks of the new one in person, thought it was hideous until I went to the dealership. Loved the dark grey metallic color. The cockpit was a lot roomier than the previous versions too.

you can get something nice from the veedub store for around $40k.

I have seen first hand the production of a VW (worked on their production line) and I will never buy one except for the R line since they are special productions that are given a lot more care than the typical VW.

That being said a Golf R is in your price range, and I believe they got a nice power bump this year.

hummm.. i will need to head up to the dealer in this case.

Juke Nismo? Just saw one the other day with dad with wife and kids in it. He looked pretty happy with it. It was white with red trim.

Don't know why you guys feel like you have to give up your cars because you have kids. If your looking at $40k cars, then you should be able to afford a $2500-$4000 four door for the family. I have two boys, 23, 9 and I've never at any point given up any car that I've had or not gotten one I wanted. Granted, my family car is a 465hp SRT8 :) I'd still buy a reliable beater to get around in before I got rid of my Nismo.

Were you in Germany? I was under the impression that all GTIs and Rs were made in VWs Wolfsburg plant.

I would second the R as the sti alternative. I personally find it more family friendly. If you don't need awd then I'd recommend the GTI to save some money.

Nope notice I said I wouldn't buy one other than the R. Anything built in Wolfsburg is good by me. I was in the states. On another note though all Golfs and GTIs are now made in Mexico. The Golf R I believe is still in Wolfsburg.

Too bad you have to discredit GM, the Chevrolet SS is one hell of a 5-passenger sedan.

If you like your 370Z, buy a 5-8 year old Kia or something to tool around in.

The Sentra Nismo is mighty enticing until you get to the FWD part. I used to own a Mazdaspeed 3. Neat car, but if I'm going to offload my Z, I'd rather try something different. I think I might have kept the MS3 in the garage if I was really blown away by it. I don't expect the Sentra to be much different/better.

Sadly, seat height is a concession I will have to make. I enjoy the Batmobile cockpit seating position the Z offers, but to get anything four door, I'm going to have to sit higher.

I love the Juke Nismo, but it's too small for me. Back seat doesn't quite have enough room for the ol' rear facing car seat action either. Finally, the wife HATES the Juke so even if I tried to make it work, I would get stonewalled there. lol