Going from a sensible car to a sports car

fyreboltx

Hey guys and gals,

My parents are planning on getting me a new car within the next month or two and I was hoping you guys could help me make my decision. Obviously, since I'm here, the 370Z is one of my choices (well.. it's my only choice, thus far). I'm planing on getting the Coupe with the Touring package (don't care for any of the other options or accessories) with the 7AT (yeah, yeah, I know the drill... autos are for morons and I already have one person who's planning on hunting me down).

My last two cars were a 1996 Acura 3.2TL and a 2006 Honda Accord EX (I4), both of which are tame compared to the 370Z. I've read a lot of reviewers on the 370Z and nearly every single one says the same few things: it's fast, looks great, and can't be beat for the price.

But what I do want to know is how it fares for those of us who don't race on the streets or tracks, and just want a fun car for when you want to speed by that damn semi who cut you off and decides to go extra slowly...

Some things I'd like your opinions on are:
1. How does it fair as a daily driver? I've read a few of the previous posts on this topic and most of it seems generally positive but... not really reassuring.

I'll be driving to/from school (an hour each way) in the fall when I go back to school for my Masters and most of it will be fairly smooth roads. I know it's not going to comfortable, like my previous cars but is it at least bearable? In my city there are plenty of really bad roads which I'll have to drive through nearly everyday but they're short stretches. I'm only 5'8" and have sat in one already so space isn't an issue.

2. I've read a lot of complaints about road noise. Has that issue been fixed or is it still prevalent?

3. Now... I'm sure this will make some of you cringe but can this be driven during the winter, with the standard all season tires? (*My brother's IS350 has summer/winter tires and that's something I'd rather not put up with.)

My commute will be done in the northern IL area and winters here are pretty bad... and I know that going from two front wheel drive cars to a rear wheel sports car is NOT going to be an easy transition.

4. The paint really that bad? I mean... I sofa-king hate swirls/chips on my cars. I understand it's unavoidable but from "Most Fragile Car I've Ever Owned!", it sounds like the paint just falls off for some of you.

5. To those of you with the 2009 model, is it a fairly reliable car? We've always bought Japanese since they make reliable cars but JD powers gave the 2010 Z a 6/10 rating in terms of reliability. I understand it's only an estimate but still, figured I'd get some of your opinions.

And any other tips/opinions/advise would be well appreciated. If I learned anything from GI Joe, it's that knowing is only half the battle (they never did tell me what the other half was...).

Thanks in advance.

PS - I'm sure a lot of you will think I come from a rich family and I'm a spoiled kid and I can't help that (I'd think that too) but I can assure you we're not rich. I just want a fun car and am not planning on dressing it up or fixing something or another on a daily basis. My parents are just buying me a nice car since my undergrad was basically free due to scholarships/grants...